Sony DPP-FP50 review

Sony's latest top-of-the range digital photo printer is so compact it could be easily overlooked on a desk - but unforgivably there are no Mac drivers.

Most users will have to print using either a PictBridge compatible device, which includes the majority of current digital cameras, some camcorders and external drives, or print from the camera's flash card.

All the popular cards, including Sony's Memory Stick PRO, are supported. However, Fujifilm and Olympus users will have to opt for a CF adaptor for xD-Picturecards, unless your camera is PictBridge compliant. Oddly, though, there's no Bluetooth, which would have been appealing for camera-phone users. Nonetheless, anyone hoping to use the printer in the lounge, rather than the office, will be pleased by the inclusion of a video-out socket for use with a TV or Mac with a TV tuner. And Sony has thoughtfully included an infrared remote control.

Sony's DPP-FP50 is a dye-sublimation printer laying a separate waxy coat of yellow, magenta and cyan dyes from a ribbon in three passes over the special 6x4-inch photo paper. A fourth and final clear coating adds a durable gloss finish making the prints dry to the touch and resistant to both fading and small spills. Loading the cartridge containing the ink ribbon is a far simpler procedure than most inkjets.

Setup is quick and uncomplicated as there's no need for head alignment or test prints. Up to 20 sheets can be accommodated in the removable paper tray. There's also a small LCD panel that can be used to print an index sheet if you're not using the TV to select prints.

Printing is fast, taking around 60 seconds without processing, and prints were generally very good. Images weren't quite as sharp by default as we'd have liked and colours were decidedly neutral. Most users will want to adjust the settings to suit, but even so, image quality can't match the output from HP's Photosmart 375 or Epson's PictureMate - both inkjets, and not tied to specific paper. Although their cost per page is slightly higher than the Sony, we still think they're worth the extra money. But anyone wanting to browse and print their snaps from the comfort of their favourite armchair should go for the Sony.

Kevin Carter

A fairly complicated menu layout does nothing to enhance the experience, but choices include auto image enhancement, and adjustment of colour and sharpness. There is also an option for borderless prints, but it's not until the printer is connected to a TV or tuner that the full extent of the printer's versatility is revealed. In addition to on-screen red-eye removal, images can be adjusted for saturation, tint, brightness or sharpness. There are also four digital effects filters that can be applied prior to printing. Users can superimpose text, add background wallpaper, borders, stamps (clip-art) or even add a calendar if desired.