Introduction
We've all been there: you need to print a photo, but your inkjet printer is out of ink, and the local print shop is too expensive. It's times like these when you wish you had a reliable color laser printer that could handle your photo printing needs. But finding the perfect printer for photos can be a daunting task, especially when you consider the vast array of models available in the market.
Enter the HP Color LaserJet M856x, a high-performance workhorse designed to tackle even the most demanding printing jobs. While primarily known for its impressive document printing capabilities, this machine can surprise you with its photo printing quality. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the nuances of the HP Color LaserJet M856x, exploring its photo printing capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, whether it's the best color laser printer for photos for you.
HP Color LaserJet M856x: A Closer Look
Before we dive into the photo printing aspects, let's get acquainted with the HP Color LaserJet M856x. This beast of a printer boasts a robust design, packing a punch in both performance and features. It's built for heavy-duty office environments, but its versatility extends to home offices and even small businesses. Here's a quick overview of its key features:
- Print Speed: Up to 55 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 47 ppm for color.
- Resolution: Up to 600 x 600 dpi, with enhanced resolution options for photo printing.
- Paper Handling: Generous paper capacity with a 550-sheet input tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray.
- Connectivity: Supports wired and wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi Direct for mobile printing.
- Security Features: Comes equipped with HP's robust security features, including secure printing and access control.
Photo Printing: Beyond Expectations
You might be thinking, "A laser printer for photos? That sounds like a recipe for disaster." But the HP Color LaserJet M856x defies this common misconception. This printer surprises with its surprisingly good photo printing quality, especially for a laser printer. Here's why:
- Impressive Color Reproduction: While not as vibrant as a dedicated photo printer, the HP Color LaserJet M856x delivers accurate color reproduction with a wide color gamut. This means your photos will appear true to life, with natural-looking tones and subtle details.
- Sharp Details and High Resolution: The printer's 600 x 600 dpi resolution, coupled with HP's proprietary printing technologies, ensures sharp details and minimal graininess in your printed photos.
- Excellent Black and White Prints: For those who prefer classic black and white photos, the HP Color LaserJet M856x delivers exceptional results with deep blacks and crisp contrasts.
Balancing Act: Strengths and Weaknesses
No printer is perfect, and the HP Color LaserJet M856x has its strengths and weaknesses, especially when it comes to photo printing.
Strengths:
- High Print Quality: As mentioned earlier, the printer delivers surprisingly good photo quality, exceeding expectations for a laser printer.
- Versatile Paper Handling: The ample paper capacity ensures you can print large batches of photos without constantly refilling the tray.
- Fast Print Speeds: If you're printing a large number of photos, the speed of this printer will be a significant advantage, saving you valuable time.
- Durable Output: Laser printers are renowned for their durable output. Your printed photos will be smudge-proof and resistant to fading, making them ideal for long-term preservation.
Weaknesses:
- Not a Dedicated Photo Printer: While the HP Color LaserJet M856x delivers excellent photo quality for a laser printer, it can't match the vibrant colors and rich tones of a dedicated photo printer.
- Limited Media Options: The HP Color LaserJet M856x might not support the wide range of photo paper types offered by dedicated photo printers. This can limit your ability to achieve specific effects or textures in your prints.
- Higher Running Costs: Laser printers generally have higher running costs compared to inkjet printers. However, the HP Color LaserJet M856x's high print volume and durable output can offset this cost over time.
Case Study: Printing Wedding Photos
Imagine you're a professional photographer, and you've just finished shooting a beautiful wedding. Your clients want high-quality prints to share with their loved ones. Would the HP Color LaserJet M856x be the right tool for the job?
In this scenario, the HP Color LaserJet M856x can be a valuable asset. Its fast print speeds allow you to quickly produce a large number of prints for the wedding album or guest favors. The durable output ensures that the photos will last for years to come. While the prints might not have the same vibrancy as those from a dedicated photo printer, they will still be more than acceptable for most wedding photography needs.
Is the HP Color LaserJet M856x Right for You?
So, the big question: is the HP Color LaserJet M856x the best color laser printer for photos for you? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Ideal for:
- Users with High Print Volumes: If you print a lot of photos regularly, the HP Color LaserJet M856x's speed and durability are major advantages.
- Users Seeking Affordable Photo Printing: While laser printers have higher running costs, the HP Color LaserJet M856x's high print volume and durability can make it a cost-effective option in the long run.
- Users Prioritizing Convenience and Versatility: This printer is a great all-rounder, capable of handling both document and photo printing tasks.
Not Ideal for:
- Professional Photographers: If you require the absolute best photo quality for professional projects, a dedicated photo printer might be a better choice.
- Users on a Tight Budget: The initial purchase price of the HP Color LaserJet M856x can be higher compared to some inkjet printers.
- Users Printing Occasional Photos: If you only print photos occasionally, an inkjet printer with high-quality photo ink might be more cost-effective.
Alternatives: Exploring Other Options
If the HP Color LaserJet M856x doesn't quite meet your needs, there are other excellent color laser printers in the market worth considering:
- Brother HL-L8360CDWT: This printer offers a similar print speed and resolution to the HP Color LaserJet M856x, with slightly lower running costs.
- Canon ImageClass MF644Cdw: This printer is known for its excellent photo printing quality and features a duplexer for two-sided printing.
- Xerox WorkCentre 6515: This high-end printer is a powerhouse, offering impressive print speed and paper handling, as well as excellent photo printing quality.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the HP Color LaserJet M856x and color laser photo printing:
1. Are laser printers suitable for photo printing?
While laser printers were traditionally designed for document printing, advancements in technology have made them capable of producing high-quality photos. However, they might not match the vibrancy and detail of dedicated photo printers.
2. What is the best paper type for printing photos on a laser printer?
Laser printers work best with glossy photo paper. Avoid using textured papers or cardstock as they can cause paper jams or uneven ink distribution.
3. How do I achieve the best photo printing results on a laser printer?
For optimal photo printing results, use high-quality photos, optimize your images for printing, and ensure the printer settings are adjusted for photo printing. Experiment with different paper types to find the best match for your photos.
4. What are the running costs associated with a laser printer?
Laser printers generally have higher running costs than inkjet printers. However, this cost is often offset by their high print volume and durable output.
5. What is the difference between a color laser printer and a color inkjet printer?
Color laser printers use toner, a powder-based ink, while color inkjet printers use liquid ink. Laser printers offer faster print speeds, more durable output, and generally lower running costs per page. Inkjet printers often offer better color accuracy and a wider range of paper types.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HP Color LaserJet M856x is a versatile workhorse that can handle both document and photo printing tasks with impressive speed and efficiency. While it might not be the ultimate photo printing solution for professionals demanding the highest quality, it delivers surprisingly good photo quality for a laser printer. If you need a reliable, high-performance printer that can tackle your photo printing needs alongside your document printing requirements, the HP Color LaserJet M856x deserves your consideration.