Best desktop photo printer for photographers

[haring]

Can you recommend a printer to me which prints CDs, prints high quality prints for clients and ink doesn't cost a fortune...

Basically, which printer is the best for photographers?

I use my local photo printing lab for prints. However I want to print 5-10 high quality prints at home for those clients who only want to have the digital pictures on DVDs. It takes forever to get around in Miami. Traffic is horrible!

I have done my research and I came to the conclusion that these Canon printers are the best: Canon Pixma PRO9500, Canon Pixma PRO9000.

Question: Do you have any experience with these printers?
Do you have any other printer to recommend?

 

[table1349]

This is where I would start looking: Welcome to Epson Professional Imaging - Epson America, Inc.

I have the 2880. Produces the same quality prints as these but is more designed for the home user that does not print a lot. The ink cartridges are much smaller than in this line of printers. The 3880 or 4880 would probably fit your needs. I haven't seen the new 4900 yet.

 

[ecr111]

I bought a Canon Pixma Pro9000 a couple of months ago.
I have never owned a good photo printer before so I don't know better or worse but I love this printer.

I love being able to print a quick 8 x 10 to show the family and friends.
I think the quality rivals that of the common retailers.
I have too many requests now that people have seen my images printed.

I don't think I'm saving any money but I used to tag photos for large prints that were seldom/never ordered.

Instant (almost) gratification has a lot going for it.

 

[Vinny]

My son has an Epson and I have HP - they both seem to work OK. A little known fact is home printing can cost a lot by the time you get the ink and photo paper. It may be OK for the occassional print but you'll eat up ink rather quickly if you print a lot. I have been looking at the on line people such as Kodak or Mpix to see if I should get photos printed there.

 

[Green Li]

My son has an Epson and I have HP - they both seem to work OK. A little known fact is home printing can cost a lot by the time you get the ink and photo paper. It may be OK for the occassional print but you'll eat up ink rather quickly if you print a lot. I have been looking at the on line people such as Kodak or Mpix to see if I should get photos printed there.

I used to have a Continuous Ink System to save on the ink. Very significant cost cut!