blackest Loc: Ireland

With inkjets there are dye based inks and pigment based inks, the more stable of the two technologies is pigment based.
That is something to consider when you buy the printer.

Third party inks are a bit of a gamble, while they can produce an acceptable print, you really haven't a clue as to the stability of that print, there is also paper that is part of the mix too.

The printer manufacturer may stand behind the stability of the inks they use, does costco or any other third party supplier? Some do , some may not be telling the truth.
The problem with a retailer is they may decide to reformulate at any time, they are sensitive to profit margins and not to the quality of your images at some point in the future.

Really the only way to find out is real world usage and knowing which ink manufacturers inks have been used in your cartridges and which line too, there can be several formulas used.

There are a few things which we 'know' prints are best kept in the dark in a cool place. If you are going to display a print then its better to place it behind glass.

About the only good news is that our negatives are digital and providing you keep those safe you can always reprint at a later date.

WNC Ralf Loc: Candler NC, in the mountains!

It actually does improve your prints, read up on gamut.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I've been using G&G brand generic ink cartridges in my Canon Pixma printers for years over several printers. Cost less than 1/2 the Canon ink.

I have dozens of images hung throughout the house some with Canon ink and some with G&G ink. I see no difference at all in color or fade.

You must have had a defective cartridge or clogged head.

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

I want to think you have misunderstood MTshooter's post. This is not the first time he's posted this example. It is intended to illustrate the tendency of SOME inexpensive inks to fade. In another post, MT stated that both prints were identical at first. And then he placed them on a wall in his shop and after a time, the cheap ink had faded considerably. This was NOT the result of a failed cartridge.

ANY exposure to UV light - and most kids of light will contain some level of UV - will result in fading in some cheap inks. I recently put some prints on exhibit at my local art gallery. The prints were made with Epson OEM ink, but when I printed the little title cards, I used my scut printer, whioch is loaded with bulk-purchased and very cheap ink. After three weeks on display in the galley, the prints still look fine. The display tags, however, have gone from black to red.

It is possible that SOME cheap ink will hold up well, but I do not choose to gamble.Now. perhaps all you do is print your images for display in your own home, you'll avoid problems.. But I suggest to you if you do not take care with your ink choice and then sell your prints, you may soon find yourself dealing with unhappy customers.

If you have good result from the ink you use, fine. But don't go calling BS on those who choose to follow the advice of most credible experts and stick with OEM.

Beyond that, I see no reason for you to have responded to this post in such a crude and rude manner. Perhaps you posted before you had your coffee. Take a few deep breaths before you rant all over us in the future, please.

WNC Ralf Loc: Candler NC, in the mountains!

Professionals use pigment inks, amateurs can get away with dye inks.

Jana-TAS Loc: Washington

I agree with MT Shooters post. There is for sure the comparison with the pictures. I can't really say anything as far as mine even though I use Costco for refilling 'cause rarely do I use the color ink on this printer in here that is for just printing regular paper. To save money if I want photo printing done when I volunteer at state fair I just order the photos from costco.com online and straight order. I do though have another smaller photo printer here in the other room and I have been impressed with that small HP printer. My parents always kinda complain that I am hard to shop for, for Christmas 'cause I never ask for much but I think I did mention to my Mom that this printer in here has been giving me trouble (jamming a lot) when I do go to print something and that if I do want to print larger photos in the future I should look into getting something for the photography besides just having the small one in the other room that would be good for canvas printing too. The year before last people at the fair were selling click2canvas things at the fair. Looked very simple to use so I got some. There's no way I could use them with this printer or the tiny HP in the other room though. For sure need something larger.

john clayton

The big BROTHER PRINTERS are the most simple to refill yourself having no chips to recharge and print A3 size. Trouble is, your camera must be high megapixel sensor.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

While I too have ALWAYS used OEM pigment inks in both Epson and Canon printers, I feel strongly that it's an error to condemn all aftermarket products because those from one manufacturer fail. The problem as I see it is that in most cases we have no way of knowing which of the aftermarket products are of high quality, nor do we know that the quality will be maintained.
There are reputable manufacturers of aftermarket products. Tell me how to identify. which is which, and perhaps I'll change my practice of using OEM inks.