UPDATE from original March 31 story: Epson Australia is launching two desktop large format printers, the Surecolor P706 (up to A3+, RRP $1295)) and Surecolor P906 (up to A2+ poster size, RRP $1995) for professional photographers, photo labs and keen home darkroom enthusiasts, with availability from July.
The two new models have a strikingly different look to the current printers in the range, with a sleeker, more rectilinear design. ‘Under the bonnet’ they have several enhancements, including a ‘black enhance overcoat technology’ and ‘Carbon Black’ mode. Epson says Black D-Max has been improved from 2.8 to 2.95. Epson claims a 30 percent size reduction for the new printers.
Black (MK) and Photo Black (PK) inks are now constantly available, making the switch between different photo papers faster. The SureColor P706 can accommodate both roll and cut sheet media, and the SureColor P906 accommodates cut sheet media and an optional fully enclosed roll media adapter supports both 2-inch and 3-inch rolls and roll printing up to 18m long.
Using an updated mobile version of Epson Print Layout software, full support and colour management tools are provided for iPhone and iPad printing.
The touchscreen has grown considerably – from 2.7 to 4.3 inches – and been placed, logically, on the top of the printer.
The printers use the new UltraChrome Pro 10 inkset.
Features include:
– Three different paper paths to accommodate a wide media range;
– Black D-Max value of 2.95;
– 4.3-inch LCD optical touchscreen (can be used with gloves) with customisable GUI
– Epson Media Installer for ease of use;
– Expanded blue colour gamut to reproduce ultra-realistic images;
– Black inks (PK/MK) always available;
– Epson Print Layout software (plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Nikon ViewNX) wirh enhanced functionality and flexibility to make colour-managed printing quick and easy;
– Spindle-less integrated roll unit on SC-P700, optional for SC-P900;
– New auto sheet feeding system (ASF) for hassle-free fine art media feed;
– Smallest footprint and lightest in class;
– Enhanced sealing to protect from dust and dirt.
Based on accelerated testing of prints on specialty media, displayed indoors, under glass, UltraChrome PRO10 ink ‘is expected to create prints that last up to 200 years for colour and 400 years for black-and-white’. The fine print qualifies this: Actual print stability will vary according to media, printed image, display conditions, light intensity, humidity and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee longevity of prints. For maximum print life, display all prints under glass or lamination or properly store them.
– Now if only Epson (and Canon) could do the right thing by some of their best customers by offering lab-quality printers like these with cost-saving refillable ink tanks…It can’t be that hard!
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