Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: hovis on May 13, 2006, 12:43:38 pm

Title: differences between pro range and desktop printers
Post by: hovis on May 13, 2006, 12:43:38 pm

Hi

I hope this doesn't seem like a stupid post, I have a couple of questions. The first is whether there is a significant difference between the quality and longevity of the prints produced from Epson’s professional range of printers and the R2400, or is it just the size of the print achievable?

The second is, are the afore mentioned printers suitable for producing archival fine art reproductions? I have drawings which I would like to reproduce and would like to know if these machines are the kind used by commercial giclee printers?

The drawings aren't that big, so if I get the same results from the R2400 then there would be no reason to invest in anything larger and more expensive. For similar reasons, if the results from said printer are equal to commercial giclee prints then I'd rather have control over the whole process.


Jon

Title: differences between pro range and desktop printers
Post by: alainbriot on May 13, 2006, 02:35:04 pm

Jon,

1-The Epson K3 series (4800/7800/9800) are the printers used by "commercial giclee" outfits (at least those that I would consider doing business with).  All 4 printers (including the 2400) use the same inks and are capable of the same print quality.

2-The 2400 is only cheaper when you buy it.  Afterwards the cost of the small (very small) ink cartridges, and the need to constantly replace them, catches up with you fast and you end up spending way more than if you bought the larger models to start with.

3-The "pro" models are better suited to heavy use plus they are linearized (calibrated to a known standard).  Buying a pro model is not a decision made only because of print size.

4-A fine art reproduction isn't obtained through ownership of a K3 printer alone.  One also needs to master digital printing, and that is a world in itself.  Expect some waste and a steep learning curve.

5-Good luck with your endeavors.

Best regards,

Alain

Title: differences between pro range and desktop printers
Post by: hovis on May 13, 2006, 02:42:17 pm

Thanks Alain,

for answering all my questions,

regards,

Jon.

Title: differences between pro range and desktop printers
Post by: alainbriot on May 13, 2006, 06:27:47 pm

You are welcome.  I tried to give you a quick but thorough idea of the current situation.

Alain