Pixma8500 vs. i9900, which to buy

[dijitul+philm]

I've decided on either the Pixma8500 or the i9900 (currently have a s900 that just perished) because the possibly-better archival quality of Epson doesn't add up enough for me. The dialogue I'd like to start is what advantages other than larger size prints from the i9900 exist between these two printers in all criteria. Also, has anyone heard anything definitive as to when Canon will be putting out the next generation as upgrades to these two such as a Pixma9000, etc.:cool:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Print quality on that particular Pixma should equal (if not surpass, although I doubt it could be a visible improvement) the i9900 in every way.

So the deciding factors really are features,... which only you can decide what is more important to you. Me,.. i'd grab the i9900 without thinking twice as I have grown quite fond of being able to print 11X17 and 13X19 prints ;)

The pixma offers double sided printing,.. a cool trick.. but in a photo printer is it of any use? (don't know of any high quality photo papaer that is double sided)

Anyway.. my two cents.

As to a next gen large format printer?
The i9900 is just under a year old... and is the first,. and still only one of two Canon porinters to use the 8 ink system. However.. I think you are correct.. at some point soon the i9900 may be replaced with a large format version that carries the "Pixma" look and name.

The i9900 replaced the i9100 in january or February 2004.. so perhaps it could happen soon. Pure conjecture though. What I do know is I bought my i9100 two weeks befor ethe i9900 was released :( if I had known and waited I could have gotten either the i9900 at the same price,. or the i9100 for about half what I paid by waiting about 4 weeks :(

My point being.. I know I will not replace my i9100 untiill I either need to .. or the i9900 replacement comes out :D

[Dale]

With the new Canon ink BCI-7 coming out I would think that a replacement for the i9900 will follow shortly. Bummer as I just purchased the i9900 a few weeks ago. I hope the new ink can be used on the i9900.

[bshef]

what advantages other than larger size prints from the i9900 exist between these two printers in all criteriaHow bout "Cost"!
8500 is $350.......9900 is $450
and the 8500 has faster print times!

My wife bought me the 8500 printer and the output is outstanding.
check this link out for a good review of both printers....
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/canon_i9900.html

[Canuck]

I'm holding out for the reality of the now conjecture of a replacement of the i9900. Try saying that a few times fast! :)

[Robesse]

I am considering the very same purchase. The only thing that has me leaning towards the i9900 is that there are ready-made ICC profiles available for the i9900.

A fellow at the photo shop told me that the print engine is the same in these printers. If he is correct then would it follow that the same ICC profiles would work? If that were the case I'd get the P8500.

-- Rob

[andrew_j_murphy]

I'm in the same boat too.

Think I'll wait a couple of weeks to see (am in Japan so hopefully news will be soon) but if it's not released soon I'll get the i9900