Epson Stylus Photo 1400 Review

The Epson Stylus Photo 1400 is the replacement for the much older and very popular 1280/1290 A3+ printer. The new Epson 1400 is a dye-based printer which uses 6 colour Claria Photographic Ink, with up to 200 years print life in album storage. Borderless prints from 10x15cm up to A3+ and direct printing onto CD and DVD faces are all offered by the Epson Stylus 1400. Connectivity support includes Pictbridge, USB 2.0 and an optional Wireless Ethernet Print server. Jon Canfield finds out what Epson’s flagship A3+ dye-based printer has to offer…

Website: Epson Stylus Photo 1400 Review

Published: Sunday, September 16, 2007

Reader Comments

1. Has anyone compared the 1400's "cost per copy" with the 1280? I have been seriously considering replacing my old 1280, which still works great BTW. I do not remember how long I have owned the 1280 but I bought it from a guy named Ansel Adams when he decided to stick with black and white instead of going color.
   
   I would like more efficient or at least comparable ink cost. With individual cartridges the overall cost should be less. Of course that also depends on the the price of the individual 1400 cartridges.

   Charles Akers at 06:01pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2007

2. This review was too generous. I use an iMac OSX 10.4.7 and Photoshop Elements 4.0. I am unable to get accurate color renditions no matter what settings I use. Epson is of no help - they referred me to Adobe, which tried, but was not helpful either. Apparently, 1400 works with Photoshop 6 or CS, but nothing else! Interestingly, they ship the 1400 with Elements 3.0

   Bill Watson at 03:31pm on Thursday, October 18, 2007

3. While I have only had this printer for about 36 hours, I do have a few comments. Keep in mind that, with this printer, I also purchased a package of (8.5x11) Harman Gloss FB Al and a package of (13x19) llford Smooth Gloss --- I also had some (8.5x11) Harman Matte on hand (no epson paper). My (brief) experience is as follows:
   
   1) Both colour and B&W;on the Ilford are (with the Ilford profile) exceptional. I have never been able to get prints this quality before this --- the 2400 or 1800 may be better but, for me, the combination of Ilford SG and the 1400 were quite acceptable (compared to other (hp) printers I have owned).
   
   2) The Harman profiles (especially for Matte) seemed off --- maybe a paper type issue. The profile for the Harman Gloss FB Al were better than those for the Matte but nowhere close to the quality I got from the Ilford profile).
   
   2) The Ilford Smooth Glossy profile is ``spot on''. It matches my calibrated system almost exactly! --- even for B&W;work.
   
   3) While the ink longevity may be an issue for a lot of people ... for me It is really not a concern --- if I have to reprint in a few years, so be it. I do not sell my work, just hang a few favourites on the wall once in a while (I have the digital negatives to reprint whenever I want --- and give to my offspring).
   
   Cheers,

   BJ at 10:49pm on Friday, April 25, 2008

4. I realise that Epson is in the ink business, but the size of each tank on this high end printer is tiny. The wretched things are always running out, usually yellow first. Then you face a bill for around £60. This is taking the Gilette model a little too far!

   Colin at 08:37pm on Friday, October 31, 2008

5. I ended up with a refurbished R1800 direct from Epson. They inadvertantly allowed a $100 rebate in addition to the discount and free shipping to boot so I could not resist.
   
   I wholeheartedly agree on the Ilford paper. I use both Smooth Gloss and Smooth Pearl. Even with the old 1280 people were amazed. The R1800 with the Ilford is fantastic. I have been getting the Smooth Gloss Ilford at Sam's Club for a great price, 100 sheets of 8.5X11 for about $24 USD.

   Chuck Akers at 12:57am on Saturday, November 01, 2008