Need advice on Best 13" Printer, Cannon, Epson

[Carl Brady]

I am planning the purchace of one of the new photo printers. I was looking at the Epson 3800, but since the ink is good or 6 months, has large tanks and my workload would only use about 1/4 of the ink in that time it would be cost prohibitive. I've decided that I can afford the possible waste of ink for a printer such as the Epson 1800 with the smaller tanks, but of course I'll have to settle for the 13" width.
Eighty percent of my prints will be 5 x 7 or 8 x 10, with the remainder 11 x 14 or 13 x 19.

I would really appreciate your input on your experiences with the new printers. I've read some bad reports on Epson printers on this forum.

Carl

[Josh_Hawkins]

Why not the Epson 2400? I have a 2200 and it works dandy, has for years now.

[Dennis_Vied]

Where are those bad reports on Epson printers? I think you'll find more good than bad reports. I recall one person posting a problem, but that's it.

I've had an Epson R2400 for two years now, and it is fabulous. I've had zero problems with it, and it does a great job. I highly recommend it.

[DougAxford]

Epson owners are like Canon or Nikon owners - fiercely dedicated until the day they switch.

I'm also looking for 13" or larger. I need pigment inks for sure for wall clings.

I am looking at HP 9180. Drew, didn't I read that you just got one?? Any feedback yet?

BTW, I've owned all 3 brands. Epson was the most prone to banding and wasted ink on cleaning cycles hands down, plus promises & revised promises every year on how stable their inks are. I've got lots of wall size Epsons that were supposed to be 100+ years now coming back to me 5 years later due to fading. I just trashed an expensive Canon 20" because a tiny plastic part holding a pin broke in the carriage assembly & the whole assembly has to be replaced - can we say ANGRY??
I never had a problem with an older HP, so HP seems to be my next move and the pigment inks are tested as good or better.

Maybe I'm just unlucky.

[Ed Gerson]

For the least hassle, using a pro lab is a smart solution. - Ed

[Carl Brady]

I appreciate your promp resonces. They will all help me make a decision. Reading dpreview forum opinions, the fact that Drew just bought one and the opinion of Doug Axford, lead me to lean toward the HP9180. I'll read the reviews on the several printers I'm considering and make a decision. My decision may be to farm out the large prints that I need. Thank you!

[Ed Gerson]

HP in my book is the way to go if you print your own. - Ed