Own printer or use online printing service

Hi,

I just brought the Canon Pro9000 with a Canon 40D for the rebates. I'm debating on whether or not to keep the printer. I think I can sell the printer for $300 easily. I currently have an Epson 785EPX, which is old, but does okay with 4x6 prints. I would like to do some larger sized prints like 13x19, but wonder if it's better using an online printer service. I could save some upfront money (printer cost) and the quality may be better (professional prints). I'd like to here your thoughts on your experiences and the pros and cons of both.

Thanks,
Charley

--For me its ALL about printing...............more than taking the pictures. But thats me.
Trying printing some large prints yourself, it could answer your question.

Terry

Evolt 500 2 lens kit Epsons R800 & 925, R1800 IMac 20' with Aperture (new to Mac)

Ahh, I would very much appreciate any more input out there as I was about to post this same exact question in the beginners forum (I am very much a beginner) but the search function brought up this thread.

The Canon pro9000 seems competitively priced at around 314 now (after rebate).

For quickie 4x6's we still anticipate using an online source, but I was thinking about using the pro9000 for 8x10 up to 13 x 19. I am comparing this to an online source such as shutterfly which has the following pricing plan for larger prints:

8x10 $3.99
11x14 $7.99
16x20 $17.99
20x30 $22.99

(I use shutterfly as an example here, not because of any loyalty or experience, but their pricing plans are relatively accessible without signing up etc).

1) When you add in ink, paper, test flubs, etc. how do printing costs of the canon pro9000 compare to an online site like this (I guess what I am asking is how many prints/ink cartridges do you get)

2) How would you expect the print quality to compare between the two (keeping in mind that I am a complete beginner looking at the XSI - yes, I know that I should probably wait and play with the camera bit, but I was thinking about getting both the printer and camera at the same place to combine shipping, and the rebate is time sensitive)

3) I was curious to read about how printing was one of your favorite parts of the process. What to you enjoy about it? Just how difficult to you think this would be for the beginner. I'm not sure if this matters, but I was thing about using PS elements. I wasn't sure if I would find the whole process laborious vs. the "instant gratification" having your own printer.

4) What is really scaring me away from getting my own printer is my graveyard of dead printers sitting in my office closet - talking about mainly lexmark cheapies that came with the computer, but scary nonetheless! What would be a reasonable life expectancy of the pro9000?

5) Any more pros and cons to think of?

Sorry for the long winded question but answers to any of the above are appreciated.

I recently bought an Epson R1800 which will print 13" width, up to 44" length (using roll papers). I vacillated a lot, as well, but in the end, for me it is all about completing the creative process. Spending time taking photos, trying to get the right shot, the right exposure, the right composition, then taking it through the digital darkroom is a lot of work-- but fun work-- for me... work I enjoy. To then have to wait and break up that flow in the process just messed it all up for me. Made me feel like I was back in the film days. There is just such a disconnect. Now if you get a bigger thrill out of your photos arriving in the mail, maybe that is the way you should go. For me, there is nothing like seeing my image coming out of the printer... when it looks good, of course. But even if bad, I'm challenged to complete the process and get a good print.

Now, mind you, this is more of that "work" I was talking about. And you will have to learn about color profiles and color management. But for me, photography, printing, matting and framing... and ultimately hanging a BIG photo on the wall brings me tremendous satisfaction. And, as much as anything, I love the learning process, be it learning about color management, exposure settings or RAW processing in Capture NX. It's all good and the printer of today is a fantastic tool, and makes prints that are just amazing.

My $.02

--Doug

Ditto Doug's response --- I like the entire process. There is nothing like tweaking the processing and printing the size and paper of choice for the final product. Agree 4x6 are just too small. I do some 5x7 for give away pics.

I just produced for the first time, a quality 5x7 birthday carrd on excellent paper (Crane & Co. Museo Artist Card) and my cost is the same or lower than buying cards at the store. The person is going to love it.

But, like anything, you have to like it.

--
Just an amateur
http://www.moosehead.smugmug.com

I have the Canon Pro 9000 and am moving to Kyson CIS to reduce cost of ink. I agree with all the others - it is a joy to complete the cycle and produce print in your own home. Many more prints are produced because of the reduced cost. I produce canvas prints and streatch them myself. I just love to see the larger sizes. My standard size is 8.5x11 and I do lots of 13x19.

Joy
--

RonWhitaker.ca

Print your own for

• instant gratification
• optimizing through iterations
• maximum control of the final image
• best quality control
• fun

Send out for

• lowest cost

The above is generally the case. But, you won't get lowest cost if you send out to a fine art printer (eg nash Editions). I've never tried that type of outfit, so can't speak about the quality issues.

--
JerryG

See my galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com/jerryg1

--Have to agree with those who love to complete the creative process by printing and framing their own prints, I certainly get a great buzz when it works out to my satisfaction and even when it doesn't I enjoy the whole learning process, the enjoyment outweighs the cost to my mind.
seany