Epson Stylus Photo 785EPX

	*	Improved lightfastness, up to 25 years for framed prints on Epson Heavyweight Matte Paper.
	*	Incorporates Epson's new PRINT Image Matching to automatically color correct prints.
	*	BorderFree photo printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches.
	*	True 6-color photo printer with near-invisible 4 picoliter droplets.

EZ Print Page
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Manufacturer Overview

Epson America Inc. has been at the forefront of inkjet printer technology for many years. Best known for its MicroPiezo technology, which played a big role in the launch of photo-quality inkjet printing, Epson has introduced many more innovations in its race to be the number one printer manufacturer. Earlier this year (2001), Epson introduced three Stylus Photo printers: the Photo 780, 890, and 1280 inkjet printers. Ranging in price from $199 to $499, these were targeted at three distinct markets, from amateur to prosumer, at very competitive prices.

Specifically designed for the growing legions of amateur and prosumer digital photographers, the Epson 785EPX features the same print engine as its hugely popular 780 model, but with the added capability for standalone operation. A built-in PC card slot enables you to take a memory card from your camera, insert it into the 785EPX, and automatically print any digital image file that's been pre-selected using the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) option (supported by most popular digicams). Even if your camera doesn't have DPOF capabilities, you can use the printer's built-in control panel to select size, layout, and print images from the card. (An optional LCD monitor plugs into the top of the printer, enabling you to quickly preview images on-screen, or you can output an index print to review the card's contents and make your selections from the index.)

This is Epson's first printer to incorporate the company's revolutionary new PRINT Image Matching technology, announced last February, at the PMA 2001 conference in Orlando. PRINT Image Matching starts with the camera, where ideal print information is stored in the image data file, and read by the printer, reportedly to create optimum print quality for compatible digital cameras and the files they produce. Our take? PRINT Image Matching worked very well in our tests with the Epson 3100Z digital camera, with particularly noticeable improvements in skin tones and certain bright blues and greens. Given that many other digicam makers have chosen to support the PRINT Image Matching technology, it's a feature any avid photo enthusiast should seek out in a photo printer.

High Points

• On-demand inkjet color printer
• Maximum 2,880 dpi x 720 dpi resolution.
• True borderless printing (4x6-, 5x7-, 8x10-, 8.5x11-inch paper sizes)
• Six-color inks: Black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta.
• Two ink cartridges, Black and Color, 48-nozzles per color.
• 4-picoliter droplets and variable droplet size for ultra-smooth highlight detail and gradients.
• Supports Epson PRINT Image Matching technology for significantly improved prints from compatible digicams.
• Roll-paper adapter provided for continuous banner and panoramic photo printing (26-foot roll paper available for continuous, 4x6-inch snapshot printing).
• 32KB print buffer.
• PC card interface for standalone printing from digicam memory cards.
• Supports DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) for automated printing of preformatted images.
• LCD status display panel.
• Optional LCD display screen for previewing images on memory cards.
• USB interface for high-speed connection to a computer.
• Printer drivers compatible with Windows and Macintosh platforms.
• Generous software bundle included.
• Fast "draft" mode for low-quality text printing.
• Excellent text quality in photo mode, albeit with longer print times.

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