There are three interesting aspects to this inkset as it implemented in the R800:įirst, light cyan and light magenta have disappeared and are replaced by two new colors: blue and red. Whether this inkset features new inks for all 7 colors (Magenta, Cyan, Yellow, Matte black, photo black, red, and blue) or for some of these colors only is unknown to me at this time. This new inkset is designed to work together with the gloss optimizer to prevent bronzing. The R800 features a new Ultrachrome inkset: Ultrachrome High Gloss pigment ink. The Gloss Optimizer option is only available when glossy papers are selected. The use of the Gloss Optimizer cartridge is controlled in the printer driver. The Gloss Optimizer is a transparent and colorless “varnish” which is laid over the surface of glossy prints by the printer. The Epson R800 removes bronzing by the addition of a Gloss Optimizer cartridge. In effect bronzing makes it nearly impossible to use Ultrachrome inks on glossy papers for fine art prints.
Ultrachrome prints - pigmented prints I should say - done on glossy photographic papers exhibit bronzing, a visual effect in which the surface of a glossy print shimmers and takes on a brown, metallic appearance in areas of high ink density such as shadows. One of the few shortcomings of Ultrachrome inks becomes obvious when you print on glossy papers. Let’s take a closer look at what this exciting, letter size, and below $400 printer offers and let’s look at what the future may hold in store regarding large format printing. In fact my guess is that the next generation of medium and wide format Epson printers will feature some of the technology found on the R800. I believe some of the features found today on the new Epson R800 are likely to be seen in medium and wide-format Epson printers in the near future. Pigmented Prints replaces the term Giclee which fell out of favor in 2003. These inks gave birth to the new, industry-approved term for inkjet prints: pigmented prints. Many fine-art printers consider Ultrachome inks to be one of the most significant advancements to inkjet printing. The C80 was a letter-size desktop printer however Ultrachrome inks are now found on the 12” wide Epson 2200, the new 17” wide Epson 4000, the 24” wide 7600 and the 44” wide 960. Durabrite inks were pigment based, had a higher fade-resistance than previous Epson inks and did not exhibit metamerism. These were the precursors to the now famous Epson Ultrachrome inks. This migration is based on how well these new features are received by the public and on how well they work in real world printing.Ī few years ago I purchased and tested the then-new Epson C80.
Some of these new features are later implemented on their larger printers. This printer, which is now just becoming available in stores, features a number of new technological breakthroughs in regard to print quality.Įpson regularly introduces new, cutting edge printing features on their desktop printers. Had one minor hiccup with the instructions, but InkxPro had that resolved in short order (Great Customer Service).In February 2004 Epson introduced a new desktop printer: the Epson R800. He had the the Epson 1800 system installed in under ten minutes and has done nothing but rave about how fantastic it is. Having bought the CISS for my Canon Pro9000, I thought I would share my great experience with my brother for Christmas.
They're my "go to" source for all things inkjet! The ink systems are fairly easy to install, but if you need help, they have very responsive customer service.before and after you purchase. It isn't often you come across a company that gives you good value, quality and support. Gerald Giguere from Florence, MA United States 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful: