Epson Stylus Photo R800, Epson Stylus Photo R1800, Epson Stylus Photo R2400, with 8-color UltraChrome K3 archival ink.

For several years Epson has had the total lead in sales of desktop upscale photo printers. Epson outsold Canon and HP for several reasons: first, Epson listens well to artists and photographers, especially entry-level.

Epson technology has led the field.

But at PMA trade show, both Canon and HP finally responded. Canon issued their PIXMA Pro9000 and Pro 9500. HP already had their Photosmart 8750 series but at PMA in February 2006, the HP Photosmart Pro B9180 appeared.

So far, in part because Epson had impressive printers earliest, Epson sales have been well-deservedly healthy.

I am familiar with the Epson Stylus Photo R800 since Photokina 2004 and before. The popularity of this technology resulted in the development of the Epson Stylus Photo R1800 and R2400.

You can order these reports from FLAAR

For the last two years FLAAR has dedicated itself to covering the rapidly developing UV-curable inkjet technology (on www.wide-format-printers.org). UV-printers cost between $57,000 to $570,000, at sizes that average 72-inch widths. Now that we offer over 63 publications on UV-curable inkjet printers we are returning to desktop sized printers.

During 2006 substantial technology advances in ink and image quality have happened in 13-inch through 17-inch desktop sized printers for photography, fine art photography, and giclee. These traditional water-based ink printers cost between $399 and $1,800. Because all the exciting new printers are first released at desktop sizes, FLAAR is expanding our coverage (previously limited to 24-inches and wider), down to desktop sizes. It will take us a while to handle the new crop of Canon, HP, and Epson printers, but since our experience is with advanced digital photography, fine art photo printing, and giclee, we have the experience, staff, and initiative to cover this popular format, primarily those that are tabloid size.

First posted February 26, 2006.

Available by october 2008 Available by octuber 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008

Nicholas Hellmuth’s Medium Format Digital Camera Initiative For over 40 years Nicholas Hellmuth has used Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras to record the flora, fauna, and archaeology of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Now for several years he is extending his medium format experience to digital photography. Since FLAAR works both in a studio as well as out on location, we are an ideal focus for judging portability. We have experience with large format digital scan backs (the excellent BetterLight) and we also use Nikon and Canon digital cameras. A full-service digital pro should have at least one medium format digital system and should consider large format digital options as well. Although we started with a Leaf Valeo 22 coupled with a Mamiya 645 AFD body and lenses, we are open to showcasing all bodies as well as other digital backs. Indeed we have tested an Imacon 4-shot back on a Hasselblad H1 body. Then (February 2006 onwards) we are evaluated a MegaVision black-and-white dedicated back for fine art photography. Next we are testing a 33-megapixel Phase One P 30. Since 2008 FLAAR has used a Phase One P25+ (a great way to update an aging Hasselblad ELX body with its excellent Zeiss lenses). Camera resellers or manufacturers who wish to have their cameras, lenses, and backs included in this initiative are welcome to send their equipment for evaluation. FLAAR is the de facto source of information because we have been university based, independent, blunt, and we are one of the few review sources that dares to review advertising specs, advertising claims, and advertising hype. We can afford to reveal all the pros and cons because FLAAR is a research institute. Photographers feel they can trust a university research professor who has devoted years to understanding the pros and cons of each aspect of a digital camera system and workflow. Notice you are not blinded by blinking, flashing, or pesty ads for low-bid camera stores on a FLAAR photography review. I am always amused by a pseudo-review that obviously is simply paid to send you to a camera store. You can download our colorful FLAAR Reports on our medium format digital camera initiative.