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This 5.5-pound dye-sub model is one of this year's bulkier models, and its distinctive design places the two-inch LCD and controls on a separate, cord-connected handset that clips onto the printer. Just like other models, though, the S420 offers memory card slots and a USB port for connecting PictBridge-compatible cameras, flash drives, and other storage devices.
Claiming a higher resolution than most other compact dye-sub printers, at 403 dpi, the S420 outputs very nice looking prints that have exceptionally smooth gradation. That smoothness combines with a slightly warm but natural-looking color balance to make the S420 an excellent choice for portrait printing. You can adjust sharpness, contrast, brightness, and color on graphical sliders on the handset display. The color adjustments include blue/yellow and red/green sliders. There's also a selection of Vivid or Classic color modes and an automatic Intelligent Image Optimization feature for a faster fix.
The S420 prints at 4x6 and numerous smaller sizes, and can fit up to 56 thumbnail images on a sheet. Because this is a dye-sub model, the only choice of paper is glossy, but you can select a matte finish option that adds a little texture to the laminated surface. Sticker sheets are also available. You can select either batch or single-print output on the S420, but its per-print output speed is on the slow side at about 80 seconds for a 4x6 from a memory card. About $215; about 35 cents per print.
American PHOTO Editor's Choice 2007
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