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Author Topic: Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??  (Read 10373 times)

tgipson

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« on: December 07, 2009, 04:03:43 pm »

The 3880 is about $1295 (plus shipping) and the 4880 is $1995 (plus shipping) minus a $500 rebate = $1495.

Is the 4880 that much better printer than the 3880 or should I save my $$ for a 7880? I'm just starting to show and exhibit and currently using a 3800 that is 2-3 years old and starting to make funky noises at times. Prints well, just that kind of plastic-occasionally-catching-on something sound... So i'm thinking it's time to reinvest.

I am leaning toward the 4880 on the assumption that it is that much better printer than the 3880. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead. Wm
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Gemmtech

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2009, 04:33:49 pm »

Define much better printer?  It's a better built printer that is equal in quality to the 3880.

I own the 3880 and looked at prints from both before buying, they are identical.  I bought the 3880 because I'm going to add the 7900 as soon as the bugs are worked out.  I liked the 3880 borderless feature, which isn't available with the 4880 when printing sheets.  If you are printing from rolls and want to do prints longer than 37" I'd buy the 4880.  Actually if you have no need for borderless sheet printing, and you do a lot of printing I'd probably buy the 4880, but don't expect any increase in quality.
« Last Edit: December 07, 2009, 04:34:46 pm by Gemmtech »
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DanielStone

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2009, 04:36:14 pm »

Quote from: tgipson
The 3880 is about $1295 (plus shipping) and the 4880 is $1995 (plus shipping) minus a $500 rebate = $1495.

Is the 4880 that much better printer than the 3880 or should I save my $$ for a 7880? I'm just starting to show and exhibit and currently using a 3800 that is 2-3 years old and starting to make funky noises at times. Prints well, just that kind of plastic-occasionally-catching-on something sound... So i'm thinking it's time to reinvest.

I am leaning toward the 4880 on the assumption that it is that much better printer than the 3880. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead. Wm


I don't use epson, but for me the real reason for going with my ipf5100(canon's version of the 4880), was the ROLL FEEDER.

normally I print 11x17, but its nice to save some cash on paper, being in a roll, so you can either cut the length to a custom size, or print a custom size that cut sizes won't cover.

for epson(vs canon), you also have the ability to have 110ml or 220ml cartridges, so, depending on your throughput, helps differ some costs on ink to you.

I believe that the 4880 also has an ethernet port, so larger files can transfer faster, or you can hook up mutliple computers to the printer through a network, I don't believe that the 3880 has that capability, just USB.


for the $200 difference (as well as a noticeable size difference TBH), the 4880 is BIG compared to the 3880.

if I were you, I would carefully assess your needs, both present and future, and choose carefully. But If I were in your shoes, spend the extra 200 and get the 4880. And a STRONG DESK. I got a solid core door from Home Depot an put it on some two-drawer filing cabinets. total cost(not including printer): $75

-Dan
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tgipson

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2009, 04:40:15 pm »

Quote from: Gemmtech
Define much better printer?  It's a better built printer that is equal in quality to the 3880.

I own the 3880 and looked at prints from both before buying, they are identical.  I bought the 3880 because I'm going to add the 7900 as soon as the bugs are worked out.  I liked the 3880 borderless feature, which isn't available with the 4880 when printing sheets.  If you are printing from rolls and want to do prints longer than 37" I'd buy the 4880.  Actually if you have no need for borderless sheet printing, and you do a lot of printing I'd probably buy the 4880, but don't expect any increase in quality.

I am more interested in quality of output at present so your comment about the same quality is helpful. I made the naive assumption that if an Epson printer is priced $700 more than another, there was some reason for it other than it can print from rolls.
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tgipson

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2009, 04:44:31 pm »

Quote from: DanielStone
I don't use epson, but for me the real reason for going with my ipf5100(canon's version of the 4880), was the ROLL FEEDER.

normally I print 11x17, but its nice to save some cash on paper, being in a roll, so you can either cut the length to a custom size, or print a custom size that cut sizes won't cover.

for epson(vs canon), you also have the ability to have 110ml or 220ml cartridges, so, depending on your throughput, helps differ some costs on ink to you.

I believe that the 4880 also has an ethernet port, so larger files can transfer faster, or you can hook up mutliple computers to the printer through a network, I don't believe that the 3880 has that capability, just USB.


for the $200 difference (as well as a noticeable size difference TBH), the 4880 is BIG compared to the 3880.

if I were you, I would carefully assess your needs, both present and future, and choose carefully. But If I were in your shoes, spend the extra 200 and get the 4880. And a STRONG DESK. I got a solid core door from Home Depot an put it on some two-drawer filing cabinets. total cost(not including printer): $75

-Dan

Good feedback and I completely overlooked the larger ink cartridge size on the 4880!! Thanks for the input.
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Gemmtech

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2009, 04:53:40 pm »

I've been doing a lot of comparison prints between the Epson 3880 and with a 9 year old Epson 1280 and it's amazing just how good the 1280 prints are, it's slow as molasses and is only a 13" printer, but if you want a black black I haven't figured out how to get it with the 3880.  I'll eventually look at them under a scope, but for now just viewing with my eyes.
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Wayne Fox

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2009, 06:20:32 pm »

Quote from: tgipson
I am more interested in quality of output at present so your comment about the same quality is helpful. I made the naive assumption that if an Epson printer is priced $700 more than another, there was some reason for it other than it can print from rolls.

A little more to it than that, the sheet feeder is much more robust and it's much easier to use the straight through paper path as well.  The 4800 series is also better suited for higher volume production printing ... a little sturdier.  As you've noted the ink costs will be less since you can use 220ml cartridges.

I thought I read the 3880 added some improved screening.  I'm not sure if that is referring to advancements over the 48/78/9880 printers or just improvements over the 3800 to equal those printers.  However in either case, doubtful the differences would be visible without some serious loupe peeking, if even then.

Two important considerations ...

1-black ink swapping.  If you are going to swap black inks frequently, the 3880 uses far less ink to accomplish this.  The 4880 requires much more ink when swapping, and even though the ink is cheaper, it can still amount to quite a bit.

2 - size ... the 4880 is a much larger printer so you need more room to work with it.  The 3880 is almost "desktop" size.
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Gemmtech

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2009, 07:47:48 pm »

I find this a little strange, the Epson 1280 supports borderless printing and roll paper.  I find it ridiculous that Epson can't include all the features from a printer that is 8-9 years old and 2.5 times cheaper at the time of release.  I'm glad Wayne mentioned the black ink swap, that can be very important.
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budjames

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2009, 09:14:58 pm »

4 weeks ago I retired my 4 year old Epson R2400 and replaced it with the new Epson 3880. OMG! The R2400 was a excellent printer, but the 3880 is even better.

It was a amazing experience to see that first 16 x 20 print come off the printer. Very exciting. Now I need a bigger house to hang my bigger prints. LOL.

Bud
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DanielStone

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #9 on: December 07, 2009, 11:12:35 pm »

one thing you might want to remember is that the 1280 cartridges are getting kind of hard to find. I had a 1280 I was given by a friend when he upgraded, and since I now use the canon, I offloaded it to my parents so they can print their own stuff.

its getting hard to find 1280 cartridges, even here in L.A. and we have some BIG camera shops that can get pretty much anything Epson.



is anyone using the PHATTE BLACK system of inks and rip software? that's a cheap way of getting around the matte/glossy black ink swap issue with the 4800/4880

check them out. I know someone who's using it, he's liking it.

http://www.colorbytesoftware.com/

-Dan

<EDIT> I don't know the archivability of this system, or whether it will void the Epson warranty. maybe someone here will know. -Dan
« Last Edit: December 07, 2009, 11:14:02 pm by DanielStone »
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Gemmtech

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #10 on: December 07, 2009, 11:56:47 pm »

Quote from: DanielStone
one thing you might want to remember is that the 1280 cartridges are getting kind of hard to find. I had a 1280 I was given by a friend when he upgraded, and since I now use the canon, I offloaded it to my parents so they can print their own stuff.

its getting hard to find 1280 cartridges, even here in L.A. and we have some BIG camera shops that can get pretty much anything Epson.



is anyone using the PHATTE BLACK system of inks and rip software? that's a cheap way of getting around the matte/glossy black ink swap issue with the 4800/4880

check them out. I know someone who's using it, he's liking it.

http://www.colorbytesoftware.com/

-Dan

<EDIT> I don't know the archivability of this system, or whether it will void the Epson warranty. maybe someone here will know. -Dan

I have no clue what you are talking about, ink cartridges (T009201 / T007201) for the 1270/1280 are available and in stock everywhere!  BHPhoto, Atlex, Buy.com, Amazon, Inkjetart, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples
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julianv

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #11 on: December 08, 2009, 03:42:52 am »

Quote from: DanielStone
I believe that the 4880 also has an ethernet port, so larger files can transfer faster, or you can hook up mutliple computers to the printer through a network, I don't believe that the 3880 has that capability, just USB.

The 3880 does have an ethernet port.
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tgipson

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #12 on: December 08, 2009, 08:57:29 am »

As usual great feedback and discussion from all. It makes more sense to spend a little bit more and get the 4880 with the current $500 rebate. Thanks to all for helping me spend my $$ !!
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Randy Carone

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #13 on: December 08, 2009, 09:05:39 am »

FYI - ink for the 3880 will run ~.61/ml and ink for the 4880 will be ~.36/ml.
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Randy Carone

RichFisher

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #14 on: December 09, 2009, 01:39:40 am »

Quote from: tgipson
The 3880 is about $1295 (plus shipping) and the 4880 is $1995 (plus shipping) minus a $500 rebate = $1495.

Is the 4880 that much better printer than the 3880 or should I save my $$ for a 7880? I'm just starting to show and exhibit and currently using a 3800 that is 2-3 years old and starting to make funky noises at times. Prints well, just that kind of plastic-occasionally-catching-on something sound... So i'm thinking it's time to reinvest.

I am leaning toward the 4880 on the assumption that it is that much better printer than the 3880. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead. Wm

I ended up buying the 4880 though I REALLY wanted a 24" printer -- just could not make the space work comfortably. It would have taken over the room.

The 4880 is large but I got the stand so that I could store paper and ink below it.

I opted for the 4880 vs 3880 because I print pans.  I tried cutting pan size paper for my 2400 and it was a real pan.  In the end I am glad I got the 4880 and not the 3880 (except when my wife and I had to carrry up the stairs).

My vote is 4880 unless weight is an issue.

BTW the one downside I have seen is printing cards.  It is difficult but something possible, not always.  Not sure if the 3880 would be better.

Rich
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tgipson

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #15 on: December 09, 2009, 07:14:25 pm »

Quote from: RichFisher
I ended up buying the 4880 though I REALLY wanted a 24" printer -- just could not make the space work comfortably. It would have taken over the room.

The 4880 is large but I got the stand so that I could store paper and ink below it.

I opted for the 4880 vs 3880 because I print pans.  I tried cutting pan size paper for my 2400 and it was a real pan.  In the end I am glad I got the 4880 and not the 3880 (except when my wife and I had to carrry up the stairs).

My vote is 4880 unless weight is an issue.

BTW the one downside I have seen is printing cards.  It is difficult but something possible, not always.  Not sure if the 3880 would be better.

Rich

Another good point about the pans. I have never had a printer that accepted rolls and this would allow me to move into more larger format panoramas. I am on my way to get in line for a 4880 when they're available. I would love a 24" printer and have the space but not the $$. Thanks again to all.
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DanielStone

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #16 on: December 11, 2009, 12:48:52 am »

Quote from: Gemmtech
I have no clue what you are talking about, ink cartridges (T009201 / T007201) for the 1270/1280 are available and in stock everywhere!  BHPhoto, Atlex, Buy.com, Amazon, Inkjetart, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples


obviously I haven't seen them. but then again, I sold them up until this year, and the store I worked in (major camera store with multiple stores, here in LA, OC, and SB), usually only had a few of the cartridges in stock...

just speakin from personal sales experience. most people had moved on to at least 2200's or 2400's...

but it looks like I made a mistake... but I was talking about RETAIL(walk-in) stores, NOT online...]

my bad, but then again, if you got a source, get the most out of it you can.

-Dan
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Ken Bennett

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #17 on: December 11, 2009, 07:53:03 am »

I suppose this isn't current information, but I know a couple of local photogs who own both the 3800 and one of the 4000 series printers. The 3800 will print 4x6 inch prints, note cards, etc., and it's easier to make a quick 8x10 on sheet paper. The 4xxx will do production printing, big long panos, odd sizes, and of course for big production jobs the ink and roll paper are much cheaper.

Horses for courses, as they say. Perhaps a 24-inch roll printer and a 3880 would be a good combo.

My personal experience is with my 3800, which is two years old and still works like it was new. I like the small size and weight, and I have no need for roll paper.
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Gemmtech

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Epson 3880 vs 4880 ??
« Reply #18 on: December 11, 2009, 02:42:47 pm »

"Perhaps a 24-inch roll printer and a 3880 would be a good combo. "

It seems as though that's what 90% of the members here do and then there's Wayne, he even owns the 11880      
I'm going to use the 1280, 3880 and the 7900 as my setup, I don't have any use for the 9900.  I have been waiting to buy the 7900
until all the bugs have been worked out.  Amazing thing it doesn't appear that there were any bugs with the 11880; Wayne?

Gary
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