Best overall printer for semi pro

[M. Worthington]

What's the best overall printer for a semi pro situation where I want to get very good prints with maximum flexibility while keeping an eye on the budget?

[Nikonfreak]

Originally Posted by M. Worthington

What's the best overall printer for a semi pro situation where I want to get very good prints with maximum flexibility while keeping an eye on the budget?

I don't know that there is an answer for a "best overall" printer.

There are lots of printers out there and lots of different options. Much depends on the sizes you want to print, how large you want to go, how many prints you make, what your use is (proofs or saleable prints), color or black and white specialization, speed, etc. etc.. and the list goes on.

Personally, I would look to stick to either the HP, Canon, or Epson printer models that fall into your categories of use.

Right now I use an Epson R1800 and an R200 for my proof printing as well as my prints that I sell to clients up to the maximum size I can offer. For anything above my max size I send it out.

My R1800 sees a lot of use... My R200 does not do much other than print legal forms, invoices, copyright releases, etc..

Julio

[Digital_Duck]

... I suppose it depends on ones budget or lack of ...

For my mediocre budget the ones that have caught my eye are these 2:

--- 1 --- Canon iPF5000

--- 2 --- HP B9180

Fact is: when I step into a printer - I prefer to have less printing limitations. That way I won't need to upgrade that soon!
So; I am leaning towards the higher cost iPF5000 - but for me the idea of a roll feed and the number of cartridges makes it more appealing.

Think of this too - if you ONLY have 3 color cartridges - you will burn up more ink (3 cartridges have to work overtime to keep up with a dozen cartridges) compared to a dozen colors using smaller amounts of ink ...

... and ROLL FEED ... to me that equates to larger sell-able prints!
... and generating a little additional cash flow will allow for more "L" lenses and ink replacement, too!

[riha]

Also, the ink for the IPF5000 is 120 ml tanks (90 ml when shipped). that is quite some ink.

Same goes for the new Epson 3800. It comes with ink worth 600$ when shipped, so the cost for the printer is not that much, but that printer does not hanle roll media.

[Digital_Duck]

... well ... didn't get the printer ... any glass ... or another camera box ...

..... just more gold ..... Pretty soon I'll be able to bling like an Italian pimp .... got the car!

[TonyK]

I broke over and picked up an Epson R800 replacing my older Canon S530D in the process. Its a nice printer and I like the idea of the pigmented ink. Still working on getting my colors right though.