Pixma or Epson R210?

[scott]

I'm still undecided between the two. Which one is better? My budget is less than $250.

My main consideration is prints quality. If it can match what I see on my screen, in terms of color, sharpness, etc., I'll be very happy. The second consideration is the durability of prints.

What is the advantage of having 6 individual tanks? will it produce better printing quality? How is Pixma i1000 quality?

Which brand is more cost saving?

Thanks for any comments/suggestions.

[arsene]

I am not sure about the Epson but I am using the i4000 with no complaints. The i4000 is slightly above your budget and may be you can consider the i3000. The i1000 seem to be entry level stuff. I have blown up the pictures taken with my Canon 20D and is very happy with the results. If you want a better resolution go for the i5000.

[Neo]

Hi Scott,

First the colour matching part... Unless your screen is properly calibrated with calibration hardware, matching the screen to print results is usually a hit-and-miss thingie...

In terms of durability, the dye prints by the major brands can reach up to 25 years under proper conditions. Pigment inks can last a claimed 100 years, but there're drawbacks such as not being able to print on most glossy photo papers and the colour gamut may not be as wide as dye inks. Choose between dye inks and pigment inks - my choice is dye inks for the incredible colour range and the ability to print on both glossy and matte paper. 25 years is more than sufficient for me, although Canon claims 100 years archival for its Photo Paper Pro paper.

The PIXMA iP5000 is the one to go for, if you don't mind spending a bit more. It's the world's first and only 1-picolitre ink droplet printer and offering 9600dpi. And if budget is not a constraint, then plunge for the 8-colour iP8500, which adds red and green to the usual 6-colour. The results should theorectically be as good as my friend's 8-ink Canon i9950, which is really superb.

The SITEX show is just around the corner... maybe you should wait till then. All the major players are present, you can see the results for yourself, and who knows... maybe get a really good bargain?

[Watcher]

Agree... Get a few of your pictures that you feel will most test the printers and let them print it out...

[skyline_impreza]

I personally think PIXMA ip3000 and above are cooler than epson one

[scott]

Originally Posted by Watcher Agree... Get a few of your pictures that you feel will most test the printers and let them print it out...

They don't allow us to test the printers...

[scott]

How about Epson CX3500?
Does anyone have this all-in-one printer? any comments...

[Neo]

Hi Scott,

Wait until SITEX... usually they allow customers to print one image for testing... at least Canon, Epson and HP do...

[Watcher]

Originally Posted by Neo Hi Scott, Wait until SITEX... usually they allow customers to print one image for testing... at least Canon, Epson and HP do...

That's what I meant. At the trade show, they allowed. I managed to get even the large format Epson booth to print my A3 image

[alwayschampion]

My vote goes to Epson.

[Kenji]

Pixma printer specially just for print photo only?