Epson 3800 vs. 4800 output

[dritz]

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Understanding the difference capabilities of auto-switching of black inks... is there a difference in the quality of output particularly for B&W output? This would be on a Mac environment.

 

You can find refurbished 4800s for about the same price as a new 3800. Even better, the 4800 ink is 1/2 the price on a per ML basis (the 4800 supports 220ml tanks, the 3800 has 80ml tanks). That's the primary attraction.

 

Experience? Opinions?

 

Thanks.

[stunsworth]

Dean, one thing to bear in mind is that changing from glossy to mat (and backwards) on the 4800 wastes a _huge_ amount of ink. This is much better on the 3800. So if your swapping a lot the fact that the 4800 inks are cheaper could be negated.

 

I have a 3800 and the b&w output is outstanding. I've never uses a 4800, so I can't compare the two.

[carstenw]

The 4800 also takes roll paper, whereas the 3800 cannot. According to reviews I have seen, the performance of the two is nearly identical, but I haven't tried either personally.

[ho_co]

Dean--

Regarding switching between matte and glossy blacks on the 4800, as I recall, a review on Luminous Landscape said the switch uses about US $75 worth of ink.

 

But I don't think I've seen anyone say that the 3800's output is better or worse than the 4800's. They're both considered excellent.

 

--HC

[stunsworth]

There's a review of both printers in this month's edition of the French magazine 'Responses Photo'. Both printers get equal points for printing colour (28/30) and b&w (18/20). The 3800 wins out because of it's price.

[carstenw]

Funny, that was one review I was referring to I see I am not the only one practising my French on the sly. Btw, I believe it is "Réponses Photo", no?

[stunsworth]

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Indeed it is Carsten <grin>

[billh]

I received an email offer for the 4800 fairly heavily discounted

(http://www.rmsllcnj.com/DAS_6-21_Epson_Sale.html) from the supplier I use, http://digitalartsupplies.stores.yahoo.net/epson48001.html

 

It made me wonder if Epson was going to announce new models.

 

You can make larger prints on the 4800 if you print on rolls (for example, 17 x 26 plus inches). If you use sheets you are limited to a length of 22 inches. The Epson 4800 (their other Ultrachrome printers should be the same) and Crane Museo Silver Rag make the best black and white prints I have seen so far - better than my darkroom prints. Silver Rag uses the photo black ink, so if you are contemplating changing inks to print black and white on matt paper, this is something you might want to explore.

 

The 4800 is fairly large and heavy, but they do offer a cabinet you can buy for it. That offers lots of storage for inks and paper, and gives you a place to sit the printer.

[dritz]

The summary rumor is for an updated machine in Q4. Thus discounting to eliminate old inventory would suggest the rumor as true. Bill, the Crane paper you noted is a matte paper that takes the photo (glossy) black ink? Obviously, it doesn't make economic sense to use the 4800 if you are switching between matte and photo blacks. For me, I'll be sticking with matte, and the opportunity to produce 16"x24" prints.

 

If what you say is true, one could standardize on the Crane paper and retain the option of doing glossy prints, as well, with the same photo black. Do I understand you correctly?

 

Thanks.

[billh]

 

If what you say is true, one could standardize on the Crane paper and retain the option of doing glossy prints, as well, with the same photo black. Do I understand you correctly?

 

Thanks.

 

Yes, and that is exactly what I do, and one of the reasons I love this paper. I have a 2400 set up for matt, but find I only use it for matt greeting cards. If you like, send me an image on a CD and I will print it on the 8.5 x 11 Silver Rag for you. Or, I can send a couple of sheets of it to you to use in your printer.

 

Bill