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Output Comparison of 13" Wide Epson Printers

Compare other features of the above printers, i.e.:
Comparing "Black" Ink Only Output
This test shows each printer's "bare-bones" resolution and reveals some subtle differences. The following vector graphic was supplied by Aridi Computer Graphics. It was rasterize to a 480 x 480 pixel grayscale image. This symmetrical image was then divided into four different densities, and printed as a 1" x 1" image (an input of 480 pixels/inch) onto Epson Photo Paper, using only the black ink and each printer's highest quality setting @ 1440 x 720 dpi resolution.
ColorGrey ImageGrey Quarters
full-size image

The output was then scanned with a Umax Powerlook 3000 @ 3048 pixels/inch. The scans were then reduced to about 10.5 inches @ 72 dpi for Web viewing. Each scan was then given the same unsharp mask setting. The four density quadrants were then placed together by printer type and presented here to show how the Epson places the dots for each density:


Our Conclusion: We think the 2000P had the finest and smoothest diffusion dither pattern (despite its larger, 7 picoliter droplet size) due to its tighter placement, with the 1160 running second, the 1270 third, and the 1200 fourth. The 2000P also had the most neutral black ink (see the "dark densities" comparison).


Comparing Full Color Output
The same grayscale image was printed again, only this time with all colors (4 or 6 colors, depending on the printer).


Finally, we printed a color image that was provided to us by Dan Smith:
Dan's Loon Image
A cropped portion of the image was printed at the highest quality setting for each printer. All prints were made on Epson's Photo Paper (S041141), with the exception of the 2000P, which was printed on Epson's Premium Semigloss. The resulting prints were then scanned using the Umax Powerlook 3000 (with an optical resolution of 3048 dpi), then output to the following maginifcations:
Our Conclusion: We think the 1270 had the finest and smoothest printing pattern overall, the 1200 a close second, the 2000P third, and the 1160 fourth due to its lack of two extra "photo" ink colors to dither and blend with (although this was not as apparent in the 8X magnification, or to the casual "naked eye"). (If you think the 1160 looks a little "course" - try comparing its dot pattern to the 3000/1520/800 series of printers, and you'll appreciate the 1160 advancements in variable droplet technology and in its 4 picoliter vs. 20 picoliter droplet size!) You'll notice that the 1270 only exceeds the smoothness of the 1200 in the lightest areas, where its 4 picoliter droplet shines over the 1200's 6-picoliter. The 2000P was every bit as smooth (if not smoother, due to its tighter pattern) in the lighter tones as the the 1270, but dot-clumping begins to occur in the darker areas (look near the bird's eye @17X), making the "shadow" areas a little coarser to the naked eye (although this is only noticeable upon close examination - the "layman" or client would probably never notice). The 2000P's color appears to be different than the other three prints in these comparisons, and this is due mainly to an effect called, metamerism.

Compare Output of Older Epson Printers
(3000, 1520, 850, 800, 600, 900, 700, Photo EX, 750, 1200)


Custom Test Prints

They say that "a picture is worth a thousand words". If our online tests still haven't answered your questions, then maybe an actual print made from the printer of your choice will be the solution to your performance questions! Click here to learn more about this service.

 
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All longevity estimates should be treated as such, Inkjet Art Solutions is not liable for pre-mature fading of prints or damage to printers through use of our products. Be sure to properly research your purchase and follow the directions given. If you need help, please contact us.
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