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Dell Photo Printer 540

REVIEW DATE:12.10.04

Dell Photo Printer 540

REVIEW

By M. David Stone

The Dell Photo Printer 540 ($189 direct) is best described as a good first try. Although it's not the best dedicated photo printer we've seen (the Epson PictureMate retains that distinction), it's the most ambitious, with the ability to print from computers, PictBridge cameras, and memory cards; it also has a 2.5-inch LCD to let you preview your photos before printing. Output quality was a bit below par for a thermal-dye printer, but easily good enough for snapshots.

red arrow Read the Dell Photo Printer 540 full review

Company

Dell, Inc.

http://www.dell.com

Spec Data
  • Price as Tested: $190.00 Direct
  • Printer Category: Thermal Dye
  • Type: Printer Only
  • Ink Jet Type: Dedicated Photo
  • Maximum Standard Paper Size: 4" x 6"
  • Number of Cartridges: 1
  • Number of Ink Colors: 3
  • Direct Printing from Cameras: Yes
  • Direct Printing from Media Slots: CompactFlash Type I, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Secure Digital, MultiMedia Card
  • LCD Preview Screen: Yes

Bottom Line

The Dell Photo Printer 540 prints from computers, cameras, and memory cards. It's a little faster than most other thermal-dye photo printers, and it offers a lower price per print. Output quality, however, is slightly lower as well. Call it good enough for snapshots, but less than ideal.

Pros

Prints from PictBridge cameras and memory cards, as well as from a computer. Built-in color LCD for previewing pictures. Easy to set up.

Cons

Cost per 4-by-6 (39 cents and up) is expensive compared with digital prints at typical photo-developing shops or drugstores. Image quality is a touch below par.



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