Inkjet vs dye sub
Steve Buettner
prints. They don't need to be perfect but I would like the images to be
close what you get through photo finishing.
Am I better of getting a epson photo stylus/ HP or should I go with a
Alps md1300 or something along those lines.
I currently own a Epson stylus 800 but am unhappy with the output.
Please respond to me directly
Steve Buettner
buet...@ties.k12.mn.us
OutdoorPhoto.com
100 film. The results with my Epson PhotoEX printer were better than I
would have got had I made the local photolab create a print from an
internegative. It's on my wall now and continues to amaze me. It feels
great knowing I can get professional quality prints of my favorite SLIDES!!
Regards,
Justin W. Moore
http://www.outdoorphoto.com
Web Publications
I have both the Alps 1300 and the Photo EX. Before looking at the Photo EX I
would have been pushing the Alps. However, I am now more inclined to push
the Photo EX.
Both printers have the strengths and weaknesses. These are as I see it.
Alps 1300:
Pros: The print is 100% water proof, it is highly glossy and it takes much
longer for the print to fade. When looking at normal viewing distance or at
extream (3200%) magnification there is NO dithering. Each color can be
replaced independent of the others. You also have white and metallic ribbons
available. The white is great for printing photos on say black paper or any
colored paper. It prevents color shift do to paper color. The metalic are
also great for printing on dark colored paper.
Cons: The printer is slow in printing (about 8 minutes per print). The cost
per 8x10" print (which is as large as you can go) is about $3.35 ea. This is
based on the cost per sheet of paper and the cost of ribbon for printing a
solid black 8x10. This price is based on the Alps price. Now since you don't
print solid black 8x10 prints and since you shop around for the best price
(http://www.buycomp.com) you get a littl better deal. Probably closer to
2.50 per print. While the printer supports white and metallic inks, they are
a royal pain to set up. They have to be used like spot colors and frankly
they are too much trouble. There are fewer places to get the supplies for
the Alps. The only other problem that I have seen, and while I don't find it
to be much of a problem (some people get all uptight about it) is there is
sometimes some banding in the printed image. This only happens when you have
a large area of several shades of the same color. For example a blue sky.
This is not a problem with busy images.
Epson EX
Pros: It can print 11x17. It is a bit faster than the Alps at 8x10. The
consumables are easier to get. Most office supply stores have them. It is a
much higher resolution printer. It is made by a company that has been making
printers almost for ever.
Cons: The cost of ink is a real killer, although it is a little better than
the Alps. The problem is that the ink cartridges are too small for a printer
than prints 11x17. If you are lucky you might get 20 prints from a
cartridge. However, the black one will last longer than the color one. The
prints fade fast and are not water proof, unless using special and expensive
water proof paper. Ink cartrdiges are easy to come buy. However, a good
selection of Epson papers for it maybe harder to find. Most places just have
the standard 8-1/2 x 11.
I personally don't feel the cost per print is a big consideration. I am more
concerned with quality. While you won't find dithering on the Alps, you do
see a bit on the Epson EX. I like both printers very much. However, if I had
to choose one I would go for the Epson EX. The reason for this is simple. I
like doing enlargments. I don't feel 8x10 is large enough. I want 11x17.
You need to decide what is important to you. Do you want large size
printing? Are you going to put them in a covered portfolio? or, are you
going to frame them and hang them on the wall? Are they going to be handled?
If there are then they should be water proof. Do you mind a little dithering
or do you want true photographic look and feel, etc.
I can tell you this. I personally feel that you are looking at the two best
photo printers on the market in that price range. I have a review up on my
site of the Alps (I am working on the Epson EX). If you would like to take a
look (there are print samples) the URL is: http://www.sonic.net/webpub
I hope this helps.
Robert
Steve Buettner wrote:
> I am looking at purchasing a color printer to convert slide images to
> prints. They don't need to be perfect but I would like the images to be
> close what you get through photo finishing.
>
> Am I better of getting a epson photo stylus/ HP or should I go with a
> Alps md1300 or something along those lines.
>
> I currently own a Epson stylus 800 but am unhappy with the output.
>
> Please respond to me directly
>
> Steve Buettner
> buet...@ties.k12.mn.us
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