Sony Picture Station DPP-FP55

The FP55 generated 4-by-6-inch prints from our test SD Card at 0.9 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white images. As you'd expect with a dye-sublimation printer, tonal changes were nice and smooth; but compared with the other snapshot printers we've tested recently, the FP55 produced dull colors and hazy details. We also noticed a narrow white line running the length of several prints.

In two informal moisture tests, we looked for defects after sprinkling water on week-old (and therefore dry) snapshot prints. Then we dunked them in water for 30 seconds and wiped them dry. The edges of the FP55's prints swelled slightly after the dunking, but didn't otherwise show any obvious ill effects after either test.

In the box, you get an ink ribbon and enough paper for just 10 prints. Replacement bundles include ribbons and paper in packs of 40, 80, or 120 sheets. At $35, the 120-print package proves the most economical at a cost per print of 29 cents.

The FP55 uses paper with perforated tabs to help it feed accurately. You tear off the tabs at each end once you've printed your photo, leaving slightly rough perforated edges.

Paul Jasper