« June 2011 | Main | August 2011 »
Answer: Peter K. Burian, a top BetterPhoto instructor who frequently reviews equipment for photo magazines, offers his expert thoughts:
The Epson Artisan printers are highly desirable in many aspects, but they were not intended for high-quality black & white photo printing. In fact, I am not aware of any letter-size machine that really excels in this area. Typically, it's photo enthusiasts who want to make superb monochrome prints, and usually in larger sizes, such as 13x19 inches. Hence, the manufacturers tend to optimize their larger printers, like the Epson Stylus R2880 ($600 average retail price) and the new R3000 ($800), for this purpose. Both can make gallery-quality monochrome prints that are absolutely stunning.
Since HP discontinued their line of 13x19" format photo printers, the Epson Stylus Photo R1900 (above) has been the most affordable machine which can make very nice monochrome prints. Unlike the pro-grade Epson printers, this one employs only a single black ink but the monochrome prints are better than I had expected when testing the R1900.
Epson markets a couple of more affordable 13x19" format machines too. The Stylus Photo R1900 uses only one black ink but makes surprisingly decent black & white prints. The R1900 has been discontinued but some dealers still have stock. (Shop around using a Google search and you can find one for about $300.) There's a brand-new model too, the Stylus Photo R2000 ($400), but I have not had an opportunity to test that machine. You may be able to find some Stylus R2000 reviews in the next couple of months using a Google.ca search.
http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=69365&iPage=1&mp=V1
Readers who want a pro-calibre 13x19" photo printer that can make stunning color or black & white prints should check out the R2800 or the new Epson R3000 (above). Both employ three black inks and can generate gallery quality monochrome prints when used in the Advanced Black-and-White Photo Mode.
There are two other options, both from Canon. The Pixma Pro9000 Mark II ($415) is somewhat slow in monochrome printing because it uses only one black ink. Still, the results are highly acceptable, though not as rich as the monochrome prints from the Pro9500 Mk II. The latter is more pricey of course ($725) but makes gallery quality prints that are also archival.
NOTE: Peter Burian teaches two excellent online photography workshops - Mastering the Digital Camera and Photography and Mastering the Canon EOS Digital Rebels - at BetterPhoto's online digital photography school. Also see Peter's Pro BetterPholio website: www.peterkburian.com.
BetterPhoto instructor Peter K. Burian, who regularly reviews and writes about equipment for photography magazines, provides an expert answer:
"This is a common camera feature these days. In fact, all current DSLR cameras and some compact digicams include a menu item that allows for selecting Adobe RGB color space.
"Still, sRGB remains the default setting because this color space is 'universal': ideal for computer monitors, web browsers and so on. Most print-making services (including on-line photofinishers) have standardized on sRGB because that is the color space that 95 percent of their customers use. Such images are also fine - if not ideal - for making inkjet photo prints."
For the best possible inkjet prints, you'll definitely want to use the Adobe RGB color space option in the camera and in your software. (c) Peter K. Burian
"The Adobe RGB option was designed to encompass the broader range (or wider gamut) of colors that can be printed using certain printers, including the inkjet machines. (Do note that the full term for this color space is Adobe RGB 1998.) When printing from an image in Adobe RGB, such printers will provide slightly richer cyan-green mid tones, a bit more detail in dark green tones and more pleasing orange-magenta highlights (as in a sunset photo). In truth, the difference is very subtle, not likely to be noticed by the vast majority of people.
"So, as you see, the choice of color space that you select in the camera is not really based on the brand of imaging software that you use. Most programs support both, although some of the inexpensive entry level programs do not; they would automatically convert any Adobe RGB images to sRGB."
Images made in sRGB color space are ideal for display on virtually any computer monitor. Only a few very expensive monitors for graphic arts professionals - such as the NEC PA271W-BK-SV - can display nearly the entire color gamut available in the Adobe RGB 1998 color space. (c) Peter K. Burian
"If you often make inkjet prints, it makes sense to set the camera to the Adobe RGB color space. Later, if you decide to use some of the images on the Internet, you can convert them to sRGB if you prefer the very slightly different look provided by that color space. Also, if ordering prints from a mass production lab, you may be required to make the conversion to sRGB."
Editor's Notes:
-Peter Burian teaches two awesome online digital photography courses at BetterPhoto: Mastering the Digital Camera and Photography and Mastering the Canon EOS Digital Rebels. Also see Peter's Pro BetterPholio website: www.peterkburian.com.
-Get BetterPhotoJim blog posts automatically! Sign up for an RSS feed.
(c) Deborah Sandidge
"I love taking pictures of the night sky," says Deb Sandidge. "This was photographed in my neighborhood on a cool clear night. With my camera, a Nikon D3s, consecutive exposures can be made by using the interval timer shooting option under the shooting menu options. An intervalometer can also be used for other cameras. Rather than make one long exposure, about seventy 30-second exposures were made, and stacked in Photoshop Extended using Image Statistics.
"There are quite a few options for star trails, and a single long exposure can be made too. I used a 14-24mm Nikon lens, f/4, 30 seconds adjusting the ISO to suit the scene. Want to try it? Bring a tripod, flashlight, and a compass to locate north if you wish to compose for circular trails. Once the camera is set up to record consecutive exposures, sit back and relax, and enjoy the night sky! Have fun shooting!"
Notes:
- Need more? Check out Deborah's online photography courses. At BetterPhoto, we have some great ways to get inspired! For example, check out our free Photo of the Day photography newsletter.
- Get BetterPhotoJim blog posts automatically! Sign up for an RSS feed.
Recent Comments