A New Dye-Sub Printer Fit for a Photo Booth [Tech Tuesday]

October 18, 2016

By Laura Brauer

Ideal for event photographers, especially those with photo booths, the new Mitsubishi dye-sub CP-D90DW printer promises efficiency and speed. Pair those attributes with image quality and this compact printer is sure to be a winner.

CP-D90DW-0311 use

Measuring 14.37 (L) x 10.82 (W) x 9.33 (H) inches, the CP-D90DW is the perfect fit for tight spaces. Don’t let it’s compact size deceive you, though—it can print up to 450 4 x 6-inch prints in about an hour. Three speeds are available: fine high speed, ultra fine (slower but higher quality) and auto. The latter analyzes the image and adjusts the speed accordingly. For example, darker images will take a bit longer than lighter images.

In addition to standard print sizes, including 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8 and 6 x 9 inches, the printer can handle special 4 x 6-inch perforated media to produce 4 x 4-inch square output by removing the 2-inch section of paper (which can be used for coupons and other promotions). Glossy and matte finishes are available, as are two thicknesses (21mm and 23mm). Other add-ons include postcard stickers that, when mounted on the back of a photo, turn the print into a mailable postcard. Envelopes and gift boxes are also available.

Perhaps one of the more interesting features is the CP-D90DW’s rewind feature, which allows the most efficient use of paper. By rewinding the paper, the printer can take advantage of unused paper to make additional prints, saving you both paper and money.

The printer analyzes images and automatically adjusts contrast and color balance. Sharpness from -3 to +3 is user selectable. You can also use your own gamma table or stay with the printer’s table.

USB 2.0 connectivity is complemented by dual power ports, one of which can be used to power control devices such as an iPad or smartphone. Of special interest for those who shoot at outdoor events, the CP-D90DW is equipped with a humidity sensor that compensates for those humid days.

The printer is available this month and sells for around $1,000 (depending on the reseller).