I'm looking for a new 30x40cm (A3) printer. I may sell my Epson 2100 soon to get the new one.
What are general advantages offered by both the companies. I know some might say get both, unfortunately I can not at the moment. From what I know till now new designjet is archival.
The dye based Designjets produce excellent results on HP coated papers which are archival but are not water proof and can be easily ruined by exposure to moisture. To me that's not acceptable.
Also, the pigment printers produce more appealing results (to my eye) on matte paper which I personally prefer to the traditional RC look.
Two major differences: dyes vs. pigments, and waterfast vs. water-soluble (as Guy noted). Most accept dye prints as being more colorful and brilliant (and they are!). If you are going to sell loose prints from a dye printer, you'll need to coat (with something like PrintShield) or laminate to prevent water damage. Framed behind glazing, this is not an issue.
To my eyes and aesthetics, I have not seen a finer color inkjet print than what I'm producing with my Designjet 130 and HP's Premium Plus Photo Satin. The depth and brilliance is superior, with the paper quality and texture appearing not unlike Fuji Crystal Archive (matte).
Yes, I know HP is dye v/s Epson pigment (ultrachrome)
This is what I have been thinking too. About the lamination/coating. I saw a couple of prints made with HPDJ30 and found them superior (some glossy paper it was). Many people over here are asking for Glossy prints. I like what am getting with Epson2100+Hahnemühle FA pearl though bronzing is an issue.
Micheal, I got to know about your positive experience (from couple of people though their websites) and decided to check it out myself.
Wish I can keep my Epson for Matte papers and get DJ30 for Glossy.
PS: Fuji CA is not for inkjet or?
I got to know about your positive experience (from couple of people though their websites) and decided to check it out myself.
I'm curious, Prashant - who/where?
PS: Fuji CA is not for inkjet or?
No, this is a traditional photographic paper processed in chemistry.
Good luck with your decision!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on November 7, 2006 at 4:47 PM
Just out of curiousity, what is the end use of the prints? The reason I ask is more out of personal preference. For my own prints, I have a preference for a glossy type of paper, so I use the Espon Premium Luster or the Premium Glossy papers. These work really well with a dye-based ink.
On the other hand, most of the images I print are for sale, with the assumption that they would be mounted behind glass. For this use, I preference is a matte (the Epson Ultrasmooth paper). The main reasons are longevity, secondary reflections from the paper and lack of outgassing from the inks. The ultrachrome inks are fantastic for this purpose.
Just some considerations when making my printer choices.
Posted by Rene de Heer on November 7, 2006 at 6:09 PM
I have used Epson printers but i now use a Designjet 30 and i think its an excellent printer. Not only that, the HPs are also far more economical to run than the Epson printers.
The only minus is the fact that its not possible to centre an image on the paper, resulting in uneven borders which i find a real pain but other than that: its a great printer.
It might also be a good idea to have a look at the new HP 9180, apparantly its an excellent printer.
Micheal,
Brent Stovall is one. Another name am not sure but perhaps Anil.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on November 8, 2006 at 12:26 PM
If you need to print on glossy, you should seriously consider the R1800. The gloss optimizer cartridge really makes this a much different printer than the 2100. On Ilford smooth pearl, there is no bronzing and no gloss differential. This is consistant with my experience on Epson Permium gloss.
Posted by Les Barstow on November 8, 2006 at 8:26 PM
Well, I'll go with "extremely minimal bronzing"; I am more than a bit happy with my R1800 and willing to tout its capabilities, but I did finally see bronzing in action the other day when I picked up my print with the light shining on it from an odd angle and the print bent to reflect light unevenly. Let me just say, it's a non-issue when it's on the wall, or under any normal viewing conditions.
I use Ilford Smooth Gloss and love how my prints come out. Better to my eye than Fuji CA from a Lightjet.
Discussion
9 repliesWhat are general advantages offered by both the companies. I know some might say get both, unfortunately I can not at the moment. From what I know till now new designjet is archival.
Also, the pigment printers produce more appealing results (to my eye) on matte paper which I personally prefer to the traditional RC look.
Guy
To my eyes and aesthetics, I have not seen a finer color inkjet print than what I'm producing with my Designjet 130 and HP's Premium Plus Photo Satin. The depth and brilliance is superior, with the paper quality and texture appearing not unlike Fuji Crystal Archive (matte).
Good luck!
This is what I have been thinking too. About the lamination/coating. I saw a couple of prints made with HPDJ30 and found them superior (some glossy paper it was). Many people over here are asking for Glossy prints. I like what am getting with Epson2100+Hahnemühle FA pearl though bronzing is an issue.
Micheal, I got to know about your positive experience (from couple of people though their websites) and decided to check it out myself.
Wish I can keep my Epson for Matte papers and get DJ30 for Glossy.
PS: Fuji CA is not for inkjet or?
I'm curious, Prashant - who/where?
PS: Fuji CA is not for inkjet or?
No, this is a traditional photographic paper processed in chemistry.
Good luck with your decision!
On the other hand, most of the images I print are for sale, with the assumption that they would be mounted behind glass. For this use, I preference is a matte (the Epson Ultrasmooth paper). The main reasons are longevity, secondary reflections from the paper and lack of outgassing from the inks. The ultrachrome inks are fantastic for this purpose.
Just some considerations when making my printer choices.
The only minus is the fact that its not possible to centre an image on the paper, resulting in uneven borders which i find a real pain but other than that: its a great printer.
It might also be a good idea to have a look at the new HP 9180, apparantly its an excellent printer.
Rene de Heer
Brent Stovall is one. Another name am not sure but perhaps Anil.
I use Ilford Smooth Gloss and love how my prints come out. Better to my eye than Fuji CA from a Lightjet.