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Print Quality Settings (0)
The ES1 does not allow the user to set print quality, either in the driver or on the printer’s menu. Most dye subs operate with a fixed resolution. In the case of the ES1, the fixed resolution is 300 x 600 dpi. This resolution does become reduced to 300 x 300 dpi when printing from the computer in Multi-Layout or Creative print with greater than 4-up.
Internal Editing (4)
The ES1 has a few on-unit editing functions. Basic functions include image trimming and red-eye correction. The My Colors options under Printer Settings allow users to apply set color adjustments to an image. These include Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B/W, Positive Film (which enhances colors to make them appear like slide film), Lighter Skin, Darker Skin, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red. The Vivid selections are best used in situations where the overt color is being enhanced—blue sky and water, green foliage, red flowers. Trying to enhance more subtle colors does little to the image. The Darker Skin option didn’t seem to do much to our test image of light-skinned children. One major downside to the editing features is that the preview of the image is shown only when the image is printing.
Other adjustments include calendar, album, and speech bubble additions, but these are adornments rather than editing options.
Dedicated B&W Settings / Effects (5)
The My Colors menu provides options for changing the image to black and white or sepia. The basic black-and-white setting rendered a decent neutral-looking image. More monochrome settings would have been a nice addition.
Media Types (5)
As with most dye subs, media options are limited. Users are wed to the manufacturer’s paper and ink, since the cartridge designs are proprietary. This is especially the case with the ES1, which utilizes a unique combined paper/ink cartridge.
The standard paper that ships with the ES1 is postcard-sized color (3.9" x 5.8"), and this is the cheapest option in cost per print. Postcard-sized black-and-white paper and cartridges are also available. Users can also choose the card-sized paper (2.1" x 3.4") or labels (L size, 3.5" x 4.7"), for a bit more in price, 48 cents per print. (See the Accessories section on the Tour / Components page for more information on media types and prices.)
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