Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: BradSmith on September 22, 2009, 12:00:02 pm

Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: BradSmith on September 22, 2009, 12:00:02 pm
I mostly print 13" wide, but want the capability to print larger, therefore, a 17" printer.  I was weighing the current choice of $895 3800 vs. $1495 3880 when available (might be discounted some....we'll see).  Then I found a fantastic current rebate through the end of the month from IT Supplies on the 4880.  It might be available all over, I didn't check.  Anyway, with $850 rebate now, the 4880 would cost the same as the 3800, $894.   Holy cow!  

Pluses of 4880: most up to date Epson ink set; delivered with more ink.....110 ml ink bottles (can hold 220 ml bottles), therefore, cheaper ink; vacuum print bed; roll paper capable

Negatives of 4880:  MUCH larger and heavier

I'd appreciate your views on the comparison and the current choice in front of me.

Thanks,
Brad
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: mikeseb on September 22, 2009, 01:02:09 pm
As I recall, another negative of the 4880 is its larger volume of wasted ink during black-ink swapping. This is minimized, though not eliminated, in the 3800 and presumably in the 3880.

I replaced a 4000 with a 3800 a year ago for about $1000; the price differential then between 3800 and 4880 was the major issue, given my current low volume of printing. The output of the 3800 is exceptional; very satisfied with it. At current prices, though, if I were doing it over today, I'd snap up the 4880. The 3800 would be my second choice; not sure the 3880 is worth the extra dollars.
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: LeiMeng on September 22, 2009, 01:26:13 pm
Quote from: skeedracer
I mostly print 13" wide, but want the capability to print larger, therefore, a 17" printer.  I was weighing the current choice of $895 3800 vs. $1495 3880 when available (might be discounted some....we'll see).  Then I found a fantastic current rebate through the end of the month from IT Supplies on the 4880.  It might be available all over, I didn't check.  Anyway, with $850 rebate now, the 4880 would cost the same as the 3800, $894.   Holy cow!  

Pluses of 4880: most up to date Epson ink set; delivered with more ink.....110 ml ink bottles (can hold 220 ml bottles), therefore, cheaper ink; vacuum print bed; roll paper capable

Negatives of 4880:  MUCH larger and heavier

I'd appreciate your views on the comparison and the current choice in front of me.

Thanks,
Brad

48xx series is more heavy-duty than the 38xx.  48xx has vacuum paper feed so less likely there will be head strike on the edges of paper.  Given such a good price, I would pick 48xx.
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: digitaldog on September 22, 2009, 02:37:54 pm
Quote from: skeedracer
Negatives of 4880:  MUCH larger and heavier

And noisier. But at the same price as the 3800, I'd go 4880 on this one if space isn't an issue.
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 22, 2009, 07:58:55 pm
That is an incredible offer.  Does the 4880 have a print length limitation with "standard" drivers printing from CS4 or LR?

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: Murph on September 23, 2009, 08:56:32 pm
See my comments here: 4880 thread (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37852)

And here is my man-cave with the 4880 in place:

(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7358/mancave2.jpg)
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 24, 2009, 01:49:56 am
And here is my man-cave with the 4880 in place:
**********
Well the size doesn't look totally out of place.  I ordered one last night and this AM got a call from the retailer wanting to know if the freight company would be delivering to a loading dock or if I wanted a lift gate.  I started wondering what I had gotten myself into.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: Murph on September 24, 2009, 07:30:04 am
It weighs 100 lbs, and my 9 year old is using the box as a princess castle, she can fit inside of the box.  

Quote from: vandevanterSH
And here is my man-cave with the 4880 in place:
**********
Well the size doesn't look totally out of place.  I ordered one last night and this AM got a call from the retailer wanting to know if the freight company would be delivering to a loading dock or if I wanted a lift gate.  I started wondering what I had gotten myself into.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: editfred on September 24, 2009, 02:58:32 pm
Quote from: vandevanterSH
And here is my man-cave with the 4880 in place:
**********
Well the size doesn't look totally out of place.  I ordered one last night and this AM got a call from the retailer wanting to know if the freight company would be delivering to a loading dock or if I wanted a lift gate.  I started wondering what I had gotten myself into.

Steve


Steve,
Just wondering where you bought it from and whether they're charging you extra freight for the lift gate.

Fred
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 24, 2009, 11:53:50 pm
Quote from: editfred
Steve,
Just wondering where you bought it from and whether they're charging you extra freight for the lift gate.

Fred

IT supplies but any authorized re-seller qualifies for the "stackable" rebates.  Shipping was free but lift gate is $50 extra, which seems to be a standard charge.  One rebate expires on the 30th. FYI.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: KeithR on September 25, 2009, 09:28:36 am
Quote from: Murph
See my comments here: 4880 thread (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37852)

And here is my man-cave with the 4880 in place:

  My 4800(physically the same as the 4880) measures approx 33 inches wide by about 30 inches deep.
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 25, 2009, 12:33:07 pm
Quote from: editfred
Steve,
Just wondering where you bought it from and whether they're charging you extra freight for the lift gate.

Fred

I ordered the 4880 Wed. and about 8:30 AM Friday I get a call that the delivery truck is on the way.  Amazingly quick delivery for "free" shipping.  The lift gate was necessary as there was only the driver and myself unloading.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 25, 2009, 07:26:25 pm
Quote from: skeedracer
I mostly print 13" wide, but want the capability to print larger, therefore, a 17" printer.  I was weighing the current choice of $895 3800 vs. $1495 3880 when available (might be discounted some....we'll see).  Then I found a fantastic current rebate through the end of the month from IT Supplies on the 4880.  It might be available all over, I didn't check.  Anyway, with $850 rebate now, the 4880 would cost the same as the 3800, $894.   Holy cow!  

Pluses of 4880: most up to date Epson ink set; delivered with more ink.....110 ml ink bottles (can hold 220 ml bottles), therefore, cheaper ink; vacuum print bed; roll paper capable

Negatives of 4880:  MUCH larger and heavier

I'd appreciate your views on the comparison and the current choice in front of me.

Thanks,
Brad

Thanks for posting this thread....I was just wandering around the forum and spotted the "rebate"...ordered it on Wed. delivered on Friday.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: Tklimek on September 25, 2009, 07:39:42 pm
Steve...

I heard all of the "scary talk" about how big and heavy this printer is, but the bottom line is that my wife and I moved it with no problems at all from a shared garage down a hallway and into our unit.  I did have a "dolly" so it really wasn't that hard.  Not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.

Here is a link to a thread here where I show that table that I ended up using:  http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....mp;#entry251758 (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31145&st=0&p=251758&#entry251758)

I'm sure you'll love the 4880, it's a killer printer!

Cheers...

Todd in Chicago

Quote from: vandevanterSH
Thanks for posting this thread....I was just wandering around the forum and spotted the "rebate"...ordered it on Wed. delivered on Friday.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 25, 2009, 09:59:45 pm
Quote from: Tklimek
Steve...

I heard all of the "scary talk" about how big and heavy this printer is, but the bottom line is that my wife and I moved it with no problems at all from a shared garage down a hallway and into our unit.  I did have a "dolly" so it really wasn't that hard.  Not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.

Here is a link to a thread here where I show that table that I ended up using:  http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....mp;#entry251758 (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31145&st=0&p=251758&#entry251758)

I'm sure you'll love the 4880, it's a killer printer!

Cheers...

Todd in Chicago

"I heard all of the "scary talk" about how big and heavy this printer is,"

Exactly...I lifted it myself without trouble and I'm Medicare Age.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: aduke on September 27, 2009, 02:16:49 am
Quote from: Murph
It weighs 100 lbs, and my 9 year old is using the box as a princess castle, she can fit inside of the box.

What are the dimensions of the shipping container. I, too, will need a talgate lift and am wondering about getting the box through the doorways.

Alan
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 27, 2009, 03:14:54 am
Quote from: aduke
What are the dimensions of the shipping container. I, too, will need a talgate lift and am wondering about getting the box through the doorways.

Alan

The shipping container comes strapped to a wooden palette.  The box itself fits through a standard 36" residential front door.  The printer may need to be removed from the box to fit through interior doors.  

I was also concerned about the size and weight but after unpacking,  I was able to pick up the printer and and move it. (not a problem, but two people would be better.)

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: editfred on September 27, 2009, 07:31:07 pm
Thanks to everyone posting here. I was going to buy the 3800, but then saw this thread. Although it's probably a lot more printer than I need, I'm afraid of buying a 3800 only to find out that Epson no longer supports it with drivers, etc. (I have an 1800 now which hasn't produced a decent print ever since i upgraded to Leopard.) I'm taking heart in those of you who said it wasn't so scary big once you got it out of the box. Any more feedback on the noise issue?

Thanks so much.

Fred
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: aduke on September 28, 2009, 12:14:54 am
Quote from: vandevanterSH
The shipping container comes strapped to a wooden palette.  The box itself fits through a standard 36" residential front door.  The printer may need to be removed from the box to fit through interior doors.  

I was also concerned about the size and weight but after unpacking,  I was able to pick up the printer and and move it. (not a problem, but two people would be better.)

Steve

Thanks, Steve.

Been doing some more research and tried to determine which black cartridge is shipped with the printer, or, in other words, is it necessary to order a Matte Black cartridge as well as the printer itself?

Edit: I've found the answer to the question above. It ships with only the Photo Black cartridge.

Is anyone using the Photo Black on matte papers. I've been printing on Moab Entrada for several years and want to continue using it, but would also like to try the baryta papers, but I'm loathe to change black cartridges often, if at all.

Alan
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 28, 2009, 02:13:05 pm
Quote from: aduke
Thanks, Steve.

Been doing some more research and tried to determine which black cartridge is shipped with the printer, or, in other words, is it necessary to order a Matte Black cartridge as well as the printer itself?

Edit: I've found the answer to the question above. It ships with only the Photo Black cartridge.

Is anyone using the Photo Black on matte papers. I've been printing on Moab Entrada for several years and want to continue using it, but would also like to try the baryta papers, but I'm loathe to change black cartridges often, if at all.

Alan

I am no expert but from my reading of the instruction for ink swap for the 4880 and also from other sites, I wouldn't get the 4880 if you anticipate swapping inks, except on rare occasions.  The "approved" procedure looks to be a PITA and uses an estimated $50 in ink.  I suspect that the next 4XXX printer will have a much friendlier ink change situation.  If I was going to print occasional Matte, I would keep my 3800.

Other than that the 4880 is really nice.  Just from build quality,  it is in a different league from the 3800.  I also like the paper handling with the trays and roll paper.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 28, 2009, 02:15:23 pm
Or at $899 each, buy two, one for each black ink.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: mbrphoto on September 29, 2009, 01:10:51 pm
Is the new screening technology in the 3880 expected to be that much better than the 4880?
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 29, 2009, 01:41:41 pm
Quote from: mbrphoto
Is the new screening technology in the 3880 expected to be that much better than the 4880?

According to  the Epson description, "AccuPhoto HD2" improves color when view under different lighting conditions, compared to AccuPhoto HD.  I couldn't find any third party reviews, however.  I guess the practical problem is that, if you are trying to decide between a 4880 vs 3880 based on potential slight improvement in color, part of the stackable rebate ends on Sept. 30.  Owning both 3800 and now the 4880, the 4880 is in an entirely different class as far a build quality and paper handling.

Steve

 
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: bgorrell on September 29, 2009, 02:37:07 pm
Are Epson's rebates and discounts on the 4880 a good indicator that a 4900 might be announced soon...??
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 29, 2009, 04:26:10 pm
Quote from: bgorrell
Are Epson's rebates and discounts on the 4880 a good indicator that a 4900 might be announced soon...??

That is probably the best explanation.  I guess the question comes down to is will the new model worth an >$1000 more?  

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: Deep on September 30, 2009, 12:20:46 am
Quote from: vandevanterSH
That is probably the best explanation.  I guess the question comes down to is will the new model worth an >$1000 more?  

Steve
If you tend to stick with one ink type, I wouldn't hesitate to get the 4800.  The 3800 is built down to a price and can be an annoying printer to use, though the output is good when you get it right.  It also isn't designed for roll feed.  Completely different animals.

Don.
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: vandevanterSH on September 30, 2009, 01:15:44 pm

If you tend to stick with one ink type, I wouldn't hesitate to get the 4800.
*********
I do and I did...$899 for a 4880 was irresistible.

Steve
Title: Epson 3800/3880 vs 4880
Post by: edwinb on September 30, 2009, 04:48:36 pm
Quote from: vandevanterSH
...............$899 for a 4880 was irresistible.....................

If you want one I would do it quick- currency fluctuations mean (certainly for the UK) significant price increases in the pipeline
edwin