starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Both of the pixma pro printers are way too big for space I have to use.I'm comprising and am looking at the canon IX 6820 per a canon rep recommendation.

disneygramma1

I also advocate for the Canon Pixma Pro 10. It is the best upgrade I have done. Photo quality is super. I too am a brick and mortar person, or I was, but I do business with B&H online and now am hooked on doing business with them. I have not had or heard any bad things about them.

johntaylor333

You said you wanted pigment rather than dye based inks, but you might want to look at the Pixma Pro-100 (dye based, but prints will probably outlive you - see actual test data on http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com and http://www.wilhelm-research.com/)

The Pro-100 is often available with a MIR of $250 and priced at about $350-400 (including 50 sheets of 13x19 paper). Keep your eyes on B&H and Adorama.

I've had one of these printers for about 3 years, use it only occasionally and have NEVER had a blockage or any problem (in contrast to well-known problems with Epson printers blocking their nozzles)

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Let me jump in here :) I'm looking for a photo portable printer - one that does decent prints, conserves on ink, has wireless connectivity, prints up to 9x12 or thereabouts. Something light and small that I can transport between Oregon and Arizona. Does anyone have any experience with this type of printer. I am not brand specific. This is the only one I found-Canon PIXMA iX6820 Wireless Inkjet Printer. Thanks.

Bobnewnan

I use a smaller Canon, iP8720 and what I found out was you HAVE to use their software to get a good print. It's free. When I use the PS print mode, the pictures come out darker, as I wrote about a few months ago. It's possible to increase the brightness in print process but it's a guess as to how much, but usually 50+. So I use the Canon software and all is well. Also as noted earlier, DON'T use off brand ink.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Another thing to think about if you plan to move your printer. Once a printer has been charged (filled with ink) they cannot be jostled and they must remain level. If any ink moves around inside, usually from the overflow tank, it can trash the whole printer. It's why you can't ship them to get them fixed if they break. You have to carefully deliver them the the fix it center. When you decide on a printer I would talk to the manufacturer and hear what they have to say about moving your particular printer. Epson would not except my broken 2880 unless I brought it in to the shop myself. They will not allow printers to be shipped to them. It doesn't mean you can't move it around with you, just be aware.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Thanks for the advise. I'm leaning toward the 8270 my self.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Suntouched,

If you include the value of the rebate, included full capacity ink cartridges and the bundled paper, the net price of the printer itself is zero. Because it is a dye printer, not pigment, it tends not to clog anyway. I've left my Canon Pro-100 unused for months at a time with no ill effect.

At a net zero, buy one for both places.

GeorgeH Loc: Jonesboro, GA

Here is a good source of information on printers in general: https://www.printerknowledge.com/ x I've had personal experience with the Epson R 1800 and the Canon Pro 100. Both gave excellent results. Do note that the print head in the Canon Pro 100 is user replaceable, the Epson head, at least in the R 1800, is not. A new Canon head is about $100. Note the difference in size and weight: the Canon is around 40 lbs, the Epson is perhaps 20.

The Epson will accommodate a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) which uses external tanks connected to modified ink cartridges via a sort of ribbon of tiny tubes. Various sources of pigment inks are available; this is discussed in the site I cited. The Canon carts can be refilled; the savings are considerable in either case.

One unforeseen factor with either printer - and probably many other inkjets - is that head cleaning routines use considerably ink. That ink ends up in a felt pad within the machine. At some point the printer says "Service Required"; there are ways to override this but that may result in ink oozing from the printer! Not good! The R 1800 can be fairly easily modified to pump that excess ink to an external tank; the Pro 100 can also, but with far greater effort. Replacement of the felt pad is a trip to the service depot, probably at sizable cost.

Again, visit printerknowledge.com and many questions will be answered.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Bill-
Are you referring to the Canon Pro-100 printer? Buy 2! - unfortunately net zero doesn't mean no out of pocket cost-LOL. It will sit unused for about 5 months. I don't want to replace yet another printer because of a blocked printer head. But your suggestion may be the one that makes the most sense.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Yes, the Pro-100 printer. Yes, the short term is out of pocket costs. But you have to buy paper and ink. The rebate fixes the rest.

Boris77

I think the choice of quality home photo printers is too limited by features to rule out a product based on size (unless you like live in a small mobile home). I replaced an Epson 1280 with a Canon Pro-100, based on expected quality of print. I had to build a small table just for the printer since the Canon would not fit on any existing table with the other equipment. It was worth it!!

I have no recommendation for a specific printer with pigment based inks, just a couple of more comments. Unless you plan to print only a limited number of small prints, pay a lot of attention to ink replacement costs. This is one of the disadvantages to the Canon Pro-100.
While I would not use a dye based printer for an expensive "Art Print", the Pro-100 prints seem up to the task of passing thru family generations. I have a 13x19" Pro-100 glossy print that has sat half covered leaning against the wall for three years - the top and bottom still look the same - new.
Boris

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Thanks. I'll ponder those suggestions.

Paladin48 Loc: Orlando

That's like saying "Don't buy a car because you'll run out of gas and that would be too expensive. Better to buy 2 cars and keep one just in case"