Hi all,
My friend wants to get a color printer that is not too expensive. The main thing it's for is photos. Can anyone suggest a decent printer that is not an "all in one". My concern is the software in the printer allowing manipulation and placement of the image on the paper. The software in the "all in one's" I've seen weren't very good in this department. Any ideas or suggestions you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks abbswell
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Canon Pro 100. A $400 13” photo printer that’s ALWAYS on sale, and depending on the deal, you can buy it for between $100-$150 after rebate with 50 sheets of of 13x19 glossy photo paper. Excellent quality prints at a bargain price, but the ink refills are pricey.
TriX wrote:
Canon Pro 100. A $400 13” photo printer that’s ALWAYS on sale, and depending on the deal, you can buy it for between $100-$150 after rebate with 50 sheets of of 13x19 glossy photo paper. Excellent quality prints at a bargain price, but the ink refills are pricey.
Really excellent printer - shop the deals! OEM inks can be found on sale sometimes. Also, I have purchased an alternative that was well thought of - full set sitting here waiting to be used. Will report details after trial.
I bought a Canon Pixma Pro 100 early this year. I use it sporadically, printing several large prints in a few weeks then letting it sit for a month. It rewards my neglect by starting right up and giving me great color prints every time. It was $399 but had a $250 rebate from Canon. Most reliable printer I've had! Ink is a bit pricy but worth it. For documents probably better with a cheaper printer, but for photos you can't go wrong. Comes with Digital Photo Professional and Print Studio Pro software to adjust print size or make ither edits.
I am just starting to look in a dedicated photo printer as well. Now help, years past epson was the way to go, and looking at some of the newer ones I still think that way. However, it seems most here have been leaning to the Cannon Pro. Has the tide turned?
Just remember, photo printers are like razors, they give you the razor and sell you the blades.
LOL.. so true. Guess that’s why I use a shaving club.
Razors? Does Harry’s make printers now? I disagree with the almost universal advice to buy a Canon Pixma Pro 100. That printer has a HUGE footprint. I haven’t “focused” on compact cameras, just to turn around and buy a color printer that is twice the size of a water buffalo. And I don’t plan to print images the size of Lambeau Field. Somebody out there must make a reliable, cost effective printer for 4x5, 5x7, 8x10 and maybe 9x12.
rjaywallace wrote:
Razors? Does Harry’s make printers now? I disagree with the almost universal advice to buy a Canon Pixma Pro 100. That printer has a HUGE footprint. I haven’t “focused” on compact cameras, just to turn around and buy a color printer that is twice the size of a water buffalo. And I don’t plan to print images the size of Lambeau Field. Somebody out there must make a reliable, cost effective printer for 4x5, 5x7, 8x10 and maybe 9x12.
The Canon TS 9000 series printers are about one third the size of the Pixma Pro models and print up to 8.5 X 11. They produce excellent quality black and white and color photo prints and also documents on plain paper. They also scan and copy. I've been using an older TS 9020 for a few years now and have not had a single problem with my printer.
Bfree2 wrote:
I am just starting to look in a dedicated photo printer as well. Now help, years past epson was the way to go, and looking at some of the newer ones I still think that way. However, it seems most here have been leaning to the Cannon Pro. Has the tide turned?
the epsons are still great printers. They are a lot more costly to purchase than the canon pro 100. once you move up from the pro 100 , they are still more expensive but not as much. also with Epson sure color series , ( p600, p800 ) you will need to print more to keep the nozzles from clogging if I understand it correctly. here is a link to a you tube channel that covers some info.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9YXaSulpM90vC24lmAeZA
Printing at home surely is fun but consider the on-going costs.
To get a good one you may need to buy a more expensive one specifically made for photo printing. Canon has probably the best line but I would also check out Epson.
Consider the cost of ink. For consistent quality, and warranty issues, you would want to use the manufactures inks. They are not cheap.
Consider how much you will print. If you do not use the printer a lot the heads will clog. You need to do nozzle checks daily and occasional head cleanings which suck up ink like crazy. If the heads get clogged and you need to replace the heads, your in the hole considerably. Check to see if the printer can clean "paired" heads. In other words, only clean the heads that are clogged.
Re-print factor. There are a number of prints you will need or want to reprint for many reasons. You make an adjustment, didn't come out the way you thought it would etc. Cost of print doubles.
Replacement of overflow tank. Many don't even consider this. Once the ink overflow tank is full it needs replaced. Some printers will require you take it to a dealer to have this done. Another cost.
Otherwise, printing at home is fun but owning a photo lab for 17 years, I've seen a lot of frustrated home printer customers that finally gave up and stuck to letting the professionals do it.
rjaywallace wrote:
Razors? Does Harry’s make printers now? I disagree with the almost universal advice to buy a Canon Pixma Pro 100. That printer has a HUGE footprint. I haven’t “focused” on compact cameras, just to turn around and buy a color printer that is twice the size of a water buffalo. And I don’t plan to print images the size of Lambeau Field. Somebody out there must make a reliable, cost effective printer for 4x5, 5x7, 8x10 and maybe 9x12.
I have the epson 1430. Reasonably priced, small footprint for its 13 inch print width and gets good mileage out ink cartridges which are reasonably priced. Print quality is excellent.
CPR
Loc: Nature Coast of Florida
I was confused by the comment about the "Printers software". I use an Epson all-in-one for scanning and printing but the software is either Photoshop, WORD, Excel, PowerPoint or Windows Print function. All allow for sizing and positioning the print or multiples of the print on the printed page.
Great prints on photo paper BUT the ink is water soluble so will smear if it gets wet.
Rarely print but just get it done at the store for cheap.
I fell victim to the great deal that Canon runs on the Pro 100. It does have a good quality output, but I just don't use it very much. I'll second Ralph on this - it is BIG! I do have the room for it, and I don't have to feed it, but it is THERE every day. When I drop dead, some relative of mine will mutter some choice words (don't even mention the 4X5 Omega enlarger in the spare bedroom).
I'd think twice or three times before I went for this deal. I wish I had settled for a 9000 series instead.
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