Novice looking for a printer

[kpz]

I'm getting back into photography after a short break and would like to purchase a good photo printer. But, I don't know anything about printers, so I come here looking for help.

My primary desire is high quality prints (both color and B&W) up to 8x10, followed by usability/reliability. I don't need any other features (scanning, regular printing, etc.), and I will probably use it irregularly. I mention the last point because it seems some printers have trouble with ink drying/clogging when not used consistently.

Some models that came up when I searched were the Epson XP-15000 and the Canon iP8720, with the second seeming more appealing due to the smaller size and lower cost. Would either of these suit my needs? Are there any other models I should consider?

Thanks for your time and any advice you might have!

[I.T. Supplies]

What type of images would you be printing?  Portraits, landscapes, mix...

Since there are so many models out there, it's best to know your printing details to narrow the options that meet your needs the best.

[kpz]

A mix of everything, mostly people and still objects. Nothing fancy (no sports, astro, macro, etc.). No landscapes.

[digitaldog]

Mention B&W, I think you should strongly consider one of the Epson's that support the Advanced B&W mode and also, the very nice and free Epson Print Layout. That means a P600, P800 etc. IF you're on a real budget and can find an older Epson 3880, that will do the job too and the Epson Print Layout will drive that older printer too. You can print using ABW in the Epson driver too of course but this newer, free software is great for dealing with B&W as you can alter the toning with your own images (soft proof), not the case with the native driver.
Epson has some deals going too:
https://epson.com/Clearance-Center/Inkjet-Printers/c/cc102
Refurbed P600 $539, P800 $639.

[langier]

Though today you limit to 8x10, my advice is to purchase a printer at least a size or two larger.

In my experience, it's better to pay a little more today than to turn around in a few months and buy the next size up. Many times, too, the larger printers use a bit larger ink cart so your cost/ml ink is usually less expensive.

Though a smaller printer will do the job as expected, going up a size or two if your space and budget allows is money well spent.

[I.T. Supplies]

The Epson Layout is a nice tool, but to get the best B&W tones, the drivers aren't that advanced like a RIP; but still good.  Canon's photo printers are more true to B&W tones than Epson.

But I would recommend the P600 as well and still get really good quality.  However, if you're looking to do up to 17x22, I'd go with the P800.  The P600 may have some issues with MBK clogging from our experience and it can take multiple cleanings to fix it.  P800 has been doing very well and many customers love it.

I'd watch out for the refurbs since these are returns from customers that didn't want them or had issues and got fixed, than resold.  You may be ok with it, but just be cautious in my opinion.  Canon doesn't really have good options in 13" aside from the Pixma Pro series or IX and what not on their site.  For photo, I'd go with either P800 or Canon Pro-1000 if 17".

[digitaldog]

Now that RIPs are mentioned:
http://digitaldog.net/files/ToRIPorNotoRIP.pdf
Doesn't sound like anything the OP needs....

[kpz]

Thanks everyone. The point about having the capacity for larger prints is duly noted.

I did some more digging and found fairly mixed reviews on Amazon of the Epsons, noting clogging and poor customer service. Given I may go for some time between printing binges, the clogging especially worries me.

I noticed also that B&H has a $250 dollar mail-in rebate (!) on the Pixma Pro-100 and Pro-10. In particular the Pro-100 seems like quite a steal, and reviews note a resistance to clogging. Would I be happy if I grabbed that while the rebate lasts (until the end of the month)?

[digitaldog]

In terms of refurbished Epson P800 printer, the best price I’ve found so far for each in cartridge is $58 per cartridge. Nine cartridges $522. If the math in my head is close, $117 for the rest of the printer; not a bad deal. One year warranty I believe. As for clogging virtually never happens on my P 800 or 3800 printer.

[JeanMichel]

I have a P800. It has never clogged, I frequently go away for 3 or 4 weeks and the printer works just fine every single time. For that matter, I can report the same for my P6000.

For b&w, I prefer making the conversions in LR.

[I.T. Supplies]

Thanks everyone. The point about having the capacity for larger prints is duly noted.

I did some more digging and found fairly mixed reviews on Amazon of the Epsons, noting clogging and poor customer service. Given I may go for some time between printing binges, the clogging especially worries me.

I noticed also that B&H has a $250 dollar mail-in rebate (!) on the Pixma Pro-100 and Pro-10. In particular the Pro-100 seems like quite a steal, and reviews note a resistance to clogging. Would I be happy if I grabbed that while the rebate lasts (until the end of the month)?

Honestly, I wouldn't go with many of Amazon reviews since they can be linked to other sites or are posted from being paid if positive.  There's been plenty of people that attempted to put negative reviews on their site for some products and they were sent an update that it can't be posted due to their review policy system.  People are trying to be honest and you don't want negativity...smart and stupid

Canon's heads are considered as anti-clogging, but the P800 has been doing very well with that as well.  Pixma Pro-100 is the low end version, Pro-10 is middle and Pro-1 is higher end based on inks you use in it.  I would check on the mail-in to make sure it's from Canon since we no longer sell them and we used to when they were launched, but haven't heard about them for a few years now.

If one of them sounds good, go for it.  These are all good printers otherwise.  Only downfall is with very small inks and doing a lot of printing, you'll replace them more often vs something like the P800.  I would go with a new model so when the manufacturer discontinues the ink, you won't have to change to a newer printer.  Just my 2 cents on that part.  And if something happens to the printer, parts may become harder to get as they will be discontinued as well aside from the inks still being available.

[Simon J.A. Simpson]

Sadly the Canon PRO-1 (A3+) is no longer available worldwide.  Canon have stopped manufacturing it.  It is an astonishingly good printer, with only one or two minor drawbacks.  I found it produces excellent and consistent colour and outstanding monochrome.  I have to leave it for several months unused and I have yet to have a clog.

If I were to go for a Canon printer now it would be a choice between the A3+ PRO-10 (pigment inks) or the A2 PRO-1000.  The PRO-100, although very good, will probably not produce as good monochrome being a dye ink machine (I had a Canon Pro 9000 dye ink printer before and it was always a struggle to get good monochromes, especially if they were toned).  However, be warned, the PRO-1000 is a heavy beast and will use a lot of desk space.

[Jeremy Roussak]

I made the mistake of buying an A4 printer, thinking I'd not want to print anything larger. It wasn't long before I bought my Epson 3800. Now I lust for a 24" carriage.

Jeremy

[kpz]

Thanks everyone. Your advice has been extremely helpful.

I decided to go with the Pro 100. It's probably more than enough for my needs, and for $150 (including $50 of free paper, so really more like $100) I'm not going to be too unhappy if I mess around with it for a few months and decide I want something better. For a first foray into printing I think this is appropriate.

[nirpat89]

Thanks everyone. Your advice has been extremely helpful.

I decided to go with the Pro 100. It's probably more than enough for my needs, and for $150 (including $50 of free paper, so really more like $100) I'm not going to be too unhappy if I mess around with it for a few months and decide I want something better. For a first foray into printing I think this is appropriate.

Wise choice!