If you need a high quality photo printer that can also print direct on the surface of compatible CD and DVD discs then the new Epson Stylus Photo R285 is for you. It offers high resolution photo prints up to 5760 x 1440 dpi with great colour depth and range from its six individual ink cartridges. The functions of the R285 are very easy to use, loading paper is as standard with most other printers and installing the printer ink cartridges is simply enough. The unusual feature of this printer is the disc printing facility, while it does require a separate tray it not hard to use and produces great results of professional looking CD and DVDs.
The speed in which the R285 prints is less impressive however. The quoted print speed given by Epson is 12 seconds to print a 10 x 15cm photo print but this is when the printer is in draft mode which is the lowest quality mode. Printing a 10 x 15cm photo in a more suitable printing mode such as “Best Photo†takes a lot longer than 12 seconds. Ink cartridges for the Epson R285 come in the form of six individual ink cartridges – black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan and light magenta. This helps give the R285 its ability to produce high quality prints but the downside of this is that more cartridges means higher running costs. A of Epson inks for the R285 costs around £40 while a set of third party compatible can be picked up for around £15 a set. The design of the Epson R285 is good; it looks modern and is compact so it won’t take up too much space on the desk. Overall the Epson R285 is a very capable printer with a range of features which it carries out to a very high standard, if a little bit slower than one would like. This printer is a good addition to a keen amateur photographer’s equipment.