Basically the Epson R1800 shares the same inks as the
R800.
We found the Epson R800 overall a very nice performer except for:
- Profiles that come with the printer had severe problems in some
areas (please check our R800 review).
- Limitation to Letter sized images
Note: At first we did not find anything wrong with
the R800 profiles as the problems shows only on some sort of images
and our own rarely fall into this category. Try some images with fine
green foliage to check for possible problems. Again, read our R800
review as it features some problem images. With
good custom profiles the prints were much better.
The R1800 features
print sizes up to 13x19 inch and will appeal to more photographers.
Epson also provides more profiles than for
the Epson R800. So far we have the impression that they are improved
and they are also available for more papers.
Installation
The installation was fast and easy on our Windows PC as with most
of our Epson Printers over the last 5 years. We downloaded the latest
drivers and also new profiles from the Epson
site.
First prints
We printed quite a few of our portfolio photos on Epson Enhanced Matte,
Premium Semigloss and Premium Glossy papers.
Epson Premium Semigloss & Semimatte papers
Up until recently we only printed on matte fine art papers. But the
HP
Designjet 30 opened our eyes in how much we lose
gamut printing on matte media. This is just plain physics and not that
much a shortcoming of the printers (although we wish for blacker matte
black, here the pigment inks are challenged right now). On the other
side we never liked the pure Glossy or Luster surfaces.
Recently we discovered the Epson Premium Semimatte paper that
features a very nice satin surface. Unfortunately this paper is only
available in rolls or larger 17x22" sheets. This means that we
would need a larger printer or have to cut down the sheets.
Now we checked out the Epson Premium Semigloss paper that can be only
bought in Letter and 13x19" sheets. This paper is also very nice
and comes close to the Semimatte. We still think that Semimatte has
the nicest surface of all Epson glossy papers. It can be
a good compromise to use Semigloss on the R1800 and
Semimatte
on
larger
printers.
Auto Alignment
The R1800 shares also the "Auto Alignment" feature with the R800.
We find it way more convenient than a manual operation. We expect this
feature in all future Epson printers (also the professional models).
Overall we feel that we are at a good start with the Epson R1800.
We plan to use the R1800 for smaller gallery prints and our portfolio
test prints.
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