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Printer parts.

The HP 8250 is a neat unit that packs a lot of features into a well designed case. The controls are all well placed for easy access and I particularly like the LCD screen which allows for Direct printing without a computer connection.

Paper in tray and extended paper catcher	Paper in tray - notice photo tray 2 above
Most popular memory cards are supported	USB port for PictBridge enabled cameras
Easy navigation through the top plate controls	Adjustable LCD screen which will also show video
Rear power point and USB connection	Heaven forbid a paper jam - but just in case

The main paper No. 1 tray will hold up to 100 sheets of media (3 x 4 to 8.5 x 24 in) and the number 2 tray holds photo media ( 3.5 x 5 to 6x4) I didn't try the custom size of 8.5 x 24, but this would seem to open up many possibilities for those who enjoy panoramic photography. Sheets are fed in face downwards as per all other HP photo printers. The bottom tray cover is flimsy which may not be ideal for heavy duty work but for the average home use it is OK.

On the top right hand side of the printer is the memory card slots, these will accommodate several card types; CompactFlash Type I and II, Memory Stick (including PRO, Duo, MagicGate), Microdrive, MMC, Secure Digital (SD), mini SD (optional adapter required), xD-Picture Card. At the front of the printer is a USB connection that allow PictBridge enabled cameras to perform direct printing, you can also fit a flash memory card into this slot for extra convenience. For normal computer printing the USB 2.0 slot is situated at the rear of the printer.

On the top plate are the media selection and other printer option controls. Media selection has been further simplified buy the inclusion of bar coding on the rear of the actual photo media, you just insert the media and the printer reads the bar code which sets the correct media type option. What a brilliant idea! - I am glad to see HP listen to my suggestions (Deauville 2003). This bar coding concept could lead the way forward for colour management issues in future printers.

Bar code on back of photo media - as suggested by photo-i

The 2.5 inch LCD screen allows you to preview your pictures and allow play back of video clips (from memory cards) you can stop the video to capture a still frame, although the print quality of video is not that great.

The one thing that did impress me was the inclusion of passport and visa printing options. You simply insert your memory card and crop the picture to a choice of legally acceptable sizes and print the image onto 6x4 media. I showed this option to several photographers and they all purchased the 8250 printer on the strength of this feature alone - sorry Polaroid but digital imaging seems to have taken yet another "byte" of your cake. Canon also include the passport printing option on their new Pixma range of printers but you have to go via your computer for this option.

Passport pictures at a touch of a button (official shots should be on a white background)