Rdhalste

Hi All,
As I've grown older, much older, I've devolved from sports and aviation photography into just a serious and picky amateur and need a new photo printer.
In college, I had a minor in art (almost all photography) which of course was film and chemistry back then.

Over the years I've worn out a number of printers. Now it's time to get a new one. I want quality that won't break the bank purchasing ink. It will on occasion be used to print documents, but most of those are printed in my wife's office.

Unlike others, printer size is not a concern. Quality is #1, Availability of quality ink at a reasonable price and in useful quantities is #2, printing speed is #3, purchase price is #4. It can be wired, or wireless although there are so many wireless networks close by, they can at times cause a major slowdown, so wired might be preferable. (Most I've seen are both which is fine) I dream of a printer capable of printing 11 X 14, or larger, but those are beyond a pension and SS. It makes more sense to have a lab do those

Unlike many photographers, I want to know how everything in the chain works, be it mechanical, chemistry, or electronics. IOW, Camera to computer, to finished print.

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

I recently purchased an Epson Artisan 1430. It is a 5 cartridge printer using Epson 79series ink. It has a wide carriage (13 in) and can print any size paper up to that width. So far it seems to sip ink slower than my old HP did. So far very happy with photo prints.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Almost all the printer topics end up including suggestions for the Canon Pro-100. Some will say ink is expensive, and it is. But, on a per print basis, the cost of the ink used is competitive. Cheaper ink costs can come from third party cartridge refilling kits or third party cartridge suppliers like LD Products. https://www.ldproducts.com/

Using Canon ink, my cost per 13x19 inch print is about $3.50 to $4.50.

The "price" of the Pro-100 is $400. For that you get some big sheets of paper and full standard ink cartridges worth about $150. Included is a $250 rebate card. The net effect is that the printer is "free".

Canon Pro-100 prints are gorgeous.

Quality is #1: Yes
Availability of quality ink at a reasonable price #2: Easy to get in your mail box from B&H, Amazon, LD products.
Printing speed is #3: High quality photo prints are never fast.
Purchase price is #4: Effectively free
It can be wired, or wireless: Yes

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Canon Pro-100 printers with a full inkset will print up to 13x19 images and frequently go on sale from $49 - $99 after rebates. Keep an eye on B&H and Adorama. BTW, the prints are spectacular.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

I've used Epson photo printers for years. Currently I have the SureColor P800, which has a 17" carriage and can print 17x22 inch prints. Gorgeous products! Ink isn't cheap--$55 per cartridge, but, at 80ml, they seem to last and last.

MarcH Loc: Doylestown Pa

the canon pro 100 is a terrific printer Can print up to 13x19 rapidly.Ink is expensive but with good paper the19x13 print is about 3$/print. Worth the expense

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Can a dedicated photo printer print just text? Sounds like a silly question but I honestly don't know. Intuitively I think it would, but … ????

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

YES

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

The Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wide-format Printer or Epson Artisan 1430 Inkjet Printer will both do 13"x19" and are about $350 when they're not on sale. I have an older model Stylus Photo 1400 and it still does a great job. All the above mentioned are 6 color and cartridges are single so you only have to replace the color needed.

Ratskinner Loc: Copalis Beach WA

I bought my first printer in 1998. It was cumbersome and very slow. Ink seemed expensive but I was not sure. Some years later
I purchased another printer with more or less the same result, slow, expensive ink, and marginal quality prints. I heard about a new co. in New Hampshire that sold ink cheap. I called them and spoke to the owner, and as a result bought a Canon printer and when I needed ink I got it from him. I have never regretted that initial purchase or the many since then. The print quality has always been excellent, whatever model I got. I continue to buy ink from "Got Ink 4u" although Amazon is cheaper. I am not a skilled photographer but just a happy picture taker, but I have a good eye for color.

TonyBot

Yes, it can. But why would you do that? Not only would the page take forever to print, it will cost you more money. You're better off getting an "all-in-one" for your text printing (one with either "forever" refillable ink carts, or one with a "pigment" black inkset) along with a good-quality photo printer.

I agree about the Canon Pro-100 - it is good and inexpensive if 13x19 is going to be your largest print. (I personally own a Pro-10 and absolutely love it) Like ALL of them, the cost is in the ink carts. Refilling is a good option.

If you want to print larger than 13x19, then both Canon and Epsom have some very good units for 17" prints. You may then, if the budget allows, consider some of the 24" or larger roller units.

Menkaure Loc: Michigan

DON"T buy a HP. Unless you buy your ink in gallon jugs!

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

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I too make use of the Canon Pro-100. Very good B&W as well as color.

I do use different ink that I refill = "Precision Colors" is the make of the ink, and this ink is very good. Had this printer for over 5 years. Bought it on ebay for 150.00 - In The Sealed Box - Most likely from someone that did not want the printer and sold it on ebay. Very happy and I print a lot, about 2 or three a week.
So far, no problems what so ever.

-0-

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

I use an Epson SureColor P800 wide-format printer (17" maximum, and it is roll-capable.). Uses pigment-based inks. Takes eight cartridges, at $51 per, but they are 80ml cartridges and they last a good while.

The SureColor P800 is a superb printer. I use RedRiver paper, and I've installed each paper type's profile into my computer/software, plus I calibrate my monitor/printer with Spyder colorimeter and software.

My results are uniformly excellent.

Dave34 Loc: Maricopa, AZ

Me too! Pro-100 and Precision Ink in modified OEM carts works great for me. Beautiful prints. Much better than I was getting from local lab.