Desktop Photo Labs
I previously only thought of all-in-ones as SOHO devices, but I have come to love them as small desktop photo labs for making quick proofs and great snapshots without requiring a computer. And as an inexpensive color copier, they can't be beat. The Stylus Photo RX700 is Epson's first all-in-one to offer their Photo Fine display technology that's currently featured on the Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer (see Shutterbug's May 2006 issue). The Stylus Photo RX700 features six-color, dye-based front-loading inks, with variable-sized ink droplets as small as 1.5 picoliters and output up to 5760x1440dpi. It delivers borderless 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, letter-size photos and copies. I like its ability to create proof sheets of all the images captured on a memory card. Mark those images you want printed, place the proof sheet on the scanner bed, and all of the selected prints will automatically print. Price tag for this versatile device is $399.

Canon introduced two new all-in-one, desktop photo labs, including the PIXMA MP830 Office and wireless PIXMA MP800R Photo. The MP800R is designed to print on wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi IEEE802.11b/g) networks. Both devices offer 9600x2400dpi, ChromaLife100 long-lasting ink, and FINE print head technology with 3584 nozzles ejecting ink droplets as small as 1 picoliter. Both print borderless 4x6 photos in approximately 36 seconds and allow direct photo printing from memory cards and PictBridge-ready devices. The MP800R model supports IrDA wireless printing as a standard from devices such as mobile phones and PDAs. With an optional adapter, printing from certain Bluetooth devices is also possible. The MP830 offers a built-in fax and an external connection for an answering machine, making it a useful tool for the home office. The MP830 and networking MP800R carry an estimated selling price of $299.99 and $399.99, respectively.

For The Pros
The Sony Electronics UP-D75 is an 8x10" dye sublimation printer for the professional photography market. The new model has a lamination process that creates a "Pro Matte" finish for portraits and uses the same media print pack as a previous model to produce glossy and textured finishes. The UP-D75 outputs a 300dpi 8x10 print in 80 seconds. The printer has a USB 2.0 interface and an integrated gray balance adjustment capability. The suggested list price is $2995.

Sony's SnapLab is a portable photo kiosk that's much fun to use. Equipped with an 8" LCD touch screen, Sony says the new system is suited for both "commercial and at-home use," although the $1995 price tag may be too much for some scrapbooking moms. The SnapLab's all-in-one interface lets you view, edit, personalize, and print digital photos quickly and easily--without a computer. Its compact design makers it portable and easy to store. With built-in Memory Stick, CompactFlash, Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard, SmartMedia, xD, and USB slots, all you have to do is insert your favorite digital media and use touch-screen keys to make a 3.5x5" photo in 13 seconds, a 4x6" photo in 16 seconds, or a 5x7" photo in 17 seconds.

Not just a printer, SnapLab features a set of editing tools, including Zoom and Crop, rotate, color adjustment, redeye reduction, and sepia or black and white conversion. Custom-designed borders can be loaded onto the printer for logos, event names, or to create decorative frames, greeting cards, and announcements. Text can be added for further personalization. SnapLab offers 30 built-in templates that enable users to create anything from ID cards to novelty products. I want one!

The $4500 Shinko CHC-S1245 will print an 8x10 in 30 seconds. It works with media up to 8x12, allowing you to print and cut two 5x7/5x8, two 6x8, or three 4x8 prints without requiring multiple printers on site, making it a powerful tool for event shooters. The roll media yields 280 8x10 sheets at a cost of $1.25/print.

Manufacturers/Distributors' addresses can be found on page 174.