What is the best printer? - DPChallenge Forums

01/24/2006 01:24:35 PM · #1

I'm looking for something that has a max print of about 24" wide. Does anyone own something like this? I want to start printing off my own photos and selling them at local art fairs and so forth. Also make alot more money in my wedding business. Just wanted to see if anyone had any input...which I know there will be.
Thanks
Clint

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/24/2006 01:35:14 PM · #2

I just got the epson R1800 and IMHO it ROCKS out the wazoo! I dont think you can tell the difference between a real photo print made from a neg and this printer. It does panoramic prints form epsons roll paper up to 44". It will do 13x19 full bleed images allday.

Flash

Nikon D700

01/24/2006 01:42:10 PM · #3

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

I want to start printing off my own photos and selling them at local art fairs and so forth. Also make alot more money in my wedding business.

I use an Epson 2200. However, I do not believe that wedding prints will be a better deal than at most pro labs. My high volume client prints come from JD Imaging. The price I can get these high quality prints for does not compare with printing my own. Plus I send files electronically, edited, select sizes, and receive the finished product via courier. For art fairs and sales of small run prints, the Epson is ideal.

sp

Message edited by author 2006-01-24 13:43:21.

01/24/2006 01:52:14 PM · #4

I use a 2200 at work and its good but the NEW R1800 is the BOMB!

Brent_Ward

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

01/24/2006 02:04:47 PM · #5

Take a look at the Epson 7800. It's a 24" wide printer.

eostyles

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

01/24/2006 02:12:32 PM · #6

Does no one like the Canon i9900? I have a Canon now and it works pretty good but would like to upgrade some day as well. Seems everyone likes the Epsons though.

Also, what are different between these printers and what the print shop uses? Are they of the same quality or are we selling a less of a photo when printing it at home?

DefyTime

Canon EOS-7D

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/24/2006 10:21:47 PM · #7

Flash...how is it possible that you save money by paying someone else to print photos for you. I just can't imagine that. I really havn't priced anything along the lines of the cost of the paper and inks vs just paying someone else to print.

That said what are the best sites that do professional prints...just trying to cover all my bases. You said JD Imaging, do you have a web address for them? I have been using mpix.com
Thanks
Clint

wavelength

Nikon D300

01/24/2006 10:24:30 PM · #8

The best is probably Mpix.com, there are others though.

wavelength

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/24/2006 10:28:08 PM · #9

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

There have been studies done that show for the amount of ink and upkeep that you spend + time and hassle of the printing process, that you ought to just order them from a pro lab. Also, I would think your customers diserve the best papers, and that can only really be dilivered by a pro printer like Mpix because they can get those papers in quantity while you can't. Also, depending on what you're printing on, the lab print could actually last an order of magnitude longer for your customers.

Besides, you charge them for prints...? How would you make less money if the client is paying for it??

01/24/2006 10:30:15 PM · #10

Mine is a year or so old, and probably not the best, but it does a good job...Epson RX600....I have found it best to just order prints from winkflash though

01/24/2006 10:33:31 PM · #11

What you dont get when paying someone else to print your image is total control of workflow. Why pay for that? I would rather spend the money on ink and paper.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/24/2006 10:38:59 PM · #12

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

What you dont get when paying someone else to print your image is total control of workflow. Why pay for that? I would rather spend the money on ink and paper.

Good point, Most of the time it doesn't matter if I have to wait a couple days though, If i get more serious I may invest a little more $$$

wavelength

Nikon D300

01/24/2006 10:39:34 PM · #13

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

What you dont get when paying someone else to print your image is total control of workflow. Why pay for that? I would rather spend the money on ink and paper.

I'd rather put stuff up in a web ordering system and let people order thier pictures and not deal with printing and delivering them myself. If I build it into my costs as the photog, then I have no reason not to.

wee_ag

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

01/24/2006 10:41:29 PM · #14

Anybody have experience with dye-sub printers? Specifically larger format (8x10's)

01/24/2006 10:48:13 PM · #15

Originally posted by Flash:

[quote=TomFoolery] I want to start printing off my own photos and selling them at local art fairs and so forth. Also make alot more money in my wedding business.

I was just thinking today about setting up at some local festivals, how would be the best way to do that? Would you just sell the print, with no frame, and would you just print of a few of what ever you think might sell and give it a try? I really am clueless??

01/24/2006 10:48:58 PM · #16

I understand your point and its a good one. But for me control of color and light is what we do. I find it hard to trust someone else with such a subjective thing. After all its my image.

01/24/2006 11:14:38 PM · #17

Originally posted by rockbruise:

[quote=wave length] I'd rather put stuff up in a web ordering system and let people order thier pictures and not deal with printing and delivering them myself. If I build it into my costs as the photog, then I have no reason not to.

Would you recomend a stock photo sit?

eostyles

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

01/24/2006 11:30:18 PM · #18

01/25/2006 12:00:18 AM · #19

Canon i9900's are great too. Fast, good color, I'm just an epson guy.

DefyTime

Canon EOS-7D

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/25/2006 01:23:00 AM · #20

Ok...so far the only site I have seen to print professional grade photos is Mpix...anyone else have a favorite?

Flash

Nikon D700

01/25/2006 09:02:22 AM · #21

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

JD Imaging

For individual prints I have zero reservations about using my Epson 2200. With the right paper and its pigment inks it is a worthy print for my clients. However, for large customer orders (like family protraits, senior pictures, weddings,) where 100 or more photos may be ordered (from wallets to large wall mounts), the ease of using JD Imaging is simply too great to ignore. The price point and profit margin is manageable for me. JD Imaging does all of "Hick's Studios" work in this area. Try their electronic files option (called ROES). Call them if you have any questions.

Message edited by author 2006-01-25 09:05:26.

loriprophoto

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

01/25/2006 09:11:56 AM · #22

Printroom do a good professional job and have a very wide range of products but they have a membership fee which, if you do a lot of printing, is worth it.

Dot Photo is another online printer that does a good job for me.

edwalk74

Canon EOS-30D