SHOP FOR EPSON R1800 INKJET PAPERS
Epson recently introduced the new R1800
13" wide printer. A larger version of the popular R800, this new
printer offers many outstanding features.
What It Will Do
The R1800 can print 4x6 up to 13x19 standard sheet sizes. It is
capable of roll feed, as well as custom size printing up to 44" in
length. This printer uses the UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inkset designed
for long print life and brilliant color reproduction. It offers borderless
printing for 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 8.5x11, 11x14, 12x12, and 13x19. Print
speeds are quite fast. For example, a full 8x10 will print in 2
minutes 40 seconds at Best Photo quality. Not bad at all considering
the Epson 1280 does that in about 8 minutes! Our print timing is
based on an 8meg file printed on a Pentium 4 machine.
Inks onboard include:
- Cyan
- Magenta
- Yellow
- Photo Black
- Matte Black
- Red
- Blue
- Clear Glosser
|
 |
What is New
The red and blue inks are the same as on the R800 and offer the
widest color gamut for a pigment based printer. The matte black
and photo black inks are always available, while Light Black has
been eliminated. (this is unlike the Epson 2200 where you were
forced to change tanks
to
change
between photo and matte
black, and light black was always available)
The glosser cartridge is what makes the R1800 compatible with
glossy paper. A print is sprayed with this clear coating, which effectively
solves the gloss differential and bronzing problems experienced by
previous UltraChrome printers. The glosser can be turned on and off,
and does not function well with matte or artistic papers.
What is it Good For?
We are glad you asked! The Epson R1800 and smaller R800 have a
pretty specific purpose in life - printing high quality photos
on photo glossy and satin media. Of course, you can print just
about anything on these printers including artwork, greeting cards,
calendars, and much more. But, if you had to pin down what they
do best, it would be photos on good glossy or satin paper.
Should I Consider an R1800
Certainly! For the money, this printer is no less
than revolutionary. Consider this: The cost of an 8x10 print on
good glossy paper on
the R1800 is about $1.00 with ink. A full 13x19 will cost no more
than $5.00 printed! Take the convenience, speed, and comparative
cost of a lab print and you have a compelling argument for the
R1800.
Drawbacks
Black and white printing seems to suffer under
the new UltraChrome Hi-Gloss setup. The loss of light black ink
means
neutral mid-tones
are harder to reproduce. Prints on watercolor media also seem to
fare worse with the new ink with noticable bronzing in very saturated
areas. The Epson 2200 (we understand it will continue to be available),
will
be
the ongoing
choice for
users
that require the best possible black & white prints, and for
users that concentrate on artistic and matte
papers. For the price, it is not a stretch to simply own both.
SHOP FOR EPSON R1800 INKJET PAPERS
|