Design
In typical Sony fashion, the DPP-FP30 arrives in delicious curves and succulent lines with a plastic veneer finish on its top. To complete the simple CE (Consumer Electronic) look, the Japanese manufacturer has included just three LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and a single silver power on/off button.
While the main printer is relatively small, the input tray juts out about 16.5cm to the front. The rear of the unit isn't spared, either. Akin to other dye-sublimation models, the photo paper sticks out the back during operation -- almost 10cm in the case of the DPP-FP30 -- before being pulled in to be printed on.
Performance
The Sony PictureStation turned out to be one of the fastest printers to setup. It took a mere 4 minutes to install the device drivers and an additional 3 minutes for Sony's PictureGear Studio software. The suite contained a few photo-management features as well as basic editing functions. There were also options to create postcards, cards and labels from within the software.
The DPP-FP30 performed really well overall. It took only 90 seconds to print our standard 4 x 6-inch borderless photo, or about 0.7 page per minute (ppm), which put it on level with other dye-sublimation units tested in our lab.
With regard to print quality, the unit churned out top-notch photos. Because of the way the inks are diffused onto the paper media, the pictures were of continuous tone -- meaning no dithering algorithms used, and hence no unsightly dot patterns. The other upside of dye-sublimation units is that the protective coating helps make the surface of the prints waterproof -- although bear in mind that photos are paper based. While colours were vibrant, the tones were also pleasing. The printer did well with fine details like fur on a cat.
At its AU$300 price point, the DPP-FP30 is priced reasonably as other 4x6 photo units. Where it falters is in its running costs. Sony's 4R media is expensive, making the per-print cost higher than expected for such units. If the extra toll doesn't bug you, the DPP-FP30 is an impressive photo-churning machine.
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frazz
07/10/2005, 03:14 PM
Great picture Quality
dissapointed to discover my camera is not compatable for pictbridge! recieved as a gift so was unable to check compatability before hand. But i am still pleased with the printer. the quality is superb. looks really nice sitting on the desk! very happy with it
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