Photo printer recommendations?

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Tommy P

Tommy P

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Nov 16, 2003
Posts
870
Loc
Mid North Indiana
I really need to get a "true" photo printer. My HP deskjet 4215, while a good little workhorse, does not do well printing on photo type papers. Of course it wasn't really intended for that type of printing.

I would like to get a photo printer that is capable of 13 x 19 printing. Does anyone have experience and suggestions as to brand, etc.?
 
Tommy P said:
I really need to get a "true" photo printer. My HP deskjet 4215, while a good little workhorse, does not do well printing on photo type papers. Of course it wasn't really intended for that type of printing.

I would like to get a photo printer that is capable of 13 x 19 printing. Does anyone have experience and suggestions as to brand, etc.?
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Tommy,
I'm not the expert, but I have an Epson 4800 and Epson 7800 inkjet printers. They both do very high quality printing, and I print all my photos on them. The 4800 can print up to 17 inches wide using 8 different color ink cartridges.

It would also depend on how much you want to spend.
4800 Epson appr $1,800.00
8 ink cartridges $85.00 each x 8
photo paper $100.00 a roll

Also, I think you would need a computer to run the printer, and a RIP software which manages the printer.
There are a couple of good threads that talk about the different printers on The Grumble.
Bmail me and I'll get the name and number of the guy I bought mine from.
Good luck with your decision.
 
Thanks Bill, but that is a bit more than I want to invest right now. The capability to do 13 x 19 at the largest is fine for now. So I was hoping to be under $400.
 
I also have a Epson 4800 and a 9800. It seems that the 13" and under models are more of a consumer level and the 17" and over are professional grade printers. I would seriously consider saving your sheckels and getting the 4800 for the shop. This way you could add digital printing and also print outs from Digital Custom and the like.
 
I should have also pointed out that besides photo printing I would also be printing...say prints of an original watercolor and the like. Artwork in general, so a heavier paper ability is needed.

I just don't want to get something and find out later that "art printing" is not the printers forte!
 
Tommy P said:
I should have also pointed out that besides photo printing I would also be printing...say prints of an original watercolor and the like. Artwork in general, so a heavier paper ability is needed.

I just don't want to get something and find out later that "art printing" is not the printers forte!
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Even more reason to get the 4800. The Epson printer inks are rated for over a hundred years. They are pigmented inks and hold up very well to direct sunlight. I use mine for store signage too. After over a year in the window my hours sign show no sign of fading. With this printer you can print on photo paper, art papers and on canvas.
 
Thanks FM, I'll check out the 4800!

I'm also researching the Canon PIXMA Pro9000, it looks interesting.
 
HP 9180

Hi Tommy!

Though I am fairly new to the framing industry - I have been a graphic artist, specializing in photo restoration and printing, for over 20 years. When I opened our framing shop I did A LOT of research and testing to find a new printer to be able to do high end photo printing and up to 13 x 19. I purchased the HP 9180 (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...tosmart Pro B9180 Photo Printer&lang=en&cc=us). This is a FANTASTIC printer! color quality is amazing and the inks are 200 year inks. It will also print a many many different media types, including canvas. The price tag is expensive - from HP $699 - but someone is always having a sale - I got mine for $549. The inks cost about $34 each and there are 8 different ones. You can find them cheaper than HP - but HP gives FREE overnight shipping which makes it a wash. A GREAT place to buy paper is http://www.atlex.com/. I hope this helps you
 
Just an FYI I ordered an Epson 4800 almost 2 weeks ago, it's officially discontinued. I lucked out and the company I ordered it from scoured the whole US trying to find it.....that was how they found out it was getting discontinued. Epson is coming out with the 4880 in November.

Also for those who have the 4800, Epson has changed the part numbers for the inks.....just a heads up. In the meantime I cannot wait till I receive it!!
 
Steph said:
Just an FYI I ordered an Epson 4800 almost 2 weeks ago, it's officially discontinued. I lucked out and the company I ordered it from scoured the whole US trying to find it.....that was how they found out it was getting discontinued. Epson is coming out with the 4880 in November.

Also for those who have the 4800, Epson has changed the part numbers for the inks.....just a heads up. In the meantime I cannot wait till I receive it!!
Click to expand...

Steph,
Welcome to the 4800 club. I've got the 4800 & 7800. I just bought the 4800 a couple of months ago, and I wish they had told me about the new 4880. Oh well, I heard they are coming out with a 12 color ink machine in the future, so maybe I'll splurge and get one of those when they hit the market.
 
Bill, from what I understand the new ink carts for the 4880 will be quite a bit higher in price. My 4800 is only a few months old aswell, but I did no about the new machines and still opted for the 4800. That is also why the large rebates.
 
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