EPSON 9880 or HP Z3100??

[Scotty Graham]

I have been using EPSON printers for years, and I am a devoted fan (as I am for MAC and NIKON). I am in the market for a 44 inch printer, and am really torn on waiting for the EPSON 9880 or to go out and get the HP Z3100 right now. I have read the article on the LL site about the new EPSON 9880, and I am more confused than ever on which printer to go with....would love to hear anyone's thoughts....

[Ron_Donson]

What are you looking for in a wide format printer?
Do you already have a spectrophotometer?
Would you find having a built-in spectro a determining factor?
How do you feel about swapping PK and MK inks?
Do you print mainly on Epson papers?
Do you purchase custom profiles?

[Scotty Graham]

Hi Don...
Let me answer your questions...

1. I am looking for a wide-format printer to print high quality fine art photography. I will use it for my personal work as well as a small side-business.

2. No, I do not own a spectrophotometer, and this is one of the most attractive features of the HP printer.

3. Yes, I think a built-in spectrophotometer is the key issue that is causing me to lean towards the HP. It would save me from buying icc profiles, and buying and using a RIP (at least for the near future).

4. I am not very happy about the ink loss when switching inks, however, for my personal work, I print on only one or two selected papers, so that won't be too much of a problem for me. On the other hand, if I start a small side-business, I will need to use different papers....then the switching inks wil become an issue for me.

5. Right now, I use EPSON papers exclusively, but would love to experiment and use other papers.

6. No, I have never bought any profiles.

From answering your questions, it would seem that the HP is the right choice. My hesitation to go with the HP are due to the following...

a) I am familiar with EPSON, have brand loyalty to EPSON, and most all the literature I read on printing is written mainly for EPSON users.

b) I am a member of NAPP, and have attended a couple of the Photoshop World conferences, and all the instructors use and teach how to print with EPSON printers (except for George Lepp who is now a Canon guy).....I am afraid I won't find much literature on printing with the HP

c) I use only Mac's.....and I have heard rumours that the HP printers are not very Mac friendly.

d) I really like the idea that the new EPSON 9880 will be able to handle 16-bit files, and will run with the new Leopard system, and I am intrigued with the new magenta ink.

Still don't know what to do.....

[Ron_Donson]

a) if you've checked out the LL printing forums you'll find a lot of HP Z3100 owners sharing information. In Michael and Jeff's new "Camera to Print" video tutorial you see Michael compare his various printers.

b) I'm a NAPP member as well - see a)

c) I've never heard this - in fact there's a very nice HP print utility that's currently only available for the Mac

d) there's been a lot of discussion in the wide format print forums and newsgroups and it would seem the jury is still out on the benefit of printing 16 bits

BTW, I considered the Epson 9800 and the Canon before settling on the HP Z3100. The deciding factors for me were the built-in spectro and the quad black inks. The $1,000 rebate and $300 worth of paper helped the decision as well. :-)

I also own an Epson 2200 that I'm pleased with but the HP runs circles around that. I've used Epson 7600, 9600 and 9800 and the 60" Canon printers before buying my HP Z3100.

Please note that Epson, HP and Canon all make excellent prints in my opinion. Each has some small area where it may shine over the others but on whole you'd be happy with any of them.

[Ron_Donson]

You might also want to check out Neal Snape's review of the HP Z3100 HP Z3100 Series Review by Neil Snape

[Scotty Graham]

Thanks Bob...

Well, I went to the exhibition last night here in Jakarta, and I think economics is going to pay-in big time with my decision. I was leaning towards the Z3100 for the same reasons you stated, but the price tag was near 9,000 dollars whereas the ESPON 9800 was $5700....I am not sure why they are so much more expensive here than in the states, but I can't justify spending 9 grand for the HP.

I talked with the EPSON guys, and they tell me that the 9880 will be available next month, and should be pretty near the same price as the 9800.....so I think I will wait for that, and get the 9880.

I was pretty heart-broken when I heard the price on the Z3100, though....I had pretty much decided that was the printer for me....oh well.....that's the price we pay living on the other side of the world.

Thanks for your input...I appreciate it.

Cheers,

Scotty

[Scotty Graham]

ooops...sorry, I meant RON....not BOB.....thanks, Ron....

Scotty

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