Epson R200?

[bbailey]

I'm planning on getting a printer here in the next week or so. As much as I would like one of the higher end Epsons (1800 or 2200) I can't afford it at this point. I've looked and the R200 looks like a pretty good deal at only $100. I figure I can get started with this and get the workflow down from printing so when I get a nicer printer I have a clue what to do.

I will just be printing 4x6, 8x10, etc for around the home so this looks like it will fit my needs pretty well. I would like to print 8x12, but it doesn't look like anything less than $500 will do that size. Am I right? Anything I want big I can get from Mpix.

So, does anyone have a R200 and have any suggestions and recommendations on the printer itself or paper to use?

This is my first foray into printing my images myself. Before I've just had a few prints done at Wal-Mart, etc, and wasn't impressed. Will the print quality be better than the average non-pro lab print?

Thanks,
Ben

[Sheldon]

Ben, I dont know much about the printer you are refering to, but I can tell you that I have the Canon i960 and love it. I didnt pay much more than 100 dollars for it and have been very happy.

[Bill Huber]

I have the R300, this is the same printer but as all the junk for card reading. I never use it but the R200 was not out when I got it.

I love the printer and its prints are just outstanding. It is not the fastest in the world I guess but the quality is I think some of the best.

I really don't think you could go wrong with the Canon or the Epsom, there are both outstanding printers for the money.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by bbailey

I will just be printing 4x6, 8x10, etc for around the home so this looks like it will fit my needs pretty well. I would like to print 8x12, but it doesn't look like anything less than $500 will do that size. Am I right? Anything I want big I can get from Mpix.




Ben

My R200 as the option of User Defined paper size so as long as it's 8.5" wide it can be longer then 11", or legal size at 8.5--14" so I don't thank 8x12 would be a problem, but I never tryed it. It Prints great 8x10 and DVD's and C.D's to. I love it.

[bbailey]

Thanks for the info everyone. I picked one up today and I love this printer so far. I've printed several 4x6s and the quality is amazing.

[lucian]

The difference between the R200 and the R300 is that the R300 has a card reader and uses six ink cartridges. It's a fast printer compared to my old HP1120C. The quality of prints is great. You'll be happy with either one.

[Bill Huber]

Originally Posted by lucian

The difference between the R200 and the R300 is that the R300 has a card reader and uses six ink cartridges. It's a fast printer compared to my old HP1120C. The quality of prints is great. You'll be happy with either one.

The R200 uses 6 inks just like an R300, the only difference is in the Card reader and you can add an LCD to it.

I have been having really good luck with the Iford papers, I am using the Smooth Gloss Paper, I would say its as good as the Epson. My favorite paper on the R300 is the Premium Luster Paper, really nice prints.

[lucian]

Oops. I stand corrected.

With regard to paper I'm using Kodak Ultima heavy weight and am getting excellent to outstanding results.

[Bill Huber]

Originally Posted by lucian

Oops. I stand corrected.

With regard to paper I'm using Kodak Ultima heavy weight and am getting excellent to outstanding results.

How is the cost of the Kodak... the Iford is cheap if you can find it.

[lucian]

I usually wait until Office Max or Office Depot has them on sale 2 for 1.

The last time I bought some it was $9.99 (2 for 1 special). There are 15 8.5x11 sheets per pack.

I also use the Kodak Premium Picture Paper. It's a lighter weight. The Ul;tima is supposed to have a 100 year life span.

Kodsak also has a two sided paper. I've tried it and don't care for it at all. Colors don't look anything like the Premium or Ultima.

On both papers I refer the glossy over the satin or matte.

[Bill Huber]

Originally Posted by lucian

I usually wait until Office Max or Office Depot has them on sale 2 for 1.

The last time I bought some it was $9.99 (2 for 1 special). There are 15 8.5x11 sheets per pack.

I also use the Kodak Premium Picture Paper. It's a lighter weight. The Ul;tima is supposed to have a 100 year life span.

Kodsak also has a two sided paper. I've tried it and don't care for it at all. Colors don't look anything like the Premium or Ultima.

On both papers I refer the glossy over the satin or matte.

Man you can't beat that price, I will have to keep my eye open for that and give it a try, I always like to try them all.

[imjamie]

While I don't own that particular printer, I use a Canon i9900, I have found some paper that works terrific for getting that original feel of a photograph. Kodak has some new Professional Inkjet Paper that comes in either glossy or luster finish. I love the luster (matte finish) and it is basically instant drying as well. I know that it comes in 2 sizes for now, 8.5x11 and 13x19. The 13x19 I believe is available in luster finish only. The price I am guessing isn't what you would call cheap, 100 sheets of 8.5x11 Glossy for ~$60, 20 sheets of 8.5x11 Glossy for ~$15, 50 sheets of 8.5x11 Luster for ~$35 and 20 sheets of the 13x19 Luster for ~$45. I've tried lost of papers over the last few years and love the colors and feel of these, both are really good in my opinion. Like I said though, I may have gotten off track with this, but I saw you guys talking about different papers and price and thought I might bring this up in case anyone wanted to try either of these out. I know that CompUSA carries the 8.5x11 size, but I'm not sure about the 13x19 size. Sorry if I bored anyone with this or strayed too far off topic.