Quantcast
You are not logged in, click here to log in.

This Question is Possibly Answered

1 "correct" answer available (4 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (2 pts)
5 Replies Last post: Jul 27, 2008 9:38 AM by moose_n_squirrel  
Click to view stacid2006's profile New Member 1 posts since
Jul 21, 2008
Reply

Jul 21, 2008 1:43 PM

color inkjet printer recommendation

i'm looking for recommendations for the "best" color inkjet printer in the $500-$700 range. i am a graphic designer and amateur photographer, so i need excellent color accuracy and crisp text for client comps, but i would also like great color in the photographs to print my digital pix. i'm looking at Epson, Canon, and HP but am getting more confused by the day. what do others use and *love*? thanks!
Reply
Click to view dougster's profile Old Hand 4,151 posts since
Feb 25, 2001
1. Jul 25, 2008 10:08 AM in response to: stacid2006
Re: color inkjet printer recommendation

-Hi,

You've posted a loaded question ::kinda:: an excellent Inkjet printer for one member is not for another. Epson use to 'rule' when it came to color pixs. NOT anymore IMO. HP use to be way behind along w/ Canon and now they've upped their game to be equals or better.

Anyway, I've very pleased w/ HP and color accuracy once Photoshop has a profile that plays nicely w/ HP. Their scanners are not that great yet, but now I'm off topic. And if we want the best crisp text printed out we use premium (clay) paper which makes a big difference.

I'd make sure the printer you purchase has the software for your OS. Some printers today don't play well with Leopard from what I've read on different forums. Your best bet is to Google some reviews on the 3 printers and which software they run on. Wish I could narrow down the perfect printer, but that can't be done. A couple yrs ago I brought home an Epson from Office Depot and was NOT pleased (can't rememer the model) and exchanged it for an HP 6940 which printed out color much better. Good luck and I'm sure other members will post.


-doug
Click to view albloom's profile Old Hand 2,182 posts since
Apr 21, 2004
2. Jul 26, 2008 5:36 AM in response to: stacid2006
Re: color inkjet printer recommendation
Dougster has it right, as usual. The big kids are getting close together.
A couple thoughts:

1. Leslye went with an Epson Stylus Pro 4000 (large format, crew served) and
was happy with the color matching out of the box. I suspect the Epson you're
looking at would perform, too.

2. Get a printer that uses "archival ink." Epson calls it Ultrachrome. That stuff
won't degrade over time. Yes, it's pricey. It's worth it if it's your business.
Click to view moose_n_squirrel's profile Old Hand 2,828 posts since
Sep 16, 2004
3. Jul 26, 2008 7:21 AM in response to: albloom
Re: color inkjet printer recommendation
albloom wrote:
1. Leslye went with an Epson Stylus Pro 4000 (large format, crew served) and
was happy with the color matching out of the box. I suspect the Epson you're
looking at would perform, too.

The 4000 (now 4880) is a big expensive beast and out of the original post's price range. Can also get the 3800 but still too far out of the price range. The one to look at is the new Epson 2880, I think it's $700-800. Same or better print quality as the 3800/4000 (i.e. excellent) but easier to find room for. Prints 13x19 with archival inks. If you buy below this model the build quality and reliability goes down substantially, at least with Epson. Don't know about the other brands.

One thing is if you are going to print a lot, even though the 3800 costs $500 more it will be cheaper in the long run because the cartridges are larger so you'll pay much less per ounce of ink.
Click to view albloom's profile Old Hand 2,182 posts since
Apr 21, 2004
4. Jul 27, 2008 6:18 AM in response to: moose_n_squirrel
Re: color inkjet printer recommendation
Sorry, Rocky.

I didn't mean to imply that I recommended the old 4000. I meant to talk about L's
experience with Epson color matching and archival ink.

I've no experience with color printers costing less than $1,000. Leslye is picky.
Click to view moose_n_squirrel's profile Old Hand 2,828 posts since
Sep 16, 2004
5. Jul 27, 2008 9:38 AM in response to: albloom
Re: color inkjet printer recommendation
No need to apologize. That was actually not directed at you or Leslye personally. I was just making a comment on the model itself.