What brand of printer do you own, and are you happy with it?

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What is Dye Sublimation

by ranron Apr 8, 2006 2:37AM PDT

Sorry Dena, but sublimation is the process in which solid is changed directly to gas. Deposition is the process that changes gas directly to solid. Melting is solid to liquid and freezing is liquid to solid.

Now back to the subject. Dye Sublimation is a process of instead of using liquid ink, the ink is solid on a piece of plastic film. When printing, the print head passes on top of the corresponding color and vaporizes the ink. Then the gaseous ink passes onto the glossy paper before it soldifies again. This process is repeated for each of the 4 colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The mixing of any two/three/four will create other colors. Because the printing is layering process (one color on top the other), you will actually be able to "feel" and see contours of the details of the photo on the paper after printing.

Now the reason the printing style is good is because there are no pixels. Its a continuous shade of color much like photos from regular film cameras. Also since there is not real dying process, the print-outs do not fade. The only drawback is that its terribly slow and its expensive to buy the consumables (The ink is packaged with the paper).

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Dye Sublimation

by Kutusov Apr 8, 2006 3:52AM PDT

Ok, I was having trouble finding the replacements for those printers to evaluate the price. That seams like a great process of printing photos but the cost?. I?m no pro photographer and rarely get a ?masterpiece? photo worth printing? Also, there?s the size issue? I shoot photos at 8 MP with my Canon so I will not want an A4 photo print, I?ll want something bigger? What?s the biggest size of paper for those Canons? Oh, just one thing I didn?t fully understand? That works with regular photopaper, right? The ink comes with the paper so that?s why you have to by Canon paper, is that it? Thanks for the info and thanks again Dena for the tip on this printers? I hadn?t heard of them yet?Oh, sorry... another thing. Is canon the only brand using this technology?

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dye sub

by Dena Yuriga Apr 8, 2006 5:45AM PDT

I have found a dye sub printer that prints 8 1/2" X 11 photos, but it is quite costly. I rarely print large photos though, so for now the one I have is sufficient. I really don't think the paper and cartridge are that expensive. Canon says that the prints are only 28 cents each. I haven't found out for myself because the printer came with 108 post card size papers and a cartridge good for 108 photos. I am not sure that this is the same package that you get in the stores, but Canon USA shows all different kinds of supplys for the printer. Here is a link that I found the printer that prints 8 1/2 by 11.
http://www.bizrate.com/marketplace/product_info/overview/index__cat_id--420,keyword--dye%20sublimation%20printers,prod_id--335454269.html

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Thanks!!

by Kutusov Apr 8, 2006 8:05AM PDT

28 cents, uhm? Now I?m really starting to want one? I must check the prices here in Europe. Thanks for all Dena. Stay well!

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cp400

by Dena Yuriga Apr 9, 2006 7:46AM PDT

I bought my CP400 dye sub at a close out for 39.95. Unfortunately, they don't ship out of the US. I bought one for my son in Amsterdam and shipped it myself. Try Ebay. I have seen them advertized on there. You stay well too.

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RE: Dye Sublimation

by ranron Apr 8, 2006 12:46PM PDT

First off, you cannot buy the ink and paper separately, because the paper is made especially for dye sublimation. Second off, the largest size you can expect the printers to print is postcard size (4 x 6 inches) due to the process of the printing (and postcard printouts take approximately a minute and half to print, so imagine letter size or tabloid --> impractical).

Here are some direct answers:
Q: What?s the biggest size of paper for those Canons [or any dye sublimation]?
A: Postcard (4 x 6 inches).
Q: That works with regular photopaper, right?
A: No, you would have difficult time getting the paper to fit in the printer.
Q: The ink comes with the paper so that?s why you have to [buy] Canon paper, is that it?
A: You buy the bundle for your corresponding brand and model.
Q: Is [Canon] the only brand using this technology?
A: No, Sony also makes Dye Sublimation printers. In fact, I have a Sony Dye Sublimation (except I didn't know it was a dye sublimation printer when I bought it) printer myself from 5 years ago. Currently Sony makes the DPP-FP50 (Small, portable, no screen) and UP-CR10L (Big-24lbs, not-so-portable, 8-inch touch screen, faster-1 min for 4 x 6 inches).

So on final note, I would only recommend these printouts for the photos that you don't mind being small and want to last several generations. Instead of this, and since you have a 8-megapixel camera, you should seriously consider the Canon i9900 (if you don't have it already). I have a Canon EOS 20D and the printer prints up to 13 x 19 inches pages and the output is unbelievable. Plus if you do print postcard printout that you want charish for a lifetime, buy the best paper (Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy). Also the ink is 8 individual colors (Red, Green, Yellow, Cyan, Magenta, Light/Photo Magenta, Light/Photo Cyan, Black), so replace colors that run out. Try not to buy the Dye Sublimation printers unless you want to trade slow print speed, expensive consumables, and small printouts for photos that last a long time, I would recommend an inkjet (i9900) that prints faster, cheaper, and still lasts very long.

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Corrections

by ranron Apr 8, 2006 12:54PM PDT

There are printers that print bigger (letter).

Many manufacturer make the printers (Canon, Sony, Olympus, Kodak, Mitsubishi Electric, etc.).

They are faster than before.

The consumables are expensive relative to inkjets/lasers

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Uhm....

by Kutusov Apr 8, 2006 2:43PM PDT

Thanks a lot for the post, very complete information?.
And after all that I?m back were I was? I prefer taking the memory card to a photo store and ask them to print the photos for me? Like I said, I seldom do so. Only if it?s something worth framing and hanging on the wall or to throw as a gift?
I?ve taken a quick look on the canon i9900 and it really seams an impressive machine. But it?s very expensive (about 650

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dye sub

by Dena Yuriga Apr 9, 2006 8:12AM PDT

The ink and paper are not that expensive. 108 postcard sheets and dye cartridges for 108 prints for 29.95 from the Canon USA site. I found the Canon CP 400 (the one that I have) at J & R Electronics on a closeout sale for 39.95 + shipping, including the paper and cartridges. Of course I don't have as good of a camera as you. Mine is only the G5 Powershot (5 mp), so the postcard size is good enough for me. I also like that I can take it with me and print photos immediately right from my camera. I found a kodak that prints on regular size prints on the Kodak site. They are between $400 & $500. I didn't check on the supplys.

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Dye Sub

by Dena Yuriga Apr 8, 2006 5:13AM PDT

Thank you for clearing that up for me. I looked on Canon's web site for a definition, but couldn't find one. I just relied on my dictionary. Thanks again. Now I know how to explain it to others.

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Printers

by shoilee Apr 4, 2006 11:34AM PDT

Actually, I have 3 printers I use, a Brother HL-5040 laser which I use for documents printed in black and white, an HP Office Jet D145 which I use to scan, and copy in black and white and color, as well as use as a fax, and an Oki C5200 I use for color cards and photos...it does a superb job. Actually all 3 printers are great, and do superbly with the jobs sent to them

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HP All-In-One 6210

by NHWebGeek Apr 4, 2006 11:35AM PDT

This is a great multifunction printer for small businesses or home offices. It's great having a color fax, copier, printer and scanner all in a reasonably small footprint. Great bang for your buck!

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Samsung Laser, Epson Stylus Photo R300M

by Reframmellator Apr 4, 2006 11:36AM PDT

For years we've been a two printer home - a monochrome laser for lower cost, higher speed text, and a color inkjet for everything else. With four heavy users averaging 1100 pages per month, it didn't take long to justify the laser. I've helped our two college kiddoes similarly. Our latest lasers are all Samsungs. I've been attracted to their low purchase price, small footprint, bulletproof reliability, speed, and low cost per page. Play it right and you can get a new printer for less than the cost of a replacement toner cartidge - just like inkjets. I have a Samsung ML-1430 at home with 8230 flawless pages on the clock, and both kids have ML-1740 lasers which have worked equally well.

The kids have multifunction inkjets - an HP PSC950 and an Epson CX5400. Both do everything reasonably well, though the Epson seems to be a little more reliable and economical. That surprised me.

I have an Epson Stylus Photo R300M for photos, color, and CD/DVD printing. It works very well, although I understand Epson has since made some needed improvements to the disc tray feeder mechanism. Photos, text, graphics, and discs all print wonderfully at a low cost and with decent speeds for a photo printer.

BTW, I love HP stuff, especially their lasers. I'm writing this on an HP MediaCenter PC. HP printers are like tanks, but I've seldom had a need to pay a premium for them when nearly equivalent reliability and equal quality can be had for less.

All of these printers network easily. Some cheapies, like the KonicaMinolta 1350W, do not.

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hp psc 2410

by njennings Apr 4, 2006 11:42AM PDT

have had this all-in one printer for two years and am very happy with it, no problems.

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What brand of printer do you own & satifaction

by djralphc Apr 4, 2006 11:42AM PDT

I own a DELL all-in-one 922. It does an excellent job, including color and black and white photo scan and print. I really like it because it was free as part of my purchase of a desktop computer.

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Samsung

by tdhandy Apr 4, 2006 11:43AM PDT

Samsung CLP-550N. Built in print server, color, & duplex. Great printer for the $450.00 that I spent for it new.

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Brother printers the best

by jdkearney Apr 4, 2006 11:43AM PDT

Brother for ever. The toner cartridge is separate from the drum. You only replace the toner as needed. My HL-660 ran for 13 years before needing a second drum. Now I have an HL-5250DN. The best yet!

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I have a Brother

by bbriley Apr 4, 2006 11:57AM PDT

MFC-7420, and have had it for about six months. I love it so far - very reliable, the initial toner cartridge (partially full, as it came with the unit) is still in use after much printing.

I have not used the FAX component, but the copy component also gets a lot of use in our household.

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Brother Printer

by wallyc Apr 4, 2006 12:11PM PDT

I have a model HL-5240 and it is great. Fast and sharp text. Had a HL-1240 for about 3 years and needed a newer faster printer.

wallyc

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My printer

by Carol77garr Apr 4, 2006 11:45AM PDT

About 4 years ago, I had to buy a new printer & brought home an Epson, was disgusted with it & took it back the next day. I bought the cheapest HP (only $100) and have had it ever since & it has operated better than a Canon or any other kind I have ever had. The HP people help me when I need help & never ask for $$. So, next time I need a printer, I will buy an HP.

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Epson Stylus Photo 2200

by BobCPhoto Apr 4, 2006 11:45AM PDT

This is the fourth Epson which I have owned in the past 15 or so years and I am competely happy with it. When the photos are tweeked just right and printed on the appropiate paper they are super. The printer is capable of printing up to 13x19 and that is a BIG print. I regularly print up to 11x14 without any trouble. The new Chrome Inks are also great. This is my choice as it has served me well since I first got it about 4 years ago. I have placed several on my walls so my guests can readily see some of my animal and scenic photos plus some of my portraits. I get nothing but great compliments.

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Epson Printers

by Bigsteeler1 Apr 4, 2006 11:47AM PDT

I have the Epson C62 and the Epson Photo 820 connected to my computer, I buy all my Ink from Printpal.com that offers the best prices on Ink with free shipping and 15 percent off discounts. I can purchase 6 color cartridges for what I would for one at an office store. HP printers make you buy that expensive ink and If you print alot like I do that can get expensive.It nice when you can buy Ink for 4 and 5 dollars each instead od 35 and 40. So yes I'm very Happy with my epson printers my C62 is 4 years old and still rolling and the 820 is 2 years old.

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HP Color LaserJet 3800

by Edsel62 Apr 4, 2006 11:49AM PDT

This printer replaced the old HP LaserJet 5MP that I had been using for about the last 10 years. The old HP I had always did an outstanding job. I have had the new printer about three months so far and have been very pleased with it.

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What kind of Printer do I own - 2 HP's

by lthomson01 Apr 4, 2006 11:50AM PDT

I own two HP printers. One is a HP PSC750 and I really like the flat bed scanner and the quality of the print but the replacement cartridges are really expensive if you print a lot like I do. I also own an HP Laserjet 3015 which allows me to fax and the laser helps me keep my printing costs down for my regular every day black and white printing. However, something in the software on the laserjet doesn't interface well with my PC and I think it's because I'm networked to two different HP printers and they won't place nice together. But it's easy just to X the box and they both still work really well.

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HP - 2

by lthomson01 Apr 4, 2006 11:50AM PDT

I own two HP printers. One is a HP PSC750 and I really like the flat bed scanner and the quality of the print but the replacement cartridges are really expensive if you print a lot like I do. I also own an HP Laserjet 3015 which allows me to fax and the laser helps me keep my printing costs down for my regular every day black and white printing. However, something in the software on the laserjet doesn't interface well with my PC and I think it's because I'm networked to two different HP printers and they won't place nice together. But it's easy just to X the box and they both still work really well.

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PSC 750

by bosnia58 Apr 5, 2006 3:45AM PDT

Have you tried compatible cartridges. I have had no problems with mine. Did not like color quality of refill service and returned for credit.

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After eight printers...

by jcallas Apr 4, 2006 11:51AM PDT

Our family has had eight different ink jet printers over the years according to my last count. We have had HP, Epson and Canon. While all have been fairly dependable and done what was necessary, I like may Canon i860 very much. It is dependable, does great photos and is easy to use. In fact, I appreciate it so much I bought my son a Canon Pixma for Christmas.

An added bonus for both of our Canon printers: We can refill the ink tanks at home with relatively cheap ink without any problem.

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What brand of printer

by Mycouch1 Apr 4, 2006 11:52AM PDT

HP psc 950
printer-fax-scanner-copier
Works great for me !!

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HP

by bigdrummer33 Apr 4, 2006 11:54AM PDT

Been using my HP PSC 2355 for about a year and love all it's features. Great.

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Canon printer

by twl845 Apr 4, 2006 11:54AM PDT

My new primary printer is a Canon iP6600D. I had been using a HP970CSE which was configured for a computer with W98. I downloaded the latest driver, which enabled me to use it on my new Dell with WXP. It prints well, but upon upgrading to the Canon printer, I found that the Canon with 6 ink tanks as opposed to the HP with 2 ink tanks, blows the HP out of the water. Mechanically, The Canon,being 4 years newer thinks for itself alot better than the HP and performs more tricks. I love the Canon. The only thing I found out, is the HP ink cartridges are way more available than Canon cartridges. Canon cartridges aren't always available in the model you want. While I'm still using the original ones, I'm scouting the stores to see where I can get new ones when I will need them.

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