Two 4800s vs One 4800 with ImagePrint

[Gene Coggins]

If cost was not an issue, would I get a better DMax on fine art papers (rag) with a separate 4800 dedicated with a matte black cartridge or a single 4800 with both Phatte black and photo black using ImagePrint sans the Lt Lt Blk?

My intuition tells me that I would be better off with two Epson 4800s where I had the advantages of the Lt Lt Blk inks in both which reduces transition errors. Each printer would be used for the appropriate papers, fine art vs RC papers.

Gene

[michael]

If you have the physical space, then the preferable solution would be two 4800s.

Or, wait a month or so and have a look at the new 12 pigment ink Canon 5000. I'll have a review online as soon as a production sample becomes available.

Michael

[David White]

The Canon IPF5000 had better be really good.  Reading the fine print, it appears that the cost will be the same as an Epson 7800 because they only provide enouch ink, via some undersized cartridges, to fill the lines.  So, on top of the printer cost, there is an immediate outlay of $900 (12 ink cartridges at $75 each) if you actually want to print something with the printer.  By the time you have a functioning IPF5000 you could have had a 7800.

Of course then you're faced with the question of whether to get two 7800's because of the the ink swapping required when switching papers with Epson.

Looking forward to the review on the IPF5000.