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Epson R800 Testing Fall 2004 Click for test details and specific methodology

Update 6/05 - The Epson R800 uses the same ink as the R1800. Test results are valid for both printers.

 

Paper Estimated Print life
(no glass protection)
66lb. Polar Gloss Exceeds 50 years*
66lb. Polar Satin Exceeds 50 years*
62lb. UltraPro Satin Exceeds 50 years*
68lb. UltraPro Gloss Estimated 50 years †
60lb. Polar Matte Exceeds 50 years*
64lb. Aurora Art 47 years
76lb. LuxArt 48 years
Tests conducted with R800 glosser cart turned on. Print life Estimation
(no glass protection)
66lb. Polar Gloss 50 years
66lb. Polar Satin 50 years

* This round of tests simulated exposure for 50 years. A result of over 50 years means that at the time the test was terminated, no appreciable fade was recorded.

† UltraPro Gloss was not tested directly. However, it is made from the same base stock as UltraPro Satin without the luster finish on its surface.

Epson R800 test details

We have exciting news with the completion of our latest fade tests. As in the past, we chose to be consistent with earlier tests and use light exposure as the primary source of image fade. One major difference was that we extended test time to simulate 50 years of exposure. All tests were conducted without the benefit of glass protection. From previous tests, we conclude that displaying a print under glass will increase print life by a factor of 1.5 over life without glass protection.

As usual with fade testing, we received mostly good news, mixed with a little dissapointment. The effect of the new glosser cartridge on fade resistance was of peak interest before testing began. We assumed it would act to increase the time before image fade. Apparently, there is no gain and perhaps a slight loss in image stability when glosser is applied. However, we feel that any change is negligable.

Test Conclusions

Even with the above in mind, the glosser technology is revolutionary and brings UltraChrome ink into a position of unmatched dominance. Fans of UltraChrome are familiar with the high darks and shimmering whites on Epson 2200 or 7600 prints. These are all but eliminated when you choose the glosser feature of the R800. The replacement of light magenta and light cyan with red and blue makes the R800 color gamut competitive with the Epson 1280 and other dye based inkjet printers. Our opinion is that any pro photographer or serious amateur that values quality, speed, and print longevity should certainly consider an R800.

As with all Red River fade tests, these results are only estimates and not guarantees! We feel it is important to give our customers as much information regarding inkjet technology and to let them make choices about how to use it.

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