Looking for printer advice

[mateoc15]

I'm looking for the best and cost-effective way to print photos on-site at things like weddings. I want to print 4x6 at minimum and 5x7 would be nice. I have looked at both dye sublimation and ink jet. I haven't purchased a printer in a long time but I do know that ink jets have come a long way.

What I'm really interested is in is operating cost. I know that dye sublimation requires pretty expensive stuff (paper, toner - if that's what it's called) but that cost per print might be lower than ink jet.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I would love to spend under $750 but could possibly spend $1000 or so.

Thanks!

[Barbara V]

I have an Epson R1900 Photo Printer. It's an inkjet printer, and makes beautiful prints up to 13X19, which may be beyond your requirements. It costs about $500, but there's a $200 mfr rebate until Jan first at Adorama.com. The ink is expensive at about $12 a cartridge, and it seems to run out pretty quickly, it seems (of course I've been printing large, so I guess that's why).

[mateoc15]

If I were to use this at a wedding with prints automatically coming off on a table somewhere would the (presumably drunk) guests be likely to smear wet ink? What are the paper costs like? Lots of manual loading of paper I would guess?

[Barbara V]

I've touched prints coming right out of the printer, and there is no smearing. Yes, manual loading of paper, but it does take several pieces at once, I just don't use it that way. Paper costs vary, so look around for good buys... 4X6's and the like shouldn't be too bad.

[sk66]

My experience with printers is mixed and my comment has to do with "usability"...IME a key consideration is frequency of use...InkJets are the most "cost effective" *if* you use them regularly...if not they are a PITA...much maintenance (cleaning) or replacement of printer heads due to ink drying in them.
Dye sublimation or light sensitive prints are more "photographs" than inkjet prints are... particularly dependent on ink choices/properties...

[mateoc15]

I'm considering this one. The paper/ribbons can be had for about $0.17 per 4x6 and $0.40 per 5x7. Not bad, despite the initial cost. I'm a CraigsList/eBay kind of guy so when I'm through with something hopefully there will be someone out there to take it off my hands when I want to upgrade.

Any opinions on this particular printer?