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kovachjon · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 09:02 AM

I am debating a new printer purchase.
I currently own two HP 5500's and one 3000. I am ready to take another step ahead in printing technology.
I have seen the Z6100 in action, and I will see the iPF 9000 tomorrow. I am sure I will be equally impressed by the Canon as I was the HP.

I am hoping someone on here has had experience with one or the other printer? The only difference I can see is the 12 vs. 8 colors. The gamut on 12 colors seems to be slightly bigger, maybe by 5%... based on what I've read.

Any opinions?

I also read a review by Spencer Labs. Does anyone know if they are biased one way or the other to a particular brand? I know they claim to be unbiased, but are they really?

Thanks!
Jon

Nicolas · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 03:46 AM

What are your requirements? For what paricular kind of application would you like to use the printer?

kovachjon · #3 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 06:38 AM

Both printers meet my requirements - high resolution, 60" wide format printer. Aqueous.
I print to a custom made/custom coated paper. It is basically a coated bond paper. That is just about the only application I have. I sometimes print to vinyl, but not enough to base my decision on. I have two 5500's here already.

Nicolas · #4 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 07:06 AM

IMHO you might have less overinking issues with the HP, but this really depends on the media you are going to use

Additional benefit of th HP might be the build in spectro.

kovachjon · #5 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 07:09 AM

I am honestly leaning towards the HP - though I am having trouble with that decision. My competition uses a 12 color printer, and I'd hate to go from saying we only use 6 colors, to we still only use 8. I know, and you know, that 8 to 12 is very little difference.... but my customers don't know that.

Another option is to trail away from aqueous.... though I don't think there are any 12 color UV cure printers.

As far as the built in spectro - it won't really affect me, as I have an X-Rite spectro on my table, and we linearize daily.

Nicolas · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 07:21 AM

It is really depending on the jobs you're printing if the RGB inks are really required.
You can print a test chart on both printers on your media and compare the color spaces i.e. with xrite profilemaker (formerly gretag macbeth profile maker) or any other color space 2D / 3D Viewer. Think about to show the color space figures to the client, when it comes to the discussion of "my gamut is much bigger than yours". Education of clients might cause less issues