Pro Printer

[DaxWagner]

Hello all,
I am new to to DSLR photography and was looking to purchase a printer that would print at least 8"x10" for framing or archival purposes. I would like some input on quality vs. ink/paper cost. I am trying not to spend too much.
Thanks,
Dax

[venchka]

The problem with "best" printer for 8x10 (actually 8 1/2 x 11) is that the manufacturers don't put all the bells and whistles in until you get to a 13x19 printer.

[DaxWagner]

Originally Posted by venchka

The problem with "best" printer for 8x10 (actually 8 1/2 x 11) is that the manufacturers don't put all the bells and whistles in until you get to a 13x19 printer.

Thanks Wayne,

Right now I have an all-in-one that will handle 8 1/2 x 11, but the quality is that of the old thermal printer I had with my commodore 64 when it comes to printing pictures, you can see the track marks of the print head. I have one of the small size dedicated photo printers and it works ok for personal albums. I want one that will print well enough for full page portfolio pics.

I am looking to see what I should budget in the next few months to upgrade to something I can actually use to print larger pictures.

Thanks,
Dax

[venchka]

Canon, Epson, HP. If the model number has 4 digits and the ink supply has a minimum of 4 colors (I'm sure newer models have more), then they will print high quality photos. Actually, I have an HP OfficeJet All-In-One that prints nice letter size photos. The trouble with these printers is the cost of ink. Larger printers have larger ink supply and the cost of ink goes way down.

[princer7]

Any models that you would recommend as a dedicated photo printer? I have never printed many of my images due to the lack of archival printing options on my archaic printer.

[RKDauph]

Originally Posted by princer7

Any models that you would recommend as a dedicated photo printer? I have never printed many of my images due to the lack of archival printing options on my archaic printer.

I have both the Epson 1400 and 3800 13x19 printers and can recommend either one of them.

[venchka]

From what I gather, all inkjet ink and 100% acid free rag paper will outlive you.
Any modern inkjet printer with 6 or more ink colors will print acceptable photos.
If you want to spend some real money, Epson runs specials on the 3880 from time to time. If you factor in the cost of the ink supplied, the printer is almost free.
And if you want to spend a little more money, the Canon iPF5100 is a fine printer.

[DaxWagner]

Thanks all for the replies. I am looking at an Epson 1400, there are a lot of new ones out there for sale at less than retail.

I just discovered there is a CIS, continuous ink system, for this printer also. Do you think it would be a good idea to add this?

Thanks,
Dax

[venchka]

Some folks swear by CIS. Some folks swear at CIS. I have no experience with CIS.

[princer7]

I just picked up a refurbished Epson 1400 direct from Epson.com for $149.00 after coupon [coupon code: review12]. Thanks for the recommendation. My old Canon Pixima finally bit the dust.

[jstevensphoto]

I've also been considering making the printer plunge. I've been looking at the Epson 3880. Looks impressive in reviews. I'm burning too much gas running back and forth to labs getting my prints ready for portrait clients. However, most people I talk to say in the long run, it's cheaper to let someone else do my printing. Especially when you factor in the printer needing service.

[revjvegas]

I have the Epson R1900 and would recommend it.
It serves me well for prints up to 13x19 which I mat and frame to put up around the house.

[jstevensphoto]

I'm wondering if anyone has had serious maintenance or other mechanical problems. The labs I use do a great job, I just get tired of running around to them in my car.

[Marburg]

I've had my HP pro printer for over 5 years now and never had anykind of problem with it. It takes up to 6 kinds of ink. I've only had 1 instance where the photo faded or bled and it was due to being exposed to moisture shortly after printing. The newer HP printers are better but the cost of ink is high.

[picman]

If you are looking for an archival printer, then you will be looking for a printer that uses pigmented inks vs dye based ink.