Epson 4900 vs Canon ImagePROGRAF iPF5100

[Mike Guilbault]

Arggghh!! 

Now I'm being told that the middle of April is the earliest I can get a 4900 - and quite possibly later than that - AND that it won't qualify for the $500 rebate if it's more than 30 days.   I'd really like to get one soon to make some prints in time for a festival here in town.  So... I'm considering the Canon 'equivalent' as an alternative.

My supplier has switched from Epson to Canon and says it clogs less, cheaper to run, just as good output.

Thoughts?  Is it 'just as good' or better?  Or should I clench my teeth and wait it out?

[neile]

While not specifically about those two printers, see http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=50531.0. It's a long conversation about the pros and cons of Canon vs. Epson.

FWIW, I have both the Canon ipf5100 and the ipf8300.

Neil

[wtlloyd]

I don't know about the value rating between a Canon and an Epson, I've only printed on Epson.

I went from a 4000 to a 4800 to now the 4900.

There is almost no comparison between the convenience the 4900 gives compared to the other two. It is truly a different machine.

I rarely could get the rear paper feed to work on the 4800. I've fed about 30 sheets now, 310gsm  8 1/2 x 11and 220gsm 17x 22 fine art paper.

Fed correctly on first try every time.

Haven't had to do a nozzle check/cleaning in the two weeks I've had the machine, the 4800 needed a clean almost every print session.

Switched photo black to matte and back several times. Quick, routine, minimal ink use (said to be about 5ml).

The Epson is a fantastic machine, but if you need to buy a printer NOW, it doesn't really matter....

[Robert Moore]

Arggghh!! 

Now I'm being told that the middle of April is the earliest I can get a 4900
My supplier has switched from Epson

Change suppliers...

http://www.imagingspectrum.com/epson4900.html

FREE GROUND SHIPPING

Dont work for them ... just bought my last two printers from them 3800--->4900.


Bob

[Mike Guilbault]

It's not my supplier... it's Epson that can't supply ~ and I doubt there's free shipping to Canada. Plus, there goes my warranty.  When I said my supplier switched to Canon I was talking about the printer he uses himself.  Sorry for the confusion.

I guess I'm just frustrated.  Epson said they'd only honour the $500 for 30 days more and can't even tell me an eta for the printer.  I'm still undecided - but I'm leaning towards waiting.  From everything I've read, the 4900 will suit me perfectly (other than the 17" limitation) for now.

[Randy Carone]

Epson US has just extended the filing date for the 4900 due to back order delays. If you buy a 4900 and the invoice is dated before March 31, 2011, you should have no trouble getting the rebate.

[Mike Guilbault]

I just received that notice as well for Canada.  That makes me feel better about waiting.

[Jeff Kott]

I've had my 4900 for two months after using a 4800 for over three years.

I don't know anything about Canon printers, but I will say that my biggest complaint about the 4800 and the biggest knock on Epson printers in the Epson versus Canon threads has been solved for me. Namely, all the ink waste I experienced when firing up my 4800 trying to get a clean nozzle check has been totally fixed in the 4900.

I have the 4900 set to do an auto nozzle check (no paper needed - thank you Epson) on power up and it usually takes very little time with very little wasted ink. All my prints have been perfect (knock on wood).

So, when reviewing the Canon vs. Epson threads, I think the nozzle clog problem with the Epsons has been solved or at least greatly minimized.

[Mike Guilbault]

That's great to hear.  And since they've extended the time to get the rebate, I'm going to go ahead with the 4900. 

[Jeff Kott]

I think you'll be very happy with the 4900.

Don't forget, the box and palette are very big, the printer is 115 lbs. vs. 88 lbs. for the 4800 and you will need two fairly strong people to move it.

 

[Mike Guilbault]

no worries there... I pulled/tore a muscle a few weeks ago moving some panels for a sauna into my basement.  Never again!!  I'll be sure to get help.

[Wayne Fox]

Arggghh!! 

Now I'm being told that the middle of April is the earliest I can get a 4900 - and quite possibly later than that - AND that it won't qualify for the $500 rebate if it's more than 30 days.   I'd really like to get one soon to make some prints in time for a festival here in town.  So... I'm considering the Canon 'equivalent' as an alternative.

My supplier has switched from Epson to Canon and says it clogs less, cheaper to run, just as good output.

Thoughts?  Is it 'just as good' or better?  Or should I clench my teeth and wait it out?

Well, just as good output is an objective opinion, some may agree, others won't.

If it was an ipf6300 they are competitive in print quality.  And while the 5100 is a good printer with good output, it is older technology and imho isn't as good (and certainly not better) than a 4900, or an ipf6300.  As of yet canon has not moved the new technology to the smaller footprint of the 5100.

As far as it clogs less, there are many threads which talk about the difference in how Canon and Epson handle head clogs ... bottom line they both clog, you just don't know on the Canon until enough clogs require a head replacement.  How long this takes varies substantially by user/environment, from years to much less, although I believe Canon will replace them if they expire in less than a year.

[Zave]

www.shadesofpaper.com ships worldwide.  Great people, good prices.

My IPF5000 recently died, at least it needed two new print heads at $500.00 each.  So instead of replacing the print heads I bought the 4900.  I have made over a 100 prints on it since I installed it 3-4 weeks ago.

The difference in print quality between the two printers is very interesting.  On matt paper, I could not see any difference (innova high white cotton) on the Ilfords Gold Fibre Silk the 4900 prints were just amazing.  They are much richer, more three dimensional  then the Canon prints were.

[Jeff Kott]

As far as it clogs less, there are many threads which talk about the difference in how Canon and Epson handle head clogs ... bottom line they both clog, you just don't know on the Canon until enough clogs require a head replacement.  How long this takes varies substantially by user/environment, from years to much less, although I believe Canon will replace them if they expire in less than a year.

Yes there are many threads that explain the difference in the way Canon and Epson handle clogs. But, from my experience of using a 4800 and a 4900, the 4900 is vastly improved over the previous generations of Epson printers as far as clogging.

[SarahNewman]

Hi Mike- FYI-  Epson will honor Rebate due to Back order situation. See details below:

March 21, 2011
Due to the recent increased demand for Epson Stylus Pro 4900 Standard Edition printers and subsequent
temporary shortage of inventory, Epson America is announcing the extension of the time frame
allowed to claim the current $500 mail in rebate off er that ends March 31, 2011.
Now, any SP 4900 purchased between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2011, but not yet delivered due
to backorder status, can still have a mail-in rebate coupon approved after a printer delivery thru April
30, 2011. Rebate claims for this criteria can be submitted until May 31, 2001. All other normal terms
and conditions apply including dated proof of purchase.
This extension does not apply to printers purchased after March 31.

[Mike Guilbault]

thanks Sarah... I did receive that information so I'm happy.