I just recently purchased a Canon ProgGRAF PRO-1000. Printing my own work has been an eye opener. I think it really has focused my attention on capturing not just snap shots but something more. Your videos on the different papers and brands have been invaluable. Thank you for all the hard work. If i can make one suggestion to anyone thinking of buying a printer....DO IT. The initial cost of the printer, ink, paper etc will sting but the results make it so worth it. Even if you don't plan on selling its 100% worth it in my eyes.
Totally agree, you can get outstanding results printing photos from even relatively modest entry level printers but.... I get what I consider to be outstanding photo prints from my Epson ET2650 Eco tank printer however much of that is because I already happen to own the i1 Studio that enables me to create custom ICC profiles for this printer. It's also fortunate that Epson allow a good driver that enables users to access colour management ( Canon sadly do not ). Straight out the box I've no doubt many would be perfectly happy with the ET2650's output but if you want to get the best from it then you need to invest more than the printer cost in the first place to do it!. I'm likely in a very small niche of users at that level of printer that goes to the trouble of creating custom ICC profiles for it, but as I say it's only because I have the calibration gear anyway for my Canon Pro 100. The irony is that I generally only use my Pro 100 for A3 and A3+ size prints. I get such good results from my little Epson that almost all my photo prints A4 size and below are done on it. 😋
Great video and tips as always 👍🤓👍 One of my printers is a Canon G620 Mega Tank printer (A relative to the one showed on the left monitor). I got this one mainly for the low cost of ink / prints and also for its 6 colors ink (Advertized as "wide gamut"🤔), thus, price to quality ratio. Luckily, I am using Windows, so I avoided the Mac issue. The photo quality was good, but I was disappointed by the few paper profiles supported by the driver... tried different things, also got good results using other papers, but even if people around me found the prints to be beautiful, I knew they could be better. About a month later, I was lucky enough to see the SpyderX Elite Studio on sale (At nearly half its normal price). That kit includes the Spyder Print tool, which I am now using to create my icc profiles. Using these really improved the quality of my prints. I now get accurate colors, which is especially important since I spend time editing the photos from raw files; I really want the prints to come out looking as close as possible to the edited photo. So, in conclusion, I am still disappointed at Canon for not providing more profiles for that printer's driver (even for their own "pro" papers) even if this is not a Pro printer...But I think it still does a really good job at low cost when using the right icc profiles. I know tools like the Syder Print may often be as or even more expensive than the printer itself but it can be used for every printer - paper combinations you are using, so in the long run, it may worth the price, specially if you can get one at a special price (or even second hand). For those without such a tool, who would still give icc profiles a try with the G620 (serie), look for Red River photo papers. They provide proper icc profile for that printer for their own photo paper but will also provide the equivalence vs other manufacturers. This way, you can find the Red River Paper equivalent to the brand and type you are using, then download their icc profiles for your printer. I may not be as precise as if you are using their papers, but its a way to get better results from the G620 without creating your own icc profiles (That's what I was doing before getting the Spyder Print). For a bit bigger size printer and a little more expensive without being prohibitive, the Epson 8550 got very good reviews (On this very channel and many others) so it may be another "low cost" solution 😊
Hey Keith, hope you're having a great afternoon! How do you manage all those prints afterward? I mean, how do you store them, catalog them, etc.? You seem to know exactly where everything is!
That table I'm at... It's a chart drawer it [and another one] are packed solid with prints. Unfortunately, the majority of test prints I make get re-cycled [if possible] only a few are kept. Any sense of organisation exists only in the videos BTW...
Great video! I'm a regular viewer even though I'm strictly amateur with a good-enough (G620) printer. Glad that you're not going to come down to the lowest common denominator.
If you want print photographs as a beginner get a photo printer, the consumer grade but still one for printing photos. I get the budget thing. But watching your content it is clear you need experience to get them cheaper printers to perform for photo printing. Experience you as printer beginner dont have. You got enough on your learning plate as it is if not to deal with in addition to learn how to make a office printer do the thing :)
Hi Keith, really good video. Have a question not about the video, but about one of your test print images. I believe you showed a print of 'all the colours a printer can print'. I have your various colour test images and of course the Black and White test image, but which file is the image file showing all the colours, similar to an icc print, and where do I find it ?? Thanks ahead of time.
Thanks - it's on the download and info page for all my test images: www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/ It is a profiling target with just under 3000 patches, so not quite 'all' There are other images their like Grainger rainbow, which is guaranteed to show issues ;-)
Very fun talk. Always good information. ...and I love the free version. Thank you! I had a simple question about ICC profiles and day-to-day photo paper...I use an epson xp-15000 with hp premium plus photo paper. I don't change the profile from the epson photo glossy because I assume the 'lower end' photo paper is approximately the same - foolish conclusion? Also, is this a ok standard paper to use or is there something you'd recommend in the same budget range? Thanks again!
Thanks! It's quite reasonable but will likely need a bit of experimenting - trying 'similar' paper's profiles and slightly different media settings may help [semi-gloss and lustre for example]
@@KeithCooper Thanks! Perhaps I would be more finicky if I could rely on my monitor for color accuracy. I draw digitally so I don't have a true reference point and since reflective vs projected is so different, I just shrug and go by the printout as a reference. Can you recommend a calibrated monitor that wouldn't break the buget. If so, then I think I would need more than 27" to get the full visual for my purposes... If not, may I ask where you got your information for acquiring suitable monitors?
@@verdedoodleduck I don't really have enough experience of different brands to make recommendations. Most of my info comes from talking to suppliers and following a few forums. For work destined for print, I'd prefer a wider gamut monitor, but I've only tested the BenQ ones - excellent, but still a sample of one brand!
I'm not a professional nor a home heavy user, of inkjet printers, but I cannot believe there is someone out there asking you testing cheaper printers; as if a Formula 1 driver were asked to test a 4-year-old's pedal car. Total nonsense to me, but all right, it costs nothing to ask ;-)
@@KeithCooper In my opinion, the most cheaper inkjet printer is the one that someone else has already bought. So, people looking at cheaper printers should find a friend with a ink printer; the friend will be proud to show his abilities while the photographer saves money; both happier at the end by drinking some beer. Or find a service and get a good or decent job done. Moreover Ink printers tend to clog. I decided to buy a inkjet printer only because i needed it; otherwise, my B&W laser is all I need. Thanks Keith for sharing your valuable knowledge
In terms of printing quality (whtever it means) cheaper CMYK models are too similar to each other, to make detailed reviews. Get one that doesn't push you into "4x8ml inks cost more than new printer with 4x3ml" trap. Then carefully read what mr Cooper has posted on his site and yt, about printing with basic CMYK model (some smallest Ecotank). This applies also to your cheap printer. Just got a second one, A4 CMYK marketed as "home office photo", to not use my bigger pigment printer on A4 or A6 glossy cheap color prints. And "surprisingly" the same cheaper photo papers don't work properly on both printers.
Hi, thank you for you videos, i have a question, for you best printer under 1000€ for fineart print ( larger format as possible ? ) i like the epson p700/900
No idea I'm afraid - I don't sell printers, so I don't ever track prices in the UK, yet alone overseas ;-) Nothing wrong with the P900 - I'd not personally get the roll adapter for it though.
2:18 - Kudos for HP maintaining the charade that their 7ml ink cartridges are truly a bigillion.99 per color! They are just not able to provide them endlessly for free. It's technically impossibru...
I love your direct no BS attitude and at the end of the day, you have a job and a living to make
Thanks ;-)
I just recently purchased a Canon ProgGRAF PRO-1000. Printing my own work has been an eye opener. I think it really has focused my attention on capturing not just snap shots but something more. Your videos on the different papers and brands have been invaluable. Thank you for all the hard work. If i can make one suggestion to anyone thinking of buying a printer....DO IT. The initial cost of the printer, ink, paper etc will sting but the results make it so worth it. Even if you don't plan on selling its 100% worth it in my eyes.
Thanks - really glad to have helped!
I found your channel while researching my Epson 8550 purchase. I find your "free" content very valuable. I have never missed a video since then.
Thanks!
Totally agree, you can get outstanding results printing photos from even relatively modest entry level printers but....
I get what I consider to be outstanding photo prints from my Epson ET2650 Eco tank printer however much of that is because I already happen to own the i1 Studio that enables me to create custom ICC profiles for this printer. It's also fortunate that Epson allow a good driver that enables users to access colour management ( Canon sadly do not ).
Straight out the box I've no doubt many would be perfectly happy with the ET2650's output but if you want to get the best from it then you need to invest more than the printer cost in the first place to do it!.
I'm likely in a very small niche of users at that level of printer that goes to the trouble of creating custom ICC profiles for it, but as I say it's only because I have the calibration gear anyway for my Canon Pro 100.
The irony is that I generally only use my Pro 100 for A3 and A3+ size prints. I get such good results from my little Epson that almost all my photo prints A4 size and below are done on it. 😋
Yes - most printers can do well, if given the right support...
Very fair stuff........Thanks.
Thanks
Brilliant . Just what I was looking for the quality of prints not speed , don't care bout fax just quality of printer .
Thanks!
Great video and tips as always 👍🤓👍 One of my printers is a Canon G620 Mega Tank printer (A relative to the one showed on the left monitor). I got this one mainly for the low cost of ink / prints and also for its 6 colors ink (Advertized as "wide gamut"🤔), thus, price to quality ratio. Luckily, I am using Windows, so I avoided the Mac issue. The photo quality was good, but I was disappointed by the few paper profiles supported by the driver... tried different things, also got good results using other papers, but even if people around me found the prints to be beautiful, I knew they could be better. About a month later, I was lucky enough to see the SpyderX Elite Studio on sale (At nearly half its normal price). That kit includes the Spyder Print tool, which I am now using to create my icc profiles. Using these really improved the quality of my prints. I now get accurate colors, which is especially important since I spend time editing the photos from raw files; I really want the prints to come out looking as close as possible to the edited photo. So, in conclusion, I am still disappointed at Canon for not providing more profiles for that printer's driver (even for their own "pro" papers) even if this is not a Pro printer...But I think it still does a really good job at low cost when using the right icc profiles. I know tools like the Syder Print may often be as or even more expensive than the printer itself but it can be used for every printer - paper combinations you are using, so in the long run, it may worth the price, specially if you can get one at a special price (or even second hand). For those without such a tool, who would still give icc profiles a try with the G620 (serie), look for Red River photo papers. They provide proper icc profile for that printer for their own photo paper but will also provide the equivalence vs other manufacturers. This way, you can find the Red River Paper equivalent to the brand and type you are using, then download their icc profiles for your printer. I may not be as precise as if you are using their papers, but its a way to get better results from the G620 without creating your own icc profiles (That's what I was doing before getting the Spyder Print). For a bit bigger size printer and a little more expensive without being prohibitive, the Epson 8550 got very good reviews (On this very channel and many others) so it may be another "low cost" solution 😊
Thanks - glad it was of interest
Thanks for the notes too. I do keep asking Canon about this ;-)
Yes, me too. I have the G620 and Red River is a great resource.
Hey Keith, hope you're having a great afternoon! How do you manage all those prints afterward? I mean, how do you store them, catalog them, etc.? You seem to know exactly where everything is!
That table I'm at... It's a chart drawer it [and another one] are packed solid with prints.
Unfortunately, the majority of test prints I make get re-cycled [if possible] only a few are kept.
Any sense of organisation exists only in the videos BTW...
Great video! I'm a regular viewer even though I'm strictly amateur with a good-enough (G620) printer. Glad that you're not going to come down to the lowest common denominator.
Thanks!
If you want print photographs as a beginner get a photo printer, the consumer grade but still one for printing photos. I get the budget thing. But watching your content it is clear you need experience to get them cheaper printers to perform for photo printing. Experience you as printer beginner dont have. You got enough on your learning plate as it is if not to deal with in addition to learn how to make a office printer do the thing :)
Yes - I'd agree there
Hi Keith, really good video. Have a question not about the video, but about one of your test print images. I believe you showed a print of 'all the colours a printer can print'. I have your various colour test images and of course the Black and White test image, but which file is the image file showing all the colours, similar to an icc print, and where do I find it ?? Thanks ahead of time.
Thanks - it's on the download and info page for all my test images:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/
It is a profiling target with just under 3000 patches, so not quite 'all'
There are other images their like Grainger rainbow, which is guaranteed to show issues ;-)
Keith says it as it is, no BS. Well, one caveat the term 'Consumer level' We are all consumer level whether pros or not.
Thanks.
At least I didn't include 'prosumer' in my marketing led descriptions ;-)
Very fun talk. Always good information. ...and I love the free version. Thank you!
I had a simple question about ICC profiles and day-to-day photo paper...I use an epson xp-15000 with hp premium plus photo paper. I don't change the profile from the epson photo glossy because I assume the 'lower end' photo paper is approximately the same - foolish conclusion? Also, is this a ok standard paper to use or is there something you'd recommend in the same budget range? Thanks again!
Thanks!
It's quite reasonable but will likely need a bit of experimenting - trying 'similar' paper's profiles and slightly different media settings may help [semi-gloss and lustre for example]
@@KeithCooper Thanks! Perhaps I would be more finicky if I could rely on my monitor for color accuracy. I draw digitally so I don't have a true reference point and since reflective vs projected is so different, I just shrug and go by the printout as a reference. Can you recommend a calibrated monitor that wouldn't break the buget. If so, then I think I would need more than 27" to get the full visual for my purposes... If not, may I ask where you got your information for acquiring suitable monitors?
@@verdedoodleduck I don't really have enough experience of different brands to make recommendations.
Most of my info comes from talking to suppliers and following a few forums.
For work destined for print, I'd prefer a wider gamut monitor, but I've only tested the BenQ ones - excellent, but still a sample of one brand!
I'm not a professional nor a home heavy user, of inkjet printers, but I cannot believe there is someone out there asking you testing cheaper printers; as if a Formula 1 driver were asked to test a 4-year-old's pedal car. Total nonsense to me, but all right, it costs nothing to ask ;-)
Thanks ;-)
I do ask for questions though, and have discovered useful things about printing from trying to get some 'lesser' printers to work...
@@KeithCooper In my opinion, the most cheaper inkjet printer is the one that someone else has already bought.
So, people looking at cheaper printers should find a friend with a ink printer; the friend will be proud to show his abilities while the photographer saves money; both happier at the end by drinking some beer.
Or find a service and get a good or decent job done.
Moreover Ink printers tend to clog.
I decided to buy a inkjet printer only because i needed it; otherwise, my B&W laser is all I need.
Thanks Keith for sharing your valuable knowledge
In terms of printing quality (whtever it means) cheaper CMYK models are too similar to each other, to make detailed reviews. Get one that doesn't push you into "4x8ml inks cost more than new printer with 4x3ml" trap. Then carefully read what mr Cooper has posted on his site and yt, about printing with basic CMYK model (some smallest Ecotank). This applies also to your cheap printer. Just got a second one, A4 CMYK marketed as "home office photo", to not use my bigger pigment printer on A4 or A6 glossy cheap color prints. And "surprisingly" the same cheaper photo papers don't work properly on both printers.
Yes - the variations in papers are not to be overlooked...
Hi, thank you for you videos, i have a question, for you best printer under 1000€ for fineart print ( larger format as possible ? ) i like the epson p700/900
No idea I'm afraid - I don't sell printers, so I don't ever track prices in the UK, yet alone overseas ;-)
Nothing wrong with the P900 - I'd not personally get the roll adapter for it though.
2:18 - Kudos for HP maintaining the charade that their 7ml ink cartridges are truly a bigillion.99 per color! They are just not able to provide them endlessly for free. It's technically impossibru...
I only asked for a bit more ink...
I hardly can watch you waving around your arm next to a full cup of tea which stands next to your Mac Studio…
It's a trick of the angle of view - no danger whatsoever ;-)
It's called "expert-teas" for "expert moves" which can only be mastered and safely executed by precise, experienced tea drinkers 😉
This one was coffee, but the same principles apply ;-)