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Any Recommendations For Photo Printers?

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rrqst

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Does anyone have any thoughts on the pro's and cons of various types/formats of digital photo printers.

I switching over to digital and I mostly do wedding photography and I'm looking to get my own printer for printing my work.

I've used numerous inkjet printers in the past but I'm not happy with there quality. I'm looking for a more "professional," more stable format.

My primary criteria for a photo printer are: 1) The look and feel of a "photo lab" print with good/excellent image quality; 2) Water resistant (I realize that any photo can be damaged by water/liquid but inkjet photos are just too susceptible for my comfort level; 3) Archival...must last 25 years at high quality; 4) Glossy and Matte paper availability; and finally 5) Cost per print

I know that there are dozens if not hundreds of "photo" printers out there. My biggest problem is figuring out which format will work best for my needs. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

--Robert
 
Hi Robert,

I have the following printers that I use for events, weddings and portraiture.

2 Olympus P400s for knocking out almost 10x8s on the spot. I say almost 10x8s as the P400s image is 10.2 x 7.65 but they still fit into 10x8 folders and frames. Very quick too. About 2 minutes per print.

An Epson Stylus 7500. It is a 24" roll printer that produces beautiful results that are water resistant. Using the archical dye inks Epson guarantee 200 years print life under glass and they do a whole range of papers from art paper to double weight glossy which has a very similar weight to conventional prints. Even at 720 dpi the quality is stunning. They even sell a synthetic paper that will produce signage that is useable outside.

I routinely send a whole bunch of jobs to it and go out.

One other thought. I have just set up a Canon S800 for a pal of mine and the quality is very close to the quality of the P400. Very quick too.

I hope this helps,

Regards,

Richard
rrqst said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on the pro's and cons of various
types/formats of digital photo printers.

I switching over to digital and I mostly do wedding photography and
I'm looking to get my own printer for printing my work.

I've used numerous inkjet printers in the past but I'm not happy
with there quality. I'm looking for a more "professional," more
stable format.

My primary criteria for a photo printer are: 1) The look and feel
of a "photo lab" print with good/excellent image quality; 2) Water
resistant (I realize that any photo can be damaged by water/liquid
but inkjet photos are just too susceptible for my comfort level; 3)
Archival...must last 25 years at high quality; 4) Glossy and Matte
paper availability; and finally 5) Cost per print

I know that there are dozens if not hundreds of "photo" printers
out there. My biggest problem is figuring out which format will
work best for my needs. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Robert
Click to expand...
 
Tomorrow I am taking delivery of a Fuji Pictrography 3500.

It's a silver halide process that should last for at least 25 years (that's what I've read).

I had the same concerns as you regarding inkjet. I personally, after going through numerous pigment inksets, got so disgusted with the inkjet product that I gave up on it. It's not all there if you ask me.

The 3500 goes up to 8x10, there is also the 4000 II which will go up to 12x18. If I had the money, I would have purchased the 4000II, but since 90% of what I print for clients is 8x10 or below, the cost justification just wasn't there for me.

As for print costs, I think I figured it would be about $3 per 8x10. That was comparable to my inkjet prints using expensive pigment inks and good Hannemuelle (sp?) papers.

Also with the Pictrography printers, you don't have to reprofile everytime an ink's formula has changed, or you switch paper, etc. The machine has a calibrator built-in, plus it's canned profiles for the media. It's been recommended that you should produce your own profiles for your specific printer, but once you do that, it's pretty much maintenance free.

The paper is really nice, feels like a traditional photograph. The gloss is glossy and the matte is more of a semi gloss, but I think it's "matte" enough for me.

Fuji has a 0% financing deal if you are inclined to go that route. Very good deal. The 4000II is $9000-$10000, and the 3500 is $3700-$4000 depending where you go. They are not cheap, but I believe well worth it.

Do yourself a favor and go to a dealer in your area and demo a unit. Bring some of your files and print out a few samples. If you do that, you will be sold, as I was.

Here's a link to the fuji usa site for the 3000 (I don't believe they've updated there site in a long time). It was the model before the 3500.

http://www.fujifilm.com/tcm.html?x-tempest-op=generic&ContentId=1075&UserTypeId=4&CurrentTopCategory=10260&pagetype=ContentItemLeaf

Hope this helps. I can't wait for tomorrow.

-Brian
 
rrqst said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on the pro's and cons of various
types/formats of digital photo printers.

I switching over to digital and I mostly do wedding photography and
I'm looking to get my own printer for printing my work.

I've used numerous inkjet printers in the past but I'm not happy
with there quality. I'm looking for a more "professional," more
stable format.

My primary criteria for a photo printer are: 1) The look and feel
of a "photo lab" print with good/excellent image quality; 2) Water
resistant (I realize that any photo can be damaged by water/liquid
but inkjet photos are just too susceptible for my comfort level; 3)
Archival...must last 25 years at high quality; 4) Glossy and Matte
paper availability; and finally 5) Cost per print

I know that there are dozens if not hundreds of "photo" printers
out there. My biggest problem is figuring out which format will
work best for my needs. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Robert
Click to expand...
 
I am very interested in the Pictrography. I am a child photographer and most of my reprint orders consists of 8 x 10's and smaller. Would you recommend this printer for my line of work? I worked in a photo lab of 9 years and recently opened my own studio and miss the control of printing my own work. but yet sceptical about digiital printing. Would apprecicate your thoughts for me. I also own the Adobe photo workshop 6.0 and am very anxious to see some high quality prints come out. Also am looking for a digital camera to work in comparison with my Nikon n90 with my studio lights. Need to be able to control shutter and aperture settings. Thanks for any info.
Brian Trimm said:
Tomorrow I am taking delivery of a Fuji Pictrography 3500.

It's a silver halide process that should last for at least 25 years
(that's what I've read).

I had the same concerns as you regarding inkjet. I personally,
after going through numerous pigment inksets, got so disgusted with
the inkjet product that I gave up on it. It's not all there if you
ask me.

The 3500 goes up to 8x10, there is also the 4000 II which will go
up to 12x18. If I had the money, I would have purchased the
4000II, but since 90% of what I print for clients is 8x10 or below,
the cost justification just wasn't there for me.

As for print costs, I think I figured it would be about $3 per
8x10. That was comparable to my inkjet prints using expensive
pigment inks and good Hannemuelle (sp?) papers.

Also with the Pictrography printers, you don't have to reprofile
everytime an ink's formula has changed, or you switch paper, etc.
The machine has a calibrator built-in, plus it's canned profiles
for the media. It's been recommended that you should produce your
own profiles for your specific printer, but once you do that, it's
pretty much maintenance free.

The paper is really nice, feels like a traditional photograph. The
gloss is glossy and the matte is more of a semi gloss, but I think
it's "matte" enough for me.

Fuji has a 0% financing deal if you are inclined to go that route.
Very good deal. The 4000II is $9000-$10000, and the 3500 is
$3700-$4000 depending where you go. They are not cheap, but I
believe well worth it.

Do yourself a favor and go to a dealer in your area and demo a
unit. Bring some of your files and print out a few samples. If
you do that, you will be sold, as I was.

Here's a link to the fuji usa site for the 3000 (I don't believe
they've updated there site in a long time). It was the model
before the 3500.

http://www.fujifilm.com/tcm.html?x-tempest-op=generic&ContentId=1075&UserTypeId=4&CurrentTopCategory=10260&pagetype=ContentItemLeaf

Hope this helps. I can't wait for tomorrow.

-Brian
Click to expand...
 
David B. Miller, Pharm. D. wrote:

I have had the PG4000 for over two years and agree the images are great. I use the PG4000 in a full service custom lab environment, and other than the occasional donor/receiver jams and the cost of the donor and paper, I really like the machine. When I first bought the machine I was told the images had a life of about 29 years. I do not know where Fuji gets this information. Now, the product comes labeled with the designation "ER", and I think Fuji claims this new and improved paper has a life of about 10 years. If I am wrong about this I appologize, and stand corrected. The price has dropped dramatically for PG4000 II. $10,000. You will be limited to 12"x18". But you can outlab larger images.
 
Hello everyone,

Depending upon what size output is truly needed, I would also suggest taking a look at the Epson 5500. The printer uses pigment based ink, 2880 Dpi, archival stability is rated to be 200 years, and the printer is a real workhorse.
sincerely,
Greg Governale
Richard Goulden said:
I have the following printers that I use for events, weddings and
portraiture.

2 Olympus P400s for knocking out almost 10x8s on the spot. I say
almost 10x8s as the P400s image is 10.2 x 7.65 but they still fit
into 10x8 folders and frames. Very quick too. About 2 minutes per
print.

An Epson Stylus 7500. It is a 24" roll printer that produces
beautiful results that are water resistant. Using the archical dye
inks Epson guarantee 200 years print life under glass and they do a
whole range of papers from art paper to double weight glossy which
has a very similar weight to conventional prints. Even at 720 dpi
the quality is stunning. They even sell a synthetic paper that will
produce signage that is useable outside.

I routinely send a whole bunch of jobs to it and go out.

One other thought. I have just set up a Canon S800 for a pal of
mine and the quality is very close to the quality of the P400. Very
quick too.

I hope this helps,

Regards,

Richard
rrqst said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on the pro's and cons of various
types/formats of digital photo printers.

I switching over to digital and I mostly do wedding photography and
I'm looking to get my own printer for printing my work.

I've used numerous inkjet printers in the past but I'm not happy
with there quality. I'm looking for a more "professional," more
stable format.

My primary criteria for a photo printer are: 1) The look and feel
of a "photo lab" print with good/excellent image quality; 2) Water
resistant (I realize that any photo can be damaged by water/liquid
but inkjet photos are just too susceptible for my comfort level; 3)
Archival...must last 25 years at high quality; 4) Glossy and Matte
paper availability; and finally 5) Cost per print

I know that there are dozens if not hundreds of "photo" printers
out there. My biggest problem is figuring out which format will
work best for my needs. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Robert
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Thanks alot! You've all been a big help. I posted this question in a couple of forum but had no response. Glad to finally see that I'm not alone in wondering about printers. Thanks again!
 
Robert,

Re printers, I am still in the small league, with an Epson 1280 inkjet but
it has never given any problems. The images are stunning, especially on
Epson's various papers ... It will print up to 13 x 19 inch prints but is
just as happy with the more standard wedding sizes of 5 x 7 and 8 x 10.

Epson says that one can expect 25 year lasting quality.

a 13 x 19 costs just under $5.00 on the best paper/highest ink setting
and an 8 x 10 is just under $2.00 ...

For $500, the 1280 was one of my best purchases ...

Good Luck,
Keith
 
Hello Greg,
Sounds like your pretty familiar with printing.

I do studio work, but am new to digital. I have read that the Epson1290 with the right paper combination has a 27 year life. Is this comparable to a traditional color image? In your experience, do prints from inkjets have the same appeal to client as traditional?

Thanks, Adam
Greg Governale said:
Richard Goulden said:
I have the following printers that I use for events, weddings and
portraiture.

2 Olympus P400s for knocking out almost 10x8s on the spot. I say
almost 10x8s as the P400s image is 10.2 x 7.65 but they still fit
into 10x8 folders and frames. Very quick too. About 2 minutes per
print.

An Epson Stylus 7500. It is a 24" roll printer that produces
beautiful results that are water resistant. Using the archical dye
inks Epson guarantee 200 years print life under glass and they do a
whole range of papers from art paper to double weight glossy which
has a very similar weight to conventional prints. Even at 720 dpi
the quality is stunning. They even sell a synthetic paper that will
produce signage that is useable outside.

I routinely send a whole bunch of jobs to it and go out.

One other thought. I have just set up a Canon S800 for a pal of
mine and the quality is very close to the quality of the P400. Very
quick too.

I hope this helps,

Regards,

Richard
rrqst said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on the pro's and cons of various
types/formats of digital photo printers.

I switching over to digital and I mostly do wedding photography and
I'm looking to get my own printer for printing my work.

I've used numerous inkjet printers in the past but I'm not happy
with there quality. I'm looking for a more "professional," more
stable format.

My primary criteria for a photo printer are: 1) The look and feel
of a "photo lab" print with good/excellent image quality; 2) Water
resistant (I realize that any photo can be damaged by water/liquid
but inkjet photos are just too susceptible for my comfort level; 3)
Archival...must last 25 years at high quality; 4) Glossy and Matte
paper availability; and finally 5) Cost per print

I know that there are dozens if not hundreds of "photo" printers
out there. My biggest problem is figuring out which format will
work best for my needs. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Robert
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Personally I would probablly buy an hp wide format for my next printe. I had an Epson that did a fine job, but had head problems after only a year. Now I have a Lexmark Z52. It to does a pretty good job although if you look real close it does not finish the last few lines an the paper. But you replace the heads with each cartridge. I refil the cartridges 3 - 4 times and then replace the whole cartridge. I would like to get an hp (they are pretty wel the onley ones that have a wide format printer with photo quality). They run around $800.00 hear in Canada
rrqst said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on the pro's and cons of various
types/formats of digital photo printers.

I switching over to digital and I mostly do wedding photography and
I'm looking to get my own printer for printing my work.

I've used numerous inkjet printers in the past but I'm not happy
with there quality. I'm looking for a more "professional," more
stable format.

My primary criteria for a photo printer are: 1) The look and feel
of a "photo lab" print with good/excellent image quality; 2) Water
resistant (I realize that any photo can be damaged by water/liquid
but inkjet photos are just too susceptible for my comfort level; 3)
Archival...must last 25 years at high quality; 4) Glossy and Matte
paper availability; and finally 5) Cost per print

I know that there are dozens if not hundreds of "photo" printers
out there. My biggest problem is figuring out which format will
work best for my needs. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Robert
Click to expand...
--Richard
 
We use the 1200 (4 of them) for printing proofs on roll paper.

The printer of choice for us is the 7500 - Luster and Canvas. Just love it. It just grinds away and works - works - works.

For the 7500, just use Epson products and you can not go wrong.

Jon ...
 
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