What is PictBridge?

PictBridge is a standardized technology that allows printing images from a memory card in a digital camera directly to a printer, regardless of brand.

The technology completely bypasses the need for a computer. Each PictBridge device is automatically recognized by the other.

The camera compares its PictBridge functions to the functions of the printer. The camera then displays the supported functions on menus on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

PictBridge print options

Once a PictBridge digital camera is connected to a compliant printer, print options appear on the camera LCD. The camera menu system is used to make settings such as print size, layout, media type and date.

You can print a single image displayed on the camera, print two or more images or print all images on the memory card. You can print part of an image by first cropping it within the camera and even create index prints, also known as contact sheets.

To find out if a camera or printer is PictBridge compatible, look for the PictBridge logo on the packaging or check the manual for specifications.

Print sizes and PictBridge

Not all PictBridge digital cameras let you select all available prints sizes, such as 13×19″ if you have a wide format printer. If the printer has a memory card slot, use it and larger size prints should be available.

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On 3 June 2009 at 11:32 am Gil Ware said:

Thanks for this splendid explanation of PictBridge, a process had mystified me. I am much more confident abou my pending purchase of a digital camera and a printer.

On 16 September 2009 at 7:02 am John Nutt said:

I have a Nokia E90 which takes photographs. It is however not compatible with PictBridge. Can you please tell me why as this an up-to-date (Relatively) new Cell Phone.

Many Thanks.

On 16 September 2009 at 8:27 am Gail Bjork said:

Your phone has Bluetooth so you will need a Bluetooth-enabled printer with PictBridge. You should also check if there are any firmware updates for your phone.

On 16 September 2009 at 10:47 am John Nutt said:

Many thanks Gail. I will look into this but do not think that it will be worth it. You have kindly given me the explanation which is more than Nokia South Africa could do. I will just carry on using the PC to store the photographs and print as required.

Again many thanks,

John

On 24 December 2009 at 5:55 am Sumedh said:

i have sony ericsson k79oi (cybershot) and hp laser jet 1008 p.. doest that work?

On 24 December 2009 at 9:21 am Gail Bjork said:

Your Sony Erickson is PictBridge compatible. Your laser jet does not appear to be a PictBrige printer. Both units have to be PictBridge for them to work together.

On 30 December 2009 at 10:32 pm Mary said:

I bought my son a really cool Lego camera for Christmas and was excited to then find a relatively inexpensive printer that I thought would be great for him to be able to print his own pictures. I am so disappointed to find that the camera must not have this PictBrige. I guess we’ll have to go through the computer, which is no big deal, but still disappointing.

On 30 December 2009 at 10:56 pm Gail Bjork said:

A Lego camera! That’s sounds really cool.

You must look for the PictBridge logo to make sure a camera and printer are PictBridge compatible. Your son may enjoy using Picasa, a free photo organizing and editing program. Not a huge learning curve and includes a gig of free photo hosting. A fun program to use.

On 17 January 2010 at 3:17 pm HARI SHANKER said:

I have purchased a digital camera of olympus no.FE-26/X-21. Could you please let me know which printer has pictbridge sothat the printout can be taken from my digi cam.

I am aiming to purchase HP Deskjet F2100 All in one series .
Do this printer have pictbridge option.
I appreicate if i could be updated asap

Thanks
Hari S.

On 17 January 2010 at 8:41 pm admin said:

I’ve searched it it doesn’t seem like thhe printer you’re considering is not PictBridge compatible. Double check by asking before you order, or look for the PictBridge logo on the packaging.

If you browse an online retailer, such as Amazon, do a search for Pictbridge printer and you can find any number of makes and models at a variety of prices..

On 13 March 2010 at 9:54 am andy greenhough said:

i have a panasonic lumix dmc fz-28 and i am thinking of buying a poloroid pogo mobile digital printer…my camera has pict bridge and so does the pogo printer, but how do i use the 2 items together ?? i think the pogo has a usb port but does that mean i can use the cable that i download my photos from my camera directly to my pc??? when i download pictures from camera to pc a screen comes up on my camera with options to connect to pc..or…pictbridge sorry if i am confusing you …. but i am a propper techn ofobe and need your advice pleeeeeeeeze

On 13 March 2010 at 11:17 am Gail Bjork said:

You can use the usb cable or bluetooth. When using the cable, it should be pretty straitforward when you’re in playback mode. However, check both the camera printer manual for specifics.

There is a lot of helpful information and video tutorials for using the PoGo at the Polaroid website.

On 25 March 2010 at 10:38 am missneek00 said:

I have a nikon d60 which is now discontinued but is this camera pictbridge compatible? Also I’m looking to purchase an epson printer which one do you recommend that is also pictbridge compatible?

On 25 March 2010 at 2:26 pm Gail Bjork said:

The Nikon D60 supports PictBridge direct Printing. If you don’t have a camera manual, you can download an pdf version from the Nikon Support Area.

We really don’t make recommendations. Either check the printer box, or camera specifications, to find out if a printer is PictBridge compatible. Most new printers are.

On 17 May 2010 at 3:29 pm Shirley Jones said:

I have a Casio QV-R40 camera, can anyone tell me if it supports PictBridge direct printing, as I am thinking og buying a PoGo printer.

On 17 May 2010 at 4:36 pm Gail Bjork said:

No, your camera is not PictBridge compatible. It is USB Direct-Print that lets you connect it directly to a compatible photo printer. USB Direct-Print was introduced about nine years ago, I’m unaware if it is supported by newer printers. However to be sure contact Polaroid or a retailer that sells the PoGo printer.