Longwatcher
23rd of January 2003 (Thu), 08:49
Last night I finally got around to start printing out some tests prints on different paper types. The basic results are paper definately makes a difference in the color results. I did not have time to do a detailed study and only did the first run, but I have some first impressions.
I used the Canon S9000 with Canon Ink. All images were printed from the same program (old version of Photo deluxe - it was convienent) with the same print settings using the glossy plus setting. The image was of a sunset in Palm Desert, California with a couple of Palm trees and a wall. I made no contrast or color adjustments, however, I did sharpen the print version one level. I had to change all but the yellow ink cartridge, but all ink had the same batch number. The results do not seem to indicate any ink variations as both Kodak papers were very close if indistinguishable and they were printed at the beginning and end of the print run. I also had a control in the form of the two prints done a couple of weeks ago. A low resolution version of the image used can be found at:
http://www.longwatcher.net/adult/images/Palm_Desert_Sunset-OMP.jpg
Epson High Gloss photo paper - Surprisingly this paper gave the closest to my monitor in terms of overall color with just a touch less blue. Very close in terms of pinks and oranges. It was also closest to the Canon paper in terms of results. [Given that my eyes are shifted slightly into the UV spectrum from normal, this does not mean it is closer to true to the original, only closer to reflecting the same spectrum as the monitor emits.]
HP High gloss photo paper - Took forever to dry, close to Kodak paper in terms of color spread, but with a noticeable green tint. I also saw some blotting of the ink occuring with this paper. Given the drying time and blotting I am unlikely to use this paper in the future on the S9000 with Canon Ink. There was also significant curling of the paper straight out of the box. So it would need to sit awhile to flatten before feeding it to the printer.
Kodak Ultima Satin finish - This is what I normally use, more vibrant colors then other papers, less grey in the print. The sky had slightly more blue then the screen showed, but the sunset colors were more pink. It is actually closer to how I remember the actual sunset looking to my eyes.
Kodak Ultima High Gloss - a very slight touch grayer then the Satin finish and closest to the monitor in terms of blue sky colors. Otherwise identical to Satin finish in terms of color.
Office Depot Satin - A bit lighter then other Office Depot paper tested.
Office Depot High Gloss - All of the Office Depot papers were lighter(brighter) then any of the other papers or the Monitor thus lossing some contrast in the process that showed in the other prints, however they gained in the dark areas at the bottom (which I did not want).
Office Depot Super Heavy Weight High Gloss - Other then the paper has a nice feel to it (similar in weight to Kodak Ultima) no difference from other Office Depot Papers.
The last paper I tried was Office Depot Art Canvas - DANGER, this paper almost jammed up in my printer. If I print with it again I will set it out and make sure it is very flat before feeding it to printer as the paper caught in the printer in several places, It was just luck that it did not jam in the printer. As to color, definate darking of the image, but not quite to the level of the other papers except in the dark areas where it actually was darker then other photo papers (I would have to guess that the black ink adheres better to the art canvas paper then other inks). On the other hand the print looked good after it got passed the jam up.
So the initial results (if I did not contemplate more tests) would be for me to use the Kodak paper when I need more vibrant colors, but to otherwise use which ever is cheaper between the Office Depot, Kodak, Canon, or Epson paper. Given same cost, Canon, then Epson, then Kodak would get it (okay in reality I would probably still go with the Kodak over Epson, because I have several friends that work for Kodak).
[Update: as of 05 Feb,
- Epson premium glossy for B+W prints (initial results)
- OD Premium Glossy for when water a possibility
- Kodak Ultima when I need more vibrant colors
- Canon Matte for matte shots
Final choice will be made when Sunlight test shows results]
I intend to do one more print run for sunlight tests (I would use this one, but I touched the HP and it was still wet after 10 minutes so messed up a portion of the image I would be looking for in a light test) and then print out a pair of the other image I intended for the test.
After that I will decide on a value against each of the papers to decide how much extra (or less) I am willing to pay for each type of paper.
Note: I did not test Ilford paper because it is too difficult for me to get in my area on a regular basis. [Update: I got some Ilford paper - see below messages]
I used the Canon S9000 with Canon Ink. All images were printed from the same program (old version of Photo deluxe - it was convienent) with the same print settings using the glossy plus setting. The image was of a sunset in Palm Desert, California with a couple of Palm trees and a wall. I made no contrast or color adjustments, however, I did sharpen the print version one level. I had to change all but the yellow ink cartridge, but all ink had the same batch number. The results do not seem to indicate any ink variations as both Kodak papers were very close if indistinguishable and they were printed at the beginning and end of the print run. I also had a control in the form of the two prints done a couple of weeks ago. A low resolution version of the image used can be found at:
http://www.longwatcher.net/adult/images/Palm_Desert_Sunset-OMP.jpg
Epson High Gloss photo paper - Surprisingly this paper gave the closest to my monitor in terms of overall color with just a touch less blue. Very close in terms of pinks and oranges. It was also closest to the Canon paper in terms of results. [Given that my eyes are shifted slightly into the UV spectrum from normal, this does not mean it is closer to true to the original, only closer to reflecting the same spectrum as the monitor emits.]
HP High gloss photo paper - Took forever to dry, close to Kodak paper in terms of color spread, but with a noticeable green tint. I also saw some blotting of the ink occuring with this paper. Given the drying time and blotting I am unlikely to use this paper in the future on the S9000 with Canon Ink. There was also significant curling of the paper straight out of the box. So it would need to sit awhile to flatten before feeding it to the printer.
Kodak Ultima Satin finish - This is what I normally use, more vibrant colors then other papers, less grey in the print. The sky had slightly more blue then the screen showed, but the sunset colors were more pink. It is actually closer to how I remember the actual sunset looking to my eyes.
Kodak Ultima High Gloss - a very slight touch grayer then the Satin finish and closest to the monitor in terms of blue sky colors. Otherwise identical to Satin finish in terms of color.
Office Depot Satin - A bit lighter then other Office Depot paper tested.
Office Depot High Gloss - All of the Office Depot papers were lighter(brighter) then any of the other papers or the Monitor thus lossing some contrast in the process that showed in the other prints, however they gained in the dark areas at the bottom (which I did not want).
Office Depot Super Heavy Weight High Gloss - Other then the paper has a nice feel to it (similar in weight to Kodak Ultima) no difference from other Office Depot Papers.
The last paper I tried was Office Depot Art Canvas - DANGER, this paper almost jammed up in my printer. If I print with it again I will set it out and make sure it is very flat before feeding it to printer as the paper caught in the printer in several places, It was just luck that it did not jam in the printer. As to color, definate darking of the image, but not quite to the level of the other papers except in the dark areas where it actually was darker then other photo papers (I would have to guess that the black ink adheres better to the art canvas paper then other inks). On the other hand the print looked good after it got passed the jam up.
So the initial results (if I did not contemplate more tests) would be for me to use the Kodak paper when I need more vibrant colors, but to otherwise use which ever is cheaper between the Office Depot, Kodak, Canon, or Epson paper. Given same cost, Canon, then Epson, then Kodak would get it (okay in reality I would probably still go with the Kodak over Epson, because I have several friends that work for Kodak).
[Update: as of 05 Feb,
- Epson premium glossy for B+W prints (initial results)
- OD Premium Glossy for when water a possibility
- Kodak Ultima when I need more vibrant colors
- Canon Matte for matte shots
Final choice will be made when Sunlight test shows results]
I intend to do one more print run for sunlight tests (I would use this one, but I touched the HP and it was still wet after 10 minutes so messed up a portion of the image I would be looking for in a light test) and then print out a pair of the other image I intended for the test.
After that I will decide on a value against each of the papers to decide how much extra (or less) I am willing to pay for each type of paper.
Note: I did not test Ilford paper because it is too difficult for me to get in my area on a regular basis. [Update: I got some Ilford paper - see below messages]