If your inkjet printer doesn’t offer the features and quality you want for printing photos, you might be shopping for a new model that’s more photo-friendly.

Many inkjets now on the market are called photo printers. That doesn’t mean they print only photos. They can also produce text and graphics, but they have features designed for digital photographers. (There are compact photo printers that print only snapshots)

Most new inkjets can print photos without using a computer. All but basic, low-cost units have PictBridge capability, which lets you print directly from a camera connected by a USB cable. Many printers also have a slot for the camera’s memory card and an LCD viewer for choosing and cropping photos. Some pricier models add a Bluetooth interface for wireless printing from a camera or computer.

Even more important than convenience features is print quality. The best printers, including some priced at $100 to $150, produce excellent photos. Many use photo inks with six or more colors. Those inks can enhance photo quality but, in our experience, they don’t always do so.

There’s a trend toward all-in-one inkjet printers that can also scan, copy, and sometimes fax. About half of all inkjets bought last year were all-in-ones. Many match the features and print quality of stand-alone models and cost $100 to $200.

Standard inkjets offer versatility, top print quality, and low-cost enlargements. They can print almost anything, including photos 8x10 inches or larger, text, and graphics such as greeting cards. You can use various types and sizes of paper, from business cards to banners.

Quality is another plus. The photos from the best inkjets are as good as those you get from a photofinisher.

Larger prints almost always cost less than you’d pay a photofinisher--about $1 to $1.50 for an 8x10-inch photo, compared with $2 to $4 for professional processing. But inkjets aren’t renowned for speed, so it could take a while to print a number of 8x10s. Many models take 5 minutes or more for an 8x10, though the fastest can crank one out in 1.5 to 3 minutes.

Inkjets won’t save you money on snapshots--the cost is typically 25 to 40 cents per 4x6-inch photo vs. 15 to 25 cents at a photo processor. But you can easily print photos whenever you want them. When you have a big batch to print, though, it would be faster and cheaper to use a photofinisher.

Decide how much capability you need. If you want one machine for all of your printing, a full-sized inkjet is the way to go. Consider an all-in-one for extra functions. Compared with separate devices, it will cost less, take up less space, and be easier to connect to a computer.

Consider ink costs when comparing printers. High ink costs can make a bargain-priced printer a bad deal in the long run. Shop for low cartridge prices, but be wary of off-brand inks. (See Printer inks, available to subscribers) Cheap paper can also result in lower photo quality.

Look for convenience features. If you’ll be printing snapshots as well as 8x10 prints or text pages, a second tray that can hold 4x6-inch paper is handy. Another plus: a model that holds all ink tanks so that you don’t have to swap out black and photo ink cartridges. With all-in-ones, a document feeder makes it easier to copy or fax multiple pages.

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