gpwhite Posted August 6, 2015 Share #1 Posted August 6, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have been very happy with the Epson P3000 and now SC-P600 13" printers, using Canson Infinity papers with their profiles. I am considering the step to 17" so that I can use A2 paper, and I would go for an Epson SC-P800. I have heard (not on our forum) that these printers deliver equivalent image quality/ snap from a good file, even though the maximum resolution specification is far greater (smaller droplets) for the P600 than the P800 (larger droplets). In other words, if I printed a section of a file at 13 x 19 on the P600 and an entire 17 X 22 on the P800, both prints using an "Image Size" set at 17 x 22 with the same pixel resolution in the .psd, then the two prints would have very similar IQ. P600 = P800, so to speak. Any comments would be very much appreciated! How would you characterize your prints from these or similar printers (13" vs 17" capable printers)? Why am I asking? I shoot WA and always have s few good images that I want to see bigger in order to "open them up." Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 6, 2015 Posted August 6, 2015 Hi gpwhite, Take a look here 13" (P600) vs. 17" (P800) printer. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Jeff S Posted August 7, 2015 Share #2 Posted August 7, 2015 There is some discussion here on both, but the bottom line is that print quality will not suffer with either, or even with the 3880 for that matter. More differences will result from user skill and techniques than from the detailed specs on any of these machines, which are very capable. The following reviews might be helpful... http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printer/epson_sc-p600.html http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printer/epson-sc_p800_review.html I prefer the Epson 17" versions for the bigger print capability, but also for the much more economical ink cartridge sizes...25.9ml versus 80ml. Jeff 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 7, 2015 Share #3 Posted August 7, 2015 There is some discussion here on both, but the bottom line is that print quality will not suffer with either, or even with the 3880 for that matter. More differences will result from user skill and techniques than from the detailed specs on any of these machines, which are very capable. The following reviews might be helpful... http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printer/epson_sc-p600.html http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printer/epson-sc_p800_review.html I prefer the Epson 17" versions for the bigger print capability, but also for the much more economical ink cartridge sizes...25.9ml versus 80ml. Jeff I have recently taken delivery of the SC P800 . Another plus is the role feed mechanism which in some circumstances can help reduce the cost of paper. The attachment is very well made and not to be confused with the one that came with the Epson 2880 and similar printers. BrianP Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 8, 2015 Share #4 Posted August 8, 2015 I have recently taken delivery of the SC P800 . Another plus is the role feed mechanism which in some circumstances can help reduce the cost of paper. The attachment is very well made and not to be confused with the one that came with the Epson 2880 and similar printers. The 13" P600 also has a roll paper attachment, but of course accommodates narrower rolls. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 8, 2015 Share #5 Posted August 8, 2015 The 13" P600 also has a roll paper attachment, but of course accommodates narrower rolls. Jeff The role attachment for the P800 is a very well engineered piece of kit and a totally different product than the accessory which comes with the P600. For those taking advantage of the introductory offers, now is definitely a good time to buy as I recieved. A roll of 17ins wide paper worth about £70.00. The role attachment is an eye watering £197.00 but works like a dream. Brianp Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 8, 2015 Share #6 Posted August 8, 2015 It's also a good time to pick up a 3880, even without a ROLL paper attachment option...proven reliable machine now heavily discounted. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 8, 2015 Share #7 Posted August 8, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I looked at this option but the best price I was able to get was about £810.00 . Calumet where offering the P800 for £970 with an extended warranty and a pack of A2 paper which had a value of £100 or their abouts. The P800 has the new HD ink set ,the star of which is the Black so I considered it the best deal especially after reading the review by Michael Reichman on the Luminous Landscape. The role feed was a bit of an afterthought which I partially funded by selling my old A3 + printer on eBay .The biggest plus is lower ink cost . For anyone considering going for this printer don,t just consider the width which is very little wider than the Epson A3 printers .However it is higher,considerably deeper especially with the role feed kit and a lot heavier. BrianP Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 8, 2015 Share #8 Posted August 8, 2015 So your roll feed played a secondary role. My 3800 is still chugging along after 6 years. Prints are much improved over ones from early years, without any change in printer, but lots of changes in edit and print software, papers and profiles, techniques, etc, etc. And once I mat, frame and display, nobody knows what camera/lens/printer or anything else I use. The blacks are as black as I need, and will last long after I'm gone. Not much room for improvement in these modern printers....often the biggest issue in choosing a new one...once needed size and features are established... is avoiding models with known feed or head issues, as many report regarding the 4900 and, to a lesser degree, the R3000. When mine dies, I'll go for the best deal on a well tested iteration. In the States, manufacturer rebates and dealer discounts are frequent (much better deals here apparently than what you cite across the pond on the 3880). Unfortunately, without much competition, and with fewer folks printing anymore, Epson has little incentive to keep bringing out new models. The P series took a long time to come to market and, not surprisingly, the feature they're hyping is the new ink set, since inks are where the profits lie....the print machines are loss leaders to get people to buy the inks. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 8, 2015 Share #9 Posted August 8, 2015 I agree with your comments. A major factor in choosing the P800 was the fact that it is really a 3880 with a few bells and whistles. The black is marginally better and the Role feed is a spin off worth havingfor me anyway. Before I placed an order I went to presentation day at Calumet purely to discuss the printer with the rep from Epson. If the mechanics of the machine had been completely new I would have gone for a 3880 irrespective of other issues. Michael Reichman makes the point in an essay on his web site that printers have got that good there is not a lot of room for improvement. BrianP Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpwhite Posted August 8, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted August 8, 2015 I have read many compliments about the Epson 3880, and now the SC800. The focus of my question was really the comparison between the 5760 dot resolution of the SC600 versus the 2880 dot resolution of the SC600. A couple of reviews have said the difference is not noticeable. I knowledgable salesman for a local photo specialist store said that he found no difference is appearance between 5760 and 2880, but that Epson offered the higher resolution as a basis of offering a higher pressure, more ink-consuming system... in other words, he said flatly that the 5760 option was a marketing gimmick to increase ink consumption. Has anyone printed the same file at both 5760 and 2880 so that they now have any comments about this comparison? I have tried to set up a trial session with this salesman, but so far the logistics and 60 mile distance has proved problematic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 9, 2015 Share #11 Posted August 9, 2015 I understood your question, and my answer is to pick the machine that best supports your intended print size and anticipated ink usage. Jeff 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 9, 2015 Share #12 Posted August 9, 2015 I understood your question, and my answer is to pick the machine that best supports your intended print size and anticipated ink usage. Jeff Perfect answer BrianP Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpwhite Posted August 9, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted August 9, 2015 Perfect answer BrianP OK, so I understand that both of you are advising something like this... Yes, using the same image file, the 13 x 19 print at 5760 dpi has a different look than the 17 x 22 print at 2880 dpi. Comparing such differently sized prints to each other is very awkward, however, and either you want 17 x 22 scale or not. I can see that this makes sense . Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 9, 2015 Share #14 Posted August 9, 2015 OK, so I understand that both of you are advising something like this... Yes, using the same image file, the 13 x 19 print at 5760 dpi has a different look than the 17 x 22 print at 2880 dpi. Comparing such differently sized prints to each other is very awkward, however, and either you want 17 x 22 scale or not. I don't recall saying that at all. What I said in post #2 is "....print quality will not suffer with either, or even with the 3880 for that matter. More differences will result from user skill and techniques than from the detailed specs on any of these machines, which are very capable." Tests like the one you're proposing are a waste of time IMO....better to spend that time improving print quality using whichever machine you choose among the fine ones discussed here. There are myriad variables in a total workflow (from camera to framed and displayed print) that determine print quality, and the size of a print nozzle is not in the top 100 for me. My prints have improved significantly over the years since purchasing a 3800. Give the same machine to 10 different people and you'll get 10 different results....and that's not even considering the most important part, which is an image worthy of a making fine print. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpwhite Posted August 9, 2015 Author Share #15 Posted August 9, 2015 I don't recall saying that at all. What I said in post #2 is "....print quality will not suffer with either, or even with the 3880 for that matter. More differences will result from user skill and techniques than from the detailed specs on any of these machines, which are very capable." Tests like the one you're proposing are a waste of time IMO....better to spend that time improving print quality using whichever machine you choose among the fine ones discussed here. There are myriad variables in a total workflow (from camera to framed and displayed print) that determine print quality, and the size of a print nozzle is not in the top 100 for me. My prints have improved significantly over the years since purchasing a 3800. Give the same machine to 10 different people and you'll get 10 different results....and that's not even considering the most important part, which is an image worthy of a making fine print. Jeff I don't recall saying that at all. What I said in post #2 is "....print quality will not suffer with either, or even with the 3880 for that matter. More differences will result from user skill and techniques than from the detailed specs on any of these machines, which are very capable." Tests like the one you're proposing are a waste of time IMO....better to spend that time improving print quality using whichever machine you choose among the fine ones discussed here. There are myriad variables in a total workflow (from camera to framed and displayed print) that determine print quality, and the size of a print nozzle is not in the top 100 for me. My prints have improved significantly over the years since purchasing a 3800. Give the same machine to 10 different people and you'll get 10 different results....and that's not even considering the most important part, which is an image worthy of a making fine print. Jeff Sorry to have wasted our time with having you read my reply above, but thanks anyway. You write above about every variable other than the one question I asked. OK, that is fine. You say "Tests like the one you're proposing are a waste of time IMO," which is entirely fair for you to have. I am not sure why you took the time to post a reply, however, as it is hardly useful. There might be printers who have directly compared the two processes I described, and they might answer A, B or A = B on the basis of their direct experience. Once I have organized such a comparison and wasted my time doing it, I will be certain not to post any bothersome information for you. Good luck! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 10, 2015 Share #16 Posted August 10, 2015 I never said that MY time was wasted here....I wrote that YOUR time would be wasted by conducting such tests since other more important factors could address and far surpass any such differences, if any. I took time to give you my personal experience from more than 30 years printing, darkroom and lightroom....to help save you time and feel comfortable with your purchase of any of the machines discussed. No worries, it won't happen again. Others here have appreciated a robust discussion on print quality variables, and happily entertained contrarian views....some have personally messaged me to ask questions and to thank me for helping them address various issues. Glad you have all that 'hardly useful' stuff figured out. I'm still learning every day. So now you are right....my time has been wasted. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordvik Posted August 12, 2015 Share #17 Posted August 12, 2015 I have a Pro 3880. If I want to use a Fine Art paper, the printdriver make me go from "2880dpi" to 1440dpi". I would think an A3 printer would do the same. Maybe you could see some difference between a PC paper made with a A2 and A3 printer. Or maybe not. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS Posted August 25, 2015 Share #18 Posted August 25, 2015 I'm getting my P807 when I get back home after my trip to the UK. I also have the roll attachment ordered and will look forward to my new challenges learning how to print................no doubt with some help from this forum Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 26, 2015 Share #19 Posted August 26, 2015 I'm getting my P807 when I get back home after my trip to the UK. I also have the roll attachment ordered and will look forward to my new challenges learning how to print................no doubt with some help from this forum Have a look at the tutorials on www.luminous-landscape.com. Michael Reichman and Jeff Schewe ( must check spelling ) have some good tutorials and JS really does know what he is talking about. The video set called from Camera to Print is well worth the very modest cost for anyone interested in fine art printing. BrianP Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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