Which Printer for Photos

[guzzi850m2]

Which one do you people here on the forum use?

I have an Epson L220 which have huge tanks but can only print up to A4 size and the prints fade away after 2 month hanging on the wall & printed on medium quality photo paper. I will keep the Epson as the scanner/a4 text prints are okay.

Canon Pixma Pro 100 gets pretty good reveivs and can be had in Thailand for 11900 at forum sponsor invadeit (computer section). This is an A3 printer which is high on the wish list.

Not that I am a very skilled photografer but I don't like to bring my photo files to a photo shop (Thump drive) and they print them, and perhaps keep your photos/files?

So what to you chaps do when you want a large print?

[Tywais]

Just a point to make. Other than the ink itself, the choice of paper is crucial for longevity. I have prints, not that large of course, that are over 10 years old in frames and still solid. Also a Canon Pixma user. Personally I would not use color tanks myself unless you are 100% sure of the ink quality and should be OEM ink and not a 3rd party.

[guzzi850m2]

I do use original ink on my Epson and it comes with huge tanks from the factory.

The A4 photos hanging in the office in my house are just double taped to the wall without frames and as mentioned, they fade away within 2 month.

My best shots are in the living room and framed and they seems to hold out pretty good.

So which paper brand should I buy? I am in Singapore right now working, so can't check which brand I uses.

Edited June 22, 2014 by guzzi850m2

[Tywais]

So which paper brand should I buy? I am in Singapore right now working, so can't check which brand I uses.

The absolute best I've ever used was Konica water resistant glossy (semi-glossy) paper. Remarkable quality and color accuracy and durability. But have not found them anymore and not sure if they are still making them. You might check for reviews on the main stream brand papers such as Canon/Epson as they are designed for their inks AFAIK.

[fimgirl]

Olmec. Been using it for years and highly recommended.

http://www.on-linepaper.co.uk/olmec-digital-photographic-inkjet-papers

[guzzi850m2]

Olmec. Been using it for years and highly recommended.

http://www.on-linepaper.co.uk/olmec-digital-photographic-inkjet-papers

Thanks for the link.

So how much import tax do you pay when ordering on-line and get the sheets shipped to Thailand?

[fimgirl]

I think it's about 7%.

If you buy get the 260 gram weight which I use and have found it very stable. As has been pointed out, ink quality is the key but poor paper will also cause problems.

Hope this helps

[Tywais]

Some sites of interest

Phototestcenter

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/inkjet-printer-ink-paper,2979.html

imagescience

Luminous-Landscape

[guzzi850m2]

Thanks for the interesting links Tywais.

Now back to the printers: I have narrowed my current list down to the Canon Pro100 and Epson L1800 (a new model and with big tanks).

Both models are sold in Thailand but a bit conserned about the Epson since my experince mentioned in my OP. I will try some desent photo paper on my L220 before I buy another Epson with huge tanks. The Epson is expensive at 19000 baht and I can't find any reviews on-line.

http://www.techhypermart.com/printer/epson-l1800-ink-tank-system-color-printer.html

[IMHO]

No love for color laser printers?