Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Epson-Stylus Pro 9900 with “11” colors.

Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Epson-Stylus Pro 9900 with “11”colors.

From 2001 through 2006, Epson was the premier #1 printer for photographers.
But sadly, by 2006, piezo printhead technology ran out of steam, so there were not enough new advances in piezo printheads.

During 2006-2007, first Canon and then HP each independently spent one billion dollars developing new inks and new thermal printheads. In effect they out-spent Epson, since Epson did not have that much investment capital available for new ink chemistry or new printer technology. The HP Z2100 and then the HP Designjet Z3100.

With sales tanking, that eliminated portions of Epson’s R&D budget precisely at the time that Canon and HP were moving ahead fast. So for two years Epson had to play catch-up, and now in 2008 is still working at catching up. The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 are Epson’s try at matching the HP Z3100 series and Canon iPF series.

Just realize that there are no actual 12-color or even 11-color printers. There are printers with varying levels of black; but all levels of black are one “color” not three or four colors. Light Magenta and Magenta are not two colors, they are two versions of one color. This is being pedantic but it helps to learn the jargon. The advertising agencies can’t tell the difference and they can more easily sell an 11-color printer than a 5-color printer with different flavors of the five colors.

If you would like a place to learn about all three brands, and all models, Parrot Digigraphic offers Canon, HP, and Epson (so they don’t need to attempt to sell one brand claiming the other brands are not good). Dealers that feature just one brand tend to move clients to that one brand. So we recommend to find a place that offers all three, so there is less incentive for the sales rep to push one over the other. Let each brand and model be itself, on its own merits. The telephone # of Parrot is toll free 877 727-7682.

I congratulate Epson in finally getting rid of the old-fashioned 220 ml cartridges. These are so 1990’s.

Every several years there is either a new Canon iPF printer or a new Epson or a new HP water-based printer. It is hard to keep track of the advances in inks and color management features. FLAAR is keeping track by visiting printshops around the world that have these various brands. Each brand has its good points and a few issues and an occasional deficiency.

The advantage of a place that offers both Epson, HP, and Epson is that they can provide some tips on the differences. If a store sells only one brand or the other, they will understandably push the brand they sell. One value-added retailer that we have visited several times is Parrot Digigraphic. They know each of the brands and models. Contact info is 978.670.7766.

First posted September 2008.

The complete FLAAR Reports are in full-color PDF format. Our institute has comprehensive FLAAR Reports on over 73 different wide format inkjet printers, RIP software, color management, scanners, digital cameras and on countless markets such as wide format inkjet printers for photography, giclee, proofing, CAD, GIS, graphic design, signs, and specialty applications too. All FLAAR Reports by Dr Nicholas Hellmuth and his team are available on Wide-format-printers.NET.

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.