Printers? Need to show off the pics of my tractor

[Golfgar4]

Thanks Bob. I'll take a look! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( IF you use an ink-jet type photo printer, ONLY buy the factory recommended INK and ONLY buy the factory recommended paper )</font>

I do use only the factory ink cartridges, and I've used the HP photo paper with my HP printer with not the greatest, but satisfactory, results. However, awhile back I bought a big box of "RoyalBrites Ink Jet High Gloss Photo Paper" from Sam's Club (sure was cheap and says "use in Epson, Hewlett Packard, Canon, and all major brands of ink jet printers.")

Nothing like personal experience to learn what not to do. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I'd give this box of photo paper to anyone I could get to take it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Durbob]

I looked at and read about every printer on the market before i bought my Canon i850. It is the fastest photo printer on the market and uses less ink than any of the other brands. I also found a place that i bought enough ink for 3 refills of every color which will be a lifetime supply for me for 44.95 delivered. I also got 100 sheets of Ilford photo paper at Sams Club for 24.95 that prints great pics. The printer was only 118.00 at Sams when i bought it . By far the best deal i could find for the money. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Durbob]

I did forget to mention one thing. The poster who said that the ink jet printers pictures need to be covered is correct. I usually buy frames for the big pics at the dollar store or wally world and i put the small pics in a photo album. Many people have remarked how my pictures look like they were taken at a professional studio.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Durbob . . . I think you make a good point about the quality of some of the photo ink jet printers, they are very good.

But I still contend that if you have not already purchased a printer for photos yet, then the only one to buy is a dye-sub printer if you want to keep your photos and pass them down to your kids and grandkids or if you just want to display them for more than a few months in a well lit room!

I stopped in at OfficeDepot a few minutes ago for some office supplies, I noticed they had a Canon CP-200 Dye Sublimation printer for $178. That is not cheap, especially for a dedicated photo printer, but if your prints are going to be heirlooms or if you use them for any business or any display purposes, it is very reasonable given the outstanding quality and longevity you get compared to the best of the ink jet printers.

 

[RayBee]

Re: Printers? Need to show off the pics of my tra

HazMat: .... I also own a HP7550 and feel it does an admirable job of reproducing my digital files, but was expensive when I bought it a yr. ago ($299). If this model gets discontinued, you should be able to find it at about $150.


Golfgar4: ...I use "Iphoto" by Apple and I can vouch for it's incredible ease of photo management and slide program etc. I believe it only works with Mac OS-X ...RayBee

 

[Steven]

Look at the cost of replacement cartridges for the models you decide on. This may also sway your decision one way or the other. I went with an Epson printer because the cartridges cost was not as much other brands. Over time this cost adds up fast.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Since we are talking printers, I am looking for another printer to print large photos. I currently have the HP Photosmart 1000 for normal printing and a HP Photosmart 7350 for my photo printing. But it can only go up to 8x10 prints. Maybe longer if I find longer paper but I am looking for something that can do 11"x14" prints that look as good as the 7350s prints. It doesn't have to do anything else as it will only be used for large photos and nothing else. Any ideas who makes such a printer?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: Printers? Need to show off the pics of my tra

RayBee is correct about the iPhoto software only running on the Mac OS X operating system. I switched from Windows to Mac a couple years ago and we use both brands at our office, but are moving more toward the Macs because they are cheaper to operate over the long term, are virus free, and seem to be able to do more with much higher reliability than the Windows PCs we run.

I do not know of a Windows program that is as easy or flexible as the iPhoto software.

 

[Tonester]

Hey Kids, energetic little posting, eh?

I have been in the graphic design biz for almost 20 years now, and will agree with Bob S about Dye-Sub printers - They are impressive if more expensive, and we used 'em for proofing and high end printing. The latest archival inks from the big three (Epson, Canon & HP) however, are leaps and bounds beyond what was available even a year ago. Epson's 6 color printers are pretty darned nice, for a reasonable price, and as long as you archive the images on CD, you can reprint 'em cheaply if you leave the pics out in the sun or the dog (horse, goat) eats 'em.

It's the wonder of technology. Go with the cost of operation first, archive all pictures, use original manufacturer recommended inks and papers always! One of my favorite printers is an old Epson Stylus 760 ($149) that I tweaked the drivers for that prints DARN close to the Fiery RIP ($15,000) Dye sub we had at the studio.... if they fade, I reprint 'em for pennies...

Golfgar, the Apple iPhoto software is a boon to all photographers, everywhere! I use it on a laptop with colorsync color matching software, and bring the thing to any client or just to share with friends. Set up photos by catagory. Edit to some extent. Hook up the laptop to the TV and have a traditional obnoxious slideshow!!!!

Tony

Sorry: I should add that I am and always have been, (since 1984 anyhow...) a Macintosh person! I use PC's for business software only, Mac's for anything creative.... Right now it's a G4 1 Ghz 15" Titanium Powerbook (laptop) that I just love.... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif as I type this I sit in bed on an Apple wireless broadband network, a very content tech-addicted farmer!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif