Topic: Need help: Epson 2880 or 3800? (Read 3279 times)

svein-frode · « **on:** July 16, 2009, 05:26:52 am »

I've had most of my printing done out of the house, but it's a hassle and I often have to return prints because they have tiny scratches or have been poorly printed. I've had the Epson 2200 since it was introduced and it has served me OK, although I've never been quite satisfied with the print quality and tonality. I regard it useless for balck and white prints, as well as for glossy papers. In other words, I'll have to get a new printer!

I'm primeraly a fine art photographer selling framed prints in very small editions (3-5 prints per edition). I've done extensive research and know on paper the main differences between the 2880 and the 3800. What I'd like to know, from fellow photographers, is how different the print quality is between these printers - since the 3800 uses one less ink cartridge and is a few years older.

madmanchan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2009, 12:28:12 am »

I have seen and used both. For quality, a very slight edge goes to the R2880, on Photo Black-compatible media. The specific improvements are slightly deeper blacks and a larger blue/magenta gamut, due to the new inks, and better color transitions in saturated yellow-greens and red-magentas, due to more advanced dot selection and placement methods.

Tyler Mallory · « **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2009, 01:24:29 pm »

I made the same transition you are thinking of. I had a 2200 and went for the 3800. The difference was astonishing. Color accuracy is great and I've had very little trouble with it. If you like printing B&W, you'll love the 3800. I print mostly on Matte paper and love the blacks it renders.

Eric Myrvaagnes · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2009, 02:38:08 pm »

I made the 2200 to 3800 switch recently, too, and I'm delighted. One big advantage of the 3800 over the 2880 (besides being less expensive to run, because of the bigger ink carts) is Eric Chan's terrific notes and FAQs here.

He doesn't have one for the 2880.

Alan Goldhammer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2009, 03:36:08 pm »

I have the R2880 and it does a wonderful job. I also had Eric Chan make B&W profiles for the Epson ABW driver and they help linearize the grey scale. I would presume that the small advantages that the 2880 has right now over the 3800 will come out when Epson updates the 3800 (3880 anybody with vivid magenta??). However, since we don't know when that is going to happen you need to choose. If you are like me and don't have a high print volume the 2880 is a fine machine. A word of caution, the ABW driver does result in a much deeper black and you will need to test each and every paper to see what the correct setting might be. Eric's website suggests settings for the 3800 but they don't necessarily apply to the 2880. I've found that papers that Eric suggest a "dark" setting for require a "normal" setting on the 2880. I have found Keith Cooper's B&W test print quite valuable in getting the print settings right. It can be found at: http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article...white_test.html.

vandevanterSH · « **Reply #5 on:** July 17, 2009, 04:03:58 pm »

I have a 3800 which I bought right after it became available. It is a great printer and has been trouble free. I looked at the R2880 on-line. What a great deal. With the rebate, good until the end of the month, it costs about $550 and of that cost $114 is the cost of the ink. Low volume printing, no need for 16", Eric's recommendation and good price, the R2880 looks like the way to go.

Steve

svein-frode · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2009, 04:55:30 pm »

Thank you very much for your replies. Much appreciated.

Author Topic: Need help: Epson 2880 or 3800? (Read 3279 times)