Inkjet photo paper questions - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/23/2004 08:09:09 PM · #1

I recently entered into a local library's art show and I think they want some or all of my photos for display. Now, I have a Canon i950 printer and have been using (up until now) Epson glossy photo papers. I tried sample packs of various Epson papers such as matte and semi-matte. I get reasonably good results with all of Epsons papers even when printing from my i950. Now my real question is this: has anyone tried using papers from third party companies such as Ilford, Pictorico, or Arches or any others? I want my prints to look their best (despite the photographer's abilities) and was wondering about the other brands. Is there anything I need to know before I plop down some cash for the expensive papers?

I'm also considering adding the i9900 if that makes a difference. If I understand the two printers correctly, the i950 is a pigment-based printer and the i9900 is dye-based. I forget which is better for making prints for display. I think dye-based but I am not sure. Thanks in advance for your help!

(fixed typo)

Message edited by author 2004-09-23 20:13:43.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

09/23/2004 08:13:16 PM · #2

From the specs on the Canon site both printers use the same inks with the i9900 using two additional colours.

dr rick

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

09/23/2004 08:14:03 PM · #3

I've never tried the expensive papers. But pigment-based ink won't fade as quickly as dye-based, and is generally better for display for that reason. I've heard dye-based ink reproduces color subtilties better, but I haven't compared.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/23/2004 08:17:55 PM · #4

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

From the specs on the Canon site both printers use the same inks with the i9900 using two additional colours.

Hmm, you're absolutely correct. I didn't even see that in the specs. I have a lot of Canon inks (went on a shopping spree) and maybe I don't really need the i9900 then if just for the two additional colors and the large-format capability.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

09/23/2004 08:25:41 PM · #5

Also, I believe Canon inks are dye based, not pigment. The i9900 will just allow you to print larger.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/23/2004 08:31:13 PM · #6

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Also, I believe Canon inks are dye based, not pigment. The i9900 will just allow you to print larger.

I was just searching through the Canon site for information on the type of ink Canon uses and I couldn't find the info I was looking for. I'll see if the online store I bought from last time has sample packs of the expensive papers like Ilford and see what I like best.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

09/23/2004 08:35:38 PM · #7

Originally posted by MrAkamai:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Also, I believe Canon inks are dye based, not pigment. The i9900 will just allow you to print larger.

I was just searching through the Canon site for information on the type of ink Canon uses and I couldn't find the info I was looking for. I'll see if the online store I bought from last time has sample packs of the expensive papers like Ilford and see what I like best.

From the description on the Canon site one is led to believe that the type of ink is different ("The i9900 Bubble Jet Photo Printer features the 8 colour ChromaPLUS ink system..."). So maybe there are different inks they're just not telling us about, hmmm. When you click on the accessories link to see what ink the printer uses it's the same as the i950 + red and green.

Message edited by author 2004-09-23 20:36:25.

lwkimages

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/23/2004 08:51:41 PM · #8

I've been using the i950 for nearly a year, and the Canon S900 before that. Both use dye-based inks.

For the most part, I use Canon Photo Paper Pro. I found the best prices at Buy.com. I recently bought 10 packs of 20 sheets each of 4 X 6 inch paper at $5.50 each, and 2 packs of 30 sheets of 8.5 X 11 inch paper at $18.17 each. Shipping was free and there was no tax.

I've also been using Polaroid 8.5 X 11 inch glossy paper - $20 for 100 sheets. I'm quite happy with the quality.

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

09/23/2004 10:30:48 PM · #9

I use Ilford Galerie glossy photo paper with superb results on a Canon i550.
I also have great results with Canon Matte Photo paper. The Ilford is $24.95/100 sheets 8.5 X 11 inches at Sam's Clubs.
If the photo is to be framed behind glass then the Matte finish photo papers look terrific at a much lower cost.
Canon dye based inks will last a few years if protected from UV light sources (flourescent lights, sunlight) but pigment based inks are much more durable.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

09/24/2004 01:32:27 AM · #10

I've wondered about the quality of Canon's paper and now I know and I also know about Ilford's paper and where to get it at a great price!

As for using matte paper, my intended final use is for display, mounted and behind glass. I haven't yet decided if it will be standard or non-glare glass. If I use matte paper, which is better (standard or non-glare) or is it all personal preference? Sorry for so many questions but I'm always thinking of new ones!

Mo' stuff:
I was going to look at buy.com but I remembered why I don't buy from them much: sales tax. I'll check around but I won't rule them out altogether.

Message edited by author 2004-09-24 01:39:41.

caba

Nikon D800

09/24/2004 03:26:18 AM · #11

I really like Ilford's smooth pearl, but I use the Epson 2200, the "classic pearl" is just like "Color Life" from Epson.

e301

09/24/2004 05:58:58 AM · #12

I was also going to mention the Ilford Classic Pearl - I think it has a really goood balance between keping some of that 'professional' sheen to the prints, and yet not going so far as rather over-blown glossy.

Looking through your portfolio, I would be considering using a glossy paper if I were you - many of your shots seem to depend on using a bright, near or actually burnt out area of light, and quite high contrast - the gloss would aid that impact, where I find a smoother matte or pearl paper much more effective with the graduations of tonality and subtle colour.

Ed

Chiqui

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

09/24/2004 06:53:13 AM · #13

You could try the Adorama papers. I've read a lot of good things about it. I personally use HP paper. No special reason other than my printer is an HP. I will probably experiment with the Adorama papers at some point.

June

slynneblarp

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

09/24/2004 06:57:00 AM · #14

I have an i960 and use the Canon Photo Paper Pro, as well as Ilford Smooth Pearl and Ilford Smooth Glossy. Haven't had any problems with any of them, and I've been printing off a storm lately. I love the Smooth Pearl, it has a great feel to it, and a nice matte finish.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

09/24/2004 06:57:04 AM · #15

I am an Ilford Galerie Classic Pearl lover myself (it seems to have a longer permenance ratings than alot of the other papers). As Ed states, has a great balance and it looks great behind glass. Of course all of Canon's papers work very great with the printers.
Now...all Canon's inks are dye based (there is a pigment black ink though). If they are mounted behind glass there is a GIANT decrease in the gas fading that there is so much talk about. Canon inks are between 30-100 years (depending on who you look under)Check out this site for all that crap-Wilhelm Research
I have a picture on Photo Paper Pro on my fridge that has a south facing window that has not shown any fading-it has been up since Oct.
Livick also has information with different papers and printer combos to look at.
More info
I have started using a spray on UV/Fade coating. No tests, but it goes onto the Ilford paper with a "shiny" matte look that is not perceptable when it dries. Can't remember the name of it at this time...will post later when I get home.
Oh yeah! Your biggest problem is going to be calibrating your printer to the third party paper. This is either trial and error or a send off (quite a few places that do it). I have my i9100 dialed in pretty well on the Ilford (and there are some ICC profiles out there to find to help). I am going to do a send off for my Ilford Pearl and the Canon OEM inks, now that I know I love this paper. The problem is which company to use to profile.

Message edited by author 2004-09-24 07:03:43.

Chiqui

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

09/24/2004 07:03:14 AM · #16

Where do you guys buy these Ilford papers?
june

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

09/24/2004 07:06:18 AM · #17

I have finally found a small camera store 30 miles form me that carries the whole Ilford line up to 13x19".
You can order it online or I heard Costco and Sam's Club carry it (not sure which line of Ilford though-I have never seen it at the 2 Sam's near me. Never SEEN a CostCo store though

pmichaud

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/24/2004 08:17:01 AM · #18

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

There is one (costco) in Denver you might check out. Sam's carries Ilford regularly, although not always the same kind. They usually carry the smooth gloss and sometimes some others. They work well with my Epson 1280.

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/24/2004 09:15:06 AM · #19

//www.inkjetart.com have a resonably good offer on their paper sampler packs. You get two sheets of lots of different papers. They have packs of normal inkjet papers and coated and uncoated fine art papers too.

09/24/2004 10:20:39 AM · #20

Originally posted by chiqui74:

Where do you guys buy these Ilford papers?
june

I recently purchased an Epson sample pack from //www.inkjetart.com and their service is great. I also bought the Spyder Pro and printer profiler thingy from them. They have all sorts of sampler packs including Ilford papers and many more.

Mo stuff:
LOL, I wish I scrolled down a bit more before posting my reply. :)

Message edited by author 2004-09-24 10:21:47.

09/24/2004 10:34:49 AM · #21

Originally posted by e301:

The shots I have set aside for the art show are not in my portfolio and I can post them later if you'd like to see them. Some are as you describe with high contrast as I like that style (and it's fairly easy to do). If I use glossy paper as you recommended, what type of glass should I use to maximize the impact of the print? Will I lose the feel of the print with non-glare glass?

slynneblarp

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

09/24/2004 10:51:13 AM · #22

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

You can order it online or I heard Costco and Sam's Club carry it (not sure which line of Ilford though-I have never seen it at the 2 Sam's near me. Never SEEN a CostCo store though

At the Sam's Club, make sure to look in the office supplies section, not the electronic/video section. They sell a box of 100 sheets of Ilford Smooth Gloss for like 26?

Message edited by author 2004-09-24 10:52:35.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

09/24/2004 11:32:30 AM · #23

WHen in doubt: email them.

It may take a few days, but generally companies are good about answering nice emails.

09/24/2004 01:53:09 PM · #24

I did just that and I emailed Canon about their inks. Here is their reply:

Dear Mr. Wong,

Thank you for contacting Canon product support. We apologize for any
difficulties or inconveniences that you may have been experiencing
determining if the ink used in the i950 is dye based or pigment based.

The six ink tanks used by the i950 are all dye-based ink tanks. I
apologize for any confusion.

Thank you for choosing Canon.