Photo quality printer? Whats the best value vs quality? (Page 5): Epson by all means, Canon would be 2nd choice. HP has never made a really good photo printer. I'm on my 4th or 5th...

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Photo quality printer? Whats the best value vs quality?

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Feb 28, 2013 12:24:50 #

ardcat

demarlow wrote:

I am trying to set up a very small studio in my home and I want to provide very good quality prints. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I have looked at different reviews and they kind of coflict. Budget limit around $600. Not that I want to spend that much!

Epson by all means, Canon would be 2nd choice. HP has never made a really good photo printer. I'm on my 4th or 5th Epson and am thinking about adding another. You can purchase the R3000 for around $600. Epson also has better quality photo paper, but Costco's gloss works very well with Epson ColorSync profiles. One of the best buys and with a lot to choose from is Red River Paper Co.

Feb 28, 2013 12:28:19 #

billybob40

For 1/2 that you can see what your print will like by doing it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261100984462?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I just make a 300 8x10 run uses 1/2 the ink, save big time.
Ink refill (bulk) cost around $32. fill tanks 2 times. This printer will print 13 x 19s or wallets.
I love Red River paper I think its the best. The link is the best yet, you would have to see it.
www.redrivercatalog.com%2fbrowse%2f66lb-polar-pearl-metallic-inkjet-photo-paper.html&utm_campaign=Explore+the+Great+Photographic+Outdoors+%7c+RRP+%40+CNPA+%7c+Canon+PRO-100+Inks+%7c+Photo+Enthusiast+Links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.redrivercatalog.com/browse/66lb-polar-pearl-metallic-inkjet-photo-paper.html?trk_msg=JBLRUET2TEK4H04EN0HBSKC240&trk_contact=BKRPK7Q6GLTBC5LLDNSLNM69MO&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.redrivercatalog.com%2fbrowse%2f66lb-polar-pearl-metallic-inkjet-photo-paper.html&utm_campaign=Explore+the+Great+Photographic+Outdoors+%7c+RRP+%40+CNPA+%7c+Canon+PRO-100+Inks+%7c+Photo+Enthusiast+Links
People around here don't go Walmart they come to me for prints. I do a better job, you can to. Make it a fun thing.

Feb 28, 2013 12:50:30 #

Benttree Loc: GA.

I have in my studio three printers, Canon, HP and Epson Stylus R 3000. Epson Stylus R 3000 is second to none, How-ever I only use my 3000 in photos over 10" on sizes , smaller sizes do I let costumers get them outside. Epson 3000 runs with eight colors. The cartridges are large size and set of eight runs about $250.00, So,,,,in my opinion is not worth for me to print any small prints.
I do some, but only with my Canon.

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Feb 28, 2013 13:52:49 #

billybob40

If you buy a printer check the ink cost before you buy.

Feb 28, 2013 14:11:13 #

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

Don't check the ink cost, or you won't buy!

Feb 28, 2013 14:19:03 #

stableflame

Go with Epson, then invest in a Continuous Ink System to save money on your prints. I have an Epson R2400 which is years old and still producing top quality prints.

Feb 28, 2013 14:30:44 #

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

demarlow wrote:

rebride wrote:

B&H has the Canon Pro 100 on sale plus $100.00 rebate card. $200.00 card if you buy certain 13x19 papers.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/893738-REG/Canon_6228b002_Pixma_Pro_100_Photo_Inkjet.html
Mine arrives today, so can not give review yet.

I have read some very conflicting reviews on canon printers. But almost all reviews point out the high cost of ink and the rate that the printers use it up. Let me know more as you try it.

Google "ink refill for xx" for the cartridges that you have. I haven't bought a cartridge in 5 years or more. Just buy an ink refill kit. Cost will be about 3 to 4 dollars per refill and they are just as good as the original. Make sure that you put the correct ink in the right hole though.Very simple!!

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Feb 28, 2013 14:35:43 #

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

breck wrote:

Different subject, sort of but anyone know of a goodbulk ink for HP8850 therirs is sooooooo expensive, so whilsdt the results are good and last I cannot afford to use it!

Use Universal Inkjet refill kit. Works great.

Feb 28, 2013 15:56:16 #

Ratskinner Loc: Copalis Beach WA

I have used many brands and find Canon to be very good.
I see some say that Canon uses a lot of ink.I have not had that experience. I have never paid more than $100.00 for a Canon and have been quite satisfied. I'm sure others have had good experinces with other brands but every time I try any competitor I'm disappointed.

Feb 28, 2013 17:23:42 #

azphotobug Loc: Scottsdale, Arizona

My friend, a photography teacher, said that the person (pro photographer) that calibrates the printers at her school, fully recommends Epson Artisan printers for the quality of the print considering the cost of the printer itself. I would recommend using Epson inks. I have an old Epson Stylus (6-7 yrs.) not an Artisan and this thing won't die. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. :-D

Feb 28, 2013 17:38:48 #

bwrep1 Loc: Maryland

I just purchased a 1430 Epson. It is on backorder from Epson and any store or online site I tried were out of stock except Micro Center in Fairfax, Va. I immediately gave them my credit card number and picked it up on Tuesday. It was a very easy installation and the prints are awesome.

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Feb 28, 2013 17:46:22 #

Benbo Loc: Lincolnshire UK

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Benbo wrote:

I use a hp Photosmart Pro B8850, great printer super results with their own brand paper, the big let down is the ink, WOW is it expensive, the big sting in the tale is, they put an expiry date on the cartridge, you can end up not being able to use a half full cartridge, but I have found a way round it, if any one is interested, PM me.

You mean the printer shuts down when a cartridge expires ?? OR it just gives you a warning that it is low ??

The printer will not print and a message tab tells you which ink has expired.

Feb 28, 2013 17:48:47 #

TGPHOTO

I agree that the Canon Pro 9000 is a great quality printer. Very large and heavy though...a "tank". The ink usage isn't as bad as some of the other brands I have read about; ie: Epson. (You can most likely find seldom-used machines for a "song". However, I would really recommend that you research outsource sites such as Red Bubble. They offer marketing/fulfillment and very high-quality printing. Home printing is a very costly proposition. Wanna buy MY printer; huh? LOL

Feb 28, 2013 19:25:33 #

WNC Ralf Loc: Candler NC, in the mountains!

Epson 3880, bought mine almost two years ago in the Epsonmstore as a efurbished printer. Bought refillable carts and have been using Cone inks, google John Cone. Beautiful color and I buy ink in lare bottle, cuts ink cost to 1/3 of normall ink costs. I agree about pigment inks, the three galleries I have talked to will only take pigment prints. I sell prints occasionally and would never sell a print using dyd inks. I have several printers and my iMac in a room that is humidified in winter dehumidified in summer here in NC, never had a clog. Good luck. Also, check out the Red River Paper web site, they have some tables on the "true" costs of printing that you should look at, covers the more popular printers.

Feb 28, 2013 21:36:15 #

Skydanser Loc: Vermont

I love my Epson Artisan (not large print size) and strongly recommend using their paper. Perfect prints!

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