Dry Lab Revolution: Comparing Epson SureLab D1070 & D570 vs. DNP, Shinko, and Mitsubishi Dye-Sub Printers

The Digital Photo Printing Landscape

In the fast-evolving world of digital photography, print remains king for many pros and businesses. Whether you're producing event photos on-site, operating a retail kiosk, or offering fine-art-quality prints in a studio, choosing the right printer is critical. In recent years, a major shift has occurred from wet labs to compact, efficient dry lab solutions — and at the center of this transformation are Epson SureLab photo printers and their primary rivals: DNP, Shinko (Sinfonia), and the once-dominant Mitsubishi dye-sublimation printers.

But which system truly delivers the best balance of image quality, speed, reliability, and cost efficiency? And how do the Epson D1070 and D570 compare to the stalwarts of dye-sub printing?

This comprehensive review will guide you through each model’s strengths and trade-offs, helping you make the right choice based on your print business goals.

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Meet the Epson SureLab Lineup: D1070, D1070DE, and D570

Epson's SureLab line is known for its high-quality dry minilab printers. Using 6-color UltraChrome D6r-S dye inks and MicroPiezo AMC printhead technology, Epson's printers are engineered to deliver premium photo quality rivaling traditional wet labs — but without the mess, odor, or environmental drawbacks.

 

🖨 Epson SureLab D1070

The Epson SureLab D1070 is built for high-volume environments. It uses roll-fed media up to 8.3 inches wide, making it ideal for photographers, retail labs, and print service providers. It can handle everything from wallet-sized photos to 8×39" panoramic prints.

The D1070 produces up to 460 4×6" prints per hour and is optimized for multi-size workflows, making it perfect for labs that need efficiency without sacrificing image fidelity. Epson’s 6-color ink system offers a smoother tonal range than typical 3-color dye-sub systems.

 

🖨 Epson SureLab D1070DE

If duplex printing is part of your workflow — think greeting cards, photobooks, or calendars — the D1070DE model adds double-sided sheet-fed media support. This makes it the only professional-grade dry minilab in its class offering true duplex photo printing.

 

🖨 Epson SureLab D570

Where the D1070 is a production workhorse, the Epson D570 is a lightweight, portable solution for pop-up shops, small studios, and event professionals. It supports 3.5" and 4" wide media, offers wireless connectivity, and still uses the same 6-color inkset as its big sibling.

Despite its compact footprint, the D570 produces rich, vibrant 4×6" prints in around 14 seconds each, putting it on par with many dye-sub units in speed — but delivering noticeably improved color gradation and longevity.

🔍 Key Comparison Chart

Epson SureLab D1070 / D1070DE – Detailed Review

The Epson SureLab D1070 is built with production-level consistency in mind. It’s equipped with Epson’s MicroPiezo AMC printhead — a precision-engineered ink delivery system that ensures microscopic droplet accuracy across every inch of your print. Paired with UltraChrome D6r-S dye inks, this model delivers exceptionally smooth gradations, natural skin tones, and deep blacks, making it ideal for everything from portrait prints to commercial photo products.

At the heart of the D1070’s appeal is its roll-fed versatility. It supports media widths of 3.5", 4", 5", 6", and up to 8.3", all in a single unit. You can print up to 39-inch panoramic images, offering a level of flexibility that dye-sub competitors struggle to match. Whether you're printing 5x7s, 6x8s, or a custom panoramic wedding portrait, the D1070 handles it all without needing dedicated cut media.

From a speed perspective, the D1070 can output up to 460 4×6-inch prints per hour, and up to 165 8×10-inch prints per hour — giving it true lab-grade throughput. It’s the ideal solution for businesses that rely on volume without sacrificing output quality.

The D1070DE model enhances this further by adding support for duplex printing, a feature virtually unheard of in other dry minilab categories. This capability opens up profitable service offerings like photo books, greeting cards, calendars, and other double-sided applications — all in-house. The sheet-fed duplex path maintains the same high-quality ink output and resolution as single-sided prints, preserving your brand’s visual integrity across every page.

Epson has also streamlined usability. The D1070 offers USB 3.0, Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi, and features a small LCD screen for basic operations and ink level checks. Maintenance is minimal, thanks to automatic cleaning cycles and intelligently managed ink usage. The D1070 is designed to handle 100,000+ prints per month, so it's built for real-world, continuous use.

 

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Epson SureLab D570 – Lightweight Powerhouse

The Epson SureLab D570 is proof that big things come in small packages. At just 15.4 pounds and compact enough to fit in a carry-on-sized case, this printer is a dream for mobile photographers, event vendors, and pop-up retail kiosks.

Despite its minimal footprint, the D570 maintains the same 6-color UltraChrome D6r-S inkset as the larger D1070. This means you get the same rich color output and photographic accuracy — skin tones, sky gradients, and fine details all come through beautifully. Unlike 3-color dye-sub units, which can struggle with subtleties in color gradation, the D570 offers better tonal transitions and smoother highlight-to-shadow blends.

Designed primarily for 4x6" and 3.5x5" media, the D570 uses sheet-fed photo paper (not roll media). Epson has optimized it for low-maintenance operation — no ribbon changes, no thermal heads, no manual calibration. It’s Wi-Fi enabled and supports Ethernet and USB 3.0 for quick setups.

What sets the D570 apart is its versatility for quick-deploy environments. Whether you're working a wedding, school photo shoot, or sporting event, this printer can run off portable power (as low as 18W operation) and deliver prints on the spot in under 14 seconds per image. It's also perfect for ID and passport photo stations, where small format, rapid turnaround, and color fidelity are critical.

If you're running a mobile print business, the Epson D570 offers dye-sub speed with inkjet quality, something rarely found at this size and price point.

DNP, Shinko (Sinfonia), Mitsubishi – Dye-Sublimation Contenders

While Epson is carving out a dominant space in the dry lab category, dye-sublimation printers from DNP, Shinko (also known as Sinfonia), and Mitsubishi have long been the go-to choices for event photographers, photo booth operators, and volume-based print environments. Their appeal lies in speed, cost-efficiency, and simplicity of use.

📷 DNP

The DNP DS620A is arguably the most widely adopted dye-sub printer in the U.S. market. It prints 4x6s in just 8.3 seconds, can rewind unused portions of media (saving waste), and produces a wide range of sizes including 5x7", 6x8", and even panoramic 6x20" or 6x36" with the right firmware. It uses ribbon and media kits that are easy to replace and include both the ink and paper needed for a set number of prints — typically 400 prints per roll.

The DNP QW410, a newer ultra-compact model, is designed for lightweight and mobile operations, while the DS820A handles larger prints (up to 8x12") and offers matte, luster, and fine matte finishes.

🎞 Shinko (Sinfonia)

Shinko, often rebranded as Sinfonia in the U.S., is known for rugged reliability. The CS2 model is a small, fast, 4x6 dye-sub printer, beloved by photo booth vendors for its lightweight chassis and consistent performance. It lacks advanced features like panoramic printing but is often more cost-effective than DNP.

The CE1 is its big brother, offering more versatility in media sizes and faster throughput, designed for retail lab settings or volume print environments.

🖨 Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi’s printers, such as the CP-D70DW, were once staples in photo booths and retail labs. They offered exceptional reliability and fast print speeds at low cost. However, in recent years, Mitsubishi has ceased production and support of their photo printer line in many markets — making supply chain concerns a growing issue. Users still running these systems may soon face limitations on media availability and repairs.

Summary:

Dye-sub printers from DNP and Sinfonia are battle-tested, known for fast output, low per-print costs, and ease of use. But they lack 6-color printing, duplex capabilities, and often cap at 8" media width — limitations that Epson aims to overcome with its SureLab series.

 

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Print Quality: Inkjet vs. Dye-Sub

When comparing the print quality between Epson’s SureLab models and traditional dye-sub printers, the most significant differences lie in color range, tonal smoothness, and detail fidelity.

🎨 Color Gamut & Tonal Range

Epson's UltraChrome D6r-S ink system features six dye-based inks: Cyan, Light Cyan, Magenta, Light Magenta, Yellow, and Black. This extended palette allows for subtle transitions and finer color gradations, especially in skin tones, skies, shadows, and grayscale areas. The result is a print that feels closer to true photographic output, especially when viewed up close.

In contrast, dye-sublimation printers typically use a three-color ribbon (C, M, Y) plus an overcoat (O). While dye-sub prints are vivid and sharp, they tend to have limited gradation in subtle tones. Blacks may appear slightly bluish or charcoal, and delicate transitions between colors (like in portraits) can sometimes exhibit minor banding or abrupt shifts.

📸 Sharpness & Detail

Thanks to the MicroPiezo printhead in Epson’s SureLabs, even the finest photographic details are rendered with precision. The ability to print at 1440×720 dpi (or higher with certain settings) means textures like hair, fabric, and skin pores retain their natural look without becoming oversharpened.

Dye-sub images, while crisp, often apply a slight diffusion layer due to the thermal transfer process. While this softens edges ever so slightly, it's often unnoticeable to the casual viewer — but professional photographers and fine art printers will notice the difference.

💧 Dry-to-Touch & Durability

Both systems deliver prints that are dry-to-the-touch immediately, thanks to their respective technologies. However, Epson’s inkjet prints typically offer greater longevity, especially when paired with Epson’s genuine photo papers. The UltraChrome D6r-S inks are fade-resistant and water-resistant, making them a more durable solution for keepsakes, framed prints, and archival-quality work.

Performance & Print Speeds

When it comes to print production, speed matters—especially in high-traffic environments like event photography, kiosks, and retail photo labs. In this category, dye-sublimation printers have traditionally held the crown, but Epson’s SureLab printers are closing the gap fast while offering superior print quality.

🚀 Epson SureLab D1070 & D1070DE

The D1070 is capable of producing up to 460 4x6-inch prints per hour in high-speed mode. That’s comparable to some dye-sub models, with the added benefit of 6-color output and wider media support. For larger formats like 8x10s, the printer clocks in at approximately 165 prints per hour, making it a solid choice for commercial labs that need volume without sacrificing fidelity.

If you opt for the D1070DE, duplex capability naturally introduces a slight speed reduction for double-sided jobs—but you gain a whole new revenue stream with photobooks, folded cards, and custom collateral.

 

📦 Epson SureLab D570

Designed for portability and low to moderate volume, the D570 prints 4x6-inch photos in about 14 seconds, or up to 257 prints per hour at optimal performance.

 While not a direct replacement for high-volume dye-sub systems, it’s incredibly efficient for event use, ID printing, and on-location sales. The print speed, combined with high image quality, makes it a hybrid workhorse for professionals who want both speed and beauty.

 

 

⚡️ DNP / Shinko / Mitsubishi Performance

Here’s where dye-sub printers still shine:

• DNP DS620A: Up to 8.3 seconds per 4x6" print, with minimal warm-up time.
  
  

• Sinfonia CS2: Slightly slower, averaging 11 seconds per 4x6", but still fast enough for most photo booths.
  
  

• Mitsubishi CP-D70DW: Delivers 4x6" prints in about 8.4 seconds, though discontinued in many regions.
  
  

Speed is where dye-sub typically wins outright — but you’re often trading tonal richness and print flexibility for sheer speed.

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Media Flexibility & Print Sizes

One of the most overlooked but critical aspects of choosing a photo printer is media handling. The types of paper supported, the range of print sizes, and the ability to go borderless or panoramic can significantly impact your service offerings.

📏 Epson SureLab Media Range

D1070/D1070DE accepts roll-fed media in the following widths: 3.5", 4", 5", 6", and 8.3", with print lengths up to 39 inches. That means you can print:

• Standard sizes: 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 8x12
  
  

• Panoramics: 8x20, 8x36, etc.
  
  

• Borderless or bordered, depending on workflow
  
  

The D1070DE adds duplex support for single- or double-sided photo paper (cut sheet media), unlocking applications like:

• Lay-flat photo books
  
  

• Folded greeting cards
  
  

• Custom wedding or event programs
  
  

The D570, while smaller and sheet-fed, still supports borderless printing and comes optimized for 3.5x5" and 4x6" sizes. It's ideal for environments where space is limited but quality and output speed can’t be compromised.

 

🖨️ Dye-Sub Printer Media Range

Dye-sub printers are more limited in media flexibility. They usually use pre-cut media sizes bundled with color ribbons. Common supported sizes include:

• DNP DS620A: 4x6, 5x7, 6x8 (plus 6x20/6x36 panoramic via firmware)
  
  

• DNP DS820A: 8x10, 8x12 (wider format)
  
  

• Sinfonia CS2: Primarily 4x6
  
  

• Mitsubishi CP series: Mostly 4x6 and 5x7
  
  

While some dye-sub printers allow multiple size output from one media roll using crop options, they lack the custom flexibility and longer print capabilities that Epson offers.

Also worth noting: dye-sub media usually offers only a few finish options (glossy, luster, matte), whereas Epson’s SureLab system can handle a broader range of paper textures and finishes, including high-end luster and matte photo papers.

Durability, Fade Resistance & Archival Properties

Beyond speed and print quality, photo printers must also deliver on longevity. Clients expect printed photographs to withstand the test of time — whether stored in an album, displayed on a wall, or handed out at events. Here's how Epson and dye-sublimation printers compare in this essential area.

🛡 Epson SureLab Durability

The UltraChrome D6r-S ink used in both the D1070/D1070DE and D570 is a dye-based ink that offers outstanding color vibrancy and impressive durability. Epson’s advanced formulation ensures:

• Fade resistance: Prints can last up to 60+ years under indoor display conditions when printed on Epson photo papers.
  
  

• Water resistance: Once printed, photos are dry to the touch immediately and resist smudging and light moisture.
  
  

• Scratch resistance: While not as tough as some laminated dye-sub prints, SureLab prints still hold up very well to daily handling, especially when used with Epson’s premium luster and glossy papers.
  
  

Epson's system is designed to meet the expectations of professional labs and studio photographers who demand both archival performance and visual excellence.

🎞 Dye-Sub Print Durability

Dye-sublimation prints are known for their built-in overcoat layer, which adds a level of protection against:

• Scratches
  
  

• Fingerprints
  
  

• Moisture and light spills
  
  

This makes them especially popular for on-the-spot event printing, where photos are handed directly to clients and immediately stuffed into pockets, purses, or albums.

However, dye-sub prints tend to fade more quickly over time, particularly when exposed to sunlight, heat, or humidity. Most are rated for 25–30 years indoors, though this varies by brand and media.

Bottom Line:

• For archival use, framed art, or keepsakes, Epson SureLab wins.
  
  

• For temporary or fast-turnaround prints, dye-sub durability is "good enough" — with the benefit of built-in lamination.
  
  

 

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Portability & Setup Use Cases

In today’s fast-paced, mobile business world, portability is a growing priority for photographers, photo booth operators, and pop-up vendors. Whether you’re moving between weddings, conventions, or retail setups, your gear needs to travel well and work fast.

🧳 Epson SureLab D570 – Built for Portability

The D570 weighs just 15.4 pounds and is roughly the size of a small desktop printer (11.7″ x 15.7″ x 6″). It can be easily transported in a hard case, backpack, or even placed on a small table or shelf. It’s designed for:

• Photo booths at weddings and corporate events
  
  

• ID and passport photo stations in pharmacies or consulates
  
  

• Pop-up printing at retail activations or art fairs
  
  

The printer supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB 3.0, which makes it fast to set up and easy to connect to laptops, tablets, or kiosks. It’s also energy efficient, consuming just ~18 watts during operation, so it can run on portable battery packs or low-wattage power supplies — ideal for off-grid or temporary installations.

🖥 Epson SureLab D1070 – Semi-Portable, Fully Professional

While not as lightweight as the D570, the D1070 is still relatively compact for a lab-grade photo printer. At around 38 pounds, it’s movable between fixed setups, such as retail kiosks, studio back rooms, or even trade show installations — but it’s best used in a semi-permanent environment where it's protected and properly ventilated.

It’s a strong fit for:

• Retail photo labs needing professional output
  
  

• Studios with high-volume print requirements
  
  

• Multi-format on-demand photo product creation
  
  

🚚 Dye-Sub Printer Portability

Most dye-sub printers were designed with portability in mind. Models like the DNP DS620A and Sinfonia CS2 are:

• Similar in size and weight to the D570
  
  

• Easily transportable in padded cases
  
  

• Plug-and-play via USB (some now offer Wi-Fi adapters)
  
  

This makes them ideal for event pros and photo booth operators, especially when speed is more important than maximum output quality.

✅ Portability Verdict:

• Best for lightweight, mobile use: Epson D570 or DNP DS620A
  
  

• Best for fixed high-output stations: Epson D1070 or DNP DS820A
  
  

• Best hybrid: Epson D570 (portable + 6-color quality)
  
  

Total Cost of Ownership (Ink vs Ribbon + Media)

For any photo printing business, understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) is crucial. This includes not just the initial purchase price but ongoing costs like ink or ribbon, media, maintenance, and downtime. Let’s compare Epson’s SureLab printers with dye-sub systems on these fronts.

💰 Epson SureLab Ink and Media Costs

Ink: Epson uses 6-color UltraChrome D6r-S dye ink in 250 mL (D1070) or 70 mL (D570) cartridges. While the ink cost per print is generally higher than dye-sub ribbon costs, the output quality and archival permanence justify the investment for professional labs and studios.

Media: The SureLab printers support a wide range of media formats, mostly on rolls (D1070) or cut sheets (D570). Epson offers premium glossy, luster, and matte photo papers, typically priced slightly above standard dye-sub media but delivering superior texture and longevity.

Waste and Efficiency: Roll-fed media in the D1070 minimizes paper waste by enabling continuous printing. The D570’s sheet-fed system can incur slightly more waste but offers fast job switching.

Maintenance: Epson printers require periodic printhead cleaning and ink cartridge replacement, but these are designed for minimal user intervention, resulting in lower downtime.

🎟 Dye-Sub Ribbon and Media Costs

Ribbon & Media Bundles: Dye-sub printers use ribbons paired with specific pre-cut paper sizes, sold together as media kits. This bundling simplifies purchasing but means you replace both ribbon and paper even if one is not fully used.

Lower Per-Print Cost: Dye-sub tends to have a lower cost per print, which is attractive for high-volume event printing. Ribbon and paper packs are widely available and often cheaper upfront than Epson’s ink and media.

Maintenance: Dye-sub printers generally require less maintenance, with fewer moving parts. However, they do require occasional thermal head replacement, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Bottom Line on TCO

• Epson SureLab offers higher upfront and ongoing costs but delivers better quality and flexibility.
  
  

• Dye-sub printers offer lower operating costs and fast throughput but lack Epson’s media versatility and archival quality.
  

[ Discover EPSON MiniLab Photo Printers ]

 

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Support, Warranty & Market Availability

Reliable support and warranty coverage are critical for business continuity. Here’s how Epson and dye-sub brands compare.

🛠 Epson Support

Epson offers comprehensive warranties, typically 1 year standard, with options for extended coverage.

Authorized dealers like Image Pro International provide expert sales consultation, on-site or remote technical support, and maintenance packages.

Epson’s supply chain ensures steady availability of ink and media, plus official firmware updates to keep printers running smoothly.

🛠 DNP, Shinko, Mitsubishi Support

DNP has an extensive support network and is known for excellent customer service.

Shinko (Sinfonia) support is solid but more regional, with fewer authorized service centers outside Japan and the U.S.

Mitsubishi’s support is diminishing as they phase out photo printer production, which may cause supply issues for parts and media.

Availability

Epson SureLab printers are widely available through authorized resellers like Image Pro International, ensuring you buy genuine products backed by manufacturer warranties.

Dye-sub printers remain available but new model releases have slowed; many labs rely on legacy hardware and refurbished units.

Use Case Scenarios: Who Should Choose What?

Choosing between Epson SureLab printers and dye-sub models ultimately depends on your specific needs, workflow, and business goals. Below are typical scenarios where each solution shines:

🎯 Choose Epson SureLab (D1070/D1070DE or D570) if:

• You operate a professional photo lab or retail kiosk that demands high image fidelity, rich colors, and archival-quality prints.
  
  

• Your business requires media versatility, such as printing panoramic photos, photobooks, or double-sided greeting cards.
  
  

• You want the flexibility of roll-fed media (D1070) or a portable, wireless printer (D570) for mobile events.
  
  

• You value long-term print durability and expect clients to keep their prints for years.
  
  

• You need duplex printing capabilities (D1070DE) for expanded product offerings.
  
  

• Brand support and supply chain reliability are priorities — and you want an authorized dealer like Image Pro International backing your purchase.
  
  

🎯 Choose Dye-Sub Printers (DNP, Shinko, Mitsubishi) if:

• Your focus is on speed and volume, such as event photography or photo booth operations where hundreds of prints must be produced quickly.
  
  

• You want a lower initial investment and lower per-print consumable costs.
  
  

• You primarily print standard sizes like 4x6 and 5x7 without the need for panoramic or duplex options.
  
  

• You need simple plug-and-play setup with minimal technical maintenance.
  
  

• Portability is key, and you want to travel light with equipment that’s proven in fast-paced event environments.
  
  

 

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Final Verdict: Epson or Dye-Sub?

Both Epson SureLab and dye-sub printers offer unique strengths — making this a choice that hinges on your business priorities.

• If image quality, color accuracy, media versatility, and longevity top your list, Epson’s SureLab lineup (especially the D1070 and D1070DE) is the clear winner. It’s a modern dry lab designed to deliver stunning prints across a wide range of sizes and applications — perfect for labs and studios elevating their print offerings.
  
  

• If your business demands maximum speed, low-cost consumables, and straightforward operation, dye-sub printers from DNP or Sinfonia remain the industry standard. They offer proven reliability for high-volume event and kiosk printing, albeit with some trade-offs in image fidelity and product flexibility.
  
  

 

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Why Buy from Image Pro International

Ready to elevate your photo printing game with Epson’s industry-leading SureLab printers? Whether you need the high-capacity D1070 / D1070DE for your professional lab or the portable, high-quality D570 for on-the-go events, Image Pro International is your trusted, authorized source for purchase and support.

With expert advice, competitive pricing, and comprehensive service options, Image Pro International ensures your investment in Epson technology drives your business forward — hassle-free.

[ Discover EPSON MiniLab Photo Printers ]

👉 Visit Image Pro International today to learn more and request a personalized consultation or demo.

 

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