Want to print your digital images at home? Photo printers can produce quality pictures that look as good as, and last as long as, store or online-printed ones. Before you take the do-it-yourself plunge, though, know that you won't be doing it to save money.

Photo printers cost 29 to 79 cents per 4- x 6-inch snapshot. Alternatively, take your camera's memory card to a local drugstore or superstore and those prints run around 10 to 20 cents each. Online photo sites charge a little more. So if it's convenience you're after, here's a photo printer primer:

Different technologies

Most photo printers use either inkjet or thermal dye technology. Chances are, if you have a printer for your home computer, it's an inkjet. These printers use cartridges that produce drops of ink to form a picture or text.

For more durable prints, consider investing in a dye sublimation (dye sub) printer. These specialty photo printers yield higher quality prints. Most coat prints with UV protection to minimize fading. Dye sub printers start around $200. Expect the printing cost of an 8"x10" print to run about $1.50.

All-around and dedicated printers