Full review of Epson 2000P archival inkjet printer posted!
By
Dave Etchells
(Friday, January 25, 2002 - 11:43 EST)
The first true "archival inkjet" goes under the Imaging Resource microscope...
Phew! This was one of those printer reviews that just seemed to stretch on and on. I wanted to be sure to cover everything though, and there was a lot that needed exploring.
More than virtually any other inkjet printer in the last several years, the Epson Stylus Photo 2000P has rearranged the face of photo printing. This is because it's the first inkjet printer to offer true archival print life (rated 200 years plus on Epson's Archival Matte paper), and at an affordable price no less.
While a good bit more expensive than consumer-level inkjets, the archival quality of the 2000P means professionals (or serious amateurs) can finally print their photos themselves, even for commercial sale. No worries about the print fading if someone leaves it near a bright window for a few months!
I spent quite a bit of time with the 2000P, and found that it was a powerful photographic tool, but also one that demanded more attention than simple consumer models. Careful attention to color handling is well-rewarded, but best results with it really do seem to require some personal tweaking. I also address the much-ballyhooed "metamerism" issue with the printer, with a couple of samples showing what it's all about, and some personal observations of what I think it's impact is.
The bottom line? - I rarely reveal such personal details, but the 2000P is the printer that now graces the table next to my desk: I've happily accepted the time investment the printer seems to demand for the assurance that all our family photo albums will still be bright and unfaded when my grandchildren look at them many years hence. Check it out!
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