BetterPhoto Q&A
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BetterPhoto Member		printing digital pictures I get excellent pictures on my screen but when I print them the color is good but the pictures are are dull and fogged. What am I doing wrong? To love this question, log in above March 23, 2006

Bob Chance		What kind of printer are you using Robert? Not all printers are created equal and not all inkjets were made specifically to print color photographs. There are inkjets on the market that are geared more specifically at printing photographs and with a good printer and the right paper, you can achieve near lab quality prints at home. I personally use Epson printers and paper. However, a printer like the C84 or any of the multi-function printers will not give you the same results as one of the photo printers. I have an R200 and the R1800 wide format photo printers. Both do excellent jobs and give me outstanding results. Prints that are rich and full of color, bright and glossy. Photos printed on a (standard) inkjet will come out dull and flat looking. Lacking in saturation and gloss. The secret is in the ink itself. Standard inkjets use ink while the photo printers use a dye. Big difference. Even the paper you use can give you incredibly different results. Bob To love this comment, log in above March 23, 2006

Jim Macino		You might also check your manual to ensure your printer is set up correctly. Paper TYPE, and resolution, settings as well Bob mentioned ink quality can drive you up the wall. Scott Kelby book of "Photoshop CS2 for Digital Photographers" has a chapter about this. It's a worthwhile book if you are using Photoshop or not. Jim PS I bought some "cut rate" ink for the R1800 and was glad that it didn't ruin the printer, just awful. To love this comment, log in above March 24, 2006

Bob Chance		Yeah Jim: That has always been my fear and which is why I always purchase genuine Epson ink cartridges. Anytime a manufacturer recommends using only their brand name consumables for thier products, you have to wonder if it's just a means to keep you buying their product so they can make more money off of you. Sometimes it just isn't worth the chance to find out. Better to spend the extra couple of bucks on the name brand ink than to have to plunk down several hundred for a new printer. I know it isn't always the case with cameras and lenses, but an experience I had over twenty years ago with a Canon A-1 camera and a third party lens has taught me to just stick with the camera manufactureres lenses and that way I won't be taking chances on something that may or may not work right. The lens in particular was a 135mm tele, and the camera wouldn't recognize the lenses rated maximum aperature. Needless to say, I took the lens back and have never bought a third party lens since. Bob To love this comment, log in above March 24, 2006

Mark E. Rank		Robert. There is a software out there too that helps match your colors on your screen to make sure that what your seeing on your screen is really what your picture comes out like.It actually coordinates your printer and your screen.The one we are using is called spyder2pro.But make sure you are using the proper ink and paper firstand that your heads are clean.Hope that helps.,Mark. To love this comment, log in above March 24, 2006

Jim Macino		Bob, I found a real decent place for Epson ink for the R1800. www.itsupplies.com I ran over there (400 miles road round trip) last weekend, and bought a full complement of ink. I also picked up some 'Premium' brand paper that is terrific for about half the price. I printed a couple panoramas on the 13" roll. Super quality!!! I think they do free shipping, but I was going to be in the area, so I stopped in. To love this comment, log in above March 24, 2006

Bob Chance		Hey Jim: Thanks for the info. I'll have to check it out. Really the only place around me to get those supplies would be Staples. Even the closest one to me is almost an hour drive. And the last time I went, they no longer stocked the cartridges for the R800/R1800, I would have to order them anyway. So, if that's the case and I can find it cheaper! I came across something on this site a week or so ago comparing papers and they gave a paper called Portorica(sp?) a pretty good revue. Evidently, it's coated with a fine ceramic so it hardly absorbs any ink at all and the ink drys almost instantly. Plus the Permium glossy has a luminance rating of 97. Epsons' premium glossy is 92 I think. Anyhow, I got on their site and they had a marker to click to find nearby retailers. For me the only thing that came up was Wegmans'. Which oddly enough is a grocery store. But to my dismay, I was at Wegmans last week and checked, but they didn't have any. Oh well! Hey, thanks again, I'll check out there prices and shipping info. Bob To love this comment, log in above March 24, 2006

Paul Tobeck		Kinda sounds like a contrast problem with your monitor (showing higher contrast on screen than what you file actually is). As previously suggested, get yourself a calibration unit first, then you'll be able to troubleshoot any printing issues. A new product out is called "Huey" from Pantone (I believe) It's a simple monitor calibrater that will even self adjust your monitor to changing light conditions in the room. It's about $90 and a good way to start. For more critical work, you could go with the Spyder2 or the EyeOne. Both are highly rated. Also, if you are using any third party papers, make sure you use an actual "profile" designed for your printer, not just reccomended settings. If the paper manufacturer doesn't provide profiles, I'd stay away from them. To love this comment, log in above March 25, 2006

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