I have a Canon S9000, so why an Epson 2200?
Written: Jul 02 '04
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Pros: Lovely archival prints best on matte paper…
Cons: Features lacking for Mac users; frustrating to try to change black ink, type, cartridges…
The Bottom Line: If you require archival quality and are happy with prints on matte paper, this is for you!
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| fashfoto's Full Review: Epson Stylus Photo 2200 Inkjet Printer |
I was already getting beautiful prints from my Canon S9000, so why did I buy an Epson 2200?
Pigment inks offer an archival quality, man!
Let's get this straight. I really love my Canon S9000 more than my Epson 2200. And if print longevity were equal (in terms of archival standards), I wouldn't have bothered with the Epson 2200.
But, I'm selling my photographic prints on eBay and I figured that offering prints of archival quality is an "edge."
I'm a Macintosh computer guy, so right-off, certain aspects of the Epson 2200 which may be available to Windows PC users are not available to me (and Macintosh has long been known for its graphics superiority).
I can't print border-less and I can't use the roll-paper adapter. Okay, that's fine with me. I like leaving a generous border on my prints (for my signature in pencil, et al) and available sheet sizes are sufficient to keep me happy.
One of the other reviewers suggested that the Epson 2200 is only good for printing on matte paper. I have to say that I agree. Printing on any other surface leaves one looking at strange reflections (or lack thereof) when a print is viewed at oblique angles. That's enough to wean me from using any paper surface except for matte.
One has a choice of a number of variables with respect to making a print. I once tried the "high speed" variable but the resulting print was so poor that I've never again tried any setting except for that offering the highest quality.
Given a good photo with a top-notch scan, a print on matte paper yields truly beautiful photographic results. I've managed to sell photos printed on the Epson 2200, on eBay, for upwards of $300.
Since, I am demanding in the quality of my prints, I am not getting rich as I keep incrementally adjusting the print(s) by nuances; consequently I make many prints till I consider one to be acceptable.
Color matching: I make my prints using Photoshop as the printing application. Under the VIEW menu is PROOF SETUP. I will choose either MACINTOSH RGB or MONITOR RGB and then adjust variables till I like the look of the image on the monitor. Invariably the print appears to match the image on the monitor.
One downside (though it may be my computer's fault) is that I find it difficult to "center" the print on the paper on which I am printing. Using the CENTER by DEFAULT (one needs to check this option), the resulting print has never been centered. There has always been more space on one edge than on the other. Entering a MARGIN option is also hit and miss. The measurements never add up to give equal margins. For example, printing a 14 inch wide image on 17 inch wide paper, one would think that one margin should be 1.5 inches. However, entering that number (1.5") will leave unequal margins. So, it becomes necessary to try different numbers for the margin till the margins come up as desired.
At a cost of $5 to $10 per print ( I use expensive art papers) I am not thrilled that I may use some twenty to fifty dollars worth of paper before I get a print centered to my satisfaction.
I suppose that would not be too important if one is printing for his own collection. But when creating prints for sale, I feel one needs to present a "perfect" product (and that means the margins need to be set properly).
Compared to the Canon S9000 printer, the Epson 2200 produces equally beautiful prints albeit, it is MUCH slower. A print which may take 4 or 5 minutes on the Canon S9000 may take 30 or 40 minutes on the Epson 2200.
But, of course, the Epson print may last a literal lifetime (75 years or more) where a Canon print may last between 10 and 25 years depending on papers used, etc.
The Canon S9000 prints beautifully on any paper surface. The Epson is really best on matte paper.
If you believe that $2.00+ per gallon, gasoline is expensive, try to figure out what printer ink costs (a couple of ounces, perhaps, at $11 to $13 per cartridge). The Canon S9000 uses 6 cartridges; the Epson 2200 uses 7 cartridges.
The Canon seems to have less ink per cartridge than the Epson. And, too, when one cartridge runs dry in the Canon, another cartridge may run out simultaneously.
What I mean is that the software tells you to replace one ink cartridge. Having replaced it, you may again try to print but are then told to replace another cartridge. This can lead to changing 3 or 4 cartridges, one after another. Quite frustrating!
In the case of the Epson, the cartridges seem to last longer and do not seem to require changing one after another as does the Canon.
As one of the seven inks which it uses (yellow, light and regular: cyan and magenta and light and "dark" black), the "dark" black comes in two flavors: photo black and matte black. Changing from photo black to matte black on my Macintosh is enough to reduce me to tears; alternately to "drive" me to drink (preferred).
Changing the "type" of black cartridge when using a Macintosh computer requires that one Delete the Epson 2200 printer from the Print Center software, restart the computer, than add the Epson 2200 to the Print center software.
Well, the only thing is, it doesn't work on my computer. I was talked through a more elaborate method of changing black ink cartridge types and getting the printer to print but, I forgot what it was. And Tech Support (via e-mail) though lightning fast to respond offers only the former method which does not work for me. I'm going to have to phone again and find a Tech Support person who can talk me through the more elaborate method of changing black ink cartridges. Meanwhile, I ran out to get a replacement black of the same type I had been using (yeah, that works).
Finally, I've seen some reviewers refer to this printer as being "expensive." True, nowadays, one can buy superb printers for $300 and less. But, I'm one of those "old-timers." My first two, black and white laser printers each cost me $5000. Ah, the price of being a pioneer as the world around you moves forward.
I LOVE progress!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 699.00
Operating System: Macintosh
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Epinions.com ID:
fashfoto
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Member: Stan Malinowski
Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 49
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
Glamour and fashion photographer shot for Playboy and Vogue now snapshoots and loves his dogs.
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