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Photo Printers

Make stunning prints that will last for generations with the newest photo inkjet technology

This Article Features Photo Zoom

A COMPACT LARGE-FORMAT PRINTER

Epson Stylus Pro 3880
Epson has taken the lead in a new category of desktop printers with the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. It’s not much bigger on the outside than some of the 13x19 printers, but the 3880 is able to print in sizes from 4x6 up to 17x22. It uses nine individual 80 ml high-capacity ink cartridges (about six times more ink than most 13x19 printers), making individual prints less expensive. The 3880 uses the UltraChrome K3 inks found in the Epson R2880, but adds a Vivid Magenta for richer blues and violets, and a generally expanded color gamut. This new model also includes improved print-head technology for the most precise dot shape and placement, and an ink-repellent coating to minimize clogging and maintenance. Also new is AccuPhoto HD2, a print-engine algorithm that determines the optimal combination of ink colors for each droplet of ink to improve the range of colors that can be reproduced, giving smoother transitions from tone to tone and consistent color when displaying prints under different lighting conditions. The Advanced Black & White mode uses three black inks to create neutral or toned images that actually exceed the quality you could achieve in the darkroom. Three paper paths handle a variety of media up to 1.5mm thick. List Price: $1,295.

13-INCH MODELS

Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II
This is Canon’s dye-ink 13x19 printer. Using eight ChromaLife 100 inks, the printer creates vibrant glossy prints with rich greens and blues, making it an excellent choice for the landscape or nature photographer. The printer features dual loading slots to accommodate different types of media, and for Windows Vista users, Ambient Light Correction that optimizes the color to match the specified lighting in which your print will be viewed. List Price: $499

Canon PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II
Physically, this printer is similar to the Pro9000, but under the hood, it’s a different story. The Pro9500 Mark II uses 10 Lucia pigment inks to produce some of the best black-and-white prints you’ll see in a desktop printer. The printer can handle thick media through the front-feed straight path or a variety of papers through the regular-feed path. Significantly faster than the previous Pro9500, this printer also includes Ambient Light Correction for Windows Vista users. List Price: $849.

Epson Stylus Photo 1400
One of the least expensive 13x19 printers available, the Stylus Photo 1400 uses six dye-based Claria Hi-Definition inks. It also allows you to print directly onto compatible CD and DVD media. One feature that’s sure to appeal to those looking for a quick fix is the built-in automatic color and lighting correction. List Price: $299.

Epson Stylus Photo R2880
This is Epson’s flagship 13x19 printer. Using the same eight UltraChrome K3 pigment inks found in the large-format professional printers, the R2880 is a workhorse that can print on a wide variety of media from standard photo paper to fine-art photo rags. Both Matte Black and Photo Black, along with two shades of gray ink, output excellent black-and-white images. The Vivid Magenta and Vivid Light Magenta improve the reds, blues and purples in your prints, while the PreciseColor feature ensures that no calibration is needed to maintain print quality. List Price: $799.

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