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Thread: Home Printing Question

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    Default Home Printing Question

    Hi, I'm wondering if you have good experience with home printing of your photos. I'm not talking about large size printing, 8X10, 8.5X11, 5X7 of your photos for family and friends. Over the years, I have gone thru HP, Canon (2 in the past 2 years), Epson (lasted for 1 ink that came with the printer). The Canon PIXMA MG55XX did an OK job initially, but then the colors became wash out (may be I need to buy only Canon ink?) and now quit working. The Epson XP610 was OK, but after the first replacement of ink, it refused to print (I threw it and the ink in the trash). The Canon just broke and my wife wants a replacement. Thank you in advance. Loi

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Loi, what is your budget, however more importantly, think about the amount of ink cartridges it takes & the cost of them, as consumables can be the killer if you print a lot. Things like Magenta/Cyan Pro are the heavily used ones and go quickly, others like yellow have a longer longevity. I use the Canon Pixma pro range and find them excellent, consistent in colour where images are printed a while back, they match, but then also having paper/ink profiles to helps, often FOC when you buy the paper.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    I have an Epson 3800 ( bought refurbed from Adorama ) and it does a wonderful job. I have printed up to 17 x 22 with very nice results. The colors and detail are wonderful. It is easy to use and has been trouble free.

    This printer uses a type of pigment different from standard ink jet printers and is rated to be fade resistant for many years. The printer can handle many types of paper and ICC paper profiles are available for this printer from just about every paper manufacturer.

    The ink is not cheap but the cartridges are large and last a long time. A full set is about $400. I cannot tell you the cost per print but I am confident you can find that info on the net somewhere. I have had the printer for over 2 years. I do not print extensively. I have only had to replace 3 or 4 cartridges since I started.

    The only issue I have had is that it does not reliably feed small paper (4 x 6). It handles larger sheets with no problem.

    Look for reviews of this printer on the net, I am sure you would like it

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    I've had a 3880 since it first came out and love it, but it's a big beast if you only want to do small prints. I've had no issues with 4x6 paper, but mine can be a little picky about large sheets. It has a low tolerance for misalignment of the leading edge of the paper. The 8.5 x 11 2880 had the problem in spades, for two I've helped people with. The smaller format printers are getting scarce. There are two newer Epsons that are 13 x 19, but I haven't had any experience with them.

    Pigment inks will last longer before fading but dye-based inks are getting better.

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    Thank you, Steve, Joe, and Diane. Will look into those two recommendations. i don't print a lot and space is a bit of a premium at this moment, but I was so dissapointed with the cheapo printers, so will do some home work here. if I print for myself, I'd just send them out. But occasionally my wife wants a print to send to somebody, and it would be nice to keep her happy. Thanks again. Loi

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    There's a world of difference is a cheap printer and a good photo-quality one. And quality prints depend on using the best settings with the proper paper profile. Even with the inexpensive printers, there are ways to maximize the available quality. I haven't used one of these printers for a long time but in the old days the "advanced" settings were not the default.

    Here is an old tutorial that still has some relevance for anyone who hasn't done a lot of printing.

    http://www.adorama.com/alc/0008213/a...g-Take-Control

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    Just want to give an update. I decided on a Canon PIXMA PRO-100. Space is a constraint and it is really for casual use. I bought it for $199 new on Amazon + 2-year service warranty by Square Trade for $16 (not sure how it works) and an 8-pack ink for $126. I tested a 8X10 print last night in "High Quality" mode and like the quality of the print very much, but it took literally more than 1 hour to print! This morning I printed a 5X7 in Normal mode and it looked good and a few minutes. Tried the same print in "High Qua;ity" mode and it took more than 10 minutes and I had to leave for work. WHen I shut down the computer, the printer aborted the job. Will do some checking to see if this is normal. Thank you for all your help. Loi

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