Need advice on printer

[samudra_rc]

I bought a Kodak digital camera recently along with a printer dock. But, I am finding it really expensive to get print out of it. Moreover, as this is a Dye-Sublimation printer, I find it very proprietary. Because, always I need to use Kodak printer and cartridge. So, I am planning to buy some other printer. My price range is $100 to $200. Can anybody give me unbiased suggestion/comparison. Follwoing are my requirements:

1. I will mainly take 4"-6" prints. But, I would like to get flexibility of higher size atleast upto 8"-10".

2. Running cost should be very less (I am spending nearly 60 cents for each print with Kodak easy share)

3. Printing technology should be very much industry standard and popular. So that I do not need to stick to a particular vendor for my paper and cartridge.

4. Price should be less than $200.

5. And obviously, photo quality should be more than good.

Thanks,
Samudra

[Geoff Chandler]

I like the Canon Pixma 4000 - should be about the right price - I got mine for £100= don't know how the price compares. It does 6x4 has a tray for that - or 2 different A4 feeds. Uses seperate colour inkwells, so you only change the one that's run out, produces very respectable photo prints and is a great all roiund printer as well - not slow either!!

[samudra_rc]

Thanks, for your reply. But, can you give some cost estimate. I mean, how many pages can you print with one set (may be 4 or 6) of cartridges. But, I understand that it would be easier for anybody who has exhausted all cartridges of different colours atleast once. But, still if you can give some estimate that would be really nice.

Moreover, can anybody tell me about difference in quality of pictures coming from inkjet printers and Dye-Sublimation printers. Because, after going through some articles in internet I understood that Dye-Sublimation printers produce much better quality than inkjet ones. Am I right ?

Again, I saw cost of print per page is less for Canon CP 300 (or later versions) compared to Kodak printer docks (comparing online price of paper & cartridge). Both are Dye-Sublimation printers. Which one is better ?

Any suggestions or arguments are welcome. I think this discussion can help many people who wants to setup a total photo solution at home, accepting that online printing option is cheapest, atleast in US.

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Samudra

[Geoff Chandler]

Ok I'm out of my depth now - I haven't exhausted the first set of cartridges yet - and I have yet to try the 6x4 but intend to sometime. Never heard of Dye sublimtion before - only Inkjet or laser. Maybe Gary Hendrix can help? He also has the Canon printer I mentioned.