JayHT Loc: NorthWest Washington

Does anyone know how the Epson P9000 large format printer compares to other similar size format printers i.e., Canon, etc.? I know that problems existed with earlier models and many users were quite dissatisfied with the machines performance. I wonder if this iteration has solved those earlier difficulties. I realize that it is quite seldom that consumers agree as to which product is best, but it would be satisfying to know how U.H. members feel about this printer.

JayHT

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I used the Epson Pro 9600 44" printer for several years very successfully, but routine maintenance was a PITA. Last year I sold my Epson's and bought two HP 44" printers. Much faster print speeds, cheaper ink, and no maintenance issues. I along with all my customers have been quite pleased with their output and costs.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

I have used both the Epson and Canon printers in the 13" sizes. The Canon is much easier to get along with - less maintenance. Both however do a good job when properly calibrated. Papers for both are widely available in a huge variety of finishes as well.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2015/09/14/epsons-new-large-format-printers-blacker-blacks-and-less-ink-waste

Most pro labs and service bureaus using 44" printers use Epson devices. I put 9600, 9800, and 9880 printers in a lab and could not complain. Flawless color, absolutely stable output, low maintenance, and complete customer satisfaction with our prints.

Most people complaining about Epson printers don't use them enough. (You have to print SOMETHING at least once a week, and use all the ink in each cartridge within six months.)

Whiners tend to use third party inks, too. The pigments in third party inks can settle out in the lines to the heads, leading to head clogs, and line replacement, and expensive repairs. We learned that the hard way... but we never had issues with Epson supplies. Our printers worked just fine, as long as they were kept busy!

forjava Loc: Half Moon Bay, CA

Such useful comments!
I'm taking delivery tomorrow of an Epson for photos, regular-size paper.

JayHT Loc: NorthWest Washington

Thank you for your considered responses. I plan on making a purchase in the near future, your input has aided me in my considerations.

JayHT

prodigitalgear Loc: Connecticut

First I want you to know that we are a dealer for Epson AND Canon, and I will give you my unbiased opinion on the two. We sell many Canon printers to Epson haters, and visa versa. Please understand, I am speaking solely about the professional printers. We do not deal with the consumer models. Epson has been the Cadillac of printers for color and consistency. Yes, they have had clogging issues, which, is noticed more in the Epson's than the Canon's. Canon's are actually clogging, but you really do not notice it as it is moving to another nozzle of the same color in the head to take care of the issue. We have seen, and heard of LESS clogging with the new Epson P series printers. The enemy for both printers is heat and humidity. It is a fact, that you need to have 45-50% humdity in a room where your printer resides. We recommend an evaporative humidifier. They are not expensive and you can purchase at Lowes, Home Depot, Amazon, etc.. or better yet, maybe your LOCAL small hardware store. One that covers 3000 sq ft, for example, is less than $160.00 Why is humidity so crucial. On the Epson's, the print head runs hot and it takes the moisture out of the air to cool the head. If there is no moisture, where does the cooling come from? It comes from the AQUEOUS WATER BASED INK! Thus, changing the viscosity and causes clogs. Now on the Epson printers, without a doubt the head repair if out of warranty is extreme. $2500 we have heard. We are parts dealers as well and just the head is $1950.00 without labor. When the Canon print heads need to be replace, and in the 24" model there is one head, and two in the larger printers, it is a user friendly snap in snap out. The cost per head is approx $600.00 So big savings there. Now, the curve ball in all of this is the Canon Ink costs approx 20-30% more than the Epson ink. So over a period of time, what have you actually paid for your usage? You'll have to work the numbers. We have heard it said that the Canon printers use 30-35% less ink than the Epson's, but we have no way of telling that. We do sell many Canon printers to Canon camera owners, since we also sell the Canon pro cameras. Seems like clients like to stay with a brand. On the Canon printers, you have to realize that they lack a wide variety of Canon media AND distribution. On the Epson printers, there is a large selection on media and well stock throughout distribution centers in the USA. We have many Canon users, using Epson media as we will custom make a profile for our clients that permits this, at not charge. The pricing in comparision seems to be similar by the width of the printers. The 24" Canon vs 24" Epson is normally very close in price. It all depends on who is running the best rebates. All in all, I can honestly say, it is like, do you like a Chevy, a Ford, a Buick, or do you like the Red Sox, Yankees, Detroit Tigers, etc.... Either printer has it's strength and weaknesses. It is a flip of the coin. If you are doing Pre Press Proofing, then your only choice is Epson. Any question, you can contact me direct or through this forum.
Take care
Andy
andy@prodigitalgear.com
888-459-1482
PS- hope I am not breaking any rules. This is my first post! Educate me!