Large Format Printers

[poohbear77]

I know I've seen different thread posts to the variety of large format printers people are using, but I can't remember where I saw them. I am super close to talking my DH into getting me one for Christmas (if not sooner). If you have experience with one, which one would you recommend?

[shazzt]

Oooh you lucky thing! I have heard good things about the Epsom printers but I haven't used one myself unfortunately.

[sherryva]

I have a canon i9900 wide format 13x19 printer. I love it.

[nkeevers]

I have the Epson R1800 and I love it! Great color, quiet and prints up to 13x19. I print all my layouts with it and anything I send to friends/family. You can get supplies anywhere and the Epson site has 12x12 papers and sales!

Good luck with your search!

[Abby]

I have the HP Photosmart 8750 and love it :) .. just to muddy the waters - I've heard good things about all the ones mentioned in the thread :)! Go and talk to the sales people and get them to make you prints so you can compare quality, too !

[wndyeliza]

And how do they do on ink? Or put it this way...how many full color LO's can you print out before you have to purchase another load of ink? What about paper too? Any recommendations on that as well?

[nkeevers]

Well, I never really tested it and wrote down how many I can print but I know it's a lot. The inks don't always run out together. I depends on what colors are in your layouts and images. So it's not like you'll be buying them all at once all the time. I believe I have 8 ink cartridges in my printer.

My paper last a long time. It just depends on how much you print. I try to get the most from my papers. If I print out a layout on 13x19 and cut it right, I can reuse for 4x6 or so.

[idtwinmom]

I have done a lot of research on this subject (even though I've not been able to afford one yet). Epson comes out on top when you consider the following: Ink type, paper type, and lifespan of printed pages. When talking to professional photographers, not printer salesman, over 90% prefer Epson. The inks, especially in the higher end models that run between $600 & $800, blend better for B&W prints, and last better for color. It is important to use the Epson brand inks to get this quality! Papers created by Epson can also be purchased that are Archival - acid and lignon free. They are more expensive than standard photo papers, but when purchasing large format paper, why not spend a little more for paper with a 200 year life expectancy.

Canon was my 2nd choice as they did have a great printer that handled a wide variety of paper types with fantastic clarity, but in the end decided the ink quality was more important.

So my wish list: Epson R2400 or above.

[nkeevers]

You are so right Lisa!