Sorry all, but here we go, with another "what should I buy" question.

[Vickko]

Sorry all, but here we go, with another "what should I buy" question.

I've had an RD1 for a month.

So what printer would your recommend?

My needs are:
- don't want to spend time researching until I go insane, am looking for the wisdom of those who have "gone before me"
- don't want to spend much time fiddling with post-processing photos
- want to print them straight-off, and am currently using the high-res jpeg option (not RAW)
- want stunning prints
- large prints (larger than 8x10) wouldn't be a factor
- want quality and reliability
- may upgrade in future when I get more time

Thanks all
Vick

 

[BillBingham2]

As you are starting out, look into continuous ink systems to see which you like and what printers they support. The Epson 1280 was top of the line about two or three years ago, sure it’s not even close now. I’m not sure where to point you, perhaps others here can.

B2 (;->

 

[AusDLK]

>look into continuous ink systems

I strongly disagree. CIS is best for high volume printing and are hardly ever hassle-free. OEM cartridges will be more expensive but the lack of headaches is often worth it.

Also, wanting "stunning prints" without "fiddling with post-processing" is something of an oxymoron. Images directly from any digital camera will never be as good as they will be after some intelligent post-processing (ie., the application of levels/curves, contrast, and sharpening).

The printer (Epson R2400) I use is probably not the ticket for you, Vick, since it makes prints larger then you expressed a need for, so I'll leave specific recommendations to others.

 

[Vickko]

>look into continuous ink systems

Also, wanting "stunning prints" without "fiddling with post-processing" is something of an oxymoron. Images directly from any digital camera will never be as good as they will be after some intelligent post-processing (ie., the application of levels/curves, contrast, and sharpening).

Thanks for the reply.

I spend too much of my life sitting in front of a computer screaming at my outsource partner, and too much of my life in front of a computer at home on non-photographic pursuits. More time in front of a computer just isn't appealing.

But I know what you mean regarding post processing.

Also leads to the discussion of buying a good monitor; my computer is the "company issue" laptop. Last thing I want to do is spend money on computing gear.

Sigh.


Vick

 

[RF-Addict]

Vick,

you might be on the wrong path here - you contradict yourself by using a digital camera but not wanting to use the computer to get good images.

If all you want to do is print straight out of the camera, then buy a Kodak Easyshare - or whatever they are called these days. They come with their own printer and all you need to do is press a button.

The RD-1 will require post processing in order to get good prints - no way around it. Most pictures should not take more than 3-5 minutes each to get them right, but you have to invest that time in front of the computer.

Why didn't you stick with film - just frop the film of at your camera shop and pick it up two hours later and you have the prints!

 

[pfogle]

FWIW I use an Epson 1290 as someone mentioned above and I get excellent prints. The printer's now 2-3 years old and I'll replace it this year with either the 1400 (dye-based) or the R1800 (pigment-based for permanence). I have no trouble printing direct from Photoshop with no special software.

For A4, and speed, I bought a Canon iP 4200 when I was in New Zealand for a few months last year and needed a printer. It was very good, cheap and reliable and very quick compared to the Epson. My only reservation at all is that the colours were a bit strong for my taste, but you can use the driver to tone them down if you want.

 

[bayerische]

I'm happy with my HP 8250. It's only A4, but I have access to a A2+ printer anyhow, so I don't need a larger at home.

Very inexpensive aswell.

 

[mountainrivera]

Honestly, I'd say don't get involved with hardware. Use ofoto or shutterfly. I bot a refurbed epson pic mate for about $55.00 shipped on their site for those times I want to print a quick 4x6. Here is a link:

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63064695

I couldn't find any 10% coupons on-line. Usually they are there.