Even the best are less consistent in photo quality than the best inkjets or online photofinishers, so you might want to reprint your most prized shots at home.
Consider buying a snapshot printer. These pint-sized printers - often smaller than a few DVD-movie cases stacked atop each other - are small enough to take along on vacation and provide a great way to share shots when away from home. Some can even run on rechargeable batteries. Typical prices run from $80 to $200. They generally print only 4x6-inch photos, though a few models can also produce 5x7-inch prints or 4x12-inch panoramas.
They've become more numerous in recent years, and printing costs have dropped. Most snapshot printers now have per-photo costs of about 25 to 40 cents, comparable to full-sized inkjets.
Parting tip: Stock up on paper and ink for your snapshot printer--they're typically sold bundled in a package -- before you go, since stores that stock them may be scarce where you go.
Another option if you'll have access to a computer when you travel is to upload your photos to a photosharing or photofinishing Web site. You can even order shots that will be ready for you when you get home, or have prints sent ahead to a store location at the next stop on your itinerary where you can pick them up.
Parting tip: Research and set up your account with the online site before you leave home, so as to minimize hassle on the road.
Time to get a new camera? A vacation can be a catalyst -- or excuse -- to get a new camera. There's now a wider selection of subcompact cameras that are perfect for packing along for the day, along with a selection of innovative models, including those that are waterproof. For more general advice on camera choices, visit Consumer Report’s free online Decision Guide.
Parting tip: Start your research for a new camera at least a week before you go, so you have time to take advantage of often-lower online prices--and to familiarize yourself with your new camera before you face that perfect sunset.
(Source: Consumer Reports)
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