Kodak 6850 Dye Sub Printer - What do we Think? Our Views on the Kodak 6850 Dye Sublimation PhotoprinteR. We tell you what we think, not what the manufacturer wants you to know.

Important Note: How to overcome the flash problem with a Kodak 6800 / 6850

At System Insight we are impartial when it comes to advice on which product to buy. We would never consider selling anything that we didn't consider to be a good product. Our aim is to help you acquire the product that is right for you.

By giving you a complete overview of this printer, it will help you make the decision as to which printer or printers are suited to your specific requirements. Please feel free to contact us for more information or photo samples to help you decide.


Overview of the 6850
The KODAK Photo Printer 6850 delivers durable, photographic-quality prints in seconds.

The 6850 build quality is superb and although the printer is relatively heavy (25 kg), it can still be considered a semi-portable unit.

Print Size & Media Options
The Kodak 6850 can print 6x4, 7x5 and 8x6 prints. A Kodak 6850 7x5 Conversion Kit is required for borderless 7x5 prints. Kodak 6850 Ribbon & Paper Consumables. The Kodak 6850 however does NOT print 6x9 which puts it at a disadvantage compared to similiar printers from other manufacturers.

Print Speed
In just 15 seconds, the 6850 can print a high-quality, borderless 6x8-inch glossy photograph and amazingly it can print a 4x6-inch print in just 8 seconds.

When analizing print speed, it is worth noting that some manufacturers do not take into account cooling time! So, when used for high volume extended operation, a printer quoting a print speed of 30 seconds per print maybe slower in the long run than one taking 40 seconds a print, especially if the printer needs to cool down at regular intervals to keep functioning!

Print Quality
Excellent Quality Images. Continuous tone, 300 dpi Learn why dye sublimation produces a higher quality photo from a lower dpi.

Requirements
A 6850 will operate between 200v-240v supply and can also be run from an inverter if being used away from mains power in a car or caravan etc. Contact us for more details.

Maintenance
Simple - None required! Just keep changing the ribbon and paper roll when they are exhausted.

Compatibility
Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP.

What we like about the 6850
The 6850 is an excellent printer; it looks & feels very well made indeed. It produces superb quality images, which are printed efficiently and fast. Improvements & upgrades easily installed via firmware. This printer is a most appropriate choice for the professional photographer, who needs fast high-volume output.

What we don't like about the 6850
We are concerned about the "paper jam / flash issue" and would find it hard to recommend where studio or flash is to be used near the printer.

It is heavy compared to other similiar printers weighing in at 25kgs.

We have seen some sample images taken against a white background where bad pixelation occured in the white areas with the printer being unable to resolve the subtle tones. This was a problem we also noticed on the Kodak 1400.

Due to the fact that the printer opens at the top and front, flight cases are more expensive than for other printers as they need to open at the top and front to facilitate changing of the media.

No 6x9 is a disadvantage and the 7x5 bordless kit which if removed will invalidate your warranty seems madness. A good printer let down by some strange operational issues, other than that it is an impressive printer.

At a Glance - Our Conclusion based on our Experience 82%
	Excellent Build Quality. Based on the Kodak 6800
	Fast Print Speed
	Uses Standard Common Kodak 6800 / 6850 Media
	Design Fault: Camera / Lighting Flash units can cause a paper jam!
	Heavy 25kg, possibly requires two people to lift safely
	Opens at the front and top to change media making flight cases expensive
	Borderless 7x5 option usage is bizarre
	No 6"x9" print size

Kodak 6850 Reviews

Other Considerations
We would also look at the Mitsubishi CP9550DW and the Hi-Ti 730PS