mpix.com -- I need a better home printer?

[overseasJJ]

I have an inexpensive Canon iP3600 photo printer. I've used it to print some 4x6 photos, mostly family stuff, and thought it did alright. Recently I uploaded some photos to mpix.com for the album thinking these would be better. Well, in side-by-side comparisons they are in fact sharper but darker. I selected the option to have them balance/adjust the photos, because in a previous side-by-side mpix test, the "proofs" (i.e. - no mpix adjustment) didn't come out as well. Anyhow, after this last disappointing batch, I am finished with mpix, I'll just print at home and get the brightness I want, however I do like their sharper output, though in fact you have to hold them side-by-side and squint to notice it, at least on the 4x6s.

So my question is what is a reasonable quality home photo printer (no all-in-ones!) to get better sharpness? Mostly for 4x6 but I'd like to be able to go up to, say, 10-12 inches. I can't imagine I'll print more than 200-300 in a year. I'll take any reliable review sites, too.

Thanks a lot!

[Francis Foley]

I have a Canon MG6150, the quality is superb, I also use quality paper such as Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl or Permajet Oyster. The only downside is the cost of the ink which runs out rapidly especially when printing A4 sized shots. I wish they would make the ink cartridges bigger and cheaper.

[OsmosisStudios]

The problem isnt mpix but your monitor: have it calibrated, and see if you cant find the MPIX printer profile.

[jdepould]

Are you sending them sRGB? I use MPix and Miller's (same company), and I've never had a brightness problem.

[overseasJJ]

Yes, sRGB. I followed their "how to prepare your images" exactly...