Which A3 printer ?

[Grimston Barr]

I'm looking for any buying advice on A3 colour printers. In the past I've used an A4 Epson printer but the inkjets clog up so frequently it becomes a pain to use - it's now in the bin!

Budget is £500 max - so far I'm leaning towards Canon's i9950 which I've seen as low as £359. Does anyone have any experience with this kit, or can you recommend any alternative ? There are some great deals around on the Canon so my only hesitation is that they may be about to introduce a new spec model.

Any help would be much appreciated.

GB (PH newbie)

[LongQ]

It is confusing isn't it ...

Until those PH'ers with the relevant models come along and report their experiences you might find this site interesting.

www.photo-i.co.uk/

The reviews of the products and the inks they use whould help to put things into perspective - though not necessarily devliver and outright conclusion - and the Forums contain some interesting and detailed, but again not clearly conclusive, threads about Epson, Canon and HP printers and the ink technologies that they use.

HTH.

>> Edited by LongQ on Tuesday 3rd January 11:29

[GetCarter]

Grimston Barr said:

I'm looking for any buying advice on A3 colour printers. In the past I've used an A4 Epson printer but the inkjets clog up so frequently it becomes a pain to use - it's now in the bin! Budget is £500 max - so far I'm leaning towards Canon's i9950 which I've seen as low as £359. Does anyone have any experience with this kit, or can you recommend any alternative ? There are some great deals around on the Canon so my only hesitation is that they may be about to introduce a new spec model. Any help would be much appreciated. GB (PH newbie)

Hi GB... welcome to PH!

I have to say, I've used lots of Epson printers and the ones that have clogged up have been a/ in a cenrally heated warm room - and b/ if not used regularly.

I use the Epson Photo 2100 and have never yet had a clog! I think this has been discontinued now replaced by R???

Agree though, when they start misbehaving the bin is the only place for them. I once had an HP which simply refused to work, so I threw it out in the snow overnight and the next morning it was perfect. They just need to learn who is boss I think.

Steve

[matrs]

GB,

Epson R1800 is around £400.

Cheers
Matt

[Bee_Jay]

Another vote for the R1800 here - stunning results!

[V6GTO]

A vote for the Canon i9950 here

Martin.

PS - you're probably best off going for the one you can get cheapest

[poah]

I've got a epson R2400 amazing quality for colour and B&W. but bit pricey

[grimston barr]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys - much appreciated. I did a bit more research (thanks for the photo-i web site tip) and have opted for the Epson R2400. Seems it is the only printer that claims to produce 'true' black and white prints, as well as photo colour. Let's hope I can keep my nozzles unblocked from now on...!!!

[poah]

they only block because of lack of use. make sure you print off something at least once a week and you'll be fine. you can get ICC profiles for ilford smooth pearl and smooth gloss (classic not compatable with K3) also ICC profiles for Olemc optimum gloss and optimum satin.