Printer Recommendations

I'm in the market for a new printer, my HP DeskJet 990 Cxi is (justifiably) very tired now. My requirements are for the very best quality photographs, but with swift text printing too.

It would be nice to be able to print on card (and CD/DVDs) but not essential.

I don't think the resolution of colour lasers puts them in contention (although I could be wrong), so what printer(s) would you recommend unreservedly, either from owning or seeing the results?

TIA!

Ray.

I can recommend the Epson Stylus Photo R800. It prints up to borderless A4, CD/DVD Media, 160Gram card, and roll stock for banners.

If you intend doing a reasonable amount of photo printing, make sure the printer you choose has separate ink cartridges for each colour to keep the cost per print to a minimum.

I use a Migicolor 2300W for majority of my own work but a professional printers for clients photos. At 10p per 6x4 from my local store its cheaper than printin images myself.

If you do look at colour lasers remember that many do not take more than 150gsm paper and that their ourput on gloss tends to look silky rather than glossy.

That'd be the Konica-Minolta (formerley QMS) Magicolor 2300W.

Have to agree with Mannesty - while I was reading the post I was printing on my Epson Stylus R800. Once I started using the correct Epson profiles and calibrated my monitor it has been flawless.

Mike

OK - looks like I'd better take a look at the Stylus Photo R800 if you like it that much.

Would it be worth the extra to consider the Epson R1800 or the Canon ( yes, OK, but it's not a camera!) PIXMA Pro 9500, or are they just over the top?

I know I didn't mention A3 printers initially and I didn't seriously consider them, but I've always liked kit that I could "grow into" rather than have to upgrade.

Thanks for the comments so far - much appreciated.

Ray.

You'd have to make that decision yourself based upon your expectation of printing A3 as opposed to having them printed. I'd suggest that unless you want to adorn your walls with A3 pics or perhaps enter competitions, and you expect to print a reasonable volume, A3 capability is expensive if it is underused. The cost of edge to edge full colour A3 printing on decent paper is quite high.

I've been running an R800 for a good few years now if you need any further endorsement to look at one... Try it with some of the Ilford Pearl finish paper... Lovely!!!

Not that me using one is any kind of endorsement

Spirit_of_will,

In addition to Epson paper I have also used the Ilford Pearl finish paper and I agree it is excellent. Henry's camera chain in Canada has put out a Satin finish that works well with the Lustre setting on the R800 (for any Canadians having a R800).

Mike

My printers which I am very happy using are the Epson R220, it prints on CDs / DVDs for printing text etc I use the Brother 2040, and got with air-miles Canon Selphy, as it's quick for 4 x 6 postcards which I am able to share with friend all over the globe etc.

Please note -- These are the Canadian names so they may be different in other parts of the globe.

Best wishes,

A friend runs exclusively Epson printers in his TV/Video studio, so I had a word with him. In turn, he recommended I spoke to the guy at a local business machines shop, who is a very keen digital photographer. This I did.

He had the R800 on the shelf, but said that, although he also used one at home, he would rather not sell me one now, as the technology was getting a bit dated. He pointed me to another model, then showed me a couple of A4 borderless prints from it - amazing! The model was the Epson R265, a six-colour printer using Claria inks. It was less than £70, which made me uneasy.

He said that I could try it and if I didn't like it I could come back for the R800. How could I lose? I tried it - I will NOT be taking it back, it's absolutely unbelievable! I wish I could show you the results, but I can't. All I can say is WOW!

Given that I was thinking of spending R1800 amounts of cash, how refreshing that the input from the shop manager was based on knowledge of the product rather than "most cash in the till."

I'd no doubt have been delighted if I'd bought an R800, but I've now got a considerable amount of change to spend on ink and papers. Result!

Ray.

Hi Ray,

if you want to advertise the supplier's shop/website.. and it looks like it's justified, put a quick post in the Recommended Suppliers thread.

Cheers

Liam

Posted, as suggested, Liam. My Pantone Huey turned up today, so I'm on a roll!

Ray.