Epson 2200 V Canon S9000/9100 v ?

[Littlebike]

Ok, this subject is getting beaten into the ground but I have to ask it, what printer? Better yet, what website has comprehensive reviews of many of the popular printers out there?

I am not afraid of spending a little money, $700+, but I want to make sure what I am spending will get me the results I want.

The Epson 2200 is the first one that caught my eye but I recently saw some prints from a Canon S9000 and was very impressed with those as well. So instead of asking everyone to tell me what to get, please post links to reviews of these am similar printers.

If you have constructive information about the differences in technology, i would appreciate those as well.

Oh, and I will admit, I dont really know anything about printers other than I know I want a really good one.

[Longwatcher]

I have the Canon S9000, but have been doing some additional research since then.

Here is the issues

The Canon prints out way faster and quieter.

The Epson prints will last longer if you use the special inks and special paper (three times the cost per print).

If you are going to be using the printer for family and friends or on-site printing, I recommend the Canon

If you are going for portraits, art prints, or other activities that require longevity, go with the Epson.

One last note: If you want a dedicated B+W printer, there is a company that makes a renowned set of inks for the Canon S9000 specifically, so that would be the way to go for B+W.

[trivia: right now, Kodak Ultima paper is back in the lead as my favorite with the Canon S9000 with Canon inks, since it has done the best so far in the attic tests - Epson paper flunked, HP actually did well in the attic tests, and Ilford is looking good. Next test is the back window of the car test. note: I have discovered that apparently if the ink takes forever to dry, but does not pool then you should get the longest lasting prints in open air]

[Littlebike]

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it.

I am going for art, wedding (maybe), art-sport, and abstract printing. I am sure most of my prints will be 8x10 or smaller but I want the flexibility to go larger - I tend to do some odd cropping - and I will need the size.

What I am most concerned with, as is everybody I am sure, is having what my camera captures and my eye sees turning out on the page.

I had an 11x17 done by Shutterfly and there are very visible print lines in it, unacceptable. I want to make sure I do not get issues like those.

[scottbergerphoto]

Read the reviews at www.cnet.com. I had read in the past when trying to make the same decision that the Canon print heads are prone to clogging. I went with the Epson 2200. I've been using it to my sheer delight since January. For best results you need to use the Epson Premium Paper. I feel it's worth it. I love to look at the pictures.

[scottbergerphoto]

Read the reviews at www.cnet.com. I had read in the past when trying to make the same decision that the Canon print heads are prone to clogging. I went with the Epson 2200. I've been using it to my sheer delight since January. For best results you need to use the Epson Premium Paper. I feel it's worth it. I love to look at the pictures.

[Littlebike]

Thanks for the info, I have read a couple reviews now and think it is the way to go. Now I just have to convince my wife of it as well, which should be easier now that I have taken 2nd place in the first photo comp I have ever entered!

[Motorsports Photo]

longwatcher wrote:
Here is the issues

The Canon prints out way faster and quieter.

The Epson prints will last longer if you use the special inks and special paper (three times the cost per print).


Being involved with computers when the first inklet printers came out there has always been only one issue for me:

Print stability.

The early prints had a life of about 20 days under fluorescent lights! I picked the 2000P for the stability alone. I didnt want my customers to come back and say their picture "disappeared."

Buy the Epson, but be prepared to put up with their silliness if something goes wrong. I'll say the final outcome has always been favorable, but not always easy.

-Pete

[justme_dc]

I ended up with the Canon i950 and couldn't be happier. I have owned 5 Epson printers from the cheapies to the top of the line stylus pro 5000 with the fiery rip(that set me back for a while). They have always been a hassle to use and broke down frequently. I don't have alot of faith in Epson but they used to be the only game in town. These are some reviews I read that made me choose the Canon over the epson.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/canon_s9000.html

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/canon_i9100.html

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/epson_2200.html


Good luck on your choice