Quality printer: Anyone have any suggestions regarding quality desktop photographic printers? I'd like to keep costs under a thousand dollars and am mostly interested in b & w...

msettanni

Anyone have any suggestions regarding quality desktop photographic printers? I'd like to keep costs under a thousand dollars and am mostly interested in b & w printing, though I'm sure I'll be doing some color printing. I'm strictly a hobbyist, so mostly want exhibition quality prints but don't need a high rate of workflow.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

msettanni wrote:

Anyone have any suggestions regarding quality desktop photographic printers? I'd like to keep costs under a thousand dollars and am mostly interested in b & w printing, though I'm sure I'll be doing some color printing. I'm strictly a hobbyist, so mostly want exhibition quality prints but don't need a high rate of workflow.

Check out Epson or Canon on E-Bay

msettanni

warrior wrote:

msettanni wrote:

Anyone have any suggestions regarding quality desktop photographic printers? I'd like to keep costs under a thousand dollars and am mostly interested in b & w printing, though I'm sure I'll be doing some color printing. I'm strictly a hobbyist, so mostly want exhibition quality prints but don't need a high rate of workflow.

Check out Epson or Canon on E-Bay

Right. I read a review of the Epson Stylus Photo R-3000 in Shutterbug, which got me started thinking about home printing. That's the only reference point I have, however, so I was wondering if there are member recommendations based on experience.

IBE

I bought the Epson 4300 for $300 and I love it It prints 11/14.&9/13

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

msettanni wrote:

Anyone have any suggestions regarding quality desktop photographic printers? I'd like to keep costs under a thousand dollars and am mostly interested in b & w printing, though I'm sure I'll be doing some color printing. I'm strictly a hobbyist, so mostly want exhibition quality prints but don't need a high rate of workflow.

Epson Stylus Photo series. I have a 1400 which was replaced by a 1430 I believe. It has 6 ink individual ink tanks that can be replaced as they run out instead of all at the same time. It can print up to 13X19 borderless. Is fairly efficient with its ink. Sturdy built. $250 or less when you watch for a sale. Epsons have unmatched quality for any purpose. Quality is going to be dependent on using Epson ink and paper just like any other brand of printer.

NikonEd Loc: Miami,Fl

Been using Canon 9500 Pro for years(9000 before that) top quality,13x19, never a problem with either model, and unbeatable color.

TerryG Loc: Atlanta, GA

msettanni wrote:

quote=warrior quote=msettanni Anyone have any su... (show quote)

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I'm very happy with my Canon IP4500, a bit old now, my wife's Brother all in one does well also but not photo quality in my opinion, Bob.

TerryG Loc: Atlanta, GA

TerryG wrote:

quote=msettanni quote=warrior quote=msettanni A... (show quote)

sorry - first post - so I didn't know how to do it. I have the r3000. It is a great printer. I am starting to see some excellent results but, there is a fairly steep learning curve when you start getting in to all of the color management issues with monitors, software, types of paper, printer settings, etc.

Ambrose Loc: North America

Quite happy with my Canon Pro9000 Mark II. Excellent resolution, quality color, a snap to set up. A very popular printer that can also be found used at a bargain price. Canon also has a lot of rebate specials on this, depending where you buy it.

msettanni

Thanks for the responses. The digital thing is new to me (I have a feeling it may always feel new to me) so another question. I'm assuming most do both, but are certain model printers better for b&w and others for color? And is price related to print quality in most cases? Will a $700 printer deliver significantly better results than a $300 printer?

byeleanor Loc: northern Michigan

I have Epson R2400. It is an older model and has 3 black cartridges (as well as 5 others). This is great for B & W photography. Color management and using a Huey Pro makes for a great combination for printing my photos at home. My photographs color are better than I could have had done outside! I think the 'trick' for B & W is to have those three black cartridges (lt lt blk, lt black, and Photo/matte black)--they are pigment inks, too.

CResQ Loc: Cobble Hill, BC

Many fine printers out there. Epson got my money for a Stylus Pro R3000. First saw it perform on Kelby Training producing black and whites.

9 cartridges with 2 blacks (1 photo, 1 matt)
It will print up to 13 x 19"

It is quite the monster:

Weight/Dimensions
35 lb
24.2" (W) x 14.5" (D) x 9" (H)

I guess it all depends on what applications you a going to use a printer for and how serious you want to get.

I bought mine about 2 months ago (in Canada) It cost $850.00 but I got a $150.00 rebate which is valid in Canada and USA. I think the rebate program runs until the end of December but please don't quote me on that. Cheers

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

I would go for the Epson Photo R3000. Have look at these reviews

http://www.photo-i.co.uk/reviews-2/printers/epson-r3000-review/

dpreview known for their excellent camera reviews also do a good review of the R3000, link below-

http://www.dpreview.com/printerreviews/epsonr3000/

normsImages Loc: Alabama for now

I have been using the Canon pro 9500 pro mk II for going on 4 years. The reason I chose this one is at the time it was tops in B & W with three monochrome inks matte black, photo black and gray ink. The B & W prints are outstanding. This printer has been discontinued but can still be found on amazon for $600 new. My average ink cost for a 11 x 14 is around $2.06. Canon now has its PRO-1 for $999 and has larger ink tanks with they say lower ink cost. This one has 5 monochrome inks, matte black, photo black, dark gray, gray and light gray. This is the one Ive been looking at when I can afford it.