Category: Printers

Saturday, May 1, 2004

Epson Stylus Pro 4000Vincent Oliver over at Photo-i has just started an interactive review of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer.

“I should point out that the Pro 4000 is a lot bigger than you might expect. The two delivery men had considerable difficulty in manoeuvring the box through the front door (my door isn?t small either) the printer had to be unpacked in the lobby. It also took two men to carry the printer upstairs to my studio and it dominates a large portion of my office desk. Just in case you thought of picking one up on your way home after your Saturday shopping, then forget it. The box won?t fit in your car boot/trunk unless of course you drive a truck. “

Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Interactive Review

Vincent Oliver over at Photo-i has just started an interactive review of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer. “I should point out that the Pro 4000 is a lot bigger than you might expect. The two delivery men had considerable difficulty in manoeuvring the box through the…

Friday, April 30, 2004

Steves Digicams have published a review of the Sony DPP-EX50 PictureStation printer. This is a dedicated, at-home photo printer that uses dye-sublimation technology, to create durable, lab-quality prints. The model incorporates both Memory Stick PRO and CompactFlash media slots, as well as two USB ports - one in the front for connection to a digital camera or camcorder and one in the back for connection to a PC.

“The print quality is like every other dye-sub printer that we’ve reviewed to date. This is not a bad thing as every dye-sub printer that we’ve reviewed has produced prints the equal of their wet-processed, film counterparts. This printing process is totally dry, no leaky ink cartridges to change, only a dry and clean ribbon cartridge and the special paper that it prints on. Dye-sub printers make four passes on the paper, three to lay down the primary colors (magenta, cyan and yellow) and the fourth pass puts a protective overcoat on the print that protects it from UV fading, fingerprints, scratches and moisture.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony DPP-EX50 PictureStation Review

Steves Digicams have published a review of the Sony DPP-EX50 PictureStation printer. This is a dedicated, at-home photo printer that uses dye-sublimation technology, to create durable, lab-quality prints. The model incorporates both Memory Stick PRO and CompactFlash media slots, as well as two USB ports - one in the front…

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterRoger Cavanagh has published a short review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. I have just received this printer from Epson and will be publishing my review in the next couple of weeks.

“The GO evens out the surface of the print, so there are no irregular reflections and no “etched effect”. Everyone I’ve shown prints to has said the same thing: words to the effect “they look just like real photos”. The results on matte paper are also excellent. I bought a sample box of fine art papers - mainly Hahnem?le - and the prints are delightful, even without custom profiles. (The GO is turned off by default for matte papers, and I haven’t experimented as there seems little point.)”

The R800 printer costs around ?299 and is available now. Cartridges cost ?11.90 each and ?6.35 for the Gloss Optimizer cartridge (inc. VAT).

Website: Roger Cavanagh - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Review

Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800

Roger Cavanagh has published a short review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. I have just received this printer from Epson and will be publishing my review in the next couple of weeks. “The GO evens out the surface of the print, so there are no irregular reflections…

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Epson 4000Mike Messner, a professional photographer from Canada, has kindly sent me his first impressions of the Epson 4000 printer.

“The Firmware on our printer was newer than that from the Epson Web Page. That made me not mind the wait so much, now that it’s over at any rate.

I had a small problem with setting it up after running the head alignment from the printers control panel, for some reason every time I tried to print we got solid blocks of color but no print.  I think I shut off the automatic nozzle checking utility from the control panel. So far I haven’t found out just how to set that on the panel.  I may surrender and call “home” but now today, I may with a cooler head find the information required in the manuals or in the CD information.  I found the how to movies provided excellent so far.

The ICC profiles gave us excellent color from the get go!  No problems there that’s for sure.  We had two small portrait orders printed the same afternoon we set up the machine. Although I know it won’t seem as fast today as it did yesterday, the speed was impressive.  Having paper on tap in the large paper tray was well how can I put it very nice.”

Thanks to Mike for that report and the photo which shows just how big the Epson 4000 actually is!

Visit Mike’s Website

Mike Messner, a professional photographer from Canada, has kindly sent me his first impressions of the Epson 4000 printer. “The Firmware on our printer was newer than that from the Epson Web Page. That made me not mind the wait so much, now that it’s over at any rate. I…

HP Photosmart 7960The Digital Journalist have published their review of the A4 HP Photosmart 7960 printer. Can this new printer compete with the likes of the Canon i950 and the Epson Stylus Photo R800? Read The Digital Journalist’s review to find out.

“I have found printer narvana and it’s the HP7960 from Hewlett-Packard.

Let’s cut to the chase and work back:

1. Beautiful Black & White with no color shifts or metamerism. 2. Excellent Color that matches your screen.

All this within the simple-to-use HP Printer software.”

Website: The Digital Journalist - HP Photosmart 7960 Review

The Digital Journalist have published their review of the A4 HP Photosmart 7960 printer. Can this new printer compete with the likes of the Canon i950 and the Epson Stylus Photo R800? Read The Digital Journalist’s review to find out. “I have found printer narvana and it’s the HP7960 from…

Saturday, April 24, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R300The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer.

Website: Index Digicam - Epson Stylus Photo R300 Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer. Website: Index Digicam -…

Friday, April 16, 2004

HiTi Photo Printer 730PSImaging Resource has posted its review of the HiTi Photo Printer 730PS, which allows you to create 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8 inch borderless prints through its Dye Sublimation technology at 300 dpi.

“The 730PS isn’t just a good idea. It’s a well-executed concept that performs at a consistently high level (which is why it’s little brother, the 640PS, won the DIMA Shoot-Out). You won’t find an inkjet printer built as solidly, a company as dedicated to perfecting its products—or a cheaper way to get the best print from your images. But most importantly, you’ll be thrilled every time you click on Print. And that’s a revolutionary thought.”

Website: Imaging Resource - HiTi Photo Printer 730PS Review

Imaging Resource has posted its review of the HiTi Photo Printer 730PS, which allows you to create 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8 inch borderless prints through its Dye Sublimation technology at 300 dpi. “The 730PS isn’t just a good idea. It’s a well-executed concept that performs at a consistently high level…

Thursday, April 15, 2004

A report today over on the BBC website may come as a shock to the system for all inkjet printer owners. A study on printer and cartridge costs by Computeractive magazine, which looked at printers from Canon, Epson, HP and Lexmark, concluded that “The price of inkjet printers has come down to as little as £34 but it could cost up to £1,700 in running costs over an 18-month period. The Lexmark z605, which only costs £40, has a cost of ownership over 18 months of £1775. Phew!

Website: BBC.co.uk

A report today over on the BBC website may come as a shock to the system for all inkjet printer owners. A study on printer and cartridge costs by Computeractive magazine, which looked at printers from Canon, Epson, HP and Lexmark, concluded that “The price of inkjet printers has come…

Saturday, April 10, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterSteves Digicams have published their review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer.

“The Matte Black ink makes a very noticeable difference in the print quality when using the Matte Paper Heavyweight or Enhanced Matte papers. Color or B&W images with good dynamic range make gorgeous monochrome prints that rival the best of what I used to make in my darkroom some twenty-five years ago. Just like the Stylus Photo 2200, the R800 with its UltraChrome inks is an ideal printer for monochrome prints, especially on the Epson matte or art papers.”

The R800 printer costs around ?299 and is available now. Cartridges cost ?11.90 each and ?6.35 for the Gloss Optimizer cartridge (inc. VAT).

Website: Steves Digicams - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Review

Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800

Steves Digicams have published their review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. “The Matte Black ink makes a very noticeable difference in the print quality when using the Matte Paper Heavyweight or Enhanced Matte papers. Color or B&W images with good dynamic range make gorgeous monochrome prints that…

Thursday, April 8, 2004

Hi-Touch 640PS Photo PrinterSteves Digicams have reviewed the Hi-Touch 640GALA Photo Printer. This dye-sublimation printer features stand-alone, direct printing of 6x4 inch lab-quality photos at an increased 403dpi (equivalent to inkjet 6400dpi) in only 75 seconds.

“Join the thousands of satisfied owners of HiTi printers. Stop fighting with an inkjet printer that never seems to get the colors right or hassling with prints that won’t last more than thirty seconds if they get wet. It no longer costs a fortune for a dye sub printer and this one doesn’t even take up as much desk space as a small inkjet. Photo quality prints come out in less than two minutes. They’re dry to the touch and you never have to mess with ink cartridges, wipe up spills or try to get ink off of your fingers.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Hi-Touch 640GALA Photo Printer Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Hi-Touch 640GALA Photo Printer. This dye-sublimation printer features stand-alone, direct printing of 6x4 inch lab-quality photos at an increased 403dpi (equivalent to inkjet 6400dpi) in only 75 seconds. “Join the thousands of satisfied owners of HiTi printers. Stop fighting with an inkjet printer that never…

Canon Bubble Jet i965Photo-i has just started an interactive review of Canon’s fastest and highest resolution photo printer, the 4800 x 2400 dpi1 Bubble Jet i965. This recently announced six-ink printer produces a 400dpi full A4 photo in approximately 60 seconds, with a 4"x 6” print taking just 21 seconds.

“The CD-R tray feeder simply clicks into position, once fitted the clear Perspex slider has to be pushed all the way back. The CD-R tray slides in a grove and you must ensure that the two side arrows line up with the arrows on the feeder. I will test the quality of printing onto CD’s later in the review. I liked the inclusion of a 8cm mini CD-R holder, this also has a business card CD-R aperture.”

Website: Photo-i - Canon Bubble Jet i965 Review

Photo-i has just started an interactive review of Canon’s fastest and highest resolution photo printer, the 4800 x 2400 dpi1 Bubble Jet i965. This recently announced six-ink printer produces a 400dpi full A4 photo in approximately 60 seconds, with a 4"x 6” print taking just 21 seconds. “The CD-R tray…

Friday, April 2, 2004

Photo-i have a great report on a recent seminar by Henry Wilhelm’s in London. The Wilhelm Research Institute tests media by most of the major printer manufacturers for longevity; will your inkjet print last as long as the manufacturer claims?

“Mr Wilhelm regards today’s photographic quality printers as being “a better enlarger, a better darkroom”, Mr Wilhelm continued “the quality that today’s printers are offering the consumer is astonishing. Using a conventional enlarger for colour printing the user had little or no control on contrast of colour saturation, unless complex masking techniques are employed ” Of course today, even with entry level imaging applications, we have full control over every aspect of the imaging process.”

Website: Photo-i - Henry Wilhelm on a flying visit to London

Photo-i have a great report on a recent seminar by Henry Wilhelm’s in London. The Wilhelm Research Institute tests media by most of the major printer manufacturers for longevity; will your inkjet print last as long as the manufacturer claims? “Mr Wilhelm regards today’s photographic quality printers as being “a…

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Canon CP-330 Photo PrinterCanon USA Press Release 31/03/04

Canon’s New Compact Photo Printers CP-220 and CP-330 Add Ease-of-Use, Flexibility and Style to Direct Photo Printing
 
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 31, 2004—New Print Size, Enhanced Features and Sleek Design Bolster User-Friendly Compact Printers  

Whether announcing a “new arrival” or capturing family fun at a weekend barbecue, Canon’s new Compact Photo Printers CP-220 and CP-330 allow consumers to print pictures quickly, easily and directly from a digital camera, virtually anywhere. Canon’s small and stylish CP photo printers now print high-quality color prints in three different paper sizes from a computer via USB or by direct camera-to-printer connection. These sizes include 4” x 8” for personalized greeting cards or invitations; 4” x 6” postcard size or credit-card size pictures.

“We launched our next generation of compact card photo printers so that people can print their photos whenever and wherever they want,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc, a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). “The new and enhanced features in our Compact Photo Printer series make photo printing a more simple and enjoyable experience for everyone, and will likely encourage consumers to print more often.”

Canon USA Press Release 31/03/04 Canon’s New Compact Photo Printers CP-220 and CP-330 Add Ease-of-Use, Flexibility and Style to Direct Photo Printing LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 31, 2004—New Print Size, Enhanced Features and Sleek Design Bolster User-Friendly Compact Printers Whether announcing a “new arrival” or capturing family fun at a…

Saturday, March 20, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterAlain Briot has published an 11-page review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer.

“Glossy print quality is most likely the biggest improvement brought by the R800. Glossy prints made on the R800 are beautiful and show no bronzing whatsoever. To the naked eye Glossy R800 prints look just like glossy chemical prints. There are no digital artifacts visible to the naked eye and one needs to take an 8x magnifier to the prints to see the dot pattern, a pattern which is very smooth and uniform.”

The R800 printer costs around ?299 and is available now. Cartridges cost ?11.90 each and ?6.35 for the Gloss Optimizer cartridge (inc. VAT).

Website: Alain Briot - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Review

Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800

Alain Briot has published an 11-page review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. “Glossy print quality is most likely the biggest improvement brought by the R800. Glossy prints made on the R800 are beautiful and show no bronzing whatsoever. To the naked eye Glossy R800 prints look just…

Friday, March 19, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterDigital Outback Photo have just received the new Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer and have started a review in the form of a regularly updated diary. Here’s a summary of their initial impressions:

“R800 works very silent
R800 prints much faster than a 2200
Image quality was spot on in terms of colors using the Epson profiles
First B&W test also looks good (we did not find metamerism)”

The R800 printer costs around ?299 and is available now. Cartridges cost ?11.90 each and ?6.35 for the Gloss Optimizer cartridge (inc. VAT).

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Diary

Digital Outback Photo have just received the new Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer and have started a review in the form of a regularly updated diary. Here’s a summary of their initial impressions: “R800 works very silent R800 prints much faster than a 2200 Image quality was spot on in…

Thursday, March 18, 2004

Canon CP-300 PrinterThe Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the latest 4 x 6-inch dye diffusion printers from Canon, the CP-200 and CP-300 models. The only difference between the two is that the CP-300 accepts an external battery that attaches to the back of the printer and makes it completely portable.

Website: e-Fotografija - Canon Card Photo Printer CP-200 Review

The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the latest 4 x 6-inch dye diffusion printers from Canon, the CP-200 and CP-300 models. The only difference between the two is that the CP-300 accepts an external battery that attaches to the back of the printer and makes it completely portable. Website: e-Fotografija…

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

HP Press Release 17/03/04

HP expands inkjet print cartridge recycling programme to UK customers

- HP (NYSE: HPQ) today announces the expansion of its Inkjet print cartridge Return and Recycling Programme to consumers in the UK. From May 1st, they will be able to conveniently return their HP Inkjet print cartridges for recycling. The programme will allow home offices and households in UK to recycle approximately 1.5 million HP Inkjet print cartridges by 2005.

Recycling has been made as convenient as possible for today?s busy consumers. Initially, pre-paid in-box envelopes will be supplied with two of the most popular HP inkjet print cartridges: HP No. 56 black print cartridge and HP No. 57 tri-colour print cartridge. For other print cartridges, customers can order free pre-paid envelopes online at www.hp.com/recycle.

This programme is already in place in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Further expansion of the programme is planned by HP in 2004. By 2005, 14 million HP Inkjet print cartridges are expected to be returned and recycled.

HP Press Release 17/03/04 HP expands inkjet print cartridge recycling programme to UK customers - HP (NYSE: HPQ) today announces the expansion of its Inkjet print cartridge Return and Recycling Programme to consumers in the UK. From May 1st, they will be able to conveniently return their HP Inkjet print…

Friday, March 12, 2004

Lexmark delivers its fastest speeds yet with new inkjet printers and All-in-Ones

—New ink technology allows for long-lasting photo output—

Lexmark International, the printer manufacturer, today unveiled new printers and All-In-One (AIO) products to satisfy an array of consumers, from home users printing photos to small office/home office (SOHO) professionals seeking colour-enhanced documents.

“With each product generation, Lexmark offers more features and enhanced technology to meet the demands of our most discerning consumers,” said Paul Kreutzer, Director, Consumer Product Division. “Lexmark’s products are well known for their professional print output and colour graphic qualities, and these new products deliver impressive colour output in less than a minute.”

Lexmark delivers its fastest speeds yet with new inkjet printers and All-in-Ones —New ink technology allows for long-lasting photo output— Lexmark International, the printer manufacturer, today unveiled new printers and All-In-One (AIO) products to satisfy an array of consumers, from home users printing photos to small office/home office (SOHO) professionals…

Thursday, March 4, 2004

HiTi Photo Printer 730PSSteves Digicams has posted an enthusiastic review of the HiTi Photo Printer 730PS, which allows you to create 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8 inch borderless prints through its Dye Sublimation technology at 300 dpi.

“HiTi has taken a good thing and made it even better with the release of their new 730PS Photo Printer. You can now make 4 x 6”, 5 x 7” and 6 x 8” size prints at home whenever you want, with a minimum of fuss and it doesn’t even require the use of your computer. You can take your digicam and HiTi printer to parties or events and make prints right there on the spot for family and friends. You can’t beat the low cost of just 40? for 4 x 6” prints, and they’re as permanent as conventional film prints.”

Website: Steves Digicams - HiTi Photo Printer 730PS Review

Steves Digicams has posted an enthusiastic review of the HiTi Photo Printer 730PS, which allows you to create 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8 inch borderless prints through its Dye Sublimation technology at 300 dpi. “HiTi has taken a good thing and made it even better with the release of their new…

Wednesday, March 3, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo RX600Epson UK Press Release 01/03/04

EPSON(r) launches advanced all-in-one home photo centre

The EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 features standalone functionality to make it easy to scan, copy and print quality photos from both digital and analogue sources. Joining the Stylus Photo RX500 in EPSON’s range of all-in-one photo centres, the Stylus Photo RX600 is a premium all-in-one photo centre designed to meet even the most advanced photographic needs.

1st March 2004: Today EPSON extended its all in one range of printers with the introduction of the photography-focussed Stylus Photo RX600. EPSON’s all-in-one photo centre offers an advanced 6-colour printing engine and high performance 2400 dpi scanner that enables users to quickly and easily scan, copy and print high resolution, durable photographs with or without the use of a PC - providing a true home photo-lab which rivals professional photo-lab results.

The Stylus Photo RX600’s 6-colour printer features up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi resolution and Variable Sized Droplet Technology delivers droplets as small as 3 picolitres to create intensely detailed images in natural and vibrant colours.  Users can produce BorderFree images on a variety of paper sizes. The printer creates photos and text quickly, delivering a 10” x 15” colour print in around 54 seconds when connected to a PC.  Furthermore, it supports popular digital photo printing standards from cameras that use Print Image Matching (PIM) or Exif.

Epson UK Press Release 01/03/04 EPSON(r) launches advanced all-in-one home photo centre The EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 features standalone functionality to make it easy to scan, copy and print quality photos from both digital and analogue sources. Joining the Stylus Photo RX500 in EPSON’s range of all-in-one photo centres, the…