nickw
Established
Hello Guys,
I found a Epson 7600 for sale ($500 with stand). A friend of mine who owns a print shop is selling it. It has a low print count and comes with ink at about 50% (and a few spare 220mls).
I was thinking of getting 3880 so I could print both photos (personally and for friends via cost sharing), as well as proofs for my work (I do advertising & marketing). Photos would be a split of B&W (with LIGHT sepia toning) and color.
What I am wondering is: How would the 3880 compare to the 7600? One being new, and one being 5 (?) years old technology. I'm sure for my graphic proofs both will be fine. So this is more a question of photo quality.
Just wondering what I should do? Should I go for the used 7800? A new 3880? or just wait until I can afford a new 7800? The good news is, if I get a 24" wide printer, I could print some jobs for friends (fellow designers) to help offset the cost. Perhaps $1000 per year before expenses, mot a lot, but it would help. Personally speaking being able to print up 24" is nice (as I like the 20x20 size for prints).
I tried searching for comparisons, but I couldn't find much.
Any and all input would be appreciated. As I don't have any experience with large format inkjet technology. Anything opinions, or should I be aware of anything? What should I do.
Thanks,
Nick
I found a Epson 7600 for sale ($500 with stand). A friend of mine who owns a print shop is selling it. It has a low print count and comes with ink at about 50% (and a few spare 220mls).
I was thinking of getting 3880 so I could print both photos (personally and for friends via cost sharing), as well as proofs for my work (I do advertising & marketing). Photos would be a split of B&W (with LIGHT sepia toning) and color.
What I am wondering is: How would the 3880 compare to the 7600? One being new, and one being 5 (?) years old technology. I'm sure for my graphic proofs both will be fine. So this is more a question of photo quality.
Just wondering what I should do? Should I go for the used 7800? A new 3880? or just wait until I can afford a new 7800? The good news is, if I get a 24" wide printer, I could print some jobs for friends (fellow designers) to help offset the cost. Perhaps $1000 per year before expenses, mot a lot, but it would help. Personally speaking being able to print up 24" is nice (as I like the 20x20 size for prints).
I tried searching for comparisons, but I couldn't find much.
Any and all input would be appreciated. As I don't have any experience with large format inkjet technology. Anything opinions, or should I be aware of anything? What should I do.
Thanks,
Nick
Last edited:
gdi
Veteran
The 7600 is a great printer, if everything is working properly. Be careful of clogged nozzles, it would not be worth replacing the head in a 7600, IMO.
Output is top notch, but you have to swap black inks, which is either kludgey or expensive depending on the method used.
If it works perfectly, $500 is a steal. The problem with a 24" printer is that it may make you want to try a 44' model.
Output is top notch, but you have to swap black inks, which is either kludgey or expensive depending on the method used.
If it works perfectly, $500 is a steal. The problem with a 24" printer is that it may make you want to try a 44' model.