You don't need the auxiliary screen to print directly from the memory card slot.

To access the cropping capabilities, yes, you need a screen or a compatible camera, but not to print from a memory card. Inserting a memory card (and I've used both CompactFlash and SmartMedia from both Canon and Olympus cameras) causes the S830D to go into a mode that activates automatic print functions on the printer control board. You can print an index sheet of thumbnail images, print all images in a wide variety of multi-print-per-page formats, selected prints using the index and vary the print media and quality from plain paper to Photo Paper Pro.

I have been very happy with both the color and the contrast produced by the printer with no computer intervention.

As for the rest of the printer's features, photo lab quality, good ink economy, fast and quiet operation.

This is the best printer I have ever owned.