Dye-Sub versus Ink-Jet

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type. And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77, or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

Click to expand...

The HiTi blows every thing else away quality-wise and price-wise.

I have the HiTi 630PL and an Epson C-80 ink jet. I really am impressed with the HiTi for the 4x6's. Let's face it, a lot of times 4x6's are for handing around for people to see and consequently get a lot of abuse. The HiTi will now be my primary printer for the "snapshot" size 4x6's and the Epson will be for my framed larger prints and general office printing. I love both machines. The HiTi will give you spectacular prints that are color perfect, sharp and free of surface defects, and very durable with the final overlay coating to make them protected from UV and water. Thumbs up for this machine with it's no hassle 40 cent ptints. I have only had the HiTi for two weeks and do not know it's long term build quality but it seems very well built and sturdy. These machines need accurate well built motors to make sure the critical registration process of 4 passes per print stays intact.
John

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

--
JWP

I have the epson 700 and 1200. They printed okay when they worked, a lot of throw away prints due to the inherent problems with wet inks.

But I have since bought a P-400 and a HiTi 630PS. The color accuracy right out of the box seems to favor the HiTi, but when tweeked, the P-400 is a little sharper, in my opinion. Maybe due to its 314 dpi vs. 300dpi on the HiTi. I printed 40 pictures yesterday with the HiTi and I was very impressed with quality an speed. I am also very impressed with the P-400 and will use it for 5x7's, and near 8x10's. I can't see myself ever buying another inkjet.

Scott

Member said:

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

--
JWP

Click to expand...

I have had HITI printer and Sony UP-DC10 4x6 dye-syb only.This two have the same quality.Pictures feel and look like reel labphotos.Second I have p-400 dye-sub for A4 print out.Marveles this to.Have retired my s900 and 1290 epson and HP1115 photosmart for photowork.Many,many threeds talking about right color,remember it is YOU and the settings ruls the color.

All of my printers giving vivid and strong or light color as I wish they to do that.(profile) Here we talk about the quality and the loseles of grain in the pictures and 16.7millons colors. No clogging and banding etc whiles the printer is off for a longer time.Lesser color fading,if any??This photos do you sell to a customer with a smile (he smile back to,I hope he do it 30 years in the futures. HI,HI

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

--
per

If you just want photo's to throw around why do you not go to Walmart that will print them on better paper with a better print with better longtivity for almost half the price that it costs to use the Hi-Ti?

I read that it was only 26 cents a print compared to 40 cents of the Hi-Ti and you have no initial cost either. Yes I know people like to have their own digital lab so they can experiment, but you can experiment at walmart, and it is cheaper to do so, unless you are going to be printing extreme personal photography of the nature you want nobody to see. Or do people not like the idea that a college student is going to put the disk into the computer and click the print button?

JWP said:

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

--
JWP

Click to expand...

I think you guys drink too much of that warm beer over there. My photo's were never meant to "throw around." HiTi prints the way I want the photo's to print. I have control over them. When I go to a photofinisher I just don't get the quality. Peace to you.

eliwide said:

I read that it was only 26 cents a print compared to 40 cents of
the Hi-Ti and you have no initial cost either. Yes I know people
like to have their own digital lab so they can experiment, but you
can experiment at walmart, and it is cheaper to do so, unless you
are going to be printing extreme personal photography of the nature
you want nobody to see. Or do people not like the idea that a
college student is going to put the disk into the computer and
click the print button?

JWP said:

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

--
JWP

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
JWP

You can not compare a ink jet and a due sub printer and more than you can say which is better the photo in National Geographic or in my daily newspaper.

They are two diferent types of printers. Dye dub printers are continous tone and can not be compared to ink jet.
--
A.Small

eliwide said:

If you just want photo's to throw around why do you not go to
Walmart that will print them on better paper with a better print
with better longtivity for almost half the price that it costs to
use the Hi-Ti?

I read that it was only 26 cents a print compared to 40 cents of
the Hi-Ti and you have no initial cost either. Yes I know people
like to have their own digital lab so they can experiment, but you
can experiment at walmart, and it is cheaper to do so, unless you
are going to be printing extreme personal photography of the nature
you want nobody to see. Or do people not like the idea that a
college student is going to put the disk into the computer and
click the print button?

Click to expand...

Who steps foot inside of a Walmart?? HiTi is a class printer that produces excellent quality pics for a reasonable price. People get what they pay for. And no one can convince me that Wal-mart consumables are good quality.

Member said:

JWP said:

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

--
JWP

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

So based on all the post here (so far), dye-sub's definetly have a place in the home arena. And Wal-Mart is to be avoided or not, depending on your "inner feelings". I'm not a Wal-Marter, but it is the closest photo printer (loose term) around here.

Only 2 problems I see with the dye-sub's. The "entry models only do 4x6, which is good IF you have another printer to make larger prints, and the Paper/Ink. Where do (can) you get the paper/ink for, say, the HiTi? Is any of the dye-subs going to have the paper/ink still available a year from now? I mean, if they change their design, are we S.O.L. on consumables?

--
Mr. Pickles

Maybe I should NOT have used Walmart as an example.. I was trying to generalise the fact that it is now cheaper to print at a photo lab than at home and if you want them for just sharing with your friends and family why pay more when they are not going to care about the quality, they just want to see the picture and experience what is in the photograph. Or if you want to be egotistic about it all go buy a printer that costs a lot more just so you can share the photographs with your friends.

I am sorry but Walmart was the only place I know in America where they print using the Fuji Frontier cheaply... If you do not like Walmart go to any other place that does them cheap I am sure you will find somewhere, here in the UK a national photography shop does them cheaper than Walmart and a 6x8 will only cost 25 pence which I believe is around 35 cents which is cheaper than the Hi-Ti which does 4x6. And may I just comment the per print cost of the Hi-Ti in England is 40 pence, which comes to 56 cents.

I accept if you personally like what the Hi-Ti does, or any other printer does for that matter, then go for it and use it but if the photographs are just for passing around, shouldn't you just use the cheapest option? I am personally printing, my girlfriends graduation, my 21st birthday and a lot of other special occassion photographs off at my local photolab because it is quicker, easier, cheaper and better quality.

By the way I do not drink beer and the temperature is cold enough that I can leave a drink outside and it will be cold. But thank you for the concern.

I was refering to the comment that read "Let's face it, a lot of times 4x6's are for handing around for people to see and consequently get a lot of abuse." I am sorry if you Americans did not understand the my english language... throwing the photo's around was meant in a locally dialetical way so let me just rephrase it for you... Based on economic grounds it would make more sense if you where just going to give the photo's to your friends and family which could cause damage due to a lot of abuse and hence you might have to reprint them if you want personal copies. So it would make more economic sense if you take the photo's for your friend's to the local photo lab where they can print them for half the price that the Hi-Ti can do. And if you want to be that picky about the quality then get a Hi-Ti printer and use that for personal copies. I have no experience of the Hi-Ti or you local lab, so I suggest you go test yourself as you might find varying results.

Andy

P.S. Just a question, are you sure Walmart are using Walmart consumables with the Fuji Frontier? Or are you just saying anything to do with Walmart is junk? Well if they are anything like we have here I cannot agree more, but the photolab that does them cheap here, isn't a store like Walmart.

cadmandew said:

eliwide said:

If you just want photo's to throw around why do you not go to
Walmart that will print them on better paper with a better print
with better longtivity for almost half the price that it costs to
use the Hi-Ti?

I read that it was only 26 cents a print compared to 40 cents of
the Hi-Ti and you have no initial cost either. Yes I know people
like to have their own digital lab so they can experiment, but you
can experiment at walmart, and it is cheaper to do so, unless you
are going to be printing extreme personal photography of the nature
you want nobody to see. Or do people not like the idea that a
college student is going to put the disk into the computer and
click the print button?

Click to expand...

Who steps foot inside of a Walmart?? HiTi is a class printer that
produces excellent quality pics for a reasonable price. People get
what they pay for. And no one can convince me that Wal-mart
consumables are good quality.

cadmandew said:

JWP said:

Mr. Pickles said:

Anybody out there got both, or played with both that can say how
much better one is over the other?

Granted, we should be comparing say 4" x 6" prints from each type.
And consumer/prosumer types against each other, like a 4x6 from a
HP7350ish, Canon 900ish, or Epson 1280ish versus a P400, Sony 77,
or even Hiti 635.

Just wondered if for JUST 4x6 printing the dye-sub is "miles" ahead
in quality and print cost, ease, etc.

--

Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

--
JWP

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Always a posibility of being left with a printer and no support. I am still using an ALPS 1300 dye sub printer and even thought they do not sell these in the US there are many places to obtain ribbons and paper.
--
A.Small

As far as getting the paper/ink for the HITI, you can go to http://www.hi-ti.com and check in the "where to buy" section. Hi-touch is an up and coming company and so far, it seems the majority of it's customers are quite satisfied. This printer hits the largest portion of consumers (i'm assuming) who looking for mainly 4x6 prints... the sticker prints are a great novelty as well.

Any changes in the design of future printers shouldn't really affect the type of consumables used for the same output. so the same 4x6 sheets will be used if you want 4x6 prints.

I'm sure as the the company grows, so will the product line, accomodating all sorts of options.

It's always best to start out small and simple... once you can get that done better than everyone else, you can then worry about expanding.

Mr. Pickles said:

So based on all the post here (so far), dye-sub's definetly have a
place in the home arena. And Wal-Mart is to be avoided or not,
depending on your "inner feelings". I'm not a Wal-Marter, but it is
the closest photo printer (loose term) around here.

Only 2 problems I see with the dye-sub's. The "entry models only do
4x6, which is good IF you have another printer to make larger
prints, and the Paper/Ink. Where do (can) you get the paper/ink
for, say, the HiTi? Is any of the dye-subs going to have the
paper/ink still available a year from now? I mean, if they change
their design, are we S.O.L. on consumables?

--
Mr. Pickles

Click to expand...

You"re 100% correct. Many stores now offer those machines that allow you to crop and print your own. The quality of a Fuji print is 2nd to none and cheaper. Not including electrical cost, wear a tear, etc etc.

Ricky

Ricky said:

You"re 100% correct. Many stores now offer those machines that
allow you to crop and print your own. The quality of a Fuji print
is 2nd to none and cheaper. Not including electrical cost, wear a
tear, etc etc.

Ricky

Click to expand...

Doesnt one have to drive (if they own a car), or take a taxi to one of those photomats????? Plus what is ones time worth.. to finally view the final product. A well known local Camera shop will print your 4x6's in a hr for $.50 ..Plus drive time there and back. Ill print mine at home for .40 and have a beer while doing it. No fuss no muss.

Dear cadmandew,

I agree with you 100%. With the HiTi I can que up 10 or more prints and go do something else and come back and all my prints are done. And the photos' mean just a little bit more because you did them.

cadmandew said:

Ricky said:

You"re 100% correct. Many stores now offer those machines that
allow you to crop and print your own. The quality of a Fuji print
is 2nd to none and cheaper. Not including electrical cost, wear a
tear, etc etc.

Ricky

Click to expand...

Doesnt one have to drive (if they own a car), or take a taxi to one
of those photomats????? Plus what is ones time worth.. to finally
view the final product. A well known local Camera shop will print
your 4x6's in a hr for $.50 ..Plus drive time there and back. Ill
print mine at home for .40 and have a beer while doing it. No fuss
no muss.

Click to expand...

--
JWP

JWP said:

cadmandew said:

Ricky said:

You"re 100% correct. Many stores now offer those machines that
allow you to crop and print your own. The quality of a Fuji print
is 2nd to none and cheaper. Not including electrical cost, wear a
tear, etc etc.

Ricky

Click to expand...

Doesnt one have to drive (if they own a car), or take a taxi to one
of those photomats????? Plus what is ones time worth.. to finally
view the final product. A well known local Camera shop will print
your 4x6's in a hr for $.50 ..Plus drive time there and back. Ill
print mine at home for .40 and have a beer while doing it. No fuss
no muss.

Click to expand...

--
JWP

Click to expand...

Yep your right JWP. To me taking photos has become a fun hobby. I enjoy taking the pics and also printing them out. When i'm on the golf course i dont just pay for a cart and let someone hit the ball for me. I think most inkjetter feel the same way...we want to enjoy the moment.

cadmandew said:

Doesnt one have to drive (if they own a car), or take a taxi to one
of those photomats????? Plus what is ones time worth.. to finally
view the final product. A well known local Camera shop will print
your 4x6's in a hr for $.50 ..Plus drive time there and back. Ill
print mine at home for .40 and have a beer while doing it. No fuss
no muss.

Click to expand...

Try printing, like 200 4 x 6 with your HiTi to give your friends, my dear. I can drive to Wal Mart and get some coffee, read the newspaper and get back without having to fiddle with any 'machinery'.

Don't be too narrow minded. Walmart may sound cheap before, but I have read s thread comparing the good quality Ofoto with Walmart prints, and the reviewer (doing blind test with his wife) got 100% WalMart preference (without her knowing, of course).

Perhaps you don't share photos with friends. Or only give away like one or two at a time. In that case, HiTi will definitely give you the kick for 'instant' gratification.

--
Fotografer

fotografer said:

cadmandew said:

Doesnt one have to drive (if they own a car), or take a taxi to one
of those photomats????? Plus what is ones time worth.. to finally
view the final product. A well known local Camera shop will print
your 4x6's in a hr for $.50 ..Plus drive time there and back. Ill
print mine at home for .40 and have a beer while doing it. No fuss
no muss.

Click to expand...

Try printing, like 200 4 x 6 with your HiTi to give your friends,
my dear. I can drive to Wal Mart and get some coffee, read the
newspaper and get back without having to fiddle with any
'machinery'.

Don't be too narrow minded. Walmart may sound cheap before, but I
have read s thread comparing the good quality Ofoto with Walmart
prints, and the reviewer (doing blind test with his wife) got 100%
WalMart preference (without her knowing, of course).

Perhaps you don't share photos with friends. Or only give away like
one or two at a time. In that case, HiTi will definitely give you
the kick for 'instant' gratification.

--
Fotografer

Click to expand...

LOL Fotografer youll need to bring with you ten pots of coffee and a few newspapers if you attempt to drive in Atlanta's traffic just to print a few pics.

cadmandew,

Actually, it will cost me a bomb to get to a Walmart from the UK!

No, my point is that I do a lot of bulk printing for friends and family. Sometimes this comes up to more than 200. Until and unless I won't be able to give my relatives (like they are staying far away, or I don't have their address) on time, I seriously don't see even the reasonably priced HiTi can compared with photo printing services, like Walmart. Since they are now using Fuji Frontier technology (which people reportedly say it's really good) with their crystal archive papers, up to 70 years longevity), I think in terms of bulk printing, I would still not punish my HiTi to do that, even at the expense of slight degradation of quality.

But I agree with you, it's fun to get prints out from the printer, dye-sub or otherwise, and for, like, party prints - it's much better than using a Polariod (do they still exist BTW?).

Anyway, you must enjoy what you choose to work with. Happy printing, whichever way it is!

cadmandew said:

LOL Fotografer youll need to bring with you ten pots of coffee and
a few newspapers if you attempt to drive in Atlanta's traffic just
to print a few pics.

Click to expand...

--
Fotografer