Whats a good inkjet printer to print my images in large format- 11"x17". Do I want a photo printer even though my images are not necessarily photo's? Thanks

I have an Epson 1520 - it prints up to 13 x 19 image size and works great.

Look at the new Epson 2000. Pinto

The Epson "Stylus Photo" printers are an excellant choice (I have an Epson Stylus photo 700 and love it) as are the high end Hewlett Packard printers (the ones that use Photo Ret III). Actually, you ARE printing out "photos"! A rendered 3D image has the same tonal gradations and color range as a photo, so you need a printer that is able to handle that. The Epson's use 6 colors for printing, which cuts down on the graininess in the lighter colors and, the new ones have inks which are resistant to UV light, so they should last around 30 to 60 years. 'Hope this helps...

Epson 1270, I love it. it will do 13X44 if you can find paper that size.

I use the Epson Stylus photo 750.very good !!

Just for comparison, I have a Canon 4550, I find it works very well. The very, very best though, ans this is a laser ... is the Tektronix continuous tone phaser (laser) printer. I had access to it and printed some of my Poser/Bryce images on it ... sweet, lovely, I couldn't ask for better images. Of course the price tag is outragous, and the Canon I got for $150 and that was 3 years ago. Just info to help you out. Contact the manufaturers (Epson and Canon and have them send you samples, they'll be happy too, so will Hewelet Packard (I worked there a couple of years ago in tech support). Hope this helps. Boni

I'd say the Lexmark Z52, one of the highest quality inkjet's out (2400x1200), but it only does 8 1/2 x 11"

If you don't do a lot of prints you might consider doing them at Kinko's or another quick printer. They usually have Tektronix printers which do wonderful laser prints. Kinko's isn't exacly cheap but for a short run its probably cheaper than buying a different printer.

Is there an echo in here? I checked a review of the Epson 2000 and it sounded awefully good. Only like $900 though-ugh

Is there an echo in here? I checked a review of the Epson 2000 and it sounded awefully good. Only like $900 though-ugh

I have an Epson 1520 too. Excellent resolution (the best I have ever seen), but slow.

The Epson 2000 claims something like 200 year print life, if you are concerned about prints for your great great grandchildren. Pinto

Excellent choice would be the Epson Stylus Photo 1270. I have the 870, which is the 8x11" version of the same printer. Superb photos.

You can't beat the new epson 1270. It has new oil based ink and printing on 13x19 at 144 p's per inch is amazing clarity and detail. I use Epsons Photo Quality Ink Jet paper for rendering and then their Premium Quality Photo paper for finished work to frame. Read up on the 1270 and compare--you'll see. Highly recommend.

Have a look at the Wilhelm Research website for some interesting comparisons between the fading of Epson, HP, Canon, and IBM. Wilhelm does accelerated life testing (really bright lights which simulate in a few weeks, years of display in a well lit area). Epson is the undisputed champ (24+ year prints, comparable to a photograph or a watercolor painting), HP's best combination of paper and ink will last 4-5 years. Canon and Lexmark tie for last, the best either can do (under well lit display conditions) is less than a year. The Epson 2000P is a whole new ball game, print life over 100 years (maybe over 200). Even with accelerated life testing, it takes a while to get data on that kind of timeframe. If you want some incredible photo quality, go for an Epson 870 or 1270. If you want to do some stunning B&W work, have a look at the Epson 1160 with a quad black inkset, such as Lysonic E, for 100+ year B&W fine art prints.

Just a note about the Epson's. On my digital photography ng, it is reported that the Epson's have an 'orange' problem--they are replacing some printers (reportedly), but it seems to be some combination with their inks and their paper. I have no doubt they will rectify this (I don't have an Epson, BTW) but just be aware--it happens after a period of time-not sure how long, but only several months I believe. Also--you might investigate other paper for these prints besides just the gloss. There are wonderful 'art' papers out there. Check out http://www.digitalartsupplies.com/index.html and http://www.cameras.com/prod/luminos/lumijet_paper.htm Some papers are also available by the roll. I just got a sample pack of papers from Digital Art Supplies plus all samples of all their papers--including canvas--and they are terrific. Diane B

I hadn't heard about Epson actually replacing printers. Was that on rec.photo.digital? I've never been able to duplicate the orange shift problem. Supposedly, it only affects prints dried in high ozone, and I'm pretty much ozone free. You're right about alternate papers, some are really beautiful, although longevity data isn't availiable. I like Arches cold pressed, and usually cut my own down from watercolor sizes. Osprey Giclee is becoming a favorite of mine. I've never been a Luminos fan. Sommerset Velvet is curiously compelling. Ciao! Joe

Joe, just got the paks for Digital Art and am going to print some photos on one of the photo mattes and a watercolor. They have some beauties--you might look there too. They have lots of good info about the papers also (longevity, etc.) Diane