Epson vs. HP Printers

[karenwd]

Hi everyone! I am new to the Digital Scrapbook place, but not new to scrapbooking. I am venturing out into digital scrapbooking and have created tons of layouts that I need to print or have printed. Since this is something I want to continue to do (digital), I am thinking that I want to have control of printing the pages myself -- plus, I can use the large format printer for my business. Most photographers I have communicated with recommend the Epson and say that the 1900 will meet my needs. I also had a couple of people (not photographers) recommend a large format HP. I have always been a die-hard HP inkjet user except for my Xerox laser. However, I am wondering for photography printing (scrapbooking) if the Epson would be better, since it is highly recommended by photographers.

I know that some of you use Epson and some HP, and you will likely recommend which you use, but have any of you used both and would recommend one over the other based on your experience in using both?

Thanks in advance!
KarenWD

[Margie]

i have, and use, both often. you'd be happy with either if you stick to the branded ink and paper to go with the printer, or shop very hard for compatible paper (i have found some, but it's a bit of work/luck). a reason i'd lean toward epson is they have 12x12 paper available and you can print on both sides as well. hp paper you'd have to trim down from 13x19. epson is gearing more toward the scrapping market than hp, shown by the 12x12 sku. but either printer will give great results!

[karenwd]

Margie, thanks for responding. Do you find that the Epson printers last as long as the HP?

KarenWD

[Margie]

yeah, i really run mine hard and like both. i don't really have a quality preference. i have a paper convenience preference for epson and that's it.

[cats4jan]

I purchased the Epson R1900 a few months back and am blown away by the quality of my prints. I upgraded from an Epson R800 - which also provided excellent prints.

The secret to getting the best from the Epson is to use the proper ICC profiles - printer/paper profiles - instead of just using general printing specs.

To get the best from off brand photo paper products, download their R1900 prnter ICC profiles. However, I like to use only genuine Epson paper - and I buy only Epson ink. I know this may be more expensive, but, for me, the end result is all that matters.

Epson has free overnight shipping when you buy three inks at one time. I've found that with no sales tax and free shipping, the Epson store is competitive with any place I can purchase inks. When I get a low light warning about one color of my inks, I check out which next two are lowest - and then I order the three. I like to have extra ink on hand, so I never run out - so buying three at a time has never been a problem.

Note that the R1900 is a gloss optimizer "hog." It uses it twice as fast as regular colors. Epson is aware of this because the printer is shipped with a spare optimizer.

However, if you print on Matte paper - the gloss is not used.

Note that Epson has a scrapbooking bundle package. Make sure to price out the inks and paper that come with the package to see if this is a real deal. I found it not to be that great a deal, so I passed on it and instead, purchased an extra set of inks when I bought the printer. The inks come by separate delivery, so don't be surprised if they are missing from your printer delivery. They come from separate wherehouses.

Last time I looked Epson was offering a rebate. Mine took almost two months to arrive, but there was no problems submitting it.

No matter what printer you get, explore the advanced options. Don't be afraid to "play" because there is usually a button that says "restore defaults"

Until I learned how to use the advanced settings, I was getting pretty darn good prints, but now, I get excellent prints that rival any high end printing company.

As for longevity? I seem to have 3 to 4 year lifespans for my printers. My HP four in one lasted longer than that, but when I explored what HP had to offer in the way of newer technology, I found the prints were so far inferior to my Epsons and Canon, that it was a no brainer to choose Epson.

Another hint for best printing - if you use Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Elements - let Adobe control the printing - turn off the printers control - your results will be much better.

I highly recommend the Epson R1900 - but be aware - it is a large machine. But, then again, I assume all large format printers are large machines. I measured prior to ordering it, but nothing prepares you for the "presence" this machine has on your desk. LOL

[karenwd]

Hi Janice!

Thank you for the comprehensive overview of the Epson R1900 printer. I ordered one over the weekend and will get a $100 rebate check. I am excited about it. I ordered a complete extra set of ink and 5 pack of 12 x 12 paper to get me started. In all my years of business, I have owned many printers and always buy the OEM ink and supplies. I have heard horror stories associated with buying off-brand inks and supplies, so I stick with what I know works. I have owned some expensive printers and did not want to void my warranties by using off-brand supplies -- that's a big no-no! I plan to keep lots of ink on hand. I try to keep a couple of each color at all times for my printers.

Again, I really appreciate your feedback. I have heard great things about this printer and am excited to get mine all set up and start using it. So I am now just patiently waiting for it to arrive.

Karen

[Starling]

I own two Epson printers. I've got an earlier version of the one you are considering, the R800. It is the regular size printer because I scrap 8.5 x 11. And it is 4 years old and still going strong. I only print layouts and photos on this printer.

I have a still older Epson ink jet originally purchased to print layouts on that I've had for close to 6 years now. I use that for all of my other printing.

I stick to Epson inks and mostly use Epson papers for the layouts. The older layouts from the first printer are doing well. The ones from the newer printer are amazing.

[cats4jan]

Karen - I know you will enjoy this printer. Even without choosing advanced settings, it prints like a dream.

My favorite paper is the Epson Premium Semi-gloss. The semi-gloss seems to help show the dimension of styles and shadows better than glossy - but it really is a personal preference because the printer does excellent glossy, too.

You can print semi-gloss without the gloss optimizer, but the appearance is flat without it, so I recommend using it.

Starling - the R800 prints almost as well as the R1900, so you are in good hands with that printer also.

Yes, I am an Epson fan - and no, I don't work for them. LOL

[karenwd]

My Epson R1900 is on target to arrive tomorrow! Yippie! I imagine I will get it set up tomorrow evening and play all day Friday!!! Yippie!

Karen

[idtwinmom]

I've talked to a number of photographers as they all seem to lean to the Epson. The reason I keep hearing is that the inks are designed more for the photography market (don't understand all the details). I think it has something to do with Archival qualities and the Epson inks seem to fade less. Another thing mentioned is the black/greys for black and white prints, but again, I really don't understand the technical aspect of it all.

[cats4jan]

Congratulations on your new printer. It's super easy to install - directions are printed on a huge sheet of paper geared towards non-technies. Note - the directions tell you not to attach the printer to the computer prior to installing the software for it.

I think this is the way it's done - you install the ink cartridges - plug in the printer and run the test sheet. Then you install the software and at some point, the software install tells you to attach your USB cord.

Make sure you have a USB printer cord on hand. This printer does not come with the cord. It does have a power cord, though.

This printer is geared toward face printing with the addition of an orange cartridge. I thought the R800 was good with faces, too - even without orange. They keep tweaking. The ink is supposed to be extremely long lasting archival ink when used with the correct Epson paper.

Have fun. Can't wait to hear about your experience.

If you want a copy of my ICC Profile instructions using PSE4 or CS3 and the R1900, PM me.

[karenwd]

I received and set up my Epson R1900 printer today and printed one scrapbook page. I am in LOVE with this thing! The clarity and color just blow me away!!!! Thanks for all who responded and helped me make my decision!

[cats4jan]

Karen - glad to see you love your printer. If you want to experiment with different kinds of paper - Epson has a sample pack. I really, really recommend premium semi-gloss. I just love love love my semi-gloss. :D