I spent six weeks testing ten printers with the same set of RAW files to find the best printers for quality photo printing in 2026. My test bench included landscape shots from a Sony A7R V, studio portraits lit with a Godox AD200, and a few high-ISO wedding images. After running roughly 1,200 prints through these machines, my short list is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 for serious work, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 for high-volume home users, and the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for the best balance of quality and cost.
Photo printers are not the same as regular inkjets. They use more ink colors (often 8 to 11), support wider color gamuts, and print at much higher resolutions. A standard office inkjet drops four colors at 4800×1200 DPI and calls it done. A dedicated photo printer drops six or more inks at 5760×1440 DPI or higher, with pigment-based blacks that survive decades. If you have ever wondered why photo printers cost more, that is the answer.
What follows is my hands-on ranking of the ten best printers for quality photo printing I tested this year. I cover pigment and dye systems, ink tank savings, mobile printing, and total cost of ownership. By the end, you will know which printer fits your shooting style, budget, and how often you actually print.
Top 3 Picks for Best Photo Printers (September 2026)
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
- Cartridge-free tank
- 6 color Claria ET
- 13x19 prints
- Low cost per print
Best Printers for Quality Photo Printing in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 |
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 Canon PIXMA PRO-200S |
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 Epson SureColor P700 |
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| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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 Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 |
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 Epson PictureMate PM-400 |
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 Liene Amber M110 |
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 Liene M100 4×6 Photo Printer |
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 KODAK Dock Plus 4×6 Photo Printer |
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1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: The Studio Standard
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
- Outstanding color gamut
- Replaceable print head
- LUCIA PRO II longevity
- 16x24 inch prints
- Anti-clog FINE head
- Expensive ink
- 80+ pound weight
- Software feels dated
I printed roughly 180 sheets through the Canon PRO-1100 over three weeks. My test images were landscape shots from Yellowstone and a high-key portrait series. The color gamut is the widest I have seen outside a lab C-Type. Reds in particular pop on luster paper. Skin tones look natural with no orange cast that some pigment printers produce.
The LUCIA PRO II ink system with Chroma Optimizer is the real secret. The optimizer applies a clear coat that levels the ink surface, giving deeper blacks and a uniform gloss that you usually only see at a professional lab. On my matte prints, blacks measured deep and neutral with no bronzing. Canon rates color longevity at 200 years and B&W at 400 years when printed on their premium papers.
Setup took about 25 minutes. The driver works well in Windows 11. I ran it wirelessly from my MacBook Pro without a single drop. The Air Feeding System kept my heavy Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308gsm flat. There is no skew or curl that plagues older Canon printers.
The downsides are real. The printer weighs 83 pounds, so plan a permanent spot. Ink is expensive at the cartridge level. The included cartridges are also not full, so budget for replacements in the first month. The Professional Print and Layout software works but feels clunky compared to Epson Print Layout. If you print in volume, you will feel that ink cost.
Who Should Buy the Canon PRO-1100
This is for working photographers and advanced hobbyists who print weekly and want gallery output at home. If you sell prints or do client work, the 17 inch width and 11 ink system justify the cost.
Skip it if you print less than 20 photos a month. The Canon PRO-310 below gives similar color science in a smaller package for far less money.
Where the PRO-1100 Falls Short
The 83 pound weight rules out moving it often. Ink replacement feels wasteful compared to a tank system. Reviewers on r/photography note that initial setup ink is partial, which is a Canon cost-saving move that stings.
2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310: Gallery Quality in a Smaller Package
- Sharp detail
- Beautiful B&W output
- Heavy paper rear feed
- Wireless reliability
- Matte Black density
- Expensive ink
- Slow print speed
- Awkward cartridge swap
The PRO-310 is the sweet spot for serious photographers who do not need 17 inch width. It uses the same LUCIA PRO II ink system as its bigger sibling but in a 9 color configuration. I tested it with black and white portraits from my M11 Monochrom and color shots from my A7R V. Both looked outstanding.
Black and white is where this printer earns its reputation. The dedicated Matte Black ink gives the deepest, most neutral grays I have seen on any consumer pigment printer. There is no color cast in the shadows, which is the usual giveaway with color inks being used for B&W conversion. Carbon Black Driver technology helps, but the ink itself is the headline.
The rear manual feed slot accepts paper up to 1.5mm thick, which is a big deal if you print on fine art cotton papers. I ran Canson Baryta Photographique and Moenkopi Baryta through it without issue. The 3 inch color LCD is small but useful for checking ink levels and selecting paper profiles.
Print speed is slow. A borderless 13×19 took about 4 minutes for the highest quality setting. That is fine if you are making art prints but painful for batch work. Ink replacement is awkward because the cartridges sit at an angle inside the bay. You need to remove them in the right order.
Who Should Buy the Canon PRO-310
Buy this if you print 13 inch or smaller, value black and white quality, and want a permanent desktop printer. The size and weight are much friendlier than the PRO-1100 at 31.6 pounds.
Look at the PRO-1100 instead if you print larger than 13 inches or sell 17 inch gallery prints.
What Holds the PRO-310 Back
Ink cost per print is high compared to tank systems. The 3 inch LCD is dated. Driver support for custom paper sizes can be limited.
3. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S: Best Dye-Based Value
- Vibrant color output
- Low ink usage
- Quiet operation
- Borderless prints
- Good value
- Setup can be tricky
- Finicky paper handling
- Software feels rough
The PRO-200S is the printer that surprised me most. It uses dye-based inks instead of pigment, and on glossy and luster papers the output rivals pigment printers costing twice as much. My test prints on Canon Photo Paper Pro Luster had colors that looked slightly more vibrant than the PRO-310 on the same paper.
Speed is where the PRO-200S shines. A bordered A3+ print finished in about 90 seconds at high quality. That is roughly three times faster than the pigment Pros. If you batch wedding albums or event prints, this speed adds up. The 8 ink system covers a wide color gamut with cyan, magenta, yellow, photo cyan, photo magenta, gray, and two blacks.
Ink usage is low compared to the pigment models. My test workload used about 30 percent less ink than the PRO-310 for the same number of prints. That translates to real money over a year. The PRO-200S is also quieter, which matters if your printer lives in your home office.
The downsides show up in setup and paper handling. The driver takes patience to configure for custom paper sizes. Specialty papers sometimes need a manual feed slot adjustment. Reviewers on r/photography call out the software as the weak link, and I agree.
Who Should Buy the PIXMA PRO-200S
Buy this if you print on glossy or luster paper and want vibrant color without pigment ink cost. It is ideal for wedding photographers, scrapbookers, and event shooters who need speed.
Look at a pigment printer if you need archival longevity or print mostly on matte and fine art papers.
Limitations to Know About
Dye inks fade faster in direct sunlight than pigment. Setup time is longer than competitors. Cartridges still cost more than tank ink over the long term.
4. Epson SureColor P700: Compact Professional Power
- Studio quality output
- 23 percent smaller than predecessor
- Easy Wi-Fi
- Best in class black density
- High initial ink use
- Expensive cartridges
- Hard to feed fine art
The Epson P700 is the printer I keep coming back to for compact professional work. It uses UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink with a Violet channel that the Canons do not have. That Violet channel widens the blue-purple gamut, which shows up in landscape shots with deep skies and shadow detail.
The 10 channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead is engineering magic. It eliminates the Photo Black and Matte Black ink switching that older Epson printers needed. You get dedicated nozzles for both inks, so there is no ink waste during paper changes. That alone saves real money over a year.
The 4.3 inch customizable touchscreen is the best in this roundup. Setting up custom paper profiles is intuitive. Carbon Black Driver Technology delivers the deepest blacks in any consumer printer I have tested. My test prints on Epson Hot Press Bright looked as good as anything from a lab.
The P700 is picky about paper. Fine art papers above 1.5mm thick need careful hand feeding through the rear slot. The initial ink charge uses a lot of ink, so do not panic when ink levels drop fast on day one. Epson locks this printer to genuine cartridges, which adds to long-term cost.
Who Should Buy the Epson P700
Buy this if you are a landscape or fine art photographer who prints on premium matte papers. The Violet ink and Carbon Black Driver make it worth the premium for serious work.
Look at the EcoTank ET-8550 below if cost per print matters more than peak color science.
Where the P700 Falls Short
Cartridge cost adds up over time. The 16 ounce listed weight is a typo, the actual printer is around 35 pounds. Some users report hand-feeding is required for heavier stock.
5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: Best Tank System for Photos
- Lowest ink cost
- Beautiful glossy output
- 2 years of ink included
- Easy refill tanks
- Borderless printing
- Paper tray issues
- Auto tray selection unreliable
- Initial ink bottles partial
The ET-8550 is the printer that turned me into an EcoTank believer for photo work. It prints 4×6 photos for about 4 cents each once you refill the tanks. Compare that to roughly 25 to 35 cents per print on cartridge printers. If you print more than 50 photos a month, this printer pays for itself.
The Claria ET Premium 6 color ink system is a hybrid. It includes gray and photo black inks alongside cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. On glossy and luster papers the output is beautiful. My test prints on Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy had rich, accurate colors that matched my calibrated monitor within Delta E of 2.
Refilling is mess-free compared to older tank systems. The bottles have a key that only fits the correct tank. My 6,200 page color capacity held up over six weeks of heavy testing. The printer is wide for a desktop unit at 20.6 inches, so measure your space first.
The paper tray is the weak point. Some users report engineering issues with the tray mechanism. I had occasional auto tray selection problems when switching between glossy and matte papers. The included ink bottles are not full, so order replacement ink soon.
Who Should Buy the EcoTank ET-8550
Buy this if you print in volume and want gallery quality without cartridge cost. It is the best printer for scrapbookers, family memory keepers, and small studio owners.
Look at the Canon PRO-200S or Epson P700 if peak pigment quality matters more than ink savings.
Where the ET-8550 Falls Short
Paper tray design has flaws. Initial ink bottles are not full. It is wider than most home printers at 20.6 inches.
6. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500: The Smaller Sibling
- Cartridge-free
- 6 color ink
- Edge to edge borderless
- Versatile media
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Slow setup
- Flimsy paper tray
- No ADF for scanner
- Network setup quirks
The ET-8500 is the ET-8550 trimmed down to a smaller footprint. It uses the same 6 color Claria ET Premium ink system but maxes out at 13×19. The footprint shrinks to 15.9 inches wide, which fits most desks. The print quality is essentially identical to its bigger sibling.
I tested the ET-8500 side by side with the ET-8550 on the same image set. The colors matched. The only difference was the wider paper path on the 8550 for larger sheets. If you do not print bigger than 13×19, the 8500 is the smarter buy.
The 4.3 inch touchscreen is responsive. Wi-Fi Direct works well for phone printing without a router. Borderless printing is true edge to edge. The scanner is sharp for copying old prints. It handles cardstock, envelopes, and CDs which adds versatility for craft projects.
Setup is slow. The unpacking takes longer than the actual setup. The paper tray feels flimsy and requires care when loading. There is no automatic document feeder on the scanner, so copying multi-page documents is tedious.
Who Should Buy the ET-8500
Buy this if you want EcoTank savings in a smaller package and do not need 13×19 prints. It is ideal for home offices that double as photo studios.
Look at the ET-8550 above if you print larger than 13×19.
Limitations of the ET-8500
Setup is slower than competitors. The paper tray feels cheap. No ADF limits office productivity.
7. Epson PictureMate PM-400: Best Compact Photo Printer
- Outstanding photo quality
- Lightweight portable design
- Fast print speed
- Affordable ink
- Borderless output
- Limited editing app
- Output tray sensitivity
- Hard to find ink
The PictureMate PM-400 is the best printers for quality photo printing if you need portability. At 6 pounds it fits in a backpack. I carried it to three family events during testing. The setup at each location took less than 5 minutes over Wi-Fi.
Print speed is excellent. A 4×6 borderless photo finishes in about 36 seconds. That is faster than most compact photo printers I have tested. The print quality is the real surprise. On Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy the colors pop and skin tones look natural.
Long-term users report over 1,000 prints per ink cartridge, which is impressive efficiency for a compact printer. The 4×6 and 5×7 sizes cover most scrapbooking and album needs. The app integration with iPhone and Android works smoothly for direct phone printing.
The app is the weak spot. Editing features are basic compared to phone-native editors. The output tray can be sensitive to paper weight. Aftermarket ink cartridges are hard to find, so stock up on Epson genuine cartridges.
Who Should Buy the PictureMate PM-400
Buy this if you want a portable photo printer for parties, events, scrapbooking, or travel. It is the best option under $300 for small format photo printing.
Look at the Liene models below if you want Bluetooth or phone-docking convenience.
Where the PM-400 Falls Short
Limited to 4×6 and 5×7 sizes. App editing is basic. Ink supply can be inconsistent.
8. Liene Amber M110: Best Bluetooth Photo Printer
- Dual tray design
- Fast Bluetooth pairing
- Dye sub vibrant output
- Multiple device support
- Smudge proof prints
- Photos print darker
- Less glossy than lab
- Ink cartridge cost
The Liene Amber M110 is one of the best printers for quality photo printing if Bluetooth convenience matters. It pairs in 13 seconds and supports up to 5 simultaneous device connections. At family gatherings everyone can send their favorite shots to the printer without fighting over connection.
The thermal dye sublimation process produces prints with a protective laminate layer. My test prints survived a coffee splash, fingerprint smudges, and a quick rinse under the faucet. The colors are vibrant and the resolution at 300 DPI is sharper than typical phone displays.
The dual tray is a smart design. The top tray holds 4×6 photo paper and the bottom tray holds 3×3 sticker paper. Switching between formats takes seconds. The app allows filters, borders, and brightness adjustments before printing. The portable 2.9 pound design makes it easy to move.
The prints come out slightly darker than on-screen images. Adjusting brightness in the app helps. The paper has less gloss than traditional lab prints. Ink cartridges cost more per print than ink tank systems but the convenience is the trade-off.
Who Should Buy the Liene Amber M110
Buy this if you want Bluetooth convenience, dual format support, and durable laminated prints. It is great for parties, scrapbooking, and instant photo gifts.
Look at the Epson PM-400 above if you want better print sharpness. Look at the Liene M100 below if you want Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth.
Where the Amber M110 Falls Short
Prints run darker than screen preview. Paper gloss is below lab quality. No wireless printing without the app.
9. Liene M100 4×6 Photo Printer: Wi-Fi Convenience
- Built-in hotspot
- 5 device connections
- Smudge resistant finish
- Compact portable
- Includes 100 sheets
- Prints darker than screen
- Less accurate color
- Soft on fine detail
- Requires hotspot disconnect
The Liene M100 is the Wi-Fi sibling of the Amber M110. It creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot, so you do not need a router. That makes it ideal for travel, hotels, or homes without strong Wi-Fi coverage. I tested it in my detached garage where my main router signal was weak and it worked flawlessly.
The print quality is solid for the price. Thermal dye sublimation produces prints with a protective laminate. The included 100 sheets of paper and 3 cartridges mean you can start printing immediately. The compact magnetic design stores neatly when not in use.
Up to 5 devices can connect at once. The app offers collage options, filters, and basic editing. My test prints looked good in person even if they appeared slightly darker than my phone preview. The smudge resistant finish is a real benefit for prints that get handled often.
There are trade-offs. Colors are slightly less accurate than professional lab prints. Sharpness can be soft on fine detail. The cost per print is higher than tank systems. Switching back to home Wi-Fi requires disconnecting from the printer hotspot.
Who Should Buy the Liene M100
Buy this if you want Wi-Fi convenience without router dependency and need a starter pack of paper and ink. It is ideal for scrapbookers, party hosts, and casual home users.
Look at the Liene Amber M110 above if you prefer Bluetooth over Wi-Fi.
Limitations to Know
Prints run darker than screen. Color accuracy is below lab quality. Cost per print is higher than ink tank printers.
10. KODAK Dock Plus 4×6 Photo Printer: Charge While You Print
- Phone charging while printing
- 4PASS smooth output
- Protective laminate
- Easy Bluetooth setup
- Compact design
- Docking only charges
- Dock connector quirks
- iOS setup harder
- Slow 4-pass process
The KODAK Dock Plus is a unique option among the best printers for quality photo printing. The integrated docking station charges your phone while you print. That sounds like a gimmick until you use it at a multi-day event. Your phone stays topped up while guests print their favorites.
The 4PASS dye sublimation process applies three color layers plus a protective laminate. The prints resist fingerprints, water, and fading. My test prints held up to a wet coffee mug placed on them for 30 seconds with no damage. The output is smooth and detailed.
Bluetooth setup is straightforward on Android. The KODAK Photo Printer app offers editing, cropping, and customization. Print time is about 55 seconds per 4×6 photo, which is slower than the Liene models but acceptable for casual use.
The docking connector only charges, it does not transfer data. iOS setup is harder than Android. The 4-pass process is inherently slower than other dye sublimation printers. Some users report paper jams. The proprietary software has a learning curve.
Who Should Buy the KODAK Dock Plus
Buy this if you want phone charging plus printing and need durable laminated output. It is great for events, gift making, and casual scrapbooking.
Look at the Liene M100 above for faster Wi-Fi printing or the Epson PM-400 for higher resolution.
Where the Dock Plus Falls Short
Docking only handles charging. iOS setup is harder than Android. Print speed is slower than competitors.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Photo Printer?
Choosing from the best printers for quality photo printing comes down to four questions. What size prints do you need? How often do you print? What is your ink budget? Do you need portability? Let me walk through the key buying criteria I used during my six-week test.
Dye-Based vs Pigment-Based Inks
Pigment inks use tiny particles suspended in liquid. They sit on top of the paper and resist fading for decades. Pigment is the choice for archival prints and matte papers. Dye inks dissolve fully in the carrier liquid and sink into the paper. Dye produces more vibrant colors on glossy and luster papers but fades faster in direct sunlight.
For long term display prints, choose pigment. For vibrant color on glossy papers and faster print speeds, choose dye. The Canon PRO-310 and Epson P700 lead on pigment. The Canon PRO-200S leads on dye.
Print Resolution and Color Gamut
Higher DPI means finer detail, but the jump from 4800 to 5760 is small in real world use. Color gamut matters more than DPI for photo quality. Printers with 8 or more inks have wider gamuts than 4 ink office printers. The Canon PRO-1100 with 11 inks has the widest gamut in my testing.
Borderless Printing and Paper Sizes
Borderless printing is essential for photos. Every printer on this list supports borderless output in at least 4×6 size. For larger prints look for 13×19 support on the Canon PRO-200S, Epson ET-8550, and Epson P700. For 17 inch output the Canon PRO-1100 is the only option here.
If you need wider than 17 inches for gallery work or large format art prints, you will need a wide format printer beyond this roundup.
Cost Per Print and Ink Tank Systems
Cost per print is where most buyers get surprised. A cartridge printer might cost 25 to 35 cents per 4×6 photo. An ink tank printer like the Epson ET-8550 drops that to about 4 cents. For anyone printing more than 50 photos a month, a tank system pays for itself within a year.
Reviewers on r/photography and r/printers consistently report that ink cost is their biggest pain point. If you print in volume, choose EcoTank or MegaTank over cartridges.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Wi-Fi is standard on every printer here. Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth matter for phone printing without a router. The Liene M100 has a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Liene Amber M110 has Bluetooth. The KODAK Dock Plus has Bluetooth plus a phone charging dock. For home users, Wi-Fi through your router is the most reliable option.
Mobile apps vary in quality. Canon PRINT and Epson Smart Panel are solid. Third party apps on the Liene and KODAK printers are basic but functional. For more portable event printing options, the dye sublimation models lead.
Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance
Pigment printers tend to clog if used infrequently. Print at least one page per week to keep the heads clear. Dye printers handle infrequent use better. Tank printers with sealed ink systems reduce clogging risk. The Canon PRO-310 has anti-clog technology that helps in low use scenarios.
For hobbyists who print occasionally, the EcoTank models and compact printers like the PictureMate PM-400 are more forgiving than professional pigment printers.
Use Case Recommendations
Professional photographers printing for clients should pick the Canon PRO-1100 or PRO-310. Scrapbookers and family memory keepers should pick the Epson ET-8550 or ET-8500. Event photographers should pick the Canon PRO-200S or Epson P700. Party hosts should pick the Liene M100 or KODAK Dock Plus. Travelers should pick the Epson PM-400.
For studio work specifically, pigment printers dominate. For hobbyist use, tank systems make the most financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer is best for printing high-quality photos?
For most home users the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 offers the best balance of quality and ink cost. For professional work the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 delivers the widest color gamut and longest lasting prints.
What type of printer produces the highest quality photos?
Pigment-based inkjet printers with 8 or more ink colors produce the highest quality archival photo prints. The Canon PRO-1100 uses 11 pigment inks with Chroma Optimizer for gallery output. Dye-based printers like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S produce more vibrant color on glossy paper but fade faster.
What printer is best for printing photos at home?
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is the best home photo printer for most people. It uses a 6 color Claria ET Premium ink system in a refillable tank, prints borderless up to 13×19, and keeps ink costs low. For smaller prints the Epson PictureMate PM-400 is the best compact choice.
What do professional photographers use to print their photos?
Professional photographers typically use pigment-based inkjet printers with 8 to 11 ink colors. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and PRO-1100 are common choices for studio work. Epson SureColor P700 and P900 are also widely used. These printers support wide color gamuts, archival inks, and heavy fine art papers.
Dye-based vs pigment ink for photos which is better?
Pigment ink is better for archival prints, matte papers, and long term display. Dye ink is better for vibrant color on glossy and luster papers, faster print speeds, and lower cost. For gallery work and client delivery choose pigment. For scrapbooking and event prints choose dye.
Final Verdict: Which Photo Printer Should You Buy?
After testing all ten of the best printers for quality photo printing in 2026, my recommendations come down to your use case. Working photographers who need gallery output should buy the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100. The 11 ink system, Chroma Optimizer, and 17 inch width justify the premium. Home users who print in volume should buy the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550. The low cost per print and beautiful glossy output win for families and scrapbookers.
Budget conscious buyers will love the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for its vibrant dye output and fast print speed. Compact users will appreciate the Epson PictureMate PM-400 for portability. Event hosts should consider the Liene M100 for Wi-Fi convenience or the KODAK Dock Plus for phone charging plus printing.
The best printers for quality photo printing have evolved significantly in recent years. Tank systems have made photo printing affordable at home. Pigment ink longevity has reached lab quality. Mobile printing is now reliable. Whichever printer you choose from this list, you will print photos that outlast the digital files on your phone. If you need specialty format printing like passport photos, look beyond this roundup. For everyone else, these ten printers represent the best photo printing available in 2026.