Epson Hot Press Natural: Print at 1440dpi or 2880dpi?

[robgo2]

I have been using this paper for about two months and have come to like it very much.  Epson offers two profiles for the 3880 printer--one for 1440dpi and one for 2880dpi.  It has been my understanding that matte paper only requires 1440dpi, but I wonder if there might be any advantage (or disadvantage) to printing at the higher resolution.

[Randy Carone]

I don't think you'll see an advantage with 2880, but if the image is B&W you may see a slight edge to shadow detail with 2880. Try a comparison to see if it matters on your images.

[robgo2]

I don't think you'll see an advantage with 2880, but if the image is B&W you may see a slight edge to shadow detail with 2880. Try a comparison to see if it matters on your images.

I ran a comparison with a B&W image printed with ABW, and without a doubt, there is more detail in the 2880dpi print.  This is most apparent in shadows, but it is also seen in mid-tones and highlights.  So, 2880dpi it will be from now on.

Thanks for suggesting that I run my own comparison, something that I should have thought to do myself.

Rob

[StuNY]

This is good to know, thanks for posting. I use this and the hot press bright and really like it. I have been using only 1440 but will give the 2880 a shot now after reading this.

[robgo2]

This is good to know, thanks for posting. I use this and the hot press bright and really like it. I have been using only 1440 but will give the 2880 a shot now after reading this.

I would be very interested in hearing your opinion after printing at 2880dpi.  So far, I have only tested it in ABW mode.  The improvement in detail rendering is subtle, so don't expect anything dramatic, but I think that it's a relatively painless way to squeeze a few extra degrees of IQ from an image.

On the subject of Hot Press Natural, it is the first matte paper that I have used.  It was recommended to me by a friend, who said that its Dmax is amongst the highest of any matte paper.  I think that the prints are gorgeous both in B&W and color, and I am surprised that not many people on this forum seem to be using this paper.  Also, the Epson profile seems to be spot on for the 3880.

Rob

[Randy Carone]

Another interesting feature of the Hot & Cold Press papers from Epson is that they can be printed on both sides. If memory serves, the 'print' side has 3 emulsion layers and the reverse has 2 layers. I tested with an illustration with moderate detail and fine text and in unscientific polling, it was not possible to distinquish between the two images. This could be useful for proofing an image prior to the final print.