I’ve been asked to photograph a conference and create 8x10 prints on site. I have no problem having files transferd to a Mac lap top but I’m wondering if I could get opinions on the printer - it shouldn’t be too large and it should create good looking 8x10 prints.
Thanks
I agree about dye sublimation printers based on work I do with a couple companies doing on-site printing at hockey tournaments. The printers are fast and the output is more durable (water resistant) than inkjet. And it's an entirely dry process. These are also popular with photobooth operators.
Absolute image quality, sharpness and tonal gradation is likely better with inkjet, but for this type of work, fast and good enough is more important, IMO.
Where inkjet might work is if you have time to print and deliver at a later point in the event. But you will need to consider ink consumption, potential issues such as head clogs and print drying time. The DNP media for 8x10" prints (paper and ribbon) will do 130 prints per roll at $100/roll. How many prints can you get out of a set of ink cartridges? It's going to be pretty content dependent, whereas with dye-sub, each print consumes exactly one section of ribbon, whether it's 90% white, or 90% black. I'm guessing there won't be much, if any, cost benefit to inkjet.
