To Start: We begin with the assumption you are deciding between the Epson R2880 and the Pro 3880. You've ruled out other options. This is not an article touting these machines over others in the market. This is designed to help you decide between the two. Near the top of the Epson printer lineup are the R2880 and the Pro 3880. They are both excellent printers in their own right. They use very similar technology and have a couple of major differences. The question comes up often on discussion forums and from Red River customers: "Which one is best for my needs?" It is important for you to diagnose your situation and then use what you find to buy the right printer. Here's a little help on that journey.

Both printers are designed to make long lasting photographic quality prints. You can use them for all sorts of projects, but keep in mind that they are primarily good at printing photos that will last many decades. They fill different "segments" of the printer market and this can be seen primarily in their price and size.

At their heart the two machines are quite similar in terms of technology and print quality capability. The R2880 and Pro 3880 both use the Epson UltraChrome K3 Vivid Magenta ink system to reproduce a wide color gamut on many different types of paper. Both utilize the K3 black & white system that allows you to create neutral or toned black & white prints. Both switch between the Photo Black and Matte Black tank depending on the type of media you're using. Both can print borderless and can use custom paper sizes.

Similarities

As mentioned above, the two printers exist because each fits in a specific slot in the inkjet printer market. The R2880 sits at the top of the prosumer market segment and the Pro 3880 is at the "bottom" of the Epson professional series of machines. The difference in price and size is usually enough to make the purchasing decision quite simple.

Differences

So at this point you've probably concluded that the choice is all about a) budget and b) size that you require. If you'll never need more than a 13x19 size print (or a 13x38 landscape printed on Red River's pano line of papers) then the R2880 may be your choice. Volume of printing should also be considered. A weekend printer or occasional project may well be suited to a smaller printer. If you just can't stand paying a lab for those 16x20 prints or 17x22 canvas pieces, then chock one up for the Pro 3880. Another goes into the 3880 column if you go though 3-4 boxes of paper per month. More printing equals more ink and the savings from the Pro 3880 are significant.

All that said, we'd like to make the case for the Pro 3880 if you are a serious photography and print making enthusiast regardless of the budget and printer size issues mentioned above.

Lets start with the cost of each printer:

Pro 3880 = $1189
R2880 = $619
Difference = $570

Now lets look at the value of the ink that ships with each printer:

Pro 3880 - 9 inks x $59.95 MSRP = $539.95

R2880 - 8 inks x $13.10 MSRP = $104.80

That leaves us with the true machine cost of each printer:

Pro 3880 = $649.05
R2880 = $514.20

That leaves a true cost difference of only $135 between the printers.

And here's what you get for that $135

Based on our cost per print analysis, the Pro 3880 costs about 40% less in terms of dollars to operate than smaller desktop printers like the R2880. Over time, your investment of $135 will allow you to print almost double the volume for the same cost as a 13" wide desktop printer.

Then there is the intangible value of having a 17" wide printer at your disposal. Making a 16x20 print on demand is a nice luxury to have.

Bottom Line Recommendation

We understand that budgets and even space will certainly play a role in your decision. But given the economics of the Pro 3880 in the long run, we recommend it almost weekly to enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Web Resources

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