I am, after much consideration and thought, going to start printing my own images. Two things influenced this decision : controlling my images and controlling costs.
I am considering the purchase of the Epson 3800. This seems to be a reasonable choice for printing 16X20 images (the largest size I sell the most of). I figure I can more cost effectively have 20X24 images printed through a lab.
Does anyone use this printer?? Are their any others in this size range that you would consider? I was looking at the HP DesignJet 130, as it allows 24 inch wide prints and cost the same as the Epson 3800. Anyone have experience with this printer? Lastly, the printer is offered in a Professional series, the biggest difference being Colorburst RIP software included. WHat is this?? Is it worth the extra $250?
I have been using the Epson 3800 since December, and my experience with it has been great. I've printed some great 16x20 and 16x24 prints as well as many smaller sizes. With good color management, you can't go wrong, and I would put the prints output by this printer against any other out there. I did not get the professional version in order to get the RIP. Some may differ in the opinion whether a better print can be made with RIP software or not. I have seen prints made from both standard color management using Photoshop (with proper paper profiles) and using RIP and I see no difference. IMHO it would not be worth the $250, but I'm sure there are some photographers doing their own printing here with RIPs who would share the benefits they see from using the software.
It worked great out of the box, didn't take long to set up. I highly recommend it. Some may mention the "down side" of it not accepting roll paper. I don't print many panos, so it hasn't been an issue for me, and I have paper cut to 17x25 so I can print 16x24 prints instead of 16x20s. I've also done some 12x36 panos on it and it worked great.
This might or might not influence your choice, but I keep getting notices from Epson that they're clearing out their 4800 and larger series, while at the same time they announcing a replacement "80" series. There's a rebate avilable on the 4800, but it expires today, I think. Luminous Landscape has posted a review of the new models.
Idle speculation on my part without investigation, but does this create a viable opportunity to step up to the 4800 for not much more money?
Discussion
3 repliesI am considering the purchase of the Epson 3800. This seems to be a reasonable choice for printing 16X20 images (the largest size I sell the most of). I figure I can more cost effectively have 20X24 images printed through a lab.
Does anyone use this printer?? Are their any others in this size range that you would consider? I was looking at the HP DesignJet 130, as it allows 24 inch wide prints and cost the same as the Epson 3800. Anyone have experience with this printer? Lastly, the printer is offered in a Professional series, the biggest difference being Colorburst RIP software included. WHat is this?? Is it worth the extra $250?
It worked great out of the box, didn't take long to set up. I highly recommend it. Some may mention the "down side" of it not accepting roll paper. I don't print many panos, so it hasn't been an issue for me, and I have paper cut to 17x25 so I can print 16x24 prints instead of 16x20s. I've also done some 12x36 panos on it and it worked great.
Idle speculation on my part without investigation, but does this create a viable opportunity to step up to the 4800 for not much more money?