Epson Pigment vs Dye Ink

[espn]

Am I right to say the pigment ink is better/preferred over the dye ink?

Am looking at R210 to do some basic graphics, ocassional photo print, but it uses dye ink, whereas R800 uses pigment... so conclusion is that if higher end uses pigment, it should be better?

[Watcher]

Originally Posted by espn Am I right to say the pigment ink is better/preferred over the dye ink? Am looking at R210 to do some basic graphics, ocassional photo print, but it uses dye ink, whereas R800 uses pigment... so conclusion is that if higher end uses pigment, it should be better?

To a certain extent. The reason is that pigment generally will last significantly longer as well as being more durable than dye. However, dye is easier to use commercially and used to be able to have a bigger range (aka gamut). Eg, the Epson Durabrite (lower end consumers) pigment inks have a so-so color gamut performance but can sit in water

However, the gamut of the Ultrachrome (the pro range) set of inks equals or can exceed the lower end dye printers. Just check out the color profile of the R800 or 2100. So, the holy grail of long lasting inks (see the durability of the R800 here) together with a wide gamut seems to be achieved with the R800 and Ultrachrome inks. There has been no complain about the color range at all about the R800.

Coming back to your original needs, the R210 is fine for occasional prints but if you want to give or sell prints, you are better off with R800 or 2100.

[espn]

Thanks watcher, knew you'd be lurking around somewhere, perhaps just now should have joined you folks for dinner

I think the gamut comes from the tanks loaded? R800 uses 8 cartridges, R210 uses 6, right?

I'm looking at a printer that can print cd labels, A4 prints, just for my own personal gratification, my HP cannot produce what I want, and thus thought of retiring it. So I supposed the R210 is more than capable to handle it.

Also looking at hoping the dye will last at least 5 years or more.

Nah.. if I'm selling prints, I'd send to commercial printers I won't bother with the effort, I still like labs, just that sometimes I'm in urgent rush, it's good to have a photo capable printer at hand.

[Watcher]

Originally Posted by espn Thanks watcher, knew you'd be lurking around somewhere, perhaps just now should have joined you folks for dinner I think the gamut comes from the tanks loaded? R800 uses 8 cartridges, R210 uses 6, right?

Ha ha... another time

As for the gamut, there are many variables to it. The most significant are the material of the inks, the ink drop size and of course the inks themselves. Because of the three factors, it produces a wider gamut than the R210. However, for all practical purpose, the R210 has a very good gamut already. You have seen my prints for yourself, those I had shown are from the R210.

Originally Posted by espn I'm looking at a printer that can print cd labels, A4 prints, just for my own personal gratification, my HP cannot produce what I want, and thus thought of retiring it. So I supposed the R210 is more than capable to handle it. Also looking at hoping the dye will last at least 5 years or more. Nah.. if I'm selling prints, I'd send to commercial printers I won't bother with the effort, I still like labs, just that sometimes I'm in urgent rush, it's good to have a photo capable printer at hand.

With these requirements, you don't need the R800. The R210 can do that. With a little care, the dye prints will last for 5 years, if you 1) don't expose it to direct sunlight and bright lights, espcially incandescent bulbs for long periods and frame it if possible. The paper too play an important part in the longevity; use good quality paper or even swellable paper (Ruby has brought in the Ilford Classic range recently ) to make the prints last longer.

[Stereobox]

now my turn to say ... BUY BUY BUY!

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=109078

[espn]

Originally Posted by Watcher Ha ha... another time As for the gamut, there are many variables to it. The most significant are the material of the inks, the ink drop size and of course the inks themselves. Because of the three factors, it produces a wider gamut than the R210. However, for all practical purpose, the R210 has a very good gamut already. You have seen my prints for yourself, those I had shown are from the R210.

Wow, you've got me convinced then, think it should be quite usable for my scenarios.

Originally Posted by Watcher With these requirements, you don't need the R800. The R210 can do that. With a little care, the dye prints will last for 5 years, if you 1) don't expose it to direct sunlight and bright lights, espcially incandescent bulbs for long periods and frame it if possible. The paper too play an important part in the longevity; use good quality paper or even swellable paper (Ruby has brought in the Ilford Classic range recently ) to make the prints last longer.

I see, yeah, I placed some prints under the sun for about a few weeks, colored ran and the ink faded, guess there's still proper care needed to make the images last.

Now to get the printer and to go check out the papers available



Sterebox: Yeah I know I was reading that thread before I posted this one

[KNIGHT ONG]

Originally Posted by espn I'm looking at a printer that can print cd labels, A4 prints, just for my own personal gratification, my HP cannot produce what I want, and thus thought of retiring it. So I supposed the R210 is more than capable to handle it.

BUY BUY BUY ...

I am using the R800 to print CD-labels and A4 prints as well.

However I can let you compare CD-labels printed by R800 and R310, the edge on the R310 is not as sharp and finishing not as good as the R800 ... so the better choice go for R800.....

AJ just brought it last week ...

[espn]

Originally Posted by KNIGHT ONG BUY BUY BUY ... I am using the R800 to print CD-labels and A4 prints as well. However I can let you compare CD-labels printed by R800 and R310, the edge on the R310 is not as sharp and finishing not as good as the R800 ... so the better choice go for R800..... AJ just brought it last week ...

Mai pai, somebody sponsoring me the R210, so I was just comparing, it's one of those 'buy and don't want to think about upgrading' kind of feel.

I'm not that concerned about sharpness, I'll probably print on CD labels then affix them onto CDs

How muchie is the R800 btw? If within my means, I'll consider it, but I have no space on my table

[AJ23]

Originally Posted by espn Mai pai, somebody sponsoring me the R210, so I was just comparing, it's one of those 'buy and don't want to think about upgrading' kind of feel. I'm not that concerned about sharpness, I'll probably print on CD labels then affix them onto CDs How muchie is the R800 btw? If within my means, I'll consider it, but I have no space on my table

Comparing R210 and R800, no need to think one.

R800, CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP, GOOD GOOD GOOD, BUY BUY BUY.

Ruby got good price for R800, check it out there.

[imaginary_number]

Originally Posted by espn Mai pai, somebody sponsoring me the R210, so I was just comparing, it's one of those 'buy and don't want to think about upgrading' kind of feel. I'm not that concerned about sharpness, I'll probably print on CD labels then affix them onto CDs How muchie is the R800 btw? If within my means, I'll consider it, but I have no space on my table

You can print directly on (printable) CDs.

The last time I asked CP, the R800 goes for around $680.

[KNIGHT ONG]

Originally Posted by imaginary_number You can print directly on (printable) CDs. The last time I asked CP, the R800 goes for around $680.

Hmmm ... $650 can get liao ....

Ask AJ how much he brought ... I brought mine last year at SITEC ..

[yanyewkay]

pigment ink cannot throw out glossy prints but dye ink can.

I have the lower end C63 using pigment ink cannot do glossy papers.
Then I bought the iP1500 using dye ink, glossy works fantastic!

maybe there's new technology to do pigment with glossy that I don't know.

But just FYI.

[Watcher]

Originally Posted by yanyewkay pigment ink cannot throw out glossy prints but dye ink can. I have the lower end C63 using pigment ink cannot do glossy papers. Then I bought the iP1500 using dye ink, glossy works fantastic! maybe there's new technology to do pigment with glossy that I don't know. But just FYI.

Yes, the R800 has a new technology called gloss optimizer that would do wonders on glossy papers. In fact, many are calmouring Epson to put this technology into the other pigment printers.

[Neo]

Epson quoted a print life of "over 80 years" for the R800, a remarkable reduction in life-span claims compared to other pigment inks like 2100. Is it possible that it is because of the gloss optimizer?

[Neo]

Apologies... left out the link...

http://www.epson.co.uk/contact/broch...Photo_R800.pdf

[Ink-Specialist]

Originally Posted by espn Am I right to say the pigment ink is better/preferred over the dye ink? Am looking at R210 to do some basic graphics, ocassional photo print, but it uses dye ink, whereas R800 uses pigment... so conclusion is that if higher end uses pigment, it should be better?

of cos, r800 is better than epson 2ten.
epson 2ten can print on any in-jet cd label and in-jet gossy paper,
but it's unlikely print on third-party cd label and gossy paper or lasser paper..

[espn]

Ahhh it's ok, it's just for urgent needs that I need to make some proof prints, so think I'll settle with R210 will go shopping tomorrow.

Any paper to recommend?

[ctchng]

[SIZE=7]BUY! BUY! BUY! [/size]

Best is bring your photos n print at Canon n Epson showroom. I wanted to get the R800 initially, untill i compare the print with canon semi gross and gross plus paper from i8500 and i9950. To me n my daughter, the print out from Epson is .

All printout is without processing. Epson thru it photoquick and Canon thru picbridge.

Jus my 2c worth.

[Ink-Specialist]

Originally Posted by espn Ahhh it's ok, it's just for urgent needs that I need to make some proof prints, so think I'll settle with R210 will go shopping tomorrow. Any paper to recommend?

tissue paper

[espn]

Ink-Specialist