Thoughts on My Large-Format Epson Printer
Since I spent a HUGE amount of time on Project Life this weekend (I hadn’t even started on September when the weekend began), I thought it was high time to share my detailed thoughts regarding my Epson Stylus Photo R2880 Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer. I have been so thankful for this printer this year.
Having a photo printer has revolutionized Project Life for me. This is the first time in four years that I have stayed on top of things (well, for the most part!). I know that without this printer, I would have lost my mojo.
My favorite part of the Epson printer is the ability to print large and unusual sized photos for my album. I have overall been really happy with the large photos that I’ve printed.
The installation for the printer was very easy and I haven’t had any issue with the technology (as long as I print from photoshop. It doesn’t seem to like windows photo viewer.)
My Project Life album this year is full of large and unusual size photos that I definitely wouldn’t have if I didn’t have this printer.
There are a few cons to this printer:
- The price of ink – the printer has 10 cartridges, which translates to big expense for printing. I am on my 4th round of cartridges this year and I have not printed any photos that weren’t for Project Life. (Epson provided me with three sets of cartridges). Because these are special inks, there is not a generic or refillable option.
- Color – sometimes I feel like the color is not as brilliant when printed as it is on my screen or if I were to get the same pictures printed at the store. I have tried various color calibrations and editing techniques, but sometimes, it just isn’t on.
- It is not wireless – you would think that a $600 printer would be wireless, but it isn’t. Since I work on a laptop, I have to hook-up the printer every time I want to print.
I think my plan for 2013 is to get a smaller, more economical photo printer for my 4×6 photos and use the EPSON for my large photos only. I think this will make printing more economical, while still give me the convenience of printing at home.
If you want to print large, beautiful photos at home, this is the printer for you. You won’t be disappointed – it is definitely a worthwhile investment for the serious memory keeper! 🙂 That said, if you mostly print 4x6s, I would recommend a printer with a more economical ink option.
I am SO wishing I had a photo printer right now — I was just put on bed rest at 26 weeks pregnant, and my big goal is to catch up on Project Life during this enforced rest!:) I ordered a bunch of pictures from Shutterfly last night, and now I’m just antsy for them to get here…in the meantime, I’m off to order more, because I have been so sporadic in my albums over the past 4 years of Project Life…but how great would it be to be all caught up before baby #2 arrives?!:)
So sorry you are on bed rest. Take care of yourself!
I’m using a Canon printer that prints up to 8.5X11. I find that printing using the Canon software that I installed produces better photo quality than if I printed from Photoshop. Not sure why that is so.
Anyway, if you are thinking of switching printers, Canons are pretty economical in terms of ink replacements and the one I have comes with Wifi! A huge life saver!
I’m definitely not looking to switch printers – just add another to my arsenal. 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks for the info Jess. I just got an Epson wide format printer too after two regular HP printers in a row died on me. I got mine from Office Depot and it was only 150$. It prints up to 12×12 just fine and I’m still experimenting with which settings to use for the best pictures. Mine is the 7500A, it is wireless too.
What type to paper do you use? I know you like matte pictures, but matte photo paper seems to be hard to find..
http://avinashhecker.blogspot.com
I actually use glossy paper because matte uses WAY more ink (from what I have read). I think you will be really happy with your Epson!