In summary
The HP Photosmart is wider than the average A4 printer to accommodate its direct printing components, but it’s also fairly shallow, with both paper input and output trays positioned at the front. . . [more]
Full review
The HP Photosmart is wider than the average A4 printer to accommodate its direct printing components, but it’s also fairly shallow, with both paper input and output trays positioned at the front.
Its unique 8-ink system comprises black, cyan, magenta, yellow, Photo Cyan (light cyan), Photo Magenta (light magenta), medium grey and light grey. The three blacks together make this an ideal device for creating totally neutral monochrome prints. This is its clear advantage over competing models.
The Photosmart 7960 also produces good quality colour prints, rendering skin tones particularly well. The range of direct printing options using the 2.5-inch bright LCD was excellent, from index prints through to basic editing/colour correction tools and adding decorative frames. It prints directly from both sRGB and AdobeRGB files.
However, it’s relatively noisy and in other ways not the most user-friendly of devices: The paper tray doesn’t easily accept 13x18cm paper (HP doesn’t market 13x18cm stock) and the U-shaped paper path means it can’t handle the heaviest stock available for printing photos. Oddly, it’s also not PictBridge compatible.
The 7960 is not fast, producing 10x15cm prints in around two minutes, while A4 photo prints took close to six minutes. The three (multi-bay) cartridges cost around $150 to replace, and if you intend to print text, add $33 for an alternative pigment black cartridge. Print costs are around $1.70 for a 10x15cm and up to $6.00 for an A4, using HP Colourfast paper.
Strengths
Excellent B&W results, good colour output
Good range of direct print controls, clear LCD screen
Weaknesses
Noisy
High purchase price, consummables
Limited paper input capabilities
Specifications
Maximum resolution: 4800×1200 optimised dpi (via PC)
Interface: USB x two ports (Windows and Macintosh); CompactFlash Type I and II and Microdrive, SmartMedia, Secure Digital, MultiMedia Cards, Memory Sticks (Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro, Magic Gate), xD-Picture Card
Ink cartridges: HP#57 (tri-colour); HP#58 (photo colour); HP#59 (photo grey); (text option HP#56 – pigment black)
Acoustic noise: n/a (high)
Dimensions (wxhxd): 20.9 x 15.1 x 7.6 inches
Weight: 7.6g
RRP: $599
Distributor: HP Compaq; 13 13 47; www.hp.com.au
Retailers
CamBuy
www.cambuy.com.au
Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
Camera House
www.camerahouse.com.au
Ph: 133 686
The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
Camera Pro
www.camerapro.net.au
CameraPro Pty Ltd
Suite 607, 180 Queen St, Brisbane 4000
Tel: 07 3333 2900
Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
Camerasdirect
www.camerasdirect.com.au
Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
Ph: 1300 727 056
Camerastore.com.au
Camerastore.com.au
Ph: 1800 155 067
Camera-Warehouse
www.camera-warehouse.com.au
Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au
174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
www.electronicswarehouse.com.au
1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
<
Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
Rating
