Any experience with the new Canon imagePrograf Pro-2600?

[Lawrence Becker]

It's time to upgrade from my 15yr old Epson 4880 17" printer, and am considering the new Canon Pro-2600 24" printer. The new Epson 5370 is an option, but it likely isn't available in the US until May, 2024 (the only date I'm seeing anywhere), and I like the option of the possibility of bigger prints, better use of paper (for, say, printing 100 5x7s or 50 8x10s - things I sometimes do).

I'm an amateur photographer (Canon R5 currently), pastor of a church and school, and often do large photo print projects for the school and church - so I'm not a pro and don't use it daily for work. I use the ImagePrint RIP for printing AND for driving my Graphtec 7000-60 cutter to cut out photos (what a marvelous thing it is to see in action doing that!).

I believe a photo isn't really finished until it's printed, so over the course of 25 years I've learned a LOT about printing. Hence the long-term usage of ImagePrint's RIP (changed my life as a photographer) and decent printers. Trying to print hundreds of prints on a smaller printer is an incredible waste of time/energy/money - and that drove me to roll paper and the Epson 4880, which has plagued me with insufferable clogs from time to time.

So - anyone have any experience with the Canon Pro-2600? I have corresponded with another forum participant about his video review of the Epson P55300 - Thanks so much, Keith Cooper! - but am moving in the direction of the Canon Pro-2600 because of the Chrome Optimizer layer it puts on glossy prints (my normal medium), its ability to add a 2nd roll feeder, and the wider roll size to make better use of paper and do large jobs more quickly.

Thanks!

 

[AlanG1]

I was also considering a 2600, but opted for the 5370 due to cost, space constraints , and I rarely need to go beyond 17” wide prints. My take is the Pro2600 is basically a 2100 with some modern tweaks and a new ink set. I think you can pretty much assume you will get performance similar to the Pro2100.

FYI, I bought my Epson 5370 from IT Supplies about a month ago. It shipped yesterday, and I’m expecting it Friday. They also have the ink in stock. Great people to deal with, by the way. First rate customer service.

 

[Lawrence Becker]

I was also considering a 2600, but opted for the 5370 due to cost, space constraints , and I rarely need to go beyond 17” wide prints. My take is the Pro2600 is basically a 2100 with some modern tweaks and a new ink set. I think you can pretty much assume you will get performance similar to the Pro2100.

FYI, I bought my Epson 5370 from IT Supplies about a month ago. It shipped yesterday, and I’m expecting it Friday. They also have the ink in stock. Great people to deal with, by the way. First rate customer service.

Thanks, Alan -

I'm in mostly the same mindset. Back and forth between just upgrading my 4880 to the 5370 or moving up to the 2600. My church/school actually has an Epson Pro 9890 for making huge prints and banners, and it does a really nice job (now that I've had it professionally maintained - it was a mess when I came here 5 years ago), so my need to make 24" prints is really minimized I guess. We can easily make banners for large color print needs. It WOULD be nice to have a larger roll of paper to work with for large runs of prints - for the ImagePrint RIP's CutItOut feature to work on the Graphtec cutter, it has to print guides and a bar code on the sides of the rolls so that a 16" roll (what Epson Photo glossy comes in) actually only has a 13 1/2" print area - gets frustrating when printing a run of 5x7 prints for cutting.

ANYWAY, please post impressions of the Epson 5370 when you get it set up, and thanks for pointing me to IT Supplies. I normally go through B&H PhotoVideo or Sammy's Photo (local-ish to me in Los Angeles) for such purchases, but am open to other vendors.

--
Larry Becker

EDIT: IT Supplies says end of April '24 for the Epson 5370

 

[bmw44]

I would like to second you comment about IT Supplies in Illinois. I have been dealing with them for over 20 years. They have always been great to work with, and always answer my questions by phone. The only problem I have had is that they require a minimum of $150 for free shipping, This is an extra expense for small orders. When that happens, I will usually buy from BH.


--bmw

 

[AlanG1]

They originally told me end of April also, they should be delivering today )). I think they are getting them in dribs and drabs. If you want the printer, best to pre order and get on their wait list. If you ask they will tell you how many are in front of you. Also note that they have also discounted the printer by $150.00.

I'll report back when I get it set up.

 

[Lawrence Becker]

So - I took delivery on the Canon imagePrograf Pro-2600 last week, set it up and have been using it this week. I am totally impressed. Got it from B&H, my normal go-to vendor - however, they were out of stock on the RU-23 multifunction roller unit, so I ended up getting that from IT Supplies. They were great as well.

I'm still getting used to the Pro-2600 and how it functions with the roller unit, but this is going to be really nice. Coming from my 15 yr old Epson 4880 17", this is like a whole new world. It is a bit quicker, and the prints are fantastic - though prints from my 4880 hold up well (at least, when it wasn't clogging or dropping debris on it from the foam inside it that deteriorated. Blacks on the Canon seem noticeably deeper/richer.

Printing on rolls of Canon Glossy 240 and Canon Luster 260 in the machine right now, but also am going to try some Hahnemuhle Glossy FineArt Photo Rag Baryta 315 and Photo Rag Metallic 340 as soon as ImagePrint finishes those profiles for me (this week).

I use a Graphtec CE7000-60 cutter, run through ImagePrint, to cut photos and stickers - and that is working perfectly as well.

ImagePrint is just releasing their V13 of the software and included the new Canon pro printers in that release. I've been using IP for almost 20 years and really enjoy knowing that the prints are just correct for the paper I'm using, and match what I see on the screen. It works well for me.

I'm still sorting out the roll unit - it's supposed to be more automatic as far as loading and switching. Just having a 2nd roll on the printer is going to be great.

Happy with the upgrade - though it's a BEAST. It took 3 of us to lift it up on the stand - should have had 4 or more - but that was the only hard part. Everything else went smoothly. The starter ink cartridges that came with the Pro-2600 were 160s - and that's the appropriate size for my usage. They show fairly low ink levels after everything in the printer was filled. I have another full set of 160s and a maintenance cartridge on hand (I normally do that anyway). I'm used to using 220s on my Epson, but only 7 cartridges there (plus the matte black), so more ink of each kind was likely used.

I probably should have just waited for the Epson 5370 and stayed at 17", but 24" is really amazing and opens up bigger print possibilities and also allows for better use of the paper (more 5x7 prints across, for example).

 

[AlanG1]

Congrats on the new printer. Best of luck with it, and have fun. I’m loving the 5370. Having a blast printing with it.

--
Alan
www.Studio1zImaging.com

 

[Lawrence Becker]

Thanks, Alan - same here with the Pro-2600. And thanks for recommending IT Supplies - I got the 2nd roller for the printer plus a "De-Roller" for curled prints from them. That curl issue had been vexing me for years. I tried de-rolling them myself and only succeeded in damaging the prints. It was more necessary with the 24" wide media as the curl on the wider media would cause the Graphtec blade to scrape the prints on its measurement pass - the De-roller pretty well solved that.

 

[Viking 2]

Hi!

I am new to this site, but have followed it for quite a while as I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

 

[Lawrence Becker]

Hi!

I am new to this site, but have followed it for quite a while as I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

Congrats on ordering the Pro-2600 - get a few friends ready to help load it onto the stand!!! It's a 4-person job... Also, the installation instructions caution against trying to move it on a cart after it's unboxed - it can ONLY be supported on the ends where the handholds are. You'll need to assemble the cart, put the Pro-2600 on it, and then move it to where you want it to go. After getting it properly placed on the cart, everything is pretty straightforward. I'd also recommend getting a roll of Canon glossy 240 (my normal photo paper for this now), or some kind of Canon paper that the printer natively knows so it can do test prints and calibration - although the new models supposedly don't need to be calibrated like the old models - still, it's nice to be able to see what the printer can do with media it understands.

Did you get the RU-23 multi-function roller as well? It's almost $1k more, and I think having it for a 2nd type of media is good. I did, and am enjoying it. I'll just leave the glossy in the main roller and rotate in and out various media (I have some Baryta-coated media that I'm dying to play with).

I'm on a Windows platform in my office where the printer is, so I don't know about issues with the Canon software. I honestly haven't installed it - other than the printer driver and the software to update the firmware (1.02 to 1.03). I have used ImagePrint RIP for 2 decades, and while the update to the new software version and going from a 17" printer to a 24" printer version was expensive (over $1,200), I went ahead with it. I find the paper profiles that they make specifically for whichever printer you're using to be great. The interface with Graphtec's cutters is awesome as well.

I also use Photoshop for all my image editing, and have been a Photoshop user literally since the late 80's (yes, I'm old...). I am blown away at what it can do and how it has changed over the years. The RAW images from my Canon R5 - and from my older 5DIII and Panasonic GH6 - are just amazing, and print so well on the Canon Pro-2600.

The version of the ImagePrint RIP that I use is their Black version, which uses custom profiles. Their cheaper RED version uses profiles from paper manufacturers - I think most RIPs do it this way. I have quite a stockpile of Epson papers from my old 4880, and ImagePrint has profiled them for this model of Canon printer - so they're all usable to me now.

Anyway, I prefer a RIP to run the printer, but that's now 2 decades of use talking. Newer software, especially the Canon software for the printer, may negate that. You might call Canon's support number (1-800-423-2366) to ask about issues on your Mac Studio and the Canon software.

Is this really your first photo printer? That's a heck of a way to jump in! I had several desktop printers before I went to my Epson 17" 4880 - and IT was a beast. I considered just upgrading to Epson's new 5370, but no one has it right now, plus the additional paper handling, new Canon Inks, the 24" rolls, and the Color Optimizer cartridge for glossy on the 2600 pushed me over.

 

[NAwlins Contrarian]

I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

You may be over-complicating matters. Going from the free Canon software to a RIP ($400+ and its own complexity issues) seems like a bigger leap than you ought to make unless you have to. My thoughts:

* you can try the Canon software, and if it works well for you, then look no further unless / until you find a specific reason to do so.

* If the Canon software doesn't work, I've seem reports of various Mac OS updates breaking color management, which makes me wonder whether anything would work (even Mirage).

* If the Canon software basically works okay but you want something more capable and/or flexible, for Mac OS, Binartem Qimage One is probably the logical step-up. I use the related DDI Software Qimage Ultimate in Windows, and I find it very good (albeit not as intuitive as some software).

 

[Lawrence Becker]

Hi!

I am new to this site, but have followed it for quite a while as I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

Congrats on ordering the Pro-2600 - get a few friends ready to help load it onto the stand!!! It's a 4-person job... Also, the installation instructions caution against trying to move it on a cart after it's unboxed - it can ONLY be supported on the ends where the handholds are. You'll need to assemble the cart, put the Pro-2600 on it, and then move it to where you want it to go. After getting it properly placed on the cart, everything is pretty straightforward. I'd also recommend getting a roll of Canon glossy 240 (my normal photo paper for this now), or some kind of Canon paper that the printer natively knows so it can do test prints and calibration - although the new models supposedly don't need to be calibrated like the old models - still, it's nice to be able to see what the printer can do with media it understands.

I just verified with Canon tech support that you need to get some Canon glossy, something that the printer knows, to do the initial calibration. THEN whatever software you use, either the Canon software or a RIP like I use, has a baseline to work with. An exception, he said, was if your primary paper is something special or unique, you might calibrate it to that.

 

[Viking 2]

Hi!

I am new to this site, but have followed it for quite a while as I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

Congrats on ordering the Pro-2600 - get a few friends ready to help load it onto the stand!!! It's a 4-person job... Also, the installation instructions caution against trying to move it on a cart after it's unboxed - it can ONLY be supported on the ends where the handholds are. You'll need to assemble the cart, put the Pro-2600 on it, and then move it to where you want it to go. After getting it properly placed on the cart, everything is pretty straightforward. I'd also recommend getting a roll of Canon glossy 240 (my normal photo paper for this now), or some kind of Canon paper that the printer natively knows so it can do test prints and calibration - although the new models supposedly don't need to be calibrated like the old models - still, it's nice to be able to see what the printer can do with media it understands.

Thanks! Actually it will be delivered and installed all included and a 13" roll of Premier Art 260 paper used a lot on this island by wedding photographers, I will look into other papers in the near future. Delivery in 8-10 weeks time so I have plenty time preparing myself.

Did you get the RU-23 multi-function roller as well? It's almost $1k more, and I think having it for a 2nd type of media is good. I did, and am enjoying it. I'll just leave the glossy in the main roller and rotate in and out various media (I have some Baryta-coated media that I'm dying to play with).

No, I am holding my horses for now, but I have read a lot of good about it.

I'm on a Windows platform in my office where the printer is, so I don't know about issues with the Canon software. I honestly haven't installed it - other than the printer driver and the software to update the firmware (1.02 to 1.03). I have used ImagePrint RIP for 2 decades, and while the update to the new software version and going from a 17" printer to a 24" printer version was expensive (over $1,200), I went ahead with it. I find the paper profiles that they make specifically for whichever printer you're using to be great. The interface with Graphtec's cutters is awesome as well.

I will do a bit of research into ImagePrint and others, but for now I will want to see how the Canon PPL will work on my Mac Studio set up.

I also use Photoshop for all my image editing, and have been a Photoshop user literally since the late 80's (yes, I'm old...). I am blown away at what it can do and how it has changed over the years. The RAW images from my Canon R5 - and from my older 5DIII and Panasonic GH6 - are just amazing, and print so well on the Canon Pro-2600.

I am invested in DXO Photolab/NIK since a few years, till now it works nicely with my modest MF set up.On a lot of sites ref is made to PS/LP so I guess I am left a little on the outside as far as sharing software experiences.

The version of the ImagePrint RIP that I use is their Black version, which uses custom profiles. Their cheaper RED version uses profiles from paper manufacturers - I think most RIPs do it this way. I have quite a stockpile of Epson papers from my old 4880, and ImagePrint has profiled them for this model of Canon printer - so they're all usable to me now.

Anyway, I prefer a RIP to run the printer, but that's now 2 decades of use talking. Newer software, especially the Canon software for the printer, may negate that. You might call Canon's support number (1-800-423-2366) to ask about issues on your Mac Studio and the Canon software.

In the first instance, will be talking to my dealer here when I get it and see how it works out for me initially before jumping the gun.

Is this really your first photo printer? That's a heck of a way to jump in! I had several desktop printers before I went to my Epson 17" 4880 - and IT was a beast. I considered just upgrading to Epson's new 5370, but no one has it right now, plus the additional paper handling, new Canon Inks, the 24" rolls, and the Color Optimizer cartridge for glossy on the 2600 pushed me over.

Yep. Well there is a story behind - sort of. I have for a long time wanted a 17" from either Epson or Canon. When the Epson 5300 on the market I thought that was it. However, I live on an island in the Mediterranean and some of the disadvantages of living on an island are i) you don't always have a lot of choice and ii) shipping can be rather expensive. The Epson P5300 is not sold here I believe and shipping cost from Germany is about USD 950.00 one way - and no warranty service locally (would have to go back to Germany at may expense if and when).The 2600 is sold locally for a little over UDS 3000.00 - and I have full access to two year warranty. Btw, the pro 1000 is almost non existent here as the market is mostly professionals buying LFP. Also, I believe in buy once ... As Keith Cooper has pointed out many times, if my pictures are no good, it's probably on me, I accept that as my starting point in particular with the gear I have. Very exited though...

 

[Viking 2]

I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

You may be over-complicating matters. Going from the free Canon software to a RIP ($400+ and its own complexity issues) seems like a bigger leap than you ought to make unless you have to. My thoughts:

* you can try the Canon software, and if it works well for you, then look no further unless / until you find a specific reason to do so.

* If the Canon software doesn't work, I've seem reports of various Mac OS updates breaking color management, which makes me wonder whether anything would work (even Mirage).

* If the Canon software basically works okay but you want something more capable and/or flexible, for Mac OS, Binartem Qimage One is probably the logical step-up. I use the related DDI Software Qimage Ultimate in Windows, and I find it very good (albeit not as intuitive as some software).

Thank you, in the first instance I will see how the Canon PPL will work for me, especially as I have access to Canon services and support locally. If there are issues, I will look into other options for sure.

 

[Viking 2]

Hi!

I am new to this site, but have followed it for quite a while as I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

Congrats on ordering the Pro-2600 - get a few friends ready to help load it onto the stand!!! It's a 4-person job... Also, the installation instructions caution against trying to move it on a cart after it's unboxed - it can ONLY be supported on the ends where the handholds are. You'll need to assemble the cart, put the Pro-2600 on it, and then move it to where you want it to go. After getting it properly placed on the cart, everything is pretty straightforward. I'd also recommend getting a roll of Canon glossy 240 (my normal photo paper for this now), or some kind of Canon paper that the printer natively knows so it can do test prints and calibration - although the new models supposedly don't need to be calibrated like the old models - still, it's nice to be able to see what the printer can do with media it understands.

I just verified with Canon tech support that you need to get some Canon glossy, something that the printer knows, to do the initial calibration. THEN whatever software you use, either the Canon software or a RIP like I use, has a baseline to work with. An exception, he said, was if your primary paper is something special or unique, you might calibrate it to that.

Yes, I believe I read that somewhere and to that effect I believe the printer is delivered with three Canon sheet papers. I am also looking to buy a roll or 2 of Canon paper for that very same reason. Issue is, I may have to import from 'Mainland Europe' but such is life here;-)

 

[Lawrence Becker]

I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

You may be over-complicating matters. Going from the free Canon software to a RIP ($400+ and its own complexity issues) seems like a bigger leap than you ought to make unless you have to. My thoughts:

* you can try the Canon software, and if it works well for you, then look no further unless / until you find a specific reason to do so.

* If the Canon software doesn't work, I've seem reports of various Mac OS updates breaking color management, which makes me wonder whether anything would work (even Mirage).

* If the Canon software basically works okay but you want something more capable and/or flexible, for Mac OS, Binartem Qimage One is probably the logical step-up. I use the related DDI Software Qimage Ultimate in Windows, and I find it very good (albeit not as intuitive as some software).

Thank you, in the first instance I will see how the Canon PPL will work for me, especially as I have access to Canon services and support locally. If there are issues, I will look into other options for sure.

I don't mean to be pushing ImagePrint on people - I just enjoy using it, especially with the Graphtec CE7000-60 24" cutter. I just finished printing about 75 5x7s and 8x10s for my school on the Canon Pro-2600 with ImagePrint. After printing, I run them through the cutter and the prints just peel apart. Very tiny "hangers" keeping the paper in place until you take it apart. I really don't like spending a lot of time on a Rotatrim cutter individually cutting pictures apart. This makes it so much easier.

I was in the same position with the Epson 5370 (in the states). It would have been a nice update for my 15 yr old Epson 4880 17" printer. The Canon Pro-2600 wasn't THAT much more than the 17" Epson, and it gives a lot more versatility.

I'm not sure that the RU-23 multifunction roller is necessary - you certainly can get by with out it just fine, especially if you primarily use one type of paper.

Anyway - happy printing! Write back when it comes or if you have questions - I probably have the same questions.

 

[Viking 2]

I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

You may be over-complicating matters. Going from the free Canon software to a RIP ($400+ and its own complexity issues) seems like a bigger leap than you ought to make unless you have to. My thoughts:

* you can try the Canon software, and if it works well for you, then look no further unless / until you find a specific reason to do so.

* If the Canon software doesn't work, I've seem reports of various Mac OS updates breaking color management, which makes me wonder whether anything would work (even Mirage).

* If the Canon software basically works okay but you want something more capable and/or flexible, for Mac OS, Binartem Qimage One is probably the logical step-up. I use the related DDI Software Qimage Ultimate in Windows, and I find it very good (albeit not as intuitive as some software).

Thank you, in the first instance I will see how the Canon PPL will work for me, especially as I have access to Canon services and support locally. If there are issues, I will look into other options for sure.

I don't mean to be pushing ImagePrint on people - I just enjoy using it, especially with the Graphtec CE7000-60 24" cutter. I just finished printing about 75 5x7s and 8x10s for my school on the Canon Pro-2600 with ImagePrint. After printing, I run them through the cutter and the prints just peel apart. Very tiny "hangers" keeping the paper in place until you take it apart. I really don't like spending a lot of time on a Rotatrim cutter individually cutting pictures apart. This makes it so much easier.

I was in the same position with the Epson 5370 (in the states). It would have been a nice update for my 15 yr old Epson 4880 17" printer. The Canon Pro-2600 wasn't THAT much more than the 17" Epson, and it gives a lot more versatility.

I'm not sure that the RU-23 multifunction roller is necessary - you certainly can get by with out it just fine, especially if you primarily use one type of paper.

Anyway - happy printing! Write back when it comes or if you have questions - I probably have the same questions.

Happy to (bit of a long wait). Btw, on a trimmer, currently looking at a Dahle 554 or 556 (28/37") the smaller model would for sure meets most of my needs, but the bigger model would allow me to trim 24x32(+) but I don't see that being (in my case) but a few, the 556 is big... My thinking is, printing that 'big' aren't you going to likely keep the 24 dimension anyway and thus the smaller 554 would be just fine. Any thoughts?

 

[Lawrence Becker]

I have decided to start printing my own work, a decision made after much research into the pros and cons - I hope it will be an exiting journey;-) I have just ordered the new Canon Pro 2600 and started to 'read' the 939 page Manual.... I am using DXO PhotoLab/NIK on an Apple Studio platform. At the moment I am planning to use Canon's Professional Print & Layout software, but I have read in different places that new macOS versions may cause problems vis-a-vis the printer software. I don't quite understand this issues and would be grateful for any insight into this from experienced users. I have been considering getting the Dinax Mirage software as an alternative as it operates as a RIP. While Mirage from what I have read is an excellent software, not sure if I need it but for that reason. Am I over-complicating matters perhaps ?

You may be over-complicating matters. Going from the free Canon software to a RIP ($400+ and its own complexity issues) seems like a bigger leap than you ought to make unless you have to. My thoughts:

* you can try the Canon software, and if it works well for you, then look no further unless / until you find a specific reason to do so.

* If the Canon software doesn't work, I've seem reports of various Mac OS updates breaking color management, which makes me wonder whether anything would work (even Mirage).

* If the Canon software basically works okay but you want something more capable and/or flexible, for Mac OS, Binartem Qimage One is probably the logical step-up. I use the related DDI Software Qimage Ultimate in Windows, and I find it very good (albeit not as intuitive as some software).

Thank you, in the first instance I will see how the Canon PPL will work for me, especially as I have access to Canon services and support locally. If there are issues, I will look into other options for sure.

I don't mean to be pushing ImagePrint on people - I just enjoy using it, especially with the Graphtec CE7000-60 24" cutter. I just finished printing about 75 5x7s and 8x10s for my school on the Canon Pro-2600 with ImagePrint. After printing, I run them through the cutter and the prints just peel apart. Very tiny "hangers" keeping the paper in place until you take it apart. I really don't like spending a lot of time on a Rotatrim cutter individually cutting pictures apart. This makes it so much easier.

I was in the same position with the Epson 5370 (in the states). It would have been a nice update for my 15 yr old Epson 4880 17" printer. The Canon Pro-2600 wasn't THAT much more than the 17" Epson, and it gives a lot more versatility.

I'm not sure that the RU-23 multifunction roller is necessary - you certainly can get by with out it just fine, especially if you primarily use one type of paper.

Anyway - happy printing! Write back when it comes or if you have questions - I probably have the same questions.

Happy to (bit of a long wait). Btw, on a trimmer, currently looking at a Dahle 554 or 556 (28/37") the smaller model would for sure meets most of my needs, but the bigger model would allow me to trim 24x32(+) but I don't see that being (in my case) but a few, the 556 is big... My thinking is, printing that 'big' aren't you going to likely keep the 24 dimension anyway and thus the smaller 554 would be just fine. Any thoughts?

I’ve had a 17” Rotatrim for about 15 years and it sometimes was frustrating having to deal with prints or groups of prints that were longer than that.With roll printers I seldom print a single image, but will print groups so as to not waste paper. With the 24” printer, I decided to order a bit larger manual cutter, so I got a Rotatrim Pro 24x42. It’s HUGE, but am ok with that. I will sometimes print longer images or signage - though I also have an Epson 66” printer that we use for most signage. I also think I will need a manual cutter like this for heavier fine art papers, especially the Baryta-coated papers over 300gsm.

 

[NAwlins Contrarian]

with the Graphtec CE7000-60 24" cutter. I just finished printing about 75 5x7s and 8x10s for my school on the Canon Pro-2600 with ImagePrint. After printing, I run them through the cutter and the prints just peel apart. Very tiny "hangers" keeping the paper in place until you take it apart. I really don't like spending a lot of time on a Rotatrim cutter individually cutting pictures apart. This makes it so much easier.

Btw, on a trimmer, currently looking at a Dahle 554 or 556 (28/37") the smaller model would for sure meets most of my needs, but the bigger model would allow me to trim 24x32(+) but I don't see that being (in my case) but a few, the 556 is big... My thinking is, printing that 'big' aren't you going to likely keep the 24 dimension anyway and thus the smaller 554 would be just fine. Any thoughts?

The Graphtec CE7000-60 is a $1900 machine (Amazon), so presumably you get something for your large amount of extra money over a regular $300-ish rotary trimmer. If you'd prefer to start with a regular one, the Rotatrim Professional dual-rail models seem to be favored over the Dahle models, and overall the prices are pretty similar. The Rotatrim Pro 24" model is currently $311 (B&H), or e.g. you could step up to a 36" version for $436. With the Dahle models, there are actually two lines (above the small, lower-end "Personal" models), the mid-level "Professional" series and the upper-level "Premium" series. In the Dahle Professional series, the 28" Model 554 is $215 (B&H) and e.g. the 37" Model 556 is $290. In the Dahle Premium series, the 26" Model 444 is $390 (B&H) and e.g. the 36.3" Model 446 is $514.

 

[Lawrence Becker]

with the Graphtec CE7000-60 24" cutter. I just finished printing about 75 5x7s and 8x10s for my school on the Canon Pro-2600 with ImagePrint. After printing, I run them through the cutter and the prints just peel apart. Very tiny "hangers" keeping the paper in place until you take it apart. I really don't like spending a lot of time on a Rotatrim cutter individually cutting pictures apart. This makes it so much easier.

Btw, on a trimmer, currently looking at a Dahle 554 or 556 (28/37") the smaller model would for sure meets most of my needs, but the bigger model would allow me to trim 24x32(+) but I don't see that being (in my case) but a few, the 556 is big... My thinking is, printing that 'big' aren't you going to likely keep the 24 dimension anyway and thus the smaller 554 would be just fine. Any thoughts?

The Graphtec CE7000-60 is a $1900 machine (Amazon), so presumably you get something for your large amount of extra money over a regular $300-ish rotary trimmer. If you'd prefer to start with a regular one, the Rotatrim Professional dual-rail models seem to be favored over the Dahle models, and overall the prices are pretty similar. The Rotatrim Pro 24" model is currently $311 (B&H), or e.g. you could step up to a 36" version for $436. With the Dahle models, there are actually two lines (above the small, lower-end "Personal" models), the mid-level "Professional" series and the upper-level "Premium" series. In the Dahle Professional series, the 28" Model 554 is $215 (B&H) and e.g. the 37" Model 556 is $290. In the Dahle Premium series, the 26" Model 444 is $390 (B&H) and e.g. the 36.3" Model 446 is $514.

Regarding the Graphtec cutter, I use it through the ImagePrint RIP to automatically cut out photos - like 50 4x6s, or like yesterday, 10 8x10s and 30 5x7s, automatically. It also does stickers…