Best non-commercial photo printer
Sep 5, 2012 22:05:21 #
I'm really struggling with the best way to create good quality prints so thought I'd reach out and ask what your experiences have been. There are great local printing facilities that charge a reasonable fee for prints. On the other hand, there are many quality photo printers out there that can create high quality prints. If one intends to produce quality prints for sale to the public, I'd like to hear your experiences with the best way to create these prints. I realize there are economies to scale on both sides of the equation, but the primary question is whether to buy a high quality printer or just farm out your printing to a local high quality facility like Ball Photo or similar.
Sep 5, 2012 22:16:04 #
Sep 6, 2012 03:12:53 #
For reselling them, I would strongly suggest out-sourcing the printing as it will be much better and less expensive in the long run. The quality from a quality lab will always be better than something you can afford to have at home. I personally use a Kodak at home but in the future may move to Epson, depending on what is available at the time. The Kodak does a great job on 4x6 thru 8x10.
Sep 6, 2012 06:48:09 #
Primarily 8X10, but up to 11X14 or more at times. Let me say that I was a film junkie for years and always controlled the entire process from shooting to darkroom, both B&W as well as color so sourcing to a lab, even a really good one, is tough for me so I think the primary concern is long term cost if a get a printer able to do what I need. The initial investment doesn't scare me, just thinking long term...
Sep 6, 2012 09:06:43 #
Jeff Smith 1
Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
I have used a Canon i9900 8-cartridge printer for a number of years and have been very pleased with the results. I do 8x10 and 11x14.
Sep 6, 2012 09:16:33 #
I don't print to sell, but I do print to try to get the most out of my shots. I've been using an Epson R3000. It prints up to 13x19 inches. It uses the K3 Epson Inks, but in a larger cartridge than the 2880. Replacement cartridges can be had for around $27.50 each. Some folks use a continuous flow ink system from a third party to reduce ink costs, but I haven't, so I can't speak to the quality. It also takes rolls. You set paper profiles. It has a relatively low profile. I love it.
I got mine from Epson for about $650 after a $150 rebate.
The 3880 takes larger cartridges, and wider format paper, but not rolls.
I got mine from Epson for about $650 after a $150 rebate.
The 3880 takes larger cartridges, and wider format paper, but not rolls.
Sep 6, 2012 09:53:20 #
[quote=Herbnapa]I don't print to sell, but I do print to try to get the most out of my shots. I've been using an Epson R3000. It prints up to 13x19 inches. It uses the K3 Epson Inks, but in a larger cartridge than the 2880. Replacement cartridges can be had for around $27.50 each. I got mine from Epson for about $650 after a $150 rebate.
Available after rebate for $599. A set of replacement cartridges is $267.... Taxes & shipping ??? Set up and tweak time ?? Wasted paper playing with it ??
Anybody have an idea what the cost to print a 8x10 would be with this printer. I would think that at a thousand dollars to get going, the cost would have to be low to justify not going to a commercial printer.
Available after rebate for $599. A set of replacement cartridges is $267.... Taxes & shipping ??? Set up and tweak time ?? Wasted paper playing with it ??
Anybody have an idea what the cost to print a 8x10 would be with this printer. I would think that at a thousand dollars to get going, the cost would have to be low to justify not going to a commercial printer.
Sep 6, 2012 10:06:11 #
mrjcall wrote:
I'm really struggling with the best way to create ... (show quote)
I have a friend who sells his work at art shows in Michigan and has done so for years. He takes the digital photos with an Olympus camera (I don't know which one), post edits, builds the frames, cuts the mattes, prints his own at 5X7 up to 13X19, assembles his products, and runs his booth to sell - alone. When requested to print and sell larger he uses a local lab but otherwise has (3) Epson Stylus Photo 1400 printers with Epson paper and Epson ink running every day to keep up with his production pace. He told me he would never again use anything but Epson because he has tried them all, the Epsons suit his needs best, and the prints are equal to anything he has done at the lab. I bought mine for home use because of his recommendation and I've been very happy with mine.
Sep 6, 2012 10:23:31 #
Epson r2000. I print and sell onsite and this printer is awesome I use nothing but preimum paper through it and have never received any complaints. Can't go wrong with Epson
Sep 6, 2012 22:53:14 #
I just bought an Epson Artisian 730 and have not used it yet. It is still in the box. Waiting to use up the ink supply that I have for my Canon printer. I think I will like it.
Sep 6, 2012 23:16:55 #
The Epson Photo printers can outprint ANY commercial lab when the image is properly prepared, and especially if you calibrate everything.
These printers start very cheap and then climb as you get more professional. I use the 3880 and an olde 9600, which currently needs service. I am considering selling the 9600 cheap to make room for the new model.
These printers start very cheap and then climb as you get more professional. I use the 3880 and an olde 9600, which currently needs service. I am considering selling the 9600 cheap to make room for the new model.
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