Dye or ink?

[tempest]

I'm after a glossy photo print look amongst other things. Some questions about buying a photo printer:

Websites talk about inkjet, pigment, and dye photo printers. Is there a difference between inkjet and pigment printers? A post here suggested pigment is more durable than dye, yet I've read dye is more durable than ink. So if ink and pigment are the same it's confusing (much like this question!).

Can anyone here confirm the improvement a dye printer makes over inkjet for photos? Say, the CP-300 vs the i9100 for quality (of course the i9100 can print larger). http://photoprinterstore.com/dyesuveinkje.html suggests there's a large difference.

Thanks.

[iwatkins]

Pigment inks are supposed to last longer than dye inks. But that assumes you print on the correct paper only. Of course, the ink and paper will need to come from the same maker (of course). Kerching £££ $$$. :wink:

I don't really think a print you make at home lasting 25 years or 75 years (still unproven) makes much difference to me. I can always print another copy.

If the images are important (i.e. to give to your kids) get them printed traditionally using normal silver halide technology.

All prints made at home do need to be handled with care. Durablity of any home print will not be up there with silver halide. But there again you always handle normal silver halide prints with care, don't you ?

I do have the i9100, and yes, it can print big. I haven't compared it to the CP-300. I have however used the i9100 to print to 6 x 4 and 5 x 7 Canon Photo Glossy Pro paper and the results look just like traditional photos back from the lab. Gloss is really glossy :lol:

Cheers

Ian

[John_T]

The CP300 is a small dye-sub printer, uses bands the photo width to print thermally, but only for 4x6 (postcard) and credit card size. I have a CP100 which I take with me traveling for give-away prints, but the image quality is nowhere near as good as my i9100.

Dye inks have a wider color gamut and therefore render colors more accurately and life-like. Pigment inks tend to be a tiny bit less of both. It is also a matter of taste because both have their qualities.

Canon deliver quality in their printers, inks and papers, so I don't mind giving them the money, but I also use Ilford and Tetenal papers with equally excellent results. For every image there is a paper that brings out the best in that image, it is a matter of experimentation and adjusting settings to different papers as they are all different. It'll drive you nuts 'til you get it down, but it is worth it!