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The best Printer?
- Thread starter Carlos C.
- Start date
B
Beth
Guest
Beth wrote:
I have the Oly dye sub P-400, but my brother swears by the Epson inkjet and I'd say from the prints I've seen, it's a wonder!
I have the Oly dye sub P-400, but my brother swears by the Epson inkjet and I'd say from the prints I've seen, it's a wonder!
Breck57397
Well-known member
Beth,
Does "it's a wonder" mean you can't say for sure which is best quality? If that's the case, then I would have to look at cost (maybe speed, but not highly significant overall).
ALSO, As I understand (correct me if wrong), the dye sub will not come off with water but the ink jet will.
Breck
Does "it's a wonder" mean you can't say for sure which is best quality? If that's the case, then I would have to look at cost (maybe speed, but not highly significant overall).
ALSO, As I understand (correct me if wrong), the dye sub will not come off with water but the ink jet will.
Breck
chris defaria
Active member
I have both an Epson 1270 and a P-400. The Epson produces beautiful prints on a variety of media (both size and type). The Oly prints are more durable, more "photographic" and more consistantly great-looking. I use both for different images. For travel and people, I use Oly. For larger, more impressionistic images, landscapes, Architecture and alike, I tend towards the Epson. In the end, if I had to keep only one, it would be the Epson because, the Oly delivers what I can pay a lab to do, while the Epson offers more creative options (on the other hand, the Oly pays for itself very quickly for that same reason - hence, I have both).
Chris
Chris
Brett62582
Member
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Hi Carlos
I have both the Epson 740 (slightly older model) and the P-400. I agree with another reply to your initial question that they have vastly different uses. The P-400 is impractical for everyday use (text, etc.) because of printing cost. That being said, I've gotten the "per sheet" cost of my Oly down to $1.53 which is substantially less than the the $1.90 quote in Oly's literature. The glaring benefit from the Oly is the continuous tones. You will not see dots (aka noise) in difficult lighting situations (e.g. skies, etc.) It is also quite a bit faster than my Epson.
While the Epson creates stunning prints for the price, they most likely will fade over time (however, the new C80, now offered at Costco for low $100s with rebate) claims to have fade-resistant inks. As for "per sheet" cost, I buy my ink from eBay and am able to refill them 2-3 times with a kit, and buy my photo paper at Costco ($20 for 100 sheets). This brings my cost to, well, let's say, next to nothing!
Also, the Oly only has one setting (no "draft" mode). There is also a small quirk for the Oly regarding printing. The technology is such that you use the same amount of ink per page if you print a period or a full sheet of color photos! There is a pre-designated amount of ink per sheet (in the form of separate "sheets") on a spool, and once you use it, you lose it, so you have to be wise.
Anyway, hope this didn't confuse you too much. As you can see, I love both printers for different reasons and wouldn't settle for just one of them. If you plan on selling your photos, the Oly is the way to go. Your customers will appreciate the "non-fading" quality. Remember, anyone can buy an injet and print pretty good photos. Give them a reason to buy from you!
Brett
I have both the Epson 740 (slightly older model) and the P-400. I agree with another reply to your initial question that they have vastly different uses. The P-400 is impractical for everyday use (text, etc.) because of printing cost. That being said, I've gotten the "per sheet" cost of my Oly down to $1.53 which is substantially less than the the $1.90 quote in Oly's literature. The glaring benefit from the Oly is the continuous tones. You will not see dots (aka noise) in difficult lighting situations (e.g. skies, etc.) It is also quite a bit faster than my Epson.
While the Epson creates stunning prints for the price, they most likely will fade over time (however, the new C80, now offered at Costco for low $100s with rebate) claims to have fade-resistant inks. As for "per sheet" cost, I buy my ink from eBay and am able to refill them 2-3 times with a kit, and buy my photo paper at Costco ($20 for 100 sheets). This brings my cost to, well, let's say, next to nothing!
Also, the Oly only has one setting (no "draft" mode). There is also a small quirk for the Oly regarding printing. The technology is such that you use the same amount of ink per page if you print a period or a full sheet of color photos! There is a pre-designated amount of ink per sheet (in the form of separate "sheets") on a spool, and once you use it, you lose it, so you have to be wise.
Anyway, hope this didn't confuse you too much. As you can see, I love both printers for different reasons and wouldn't settle for just one of them. If you plan on selling your photos, the Oly is the way to go. Your customers will appreciate the "non-fading" quality. Remember, anyone can buy an injet and print pretty good photos. Give them a reason to buy from you!
Brett
YUJIRO OTSUKI
Member
I use Epson 780 (chearp! $99usd) and Epson Archival Matte Paper made for Epson Photo 2000P. It works great for me!
The best Inkjet printer I know of is EPSON 950C.
http://www.i-love-epson.co.jp/products/printer/inkjet/pm950c/pm950c1.htm
Everybody in Japan likes it, Magazines tested it too.
It's 2880x1440
7 color w/ new dark yellow ink
Very fast print too.
BUt.... They haven't come to the US market yet. I don't know when EPSON USA will start selling 950C. but I'd love to get it.
it's about $500usd over there in Japan.
Yuji http://www.csulb.edu/~otsuki/
The best Inkjet printer I know of is EPSON 950C.
http://www.i-love-epson.co.jp/products/printer/inkjet/pm950c/pm950c1.htm
Everybody in Japan likes it, Magazines tested it too.
It's 2880x1440
7 color w/ new dark yellow ink
Very fast print too.
BUt.... They haven't come to the US market yet. I don't know when EPSON USA will start selling 950C. but I'd love to get it.
it's about $500usd over there in Japan.
Yuji http://www.csulb.edu/~otsuki/
foobarious
Member
I used to use an Epson Photo 750, but a plastic part that held the belt in place snapped and i could not repair it. And of course, it had to happen shortly after the warranty expired... I replaced it with an Epson Photo 1270 which I have been very happy with. So far I've stuck with Epson Photo Paper (letter size), Epson Heavyweight Matte Paper (letter size), and Epson SuperB Matte. The output is wonderful. Don't penny pinch with the 4-color "Epson Color" models because output from the 6-color "Epson Photo" models is a gazillion times better.
Brian R51858
Active member
I use the Epson 1280 for prints up to 13x19. It has great color and sharpness. You can print at this size at a quality that is easily suitable for framing and hanging on the wall.
In my opinion, the best paper by far is the Premium Luster paper from Epson. It is available in many sizes and feels exactly like high quality photographic paper. I have not found anything else that I like as much for color images.
Kodak Ultimate Satin paper for Black & White works out very well.
Brian
In my opinion, the best paper by far is the Premium Luster paper from Epson. It is available in many sizes and feels exactly like high quality photographic paper. I have not found anything else that I like as much for color images.
Kodak Ultimate Satin paper for Black & White works out very well.
Brian
Doc45684
Forum Enthusiast
I use the Epson 1280. I'm not sure it is the best but it does so well I haven't had need to change. There are UV sprays available to help control fading if that is a concern. The Epson paper, particularly in weights 52lb and up, is excellent.
If you mix in the E-10, Photoshop (6 preferably), Genuine Fractals 2.0, and the Epson 1280, you will not be disappointed.
doc
If you mix in the E-10, Photoshop (6 preferably), Genuine Fractals 2.0, and the Epson 1280, you will not be disappointed.
doc
J
John Swenson
Guest
I just read about the new 950C printer on the Epson Japan Web site. It does look like an excellent printer.
I would assume that Epson will at least bring the new features in the 950C to its U.S printers, even if it does not bring this exact model to the U.S.
Why would a company like Epson not release a great new printer like this in the U.S.? Does anyone have an idea why this sometimes occurs?
John Swenson
I would assume that Epson will at least bring the new features in the 950C to its U.S printers, even if it does not bring this exact model to the U.S.
Why would a company like Epson not release a great new printer like this in the U.S.? Does anyone have an idea why this sometimes occurs?
John Swenson
Michael F.
Leading Member
Ferenc
Veteran Member
If you are planning to have long-lasting, heart-pumping quality at your home and/or make money out of your prints, then make no mistake... The P400 is the way to go (watch for prints larger than 8x10, because that will be your "ceiling"). You will wonder how we got away without it for so long...
If that is not your case, then you do have very nice options in the market, being Epson and Canon a good starting point.
Visit http://www.imaging-resource.com , and check all printers review by yourself.
Good luck with your choice!
P.S.: I was exactly in your situation, and my wife was going crazy by wanting to print stuff for our baby's album and send some to our relatives, overseas. I later discovered (right on time) a very nice $500 rebate from my Olympus, and... guess what our choice was...
If that is not your case, then you do have very nice options in the market, being Epson and Canon a good starting point.
Visit http://www.imaging-resource.com , and check all printers review by yourself.
Good luck with your choice!
P.S.: I was exactly in your situation, and my wife was going crazy by wanting to print stuff for our baby's album and send some to our relatives, overseas. I later discovered (right on time) a very nice $500 rebate from my Olympus, and... guess what our choice was...
LesDMess
Veteran Member
Doc45684
Forum Enthusiast
Les, It was depressing enough seeing you surrounded by babes in painted on skin. Now I suppose this is the rig you drive them around Vegas in! Yea, I hear you quite clearly. 'Eat your heart out doc!' I am.
doc
doc
and put on my
dashboard hear in Las Vegas, sprayed half with the UV and the whole
print is still original looking!
LesDMess
LesDMess
Veteran Member
Doc,
LOL . . . you're killing me!
LesDMess
LOL . . . you're killing me!
LesDMess
doc
and put on my
dashboard hear in Las Vegas, sprayed half with the UV and the whole
print is still original looking!
LesDMess
adwiser
Forum Enthusiast
Lol, Less!
Do share those babes shots ;-)
I have a big heart to eat out too
best regards,
AdWiser
Do share those babes shots ;-)
I have a big heart to eat out too
best regards,
AdWiser
doc
and put on my
dashboard hear in Las Vegas, sprayed half with the UV and the whole
print is still original looking!
LesDMess
adwiser
Forum Enthusiast
Damn' I'm sleepy
I saw those shots in the party pics competition...
bye,
AdW
I saw those shots in the party pics competition...
bye,
AdW
Do share those babes shots ;-)
I have a big heart to eat out too
best regards,
AdWiser
doc
and put on my
dashboard hear in Las Vegas, sprayed half with the UV and the whole
print is still original looking!
LesDMess
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