Printer recommendations?

Hi all,

Am looking for a new printer, as my HP R300 has crapped out. It will be mainly for printing color photos from digital files, with some docs thrown in. I typically go no larger than 8x10", but high quality is a must. Printing speed is not overly important, but reliability, ease of use and cost of replacement ink are factors to be considered. Also, I need something that won't break the bank... ;-)

Much obliged in advance....

David

 

I've always heard Epsons are the best for that, but personally I use a canon, 5 individual Ink tanks, its a cheaper printer that prints awesome photos and has CD/DVD printing capabilities. Canon IP4700 .... however it would seem theres a new model out ... IP4850 ... http://www.canon.com.au/en-AU/For-You/Printers/PIXMA-InkJet-Printers/iP4850

 

I second Drizzles' vote for Canon. The cost-per-page of ink on Canon (especially models with the individual ink carts) is lower than Epson, Canon's image quality is awesome and Canon seems to put the least "crapware" on their driver install disks.

If you want to print larger photos and don't need an all-in-one unit, check this one out:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_27?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=canon+pixma+pro9000+mark+ii&sprefix=canon+pixma+pro9000+mark+ii

Although Amazon is currently at $449 on it they often run it on sale for $399. If you buy it at Amazon, there's a $100 Canon rebate for just the printer or a $400 rebate if you purchase it at the same time as selected Canon EOS DLSR cameras.

Given the $400 rebate w/ camera purchase (essentially free after rebate), a lot of people are buying the printer, cutting off the UPC code for the rebate and selling the new, unopened printer on eBay. Since I already have a good printer, I did this when I bought by new T1i DLSR a few weeks ago. If you want to go the eBay route, you should find a new one w/ UPC code removed for about $200 including shipping. My eBay listing sold the first day, so keep your eyes open for a good deal.

Hope this info helps. Good luck on the new printer purchase.

 

Thnx all.... didn't find a Canon 4850, but did find a Canon PIXMA iP4820, and it sounds quite good. As one alternate, has anyone any good/bad news about the Kodak ESP 7250 ?

Thnx again!

 

I don't have first hand experience w/ the Kodak; however I did check my online subscription to Consumer Reports.

The Kodak's downside is worse than average graphics quality. Although the Canon 4820 wasn't rated by CR, most of the mid line Canons beat the Kodak in overall print quality.

Although I can't remember the exact sources, I remember reading other reviews stating Kodak's overall print quality is below average.

I'd stick with your choice of the Canon. It uses the individual ink tanks, so your cost-per-page should be decent without sacrificing print quality.

 

I found lots of good consumer and pro reviews of Canon, fewer with Kodak. I think Canon is where I'll go....

Thnx all, once more.... and Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

That is available from newegg.com with free shipping in effect now.