Epson launches A4 home printer in the Middle East for speedy digital photos

Designed for digital photo enthusiasts it has a large 2.4" preview display to preview, select and crop images before printing.

It also allows the user to select from a wide choice of photo-finishing options even in standalone mode, for example, adjusting contrast, brightness and saturation, selecting filters and choosing print layouts. Photos can also be printed easily and directly from memory cards, or via PictBridge, USB Direct Print, compatible digital cameras or from mobile phones via Bluetooth.

The Epson Stylus Photo R340 creates prints superior to those from the photo-lab. Epson's Micro Piezo system delivers a resolution of 5760x1440 optimised dpi whilst the Variable-sized Droplet Technology creates droplets as small as 3pl for crisp and defined images.

A premium quality 10cmx15cm photo can be printed in a high-resolution default photo mode in less than a minute. Lab-style enlargements of up to A4 can also be produced via the computer or in standalone mode using Epson Ultra Glossy or Premium Glossy Photo Paper.

The Stylus Photo R340 features six individual ink cartridges so that one needs to only replace the colour that has been used, making it a cost-effective choice. It also includes a direct CD printing function so that professional looking CDs and DVDs can be created using Epson Print CD software.

PhotoEnhance technology is included which is an ideal tool if one does not have any previous experience with image enhancing software. This technology automatically detects the type of scene in the digital image and will adjust colour reproduction accordingly, to ensure a premium quality photo every time.

For example, when an image is detected as "portrait", PhotoEnhance will make the skin tones brighter and the contrast softer. When the image is detected as "landscape", the contrast is made harder, accentuating detail and texture and the colour is more saturated.

The Epson Stylus Photo R340 also comes bundled with the Epson Creativity Suite, allowing the user to manage and edit photos. One can attach images to e-mail, send to web, print web pages and easily adjust image sizes and resolutions.

Khalil El-Dalu, General Manager, Epson Middle East, said,

"The Stylus Photo R340 is designed for home photo enthusiasts who demand the highest quality photos. With people across the Middle East increasingly switching to digital photography, this cost-effective product, combining individual ink cartridges with Epson's leading photo printing technology and an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, should give them bright and vibrant photos every time."