Category: Printers

Thursday, January 29, 2004

HP Press Release 28/01/04

HP Photo Printing Systems Offer Professional-quality Black and White Photos that Resist Light Fading for 115 Years

Third-party research confirms industry leading fade resistance and image quality

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 28, 2004
HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced third-party test results confirming that HP’s recently introduced black and white capable photo printing systems offer customers professional-quality black and white photos that resist noticeable light fading for 115 years.(1)

Last year, the company introduced several HP Photosmart printers that produced professional-quality black and white photos. HP asked Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. the leading worldwide independent image permanence laboratory, to test a representative HP printer (the HP Photosmart 7960) for black and white fade resistance in normal indoor display conditions, when used with the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, using their standard test methods (see http://www.wilhelm-research.com for details), determined that these black and white prints resist fading for up to 115 years when tested under glass.

“It’s important for customers to understand that any credible comparisons of photo permanence must be derived from identical test methodologies,” said Nils Miller, senior ink and media scientist, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. “Wilhelm Imaging Research employs the most stringent and widely used test methodology on fade resistance. In addition, Wilhelm tests and publishes results for all major brands, which enables customers to make fair and credible comparisons between brands.”

HP Press Release 28/01/04 HP Photo Printing Systems Offer Professional-quality Black and White Photos that Resist Light Fading for 115 Years Third-party research confirms industry leading fade resistance and image quality PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 28, 2004 HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced third-party test results confirming that HP’s recently introduced black…

Friday, January 23, 2004

Epson Stylus C64/C84 PrintersDigital Photography Now have posted a 10-page review of a budget printer from Epson, the Stylus C84, which is priced at £99 (exc. VAT). The C84 printer uses DURABrite ink, rather than the more conventional dye-based ink. Epson claims that their new new DURABrite inks “ensure laser sharp blacks and vivid, life-like colours that are waterproof, smudge proof and fade resistant for up to 80 years.

“The harsh reality is that if you handed anyone two photo prints, one from the C84 and one from Epson’s cheapest dye-based photo ink-jet printer and I’d lay odds that they would choose the dye-based print over the C84 print. Colour accuracy and range, black density and overall sparkle are all superior in a dye-based print, especially on glossy paper.”

Website: DP-Now - Epson Stylus C84 Printer Review

Digital Photography Now have posted a 10-page review of a budget printer from Epson, the Stylus C84, which is priced at £99 (exc. VAT). The C84 printer uses DURABrite ink, rather than the more conventional dye-based ink. Epson claims that their new new DURABrite inks “ensure laser sharp blacks and…

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

HP Photosmart 7960DP-Now 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 950? Read DP-Now’s review to find out.

“Colours, dot grain and print sharpness are all excellent. The only imperfection that has been noted is a tendency towards over-sharpening and this can make some prints look over-contrasty. Black and white prints from the 7960, when printed using the No.59 ink cartridge, set a new standard for monochrome ink-jet photos. Blacks and greys are slightly warm but prints look great, free from distracting colour casts and metamerism issues when viewed under different light sources.”

Website: DP-Now - HP Photosmart 7960 Printer Review

DP-Now 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 950? Read DP-Now’s review to find out. “Colours, dot grain and print sharpness are all excellent. The only imperfection that has…

Monday, January 19, 2004

Canon i990This news has been around for a couple of days but I completely missed it :-) There’s a brand new, top-of-the-range A4 Canon printer on the way. It hasn’t been officially announced by Canon yet, but the Canon Bubble Jet i990 printer has its very own webpage on the Canon Europe website. It features the new 7-ink ChromaPLUS photo system, which Canon claims will “Bring enhanced depth and warmth to all your photo prints with Canon’s exclusive 7-ink ChromaPLUS photo system. An additional red ink greatly expands the colour spectrum, giving images more intensity. This enables the printer to achieve a colour range comparable to positive film.” The i990 also has a new high-density print head with a mere 5,376 nozzles.

Website: Canon i990 Details

This news has been around for a couple of days but I completely missed it :-) There’s a brand new, top-of-the-range A4 Canon printer on the way. It hasn’t been officially announced by Canon yet, but the Canon Bubble Jet i990 printer has its very own webpage on the Canon…

Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterThe UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has just completed its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer.

“The R800 is for the creative photographer who wants the highest quality pigment ink printer currently available. I hope Epson don’t leave it too long before they introduce a larger format printer using the new UltraChrome inks and Gloss Optimizer. Wouldn’t it be nice if the delay on the 4000 printer was due to a re-design to incorporate the new inks. All we need now is the announcement of the Epson Stylus Pro 2300 - just wishful thinking.”

The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will ship in February 2004. Cartridges will cost ?11.90 each and ?6.35 for the Gloss Optimizer cartridge (inc. VAT).

Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review

Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800

The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has just completed its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. “The R800 is for the creative photographer who wants the highest quality pigment ink printer currently available. I hope Epson don’t leave it too long before they…

Monday, January 12, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterLast week’s issue of the UK magazine Amateur Photographer, which costs ?1.99 from your local newsagents in the UK, contained a review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. The R800 scored 91% and this is what the reviewer, Damien Demolder, had to say about it:

“I am pleased with the detail this machine can produce, the way it puts down the tonal changes as smoothly as I recorded them, and that if there is grain in my film scans I can see it in the prints. In short, I like this printer very much. I am almost prepared to forgive it the time that it takes to print muy pictures to A4, but perhaps that would be going a step too far. I recommedn this printer as it is now, but if it could double or quadruple its speed I would tell you that you must go out and buy one. The finish is great, the colour is great, the detail is all there, plus it is easy to use and the prints seem to be durable. What more could you ask for - apart from A3?”

The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399/?299 and will ship in February 2004.

Website: Amateur Photographer

Last week’s issue of the UK magazine Amateur Photographer, which costs ?1.99 from your local newsagents in the UK, contained a review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. The R800 scored 91% and this is what the reviewer, Damien Demolder, had to say about it: “I am…

Sunday, January 11, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R300MSteves Digicams have published their review of the Epson R300M 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. The EPSON Stylus Photo R300M includes a 2.5” color preview monitor for viewing and selecting images before printing them.

“The bottom line - this is a good printer for day-to-day printing tasks as well as producing excellent photo-quality prints. The R300M can function as a photo printer and a high-speed, multi-format card reader when connected to the USB 2.0 port on the host computer. It’s affordable with an MSRP of only $229, just remember that the cost of special papers and ink cartridges can often add up to more than the price of the printer. We are pleased to see that Epson is now using the separate ink cartridges in their lower priced printers. Speedwise the R300M isn’t as fast as competing Canon photo printers, they are still the fastest inkjet printers we’ve tested yet.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Epson Stylus Photo R300M Review

Steves Digicams have published their review of the Epson R300M 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. The EPSON Stylus Photo R300M includes a…

Thursday, January 8, 2004

Canon MultiPASS MP390 PrinterCanon Press Release 07/01/04

Canon’s New Multifunction Printer Delivers End-To-End Solution For SOHO Markets; Canon MultiPASS MP390 Model Adds Fax Capabilities Creating a Full-Function Entry-Level MFP

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 7, 2004—Canon’s new MultiPASS(TM) MP390 Multifunction desktop photo printer delivers an end-to-end business solution for the home, small-office and home office users with high-quality photo printing, copying, scanning and newly added fax capabilities.

Built into a stylish and compact design, the MultiPASS MP390 multifunction printer allows users to manage their desktop space by combining many office functions into a single device. From printing photos, text and web pages to scanning images for homework projects, to copying receipts for household use, to sending or receiving black and white or color faxes, the new MultiPASS multifunction unit provides the versatility, convenience and quality needed by today’s consumers.

“We see strong growth in the multifunction printing market as consumers are asking for a single desktop solution that allows them to print, scan, fax and make photos at a cost-effective price point,” 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). “Our new MultiPASS MP390 Multifunction Desktop Photo Printer combines high-quality with the convenience and simplicity of having printing, copying, scanning and picture-making in one product at an affordable price.”

Canon Press Release 07/01/04 Canon’s New Multifunction Printer Delivers End-To-End Solution For SOHO Markets; Canon MultiPASS MP390 Model Adds Fax Capabilities Creating a Full-Function Entry-Level MFP LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 7, 2004—Canon’s new MultiPASS(TM) MP390 Multifunction desktop photo printer delivers an end-to-end business solution for the home, small-office and home office…

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterThe UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has again updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look more colour prints and the first problems that Vincent has encountered. Epson UK have just announced the price and availability of the R800 printer - it will cost ?299 and will be in stores by the end of January.

Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review

The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has again updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look more colour prints and the first problems that Vincent has encountered. Epson UK have just announced the price and availability…

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

HP Photosmart 7960Photo.net 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 950? Read Photo.net’s review to find out.

“There’s little doubt that the HP 7960 is an excellent printer for both B&W and color work. Of course it’s the B&W feature that sets it apart from all other printers in its price range. While you can get special monochrome ink sets for some other printers (e.g. the Epson 1160), it’s a significant amount of work to set up the system, it’s not cheap and it means you have to dedicate a printer to B&W. With the HP 7960 you can print either in B&W or color at any time, you need no special drivers or profiles, and the price is not significantly higher than that of similar printers from other manufacturers.”

Website: Photo.net - HP Photosmart 7960 Review

Photo.net 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 950? Read Photo.net’s review to find out. “There’s little doubt that the HP 7960 is an excellent printer for both B&W…

Monday, January 5, 2004

Canon Bubble Jet i865PC Pro magazine have condusted a group test of 15 inkjet printers, ranging in price from the Dell J740 ( £51) to the Canon Bubble Jet i965 (£225). The Canon Bubble Jet i865 (pictured) was named the overall winner.

“Things have changed considerably since our last inkjets group test. The gap between great and not-so-great printers has narrowed to the point that you can now print excellent photos without spending more than ?70.

This doesn’t bode well for the high-end ‘photo’ printers, which offer features like extra inks and direct printing to help justify their prices. HP’s Photosmart 7960, for instance, includes three cartridges for eight-ink printing and even incorporates a scanner so you can select which hard copies of photos you’d like from an index print. We’ll be examining whether such ideas are revolutionary or just expensive gimmicks.”

Website: PC Pro - Inkjet Printers Test

PC Pro magazine have condusted a group test of 15 inkjet printers, ranging in price from the Dell J740 ( £51) to the Canon Bubble Jet i965 (£225). The Canon Bubble Jet i865 (pictured) was named the overall winner.“Things have changed considerably since our last inkjets group test. The gap…

Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Epson Stylus Pro 4000It seems that the release of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer has been delayed until March 2004, according to a user on the DPReview forums. Click the link below to read the full thread:

Website: DPReview Forums - Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Delayed

It seems that the release of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer has been delayed until March 2004, according to a user on the DPReview forums. Click the link below to read the full thread: Website: DPReview Forums - Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Delayed

Sunday, December 28, 2003

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterThe UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look at both colour and black and white output. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will ship in February 2004.

Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review

The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look at both colour and black and white output. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will…

Monday, December 22, 2003

Canon CP-200 PrinterPhotoxels have reviewed the latest 4x6inch dye diffusion printer from Canon, the CP-200 model.

“The Canon Card Photo Printer CP-200 (and its cousin CP-300 which comes with a rechargeable battery for ultimate carry anywhere convenience) is fun and easy to use. It is compact, sleek and look modern in design. Take it with you anywhere you can plug in the power cord and, together with a PictBridge-compatible digital camera, you’ll have the modern equivalent of the instant camera.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon Card Photo Printer CP-200 Review

Photoxels have reviewed the latest 4x6inch dye diffusion printer from Canon, the CP-200 model. “The Canon Card Photo Printer CP-200 (and its cousin CP-300 which comes with a rechargeable battery for ultimate carry anywhere convenience) is fun and easy to use. It is compact, sleek and look modern in design…

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

Epson Press Release 16/12/03

LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 16, 2003—

Epson Adding Unique Online Component to Successful Traveling National School Program

Advanced amateur photographers and photo enthusiasts across the country will soon have two new programs in which they can learn from the pros how to use the latest digital technology to create the highest quality prints. Based on the success of last year’s program, Epson is offering the Epson Print Academy 2004 traveling school, as well as adding the Online Experience, a new web-based course to provide even more educational opportunities.

Print Academy 2004 will travel to 30 cities on weekends beginning Jan. 31 for half-day sessions, with multiple programs offered in several cities. The program will feature all new content from last year’s program, enabling participants to learn more creative solutions from master photographers and printmakers, watch live demonstrations of the latest digital imaging equipment and learn valuable tips and techniques they can use right away to improve their photography and printmaking.

Epson Press Release 16/12/03 LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 16, 2003— Epson Adding Unique Online Component to Successful Traveling National School Program Advanced amateur photographers and photo enthusiasts across the country will soon have two new programs in which they can learn from the pros how to use the latest digital…

Monday, December 15, 2003

HP Photosmart 7660The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the HP Photosmart 7660 printer, which features six-ink color printing or up to 4800-optimized dots-per-inch. Users can easily download and print photos from a digital camera via the printer?s memory card slots or front USB port ? no computer required. Additionally, users can produce borderless prints, up to 8.5 x 11-inches, on HP?s new Premium Plus Photo papers.

Website: Index Digicam - HP Photosmart 7660 Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the HP Photosmart 7660 printer, which features six-ink color printing or up to 4800-optimized dots-per-inch. Users can easily download and print photos from a digital camera via the printer?s memory card slots or front USB port ? no computer required…

Saturday, December 13, 2003

Canon Bubble Jet i965The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a review of Canon’s fastest and highest resolution photo printer, the 4800 x 2400 dpi1 Bubble Jet i960. 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.

Website: Index Digicam - Canon Bubble Jet i965 Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a review of Canon’s fastest and highest resolution photo printer, the 4800 x 2400 dpi1 Bubble Jet i960. 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. Website…

Friday, December 12, 2003

Epson Stylus Pro 4000Michael Reichmann, owner of the Luminous Landscape website, has published his first impressions of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer, after spending an afternoon testing it at Epson Canada’s offices.

“For me the decision to purchase an SP4000 is a no-brainer. The ink savings alone over the 2200 will pay for the printer in less than 6 months, and the 75% increase in output speed is always welcome when a big print job is underway. Being able to make 16X20” prints is most welcome, and since I rarely make anything bigger I’m happy not to have to devote half my work space to a 7600 floor model printer. Spousal approval is therefore assured.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Printer First Look

Michael Reichmann, owner of the Luminous Landscape website, has published his first impressions of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer, after spending an afternoon testing it at Epson Canada’s offices. “For me the decision to purchase an SP4000 is a no-brainer. The ink savings alone over the…

Wednesday, December 10, 2003

FujiFilm Press Release 09/12/03

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES PREMIUM PLUS PHOTO PAPER FOR OUTSTANDING COLOR PICTURES FROM HOME INKJET PRINTERS

Fujifilm brings its legacy of photography excellence to the home printing category, offering premium photo-quality paper that’s compatible with all inkjet printer models

Valhalla, NY, December 9, 2003 ? Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a global leader in digital imaging, today introduces its new Fujifilm Premium Plus High Gloss Photo Paper for consumers who choose to produce their pictures at home.

Fujifilm has leveraged its pioneering history and expertise in digital photo processing to develop its own premium photo-quality paper. Consumers have long associated the Fujifilm brand with color excellence and quality and this new paper follows in that tradition, boasting a broad spectrum of rich, vibrant colors, including “blacker” blacks and “whiter” whites.

With its trusted photo brand recognition, Fujifilm is a natural entrant into the photo paper category, which has seen nearly 50% growth in the last year1. Now consumers can print their digital pictures at home on quality photo paper made by the same company they’ve trusted their photos with for generations.

“Fujifilm has been in the photography business for almost 70 years and we recognize the tremendous emotional attachment between people and their pictures,” explained Paul D’Andrea, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Photo Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. “This is why Fujifilm is excited to offer picture takers a digital photo printing option that’s convenient for their lifestyle, whether it is in a traditional retail environment or at home.”

Unlike some competitive photo paper products, Fujifilm Premium Plus Photo Paper will work with all inkjet printer models. It is a glossy-type type paper that is water-resistant and quick to dry. Offered in the two most popular at-home photo sizes—4” x 6” and 8?” x 11”—pictures printed to Fujifilm Premium Plus Photo Paper are suitable for framing, photo albums or scrapbooks.

Fujifilm Premium Plus Photo Paper is currently sold in 4"x 6” in 20, 60 and 100 sheet packs or 8?” x 11” in 20, 50 and 100 sheet packs, and is available in select retailers with widespread distribution planned for the first quarter of 2004.

FujiFilm Press Release 09/12/03 FUJIFILM INTRODUCES PREMIUM PLUS PHOTO PAPER FOR OUTSTANDING COLOR PICTURES FROM HOME INKJET PRINTERS Fujifilm brings its legacy of photography excellence to the home printing category, offering premium photo-quality paper that’s compatible with all inkjet printer models Valhalla, NY, December 9, 2003 ? Fuji Photo Film…

Monday, December 8, 2003

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterThe UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, is starting an interactive review today of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will ship in February 2004.

Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review

The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, is starting an interactive review today of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will ship in February 2004. Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review