What Printer do you USE?

[Keith]

Why did you purchase it?
What printer will be your next purchase?
And how often do you print?

[Rudi]

Samsung ML-1740 mono laser for office printing - used every day!

Epson R800 for photo printing (only up to A4) - seldom used - mostly when I need some display prints to illustrate a point, sometime for framing, usually only for small (portable) portfolio purposes. Larger prints, or large runs of prints I take offsite to a local pro camera and printing shop, let them deal with the hassle! :)

Still have an older Epson 1290 (A3) printer that is not even plugged in (although I did use it a few months back when I needed an A3 print).

Also have a 4" x 6" dye-sub printer that I have only used on a few occasions - plan to print my Christmas cards on it this year (now all I have to do is find a "Christmasy" photo! :))

[Martin]

Epson 2400, wanted to print bigger and have the archival inks, another feature I wanted was resistant to water.

Not even thinking of the next purchase this one has lots of life left in it.

I should print more, lots that I want to print just have to get around to doing it.

Martin

[Ann]

Canon I950, print a few times a month. Next time, hmmm, no clue!

[David Cramer]

HP Designjet 130. I need large format, archival. I print a good amount, including panos up to 60 inches. I'll print dozens of images when preparing for a show or art fair. It's dye-based ink, which means it's not waterproof, so I use PrintShield on every print to seal and UV protect. Its printheads perform at 4 picoliter ink drop size so it delivers great sharp detail, especially in the blacks. I now have my eye on the new HP B9180, which will be pigment-based with a broader choice of archival paper. They are claiming archival quality up to 200 years. It will only print up to 13X19, but the majority of my prints are sized at 11X14, so it would be the new workhorse and the 130 would be used primarily for larger sizes and panos. I don't know if Epson has fixed its clogged printhead problems, but I've never had that with the 130.

[Paul]

Canon S9000.

Yes, it's three year old technology.

Yes, it only has 6 colour inks.

Yes, the drops aren't as fine as the newer printers.

But, when I print a photo on it, they look so very good.

Ever since I bought that printer my life has changed.

My photos look better. People compliment me on my photographic skills. I print and mount more images. I have more friends, My children are proud of me. People offer to buy my prints. Glamorous women approach me and ask me out. Famous people want to be seen and photographed with me. My children have been offered scholarships to the most prestigious universities. I get upgraded to 1st class without having to ask. I get huge fees for little work on the lecture circuit. Women of all ages offer to buy me drinks. I never pay for restaurant meals.

Thanks, S9000.

[dmwphoto]

Damn. I am selling my Epson 4800 and getting a s9000

[Desert Rat]

Just got the Epson R2400 printer..

Wanted it since it was able to print panoramas and archival inks...
Now looking at the types of paper I want to get to use...

Already printed three 8x10 for a client.. Two in B&W and one color...

[Desert Rat]

:biglaugh: Damn. I am selling my Epson 4800 and getting a s9000 Not sure that will help you out Dave.... :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :wacko: :wacko:

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Canon i9900 .... Canon ip4000 .... HP 7150
I print on a daily basis, 90% of the time for customers...

Next printer will definitely be another Canon wide format.

[Ellen]

I use an Epson R800. I am very happy with the prints. I use the printer a lot, at least once a week. If I had all the money I spend on ink I could nearly buy the 400L lens.

[Joe]

I have an Epson 4800. Print weekly. I'm a bit crazy in that I create custom profiles - really helps with 3rd party paper (Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308 is my favorite matte paper). Love the printer. Would buy the 7800 if I werer to do it over again just because 17x24 is not big enough. :)

[Bobby]

I have just purchased the canon 9900, primarily because of very low pricing and the input from Big Red450 (Jeff). Apparently he has thrashed this thing like a rented mule and it has never failed. Set up was simple and prints are gorgeous. Great to have the 13X19 option.

[Trish]

Hi.Long time no post...I just purchased Epson R260 for 79.00 and the Epson 1400...both print with High definition/archival inks. THE BEST PRINTS I HAVE ever printed!

[Kevin]

Nice to see you again, Trish! ;)

[fade2black]

I too have a Canon i9900 and I love it. I upgraded from an i960 because I wanted the larger format. I am sold on Canon and will never look back. Used to have Epson's, but like the Canon's better now. I probably use it 2-3 times a week.

[SharonP]

Old, but interesting topic. I'm not printing very much lately.
I'm a die hard Epson fan for years. Presently, I'm using a 2200. Whenever I need a new one, it'll be another Epson.

[Ann]

I use the Canon I950. Works for me very well using Qimage. I sent a few files away to get printed but for an 8X10 I prefer my printer!

[Trish]

Nice to see you again, Trish! ;)


Yes kevin I am alive:brows: Working on getting "the portrait business" together...lots of studying.

Hope to get going in the next month or so::cheer:

[Robert]

I'm days away from picking up an Epson 3800 Pro which prints 17" wide, by any length if the size required is cut from a roll. Epson doesn't mention this capability, but it is possible without issue. I love the look of the 3800 prints and it does a fab job with B&W.

[stilllearning]

Have a HP 8200 to print my 4X6 and 8.5X11.5. It's more economical. Just picked up a HP B9180. Haven't had the nerve to print a 13X19 for fear of it showing up my flaws in my pictures.:biggrin:

[Paul Burwell]

I'm days away from picking up an Epson 3800 Pro which prints 17" wide, by any length if the size required is cut from a roll. Epson doesn't mention this capability, but it is possible without issue. I love the look of the 3800 prints and it does a fab job with B&W.

Robert,

Are you acquiring a RIP? My understanding is that the Epson driver for the 3800 limits the print length to 37.4" in length.

This screen shot of the Epson driver from InkJetArt.com (http://www.inkjetart.com) shows the maximum length limit mentioned above.

http://www.inkjetart.com/3800/report/17x37.gif

[Robert]

Paul,

I've looked into RIP but I'm unsure of the benefit for me...I'm new to the world of printers for photography. I followed a link to find out more about RIP but but I'm not sure I fully understand. I'll probably be anxious for some help soon!:)
Yes, you're right, the largest size is listed at 37.4", but I thought I had read a review (can't locate it) where the printer accepted a longer sheet. I may be mistaken about that however.

[Paul Burwell]

Paul,

I've looked into RIP but I'm unsure of the benefit for me...I'm new to the world of printers for photography. I followed a link to find out more about RIP but but I'm not sure I fully understand. I'll probably be anxious for some help soon!:)
Yes, you're right, the largest size is listed at 37.4", but I thought I had read a review (can't locate it) where the printer accepted a longer sheet. I may be mistaken about that however.

Robert,

RIP stands for Raster Image Processor and it is basically a way of translating Postscript into the raster language that the printer understands. RIP's offer many benefits (usually including incredible interpolation, paper profilling and advanced image placement/layout abilities), but most people not printing for a living don't need the extended abilities. The ColorByte ImagePrint sells for about $850 US.

I'm guessing that for you, the only real benefit would probably be the ability to print longer than 37.4". Using the ColorByte Software's ImagePrint RIP driver for the 3800 allows it to print up to 327 inches (25.25 feet, 8.3 meters) long.

I don't know how important long prints are to you. But it is a limitation of the 3800 and a way (in edition to not accepting roll paper) that Epson differientiates the 3800 from the 4800.

[Robert]

Thanks Paul for the explanation. I noticed the mention of script etc and that's where my knowledge is really limited. While it would be nice to have the added capability of Colorbyte, I don't think I can justify the $1000.00 cdn to acquire it. It's good to know the option is there however. If I find I need to print larger than the 3800 allows, I suppose I could either get the software, upgrade to the 4800 or take my file to an independent lab. Printing larger for me will depend on whether or not my camera file can give the quality at that size. I'm waiting on either a D2Xs or something new from Nikon!! :)

[Robert]

Paul,

As an update, I was told by my local dealer that the Epson 3800 Pro comes with the RIP software. That is what distinguishes the model from the regular 3800. So, it will be an option for me. I suppose another sizable learning curve is waiting for me.rolleyes; :)

[Paul Burwell]

Paul,

As an update, I was told by my local dealer that the Epson 3800 Pro comes with the RIP software. That is what distinguishes the model from the regular 3800. So, it will be an option for me. I suppose another sizable learning curve is waiting for me.rolleyes; :)

Robert,

That's definitely true, but it is usually an extra $400 Canadian for the version that comes with the RIP software. So you just need to decide if its worth the extra $400 to print longer than 37 inches.

[Ron Lacey]

Robert,

That's definitely true, but it is usually an extra $400 Canadian for the version that comes with the RIP software. So you just need to decide if its worth the extra $400 to print longer than 37 inches.

The R3800 requires special software to print longer than 37 inches? The Epson P2200 print driver allows you to create prints up to 10' 9" long.

Ron

[Robert]

Paul,

I looked closer at the specs for the 3800 Pro and Pro Professional, and it seems that the only difference is the additional RIP software. The professional edition is available for a $250.00 difference (Cdn.) I'm not familiar enough with the advantages of this software to judge whether I would benefit from it. There seems to be more to it than just enabling a longer print. I think that if I ever wanted to print larger than 37.4" I would take my file to a lab. The 3800 should serve my needs, at least I'm hoping so.
I will continue to look into the benefits of the ColorByte software. I'm wondering if it helps with printer profiling and image quality.

Thanks again for your input!!:)

[Joe F.N.]

What printer do I use? Why Bobby's of course.

[Paul Burwell]

The R3800 requires special software to print longer than 37 inches? The Epson P2200 print driver allows you to create prints up to 10' 9" long.

Ron

Ron,

So does my 2400. It is just Epson trying to differentiate the 3800 from the 4800.

[Paul Burwell]

Paul,

I looked closer at the specs for the 3800 Pro and Pro Professional, and it seems that the only difference is the additional RIP software. The professional edition is available for a $250.00 difference (Cdn.) I'm not familiar enough with the advantages of this software to judge whether I would benefit from it. There seems to be more to it than just enabling a longer print. I think that if I ever wanted to print larger than 37.4" I would take my file to a lab. The 3800 should serve my needs, at least I'm hoping so.
I will continue to look into the benefits of the ColorByte software. I'm wondering if it helps with printer profiling and image quality.

Thanks again for your input!!:)

Robert,

I don't think you can go wrong either way. You are right that the RIP offers other advantages other than just long prints. It is the most accurate method of printing and is favoured by most professionals. It does an exceptional job at interpolating images to larger sizes and offers a myriad of options for laying out multiple prints on a single sheet of paper. But for most people who don't make their living printing, a RIP is overkill.

[pcho]

Epson 7800 and I purchased it because most of the prints that I sell are 16x 24 or 20x30 and do the printing for one of the local professional photographers. I won't be upgrading for a while.

I love the epson 7800 as it prints pretty quickly and the quality is awesome

Perry

[Sue Tranter]

Hi all,

I used a Epson 950 and then uprgaded to Canon A3 printer (can't remember the number) but it had a very bad banding problem so back it went for a refund.

Do you think the Canon products don't like me!!!!:brows: :disgust:

Now I don't bother using any printer because of the running costs invloved. I found a couple of very good sites that offer excellent quality prints, service and prints at 18" X 12" for just £1 each. Thats' what you call value when you consider what a single home print would cost in comparison.

Best wishes
Sue @ www.suesbirdphotos.co.uk (http://www.suesbirdphotos.co.uk)

[Rob]

Epsone 4800 for Roll & A2 prints - R350 for everyday stuff. Have no issues with either. Love the detail in the 4800

[Rudi]

Hi all,

I used a Epson 950 and then uprgaded to Canon A3 printer (can't remember the number) but it had a very bad banding problem so back it went for a refund.

Do you think the Canon products don't like me!!!!:brows: :disgust:


It's not just you, Sue! I Have not seen a Canon printer without banding issues yet, and I've tried nearly a dozen myself, and have had prints sent to me from about a dozen more. For my printing, if I have to print at home, I use Epson. :)

[Lisa]

I have the PIXMA Pro9000 and absolutely love it! My only problem with it is that it uses up the little inke cartridges very fast. Other than that, I couldn't be happier!

[Phillip 200]

I use a Epson 1290s with a continuous link system is one of the few printers that allows you to print panoramic images up to ten feet long with the maximum height of 13 inches (without having to buy a rip) I do have a little photo 900 Epson printer which uses the same continuous link system and I am thinking of getting a 3800 a2 printer although I have free use of a 4800 whenever I want.

Phillip.