Printer recommendations

[natalie_l]

<p>Hi everyone,<br>

Can you recommend a photo printer? I'd like to print engagement pictures inhouse (occasionally), some wedding pictures for clients and headshots. I dont have a budget and will wait if need be if its a higher price point.<br>

If you could have any printer inhouse (with reasonable space for it), which would you buy/recommend? I saw a few B&H rebates for the pixma 9000 series and above.<br>

Thanks in advance,<br>

Natalie</p>

[rnt]

<p>Depending on the size of the print you want to generate, I'd recommend the Epson 3800 for prints up to 17" wide.</p>

[steve_c.5]

<p>The Epson R280 works well for printing up to letter size and also prints CD/DVD labels in full color on inkjet printable media. I use mine with a continous ink system that saves a TON on ink costs over the Epson OEM inks. I can print forever and refill the six-color inks very economically. You can often pick up one of these printers for less than $90 and the CIS system is under $100.</p>

<p>I like the Epsons because of the CD/DVD printing, which HP and Canon lack.</p>

[eliza_beth]

<p>I'm selling my Epson R2400 if you're interested. It's been great, I just don't use it anymore. You can email me at kiou500ATyahooDOTcom</p>

[pete_s.]

<p>There is no economy in inkjet printing so unless you do fine art printing as well I suggest finding a good lab. It's fast, much cheaper and much less time consuming than printing on your own. That's what I do even if I have a great inkjet printer.</p>

[wedding-photography-denver]

<p>The Epson 3800 or 2880 at this point in time.</p>

<p>If budget is a concern, the R280 is great for what it does and I use one for DVD printing.</p>

<p>The R2400 is decent too.</p>

[natalie_l]

<p>I see a refurbished 3800 on amazong for $799, would anyone consider it? I've never been one to go refurb? but the price looks good...<br>

I do send all my work to a lab, but occasionally having inhouse printing would be convenient.</p>

[rnt]

<p>Consider that a new 3800 sells for ~$1300 and comes with a full ink set (9 x $60) and you might find that the refurbished deal isn't so great.</p>

[natalie_l]

<p>Good point Robert, thanks.</p>

[fotografz]

<p>The Epson 3800 has a killer advantage compared to many of the other printers being discussed ... the Pro bundle comes with Colorburst RIP.</p>

<p>This RIP does two things of interest: it produces higher print IQ compared to sending the same file to the same printer using PhotoShop plug-ins (I tested this), and it allows you to select multiple images at the same time for the 3800 que rather than having to individually send images one-by-one like when using the PS Plug-In. I've sent 50 8X10s to the 3800 in 5 seconds. Then you can go on to do other work while the 3800 prints. </p>

<p>If a refurb comes with an ink set and the RIP it would be a good deal. If not, I wouldn't even consider it. Without the RIP it's just another printer and produces the same IQ as a 2400 with the advantage of the occasional 17 X 22 and the disadvantage that it doesn't take rolls. </p>

[natalie_l]

<p>Thanks Mark, the 3800 it is!!! Likely new =)</p>

[robert_camillo]

<p>I use the Epson 3800 the quality is unreal. Then again go one up on the 4800 and get paper rolls going. That is the one dissappointment with the 3800 that it donsn't accept rolls, as I stupidly tried to feed one through.</p>

[fotografz]

<p>The only advantage that I can see with using rolls is the ability to feed a panoramic image to the printer at 17" deep X longer than 22". Paper costs are not an issue if you buy in bulk quantities. For example, Epson Premium Luster in 250 sheet boxes reduces cost per sheet. </p>

[robert_camillo]

<p>True, Marc, I did like the idea though of being able to do Extreme wide Panos however. The 3800 is suprizingly cheap too. I like the fact that I don't have to use 3rd party printers to do my work, means I can get my work to my clients faster. Love the Epson matte range of papers, especially nice with B/W</p>