Unlike some other snapshot printers, the Epson PM 270 prints only 4x6 inch photo paper. Support for 5x7 inch sheets would have been great, but then I don't feel it's an absolute necessity. Especially considering that the PictureMate printer cartridges come bundled with 4x6 sheets, so you don't have to bother with separate purchases.
The box and the websites boasted a printing speed of 37 seconds per sheet, which seemed a bit far-fetched. The funny thing was that the photo prints in our tests took only 35 seconds per sheet, which is amazing by any standards. For once a company underplays what its product can actually achieve – it's a marketing miracle!
Not only were the printing speeds brilliant, the print quality too was top-notch. Epson blacks have always been reputed for being the deepest in the business, and the PM 270 is no exception. Not only were the blacks perfect, but the colors were rich and deep.
Along with the great colors, we also got some brilliant detail levels in our photo prints. The Epson Micro Piezo print head handles color separation extremely well, as a result of which even the minutest lines looked as detailed as in the original photo.
When it comes to performance, there's no denying that the PM 270 is one of the finest snapshot printers in the market. The 35 seconds per sheet print speed, the rich colors and detail, and the ink economy of 32 prints per cartridge are pretty good by any standards.
Unfortunately it loses out a bit as an overall package. Rs 11,000 (street price) is a bit too much for a snapshot printer these days, especially since the features it offers are pretty standard. So in the end it all comes to the classic choice between quality and value for money. If it's the former you seek, Epson PM 270 will serve you well.



