Dye Sublimantion Printers - 4x6

[Beemermark]

My last Epson printer (and last printer) was a 1270. It's still on my desk but I got tired of screwing around and replacing ink cartridges for all the obvious reasons and because they always clogged or dried out between prints. I've been reading reviews on the newer models but they all have negatives that I don't want to deal with. I'm thinking dye sublimation. 40 years of photography I know that 99% of my pics will never be put on a wall. Making an 8x10 or larger is a waste of money. On the same token I need to make a print to determine if I really want to pursue enlargement (by sending it out). So rather than investing a ton of money and time in something like an Epson R2880 or R3800 I'm thinking of a cheap 4x6 dye sublimation printer. Does anyone know if I can get a good representative B&W print from one of the current models? Any suggestions or reviews?

 

[majid]

I had a Canon CP-200, the colors were completely off, and 4x6 are too small for my PrintFIX Pro color calibration patches, so I gave it away. Don't expect even remotely accurate B&W out of the box.

Consider using the digital minilab at your local Costco. They publish ICC profiles so you stand a much better chance of getting consistent color there.

 

[Solinar]

I have two dye-sub printers - an 8x10 Olympus and a HiTi 730PS that is capable of printing 6x8 inch prints. The Taiwanese HiTi is the better of the two. Plus, Hi Touch imaging has provided updated drivers through out the three years that I've had it. The Olympus is an orphan with regards to drivers.

Personally, I wouldn't want to be limited to 4x6 - but the 4x6 version of the HiTi is two hundred bucks, which is not cheap. The 730PS is nearly $350

HiTi 730PS at BH Photo Video

On the HiTi I usually print 5x7 directly from Photoshop. On any dye sub - it its important to calibrate your monitor so that what you see is on screen is what comes out of the printer, which is not a trivial task.

A big heads up - there is no local support for the HiTi. All of your printing supplies will have to come from NY. Also, it is imperative to keep a dust cover over the printer when not in use. Dust is the enemy.

Final words, it will be a sad day in this house if the HiTi ever gives up the ghost.

 

[chut]

Solinar, could you post a scanned B&W print by the HiTi? I know what we'll see on our monitors won't be accurate, but an approximation may be enough.

 

[oftheherd]

Seems I recall that dyesub is actually more expensive. Even if you don't use a color on the ribbon of most, it just scrolls by. The only one I ever saw that didn't was for ID cards. It actually used different colored ribbons that were parked until needed. I don't know if any for larger applications exist or not, as I have pretty much used Epson printers since I gave up using my Commodor 64 computer.

 

[Tuolumne]

I use the HiTouch S400, but usually only print color with it. It is a really excellent printer, but the supplies are expensive.

/T