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1. Re: Looking at two printers
(Q_Photo) Jul 7, 2008 3:07 AM (in response to Cindy-)Cindy,
I have used Epson photo printers for the last 10 years. While I dont know which model I will next purchase, I do know it will be an Epson. My point is that I'm loyal to brands that serve me well.
The Canon printers are reported to be very good these days.
I don't see that the HP's give any great advantage because the heads come with the cartridge. I've printed thousands of prints on an Epson R1800 and it is still working perfectly.
Q -
2. Re: Looking at two printers
Allen Wicks Jul 7, 2008 7:22 AM (in response to Cindy-)What Q said.
I know neither specific printer, but in general both brands
i when using photo quality printers
are capable of excellent photo quality prints
i on paper matched to the printer.
Epson's big benefit is a history of being easier to color manage on Macs. -
3. Re: Looking at two printers
Cindy- Jul 7, 2008 7:44 AM (in response to Cindy-)I can get a Canon PIXMA Pro9000 for $199. Great price. The Epson is about $100 more. -
4. Re: Looking at two printers
LRK 2 Jul 7, 2008 7:46 AM (in response to Cindy-)Cindy,
Check to see the price of replacing inks, etc. I still love my Canon i9900 but I think the ink cartridges are a little pricey.
Linda -
5. Re: Looking at two printers
Cindy- Jul 7, 2008 8:02 AM (in response to Cindy-)Thanks Linda, I will.
I just noticed the $199 price for the Canon is a refurbished printer. Is that a problem? -
6. Re: Looking at two printers
LRK 2 Jul 7, 2008 8:04 AM (in response to Cindy-)> I just noticed the $199 price for the Canon is a refurbished printer. Is that a problem?
My guess is that it's not a problem provided it's protected by warranty. -
7. Re: Looking at two printers
LRK 2 Jul 7, 2008 8:06 AM (in response to Cindy-)Another thought. In the past the Epson printers tended to get clogged with the jets. I've never had a problem with clogging with my Canon printer. You might want to check to see if the new Epsons are better this way. -
8. Re: Looking at two printers
Cindy- Jul 7, 2008 8:21 AM (in response to Cindy-)I have been reading reviews this morning and am finding the Canon ranks pretty high. Especially when it comes to clogging. The Canon does not seem to have that problem. It also does better when it comes to Mac drivers.
When it comes to the comparison of dye/pigment inks, the line between them seems to have gotten narrower with dye inks lasting longer than they used to.
I just checked prices of ink and the Epson is higher.
The Canon i9900 is a higher end printer. -
9. Re: Looking at two printers
Fred Nirque Jul 7, 2008 3:26 PM (in response to Cindy-)>with dye inks lasting longer than they used to
Longevity is conjecture based on the result of "accelerated" ageing tests usually designed by the manufacturers themselves, or the Wilhelm Institute.
( http://www.wilhelm-research.com/ )
The parameters of Epson's own test, for example, bear little relevance to the real world of actual display (for one thing the light source they use is fluorescent tubes). Wilhelm's is more thorough, but is still conjecture.
Actual results will only be known after a decade or two of real display time, and historically in the art world pigment is more stable than dye.
I stress to anyone buying my prints that the projected fade-resistance of the Ultrachrome K3 inks is that published by both the manufacturer and the Wilhelm Institute and may not be the real performance over actual time and display conditions. Interestingly I've never lost a sale because of this, and that includes sales to art galleries and art museums. -
10. Re: Looking at two printers
(bonniej) Jul 7, 2008 4:49 PM (in response to Cindy-)... including the Philadelphia Museum of Art... who were very impressed with your print of "Elia" (which is now in their collection) -
11. Re: Looking at two printers
Allen Wicks Jul 7, 2008 5:14 PM (in response to Cindy-)>In the past the Epson printers tended to get clogged with the jets.
Sorry, that is irrelevant information. That was in the very far distant past, years before you bought your Canon, before the Epson SP2200 even. At the time the SP12xx series were very good printers, better than the competition IMO, even with the issue of print heads that often needed cleaning. The issue was resolved with the SP2200 (now defunct, but many are still printing great photo quality prints) and other Epson printers since then.
No matter which brand, the cost of printing is in consumables (paper and ink) so $100 difference in the up front printer cost actually is not all that important. -
12. Re: Looking at two printers
Fred Nirque Jul 7, 2008 5:19 PM (in response to Cindy-):-)
Thanks to you, Bonnie! -
13. Re: Looking at two printers
Cindy- Jul 8, 2008 6:00 AM (in response to Cindy-)Would you buy a refurbished Canon 9000? -
14. Re: Looking at two printers
(Q_Photo) Jul 8, 2008 12:56 PM (in response to Cindy-)Cindy,
First I would buy an Epson before a Canon. But that is my personal choice.
Now two questions for you.
How much money do they want for the refurbished 9000?
Does it have a warranty?
If you're saving a lot and get a warranty, go for it.
Q -
15. Re: Looking at two printers
Cindy- Jul 8, 2008 1:21 PM (in response to Cindy-)I am going to pass on the refurbished printer. Makes me too nervous. It is only $199 but it is online while there store sells the refurbished printers for $100 more. Makes me wonder what is wrong with the online version.
I have been thinking today that I should hold out until I can get one that uses archival ink. -
16. Re: Looking at two printers
Allen Wicks Jul 8, 2008 4:56 PM (in response to Cindy-)IMO refurb computers are fine but I would never buy a refurb display or printer. -
17. Re: Looking at two printers
(bonniej) Jul 9, 2008 4:15 PM (in response to Cindy-)Fred...
"Elia" made it in on quality & emotion of image... all I did was put it where they could see it ;) -
18. Re: Looking at two printers
GeofferyH Jul 15, 2008 9:26 AM (in response to Cindy-)Go here: http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/printers_page.htm
He does some of the most comprehensive reviews out there. I think both of your candidates are reviewed. -
19. Re: Looking at two printers
Ann Shelbourne Jul 15, 2008 10:07 AM (in response to Cindy-)I agree with you. And he doesn't pull his punches when something is less than good either.
He also runs some Forums for different products where you will find some very clearly stated opinions and experiences from other users.
http://www.photo-i.co.uk/BB/index.php


