Questions About HP Z5200

[fsepulvedad]

Hi, this is my first post here, but I have been reading the forum for a long time and I think it is the best forum "cross-brands".  I live in the Dominican Republic and I have a printing business (I'm a photographer also).  I have been an Epson user (two 9600s), I have two Canons broken (IPf9000 and IPF8100) and I also have a new Epson Surecolor S30 (Ecosolvent).  The thing is that I need at least a functional pigment printer for my clients main base (artist and photographers).  Right now I can't buy a new printer and I have been offered an used HP Z5200 (44", eight colors) for a reasonable price (locally).  The thing is that I don't see this printer been popular among photographers or artist.  I will be very pleased and thankful if you guys can comment on that printer and why the new models from HP are not so popular (at least in this forum).  Otherwise I see many good comments about the HP z3200.  Thanks a lot !!!

[Mark Lindquist]

The reason why the Z3XXX printers are so popular is:

The embedded Spectrophometer that allows you to make custom ICC profiles for any paper or substrate you want to use.
HUGE THING.

The anti-clog drip mechanism (self-evident)

The "200 year longevity" Vivera inks that are awesome.

Those three things pretty much say it all.

Great printer - easy to use, awesome output for photography/graphics.

Being able to make your own profiles is huge, because it is SO easy on the Z3100-Z3200 printers.

If you're doing fine art - I would suggest the Z3200ps - can't go wrong.

ML

[Ernst Dinkla]

AFAIK the Z5200 is an improved version of the Z2100 so has all the color management tools aboard like the Z3200 has. Its inkset is reduced to 8 inks like the Z2100 had. 300 ML carts usable on the Z5200 and not on the  Z3200/Z3100/Z2100.

Disadvantages compared to the Z3200; somewhat smaller gamut, no Gloss Enhancer so worse on gloss papers. Missing the Grey ink so no Quad monochrome ink use for neutral  tints on matte papers and one grey ink less on gloss. Light Grey ink still aboard and a Cyan ink more while it does not have Red, Green and Blue ink.

Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst

http://www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htm
September 2014, 650+ inkjet media white spectral plots.