The BEST Printer

[acigarnut]

Looking for the BEST photo printer out there. I would like to go as big as 11x17 if possible. What are the models/makes/and REASONS?

I have a canon Pixma 6000D and am just "so so" on it.

Thanks everyone!

[Dave R.]

Thats kind of like asking about Fords VS Chevy's...well kinda. I have been asking and researching like you are trying to do here and mostly hear Epson and Canon as top choices. I personally have my eye on the HP 9180. Here is a site Steve's Digicams - Main Menu that reviews printers and many other items that may be of interest to you. Good luck in your search and I will be following this thread in hopes of learning what you do.

[R. House]

The quality of inkjet prints from all the major players (HP, Canon and Epson) is outstanding! How do I know that? I was at my local camera store today and checked out some prints and was told that by a salesman whose judgement I value. That said, the best printer doesn't start with the printer, it begins with a calibrated monitor, proper profiles, paper selection and image processing. Dye or Pigment inks will probably be your toughest choice. I have experience with the Epson 2400 and can recommend it with no reservation. I own an Epson 2200 and am more than satisfied with prints from it. I really don't think you can make a bad choice with any of the large format (13x19) printers offered, and I know you are going to love watching those prints come out along with the satisfaction of doing the whole process yourself. Best regards, Ray

[Tom Swaman]

There is no such thing as the BEST printer. The question needs to be rewritten to read what is the best printer for me. I suggest you do some serious reading in the Printing, Matting and Framing Forum. Much of what I think you want is well covered there. Then, after you do this, please repost in that Forum any questions you may still have.

Tom

[D.Rodgers]

How much you willing to spend?i know of a few pro printers around 10G.

[Dave R.]

Originally Posted by D.Rodgers

How much you willing to spend?i know of a few pro printers around 10G.

This sends me into hiding.
I can't speak for acigarnut, but if he where needing a pro printer that costs this much, I doubt he would be asking the question he did. My $0.02

[Dave R.]

Canon has a rebate right now for the Pro 9000 model. Check out Amazon. Shipped to your door for $310.00 after rebate. Reviews are fair enough so it may be worth looking at.

[EOS_JD]

R2400 is utterly outstanding. Canon and HP both have excellent printers too I believe but my experience with the R2400 is that this is a truly wonderful printer..

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by EOS_JD

R2400 is utterly outstanding. Canon and HP both have excellent printers too I believe but my experience with the R2400 is that this is a truly wonderful printer..

Not trying to hijack this thread, but approximately how many 8X10's can you get from the 2400 if all ink use was about equal. It is the printer that I am leaning towards since I am pretty much printing for me.

[Dave R.]

Originally Posted by gryphonslair99

Not trying to hijack this thread, but approximately how many 8X10's can you get from the 2400 if all ink use was about equal. It is the printer that I am leaning towards since I am pretty much printing for me.

I would like to ask an additional question if I may. I really like the Epson line, but keep hearing about printer head clogging issues. Is this issue anywhere near as bad as some make it out to be?

[EOS_JD]

Originally Posted by gryphonslair99

Not trying to hijack this thread, but approximately how many 8X10's can you get from the 2400 if all ink use was about equal. It is the printer that I am leaning towards since I am pretty much printing for me.

I don't track this and have no idea! But I do spend a lot on ink. the light magenta/light cyans seem to go quickest. in the UK cartridges are £8-£10 each so when refilling it the cost is £65-£80 for a small amount of ink. If you are anything more than a casual printer, even the 3800 would mean a huge saving over time.

[EOS_JD]

Originally Posted by Dave R.

I would like to ask an additional question if I may. I really like the Epson line, but keep hearing about printer head clogging issues. Is this issue anywhere near as bad as some make it out to be?

2 years use never a problem. Consistent high quality performer. If you didn't print very often I suppose the ink may dry up and a head clean might be required but this is easy to do from the printer driver).

[acigarnut]

Dave: Regarding head clogging issues: I have heard that you should not keep ANY printer powered up constantly (like my KIDS DO!) since that could cause problems long term with the printer heads. Other than that, I think you will be fine.

I have my "sights" set on a 9000 and hope to have the wife buy it for me for a Christmas present!

[Max@Home]

...one advantage for a Canon shooter who gets a Canon printer: if it has the ProPrinting software supplied (Pro9000 has) you can print 14bit colour straight from RAW (converted/adapted in DPP)

...should give silky-smooth colour gradations...

...€0.02 and such...

Kindest regards!

Max@Home

[INSOMNIAC269]

I've had my Canon i9900 for several years now with no complaints. It prints up to 13"x19".

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by INSOMNIAC269

I've had my Canon i9900 for several years now with no complaints. It prints up to 13"x19".

I've had this printer for a couple of years, too, and it's been the most trouble-free unit I've had to date--went through many epsons. The only thing I do not like about the i9900 is the ink consumption--uses too much.

[EOS_JD]

Originally Posted by JDArt

I've had this printer for a couple of years, too, and it's been the most trouble-free unit I've had to date--went through many epsons. The only thing I do not like about the i9900 is the ink consumption--uses too much.

Ink consumption can't be a problem. If it used less the prints would not look so good. The problem with this printer (and most A3 size printers) is that the cartridges are too small and the cost of ink is way too high.