How can a non-technical user print photos easily without using a computer?
Asked 5/7/2011
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2 answers
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We’re replacing a broken point-and-shoot camera and want the simplest possible way for a non-technical user to print occasional photos. I remember some older Kodak cameras had printer docks, but I can’t find much current information.
Are there still cameras with a dedicated print dock, or is it more practical to use a regular camera with a printer that can print directly from the camera or memory card? If a computer is needed, what’s the simplest approach for occasional photo printing?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
6
Any camera will do and you have several options for easy home printing.
If you do not want to involve a computer than buy a printer which has memory card slots. The ones I know and the one I own is from HP, other brand have them too. They are called Photosmart. Mine does not have a screen but the new ones do, so you can see your photo before printing and even do simple things to it like cropping, selecting print sizes, etc.
Mine is a multi-function model that does photo-copying, scanning and faxing. I was truly impressed the first time I used it. It has an index print function which lets you print a thumbnail of all your photos and then you mark the ones you like, the size you want and how many copies. Put the index print back into the fax part of the all-in-one and, guess what?, it prints the photos you want in the size you want and number of copies! That is certainly the best integration job I have ever seen from ANY technology company.
Some cameras have a direct print function which lets you attach the camera to a printer directly. I have never tried that since it both limits which cameras you can buy and which printers. I would much rather choose a good camera based on photographic merits and a printer based on quality.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
You usually don’t need a special camera system. For simple printing, a regular point-and-shoot plus a photo printer with memory-card slots or direct camera printing is the easiest setup.
Many photo printers and all-in-one models let you insert the camera’s memory card and print without a computer. Some also have a screen for previewing, basic cropping, and choosing print size and quantity. That gives a non-technical user a very simple workflow.
Older dedicated camera printer docks did exist, but a standalone printer that works with standard memory cards is generally more flexible because it can work with many cameras, not just one model.
If a computer is required, the simplest option is usually the basic photo-printing software that comes with the printer or the operating system’s built-in print tools, since occasional printing doesn’t need advanced editing software.
So the most practical solution is: buy the camera you want, then pair it with a printer that supports direct printing from memory cards or the camera itself.
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