Are you in the market for an a3 photo printer? If so, you’ve probably already figured out that they’re not that easy to find. That said, if you’re a professional photographer or photo enthusiast, then its well worth putting in the effort to find the machine that’s right for you. Being that these machines are rare and hard to come by, their price tags are often quite steep.
However, there are realistic and affordable options available. It’s also great for making professional looking CD and DVD covers.
The machine I’m referring to is the Epson Stylus R1800 Photo Printer. A now discontinued model which has had a couple of upgrades added to the series but this was a fine old machine.
When it comes to standard printers and all-in-ones, Canon, Brother, and Hp lead the way. But when it comes to specialty printers, it’s Epson that really steps up to the plate. Their models never seem to fall short and almost always over-deliver. For the best possible deals for this printer, consider visiting Amazon first. They often have new, refurbished, and used model options.
Elder Version
[easyazon-image-link asin="B0007OVML0" alt="Epson Stylus Photo R1800 Ink Jet Printer (C11C589011)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EP20VM7KL._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="160" height="115"]The R1800 has some impressive features. It can produce borderless prints up to a3. This is hard to come by. It also uses UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment ink. Combine that with the fact that this machine’s nozzles use 1.5 picoliter droplets and you receive amazing detail. The quality is better than what you will find in most professional photo labs. For instance, resolution will reach as high as 5760 x 1440 optimized dots per inch.
This machine also uses 8 individual ink cartridges, which adds to the vividness of the photos. Prints made on this high quality a3 photo printer can last a very long time. For example, glossy paper prints can last 80 years and matte media will last up to 100 years.
When it comes to speed, an 11 x 14-inch photo can be printed in less than 3 minutes, a 4 x 6-inch photo can be printed in 45 seconds, and 10 x 8-inch photos with borders at 1440 x 720 dots per inch will only take 66 seconds. These are impressive speed numbers all around for an a3 photo printer.
There are two connectivity options for the Stylus R1800, which are USB 2.0 high speed and IEEE 1394. The software is advanced yet simple at the same time.
This discontinued printer the R1800 is a great machine to own if you’re looking to build a portfolio or prepare an exhibition.
Available for around $500 refurbished on Amazon and as always with older models there are used options at around $250.
Not the kind of machine that is in high demand as it is a specialty printer. Its features can meet the needs of any photographer, regardless of whether they’re an amateur or a professional. One thing you should be aware of is that it’s important you use Epson original papers. If you go with cheaper paper, you’re not going to see even close to the same results. Epson Paper can easily be obtained online.
The only real negative for this machine is that the ink is relatively expensive. That said, if you’re familiar with the printer industry, then you know this is something that’s almost impossible to avoid. Overall, if you’re looking for a cheap a3 photo printer that also offers high quality, then the Epson Stylus R1800 is the way to go. More than 75% of consumers have been more than satisfied with this product to date. Will you be happy with the R1800? Who knows? But the odds are in your favor.
The Updates
[easyazon-image-link asin="B0011G47PQ" alt="Epson Stylus Photo R1900 Large Format Photo Printer (C11C698201)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/413fM2kTm5L._SL160_.jpg" align="left" width="142" height="160"]Naturally enough going with the upgrade is a better decision for the obvious improvements that come with them. The first upgrade of this model was the Epson Stylus Photo R1900 which can be got on Amazon for around the same price.
It took 3 years for the upgrade to appear and the newer versions specs are similar. One improvement on the R1800 is that it uses new version of the company’s pigment-based Ultra Chrome Hi-Gloss ink set called Ultra Chrome Hi-Gloss2. It simply substituted an orange cartridge for the blue which gives better tones. Like the older version it rates highly for speed, print quality and ease of use. It is also quiet.
[easyazon-image-link asin="B00507NEBA" alt="Epson Stylus R2000 Wide-Format Wireless Inkjet Printer (C11CB35201)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31rcXAzF9%2BL._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="160" height="160"]A further upgrade came along in the Epson Stylus R2000 Wide-Format Wireless Inkjet Printer which has a wireless option and selling on Amazon at around $490.
Apart from the obvious advantage of wireless connectivity you can increase your productivity by 50% over the R1900. It’s also possible to obtain this later model from Epson itself at a lesser price of around $400 as Epson who have an offer of $100 refund through mail on purchase of this product directly through them.
However, these offers don’t last forever, and it’s always worth keeping an eye on the fluctuating prices on Amazon and watch for the price to fall.
You would not be disappointed with any of these models and the natural common sense choice is the later version for the mild improvements and even the price as it is at present but with the older and discontinued R1800 gives you some great used options which would be a cheaper way to obtain this quality of photo printer.
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About James Wikkee