Epson R800 ... still good after all these years?

[Rupert49]

Launched in October 2003 the Epson Stylus Photo R800 set new standards in A4 printing, and with the addition of the new 'gloss optimiser' it was able to offer superb archival properties to printed photographs. We know from Epson themselves that they are unlikely to release a new A4 photo printer to replace the R800 (apparently there's less call for that size these days).

I am currently trying to decide which quality photo printer to buy; I cannot afford to run (nor do I have space for) an A3 printer (R1900, R2440, R2880 etc) so the R800 is very much in the frame at the moment. My only reservation is that, for a current average selling price of around £265 (and approximately £95 for a full set of inks), does it still represent the same good value/quality for the money as it did six years ago, or has current technology overtaken it?

Some may say I might consider Canon or HP, but I believe Epson offers the best print archival life curently available ... unless anyone knows different. I envisage mostly printing 7x5" gloss - both colour and B&W - with the occasional larger size if a picture justifies it (I don't currently sell or exhibit my pictures).

I know this is a common topic, but would anyone be prepared to offer an opinion or some advice please, before I finally make my mind up?
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Rupert

[wyenot]

For 7x5, probably loads cheaper to bin the printer and get them done online once you allow for ink, paper, practice prints etc.
I am biased as I have a R800 and having problems getting colours right on A4s.

[Rupert49]

For 7x5, probably loads cheaper to bin the printer and get them done online once you allow for ink, paper, practice prints etc.

Welcome to the AP Forum!

Thanks for your comments .. others have suggested the same thing in the past; there's just something about running off my own prints at home that appeals to me, rather than having to load the selected pics onto a memory stick and traipse down to my friendly local Snappy Snaps.

I wonder if an Epson P50 might be a better consideration for my needs, then I can have any A4 prints done at the lab and do my own 7x5's at home? I just want to be able to produce prints at home that equal or exceed lab-quality!
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Rupert

[Malcolm_Stewart]

...
I wonder if an Epson P50 might be a better consideration for my needs, then I can have any A4 prints done at the lab and do my own 7x5's at home? I just want to be able to produce prints at home that equal or exceed lab-quality!
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Rupert

I think the Epson P50 is the replacement for my R220, and assuming that it's an improvement, I'd be surprised if a lab could better the A4s that you could do at home.

[wyenot]

Know what you mean about printing at home. When I can get the R800 set up properly, the results are fab - to my eye anyway.