November 30, 2009

Seal Laminators





If you are working with a good ink-jet or plotter printer, and you produce high quality images with vibrant colors and definition, you might have already noticed that your prints are not the finished product. Your clients, surely satisfied with your work, return for more prints; but have to travel to another business to get the post-production work done – mounting and lamination. Only once these processes have been worked will the final product be available to the public’s eyes.



Why haven’t you started to offer these services in your own business? You’ve probably heard the phrase, "The frame is worth more than the photo." This sums up the post-production process. Why send your clients elsewhere, when you could provide these services and increase clientele and profits.

Seal 44 Ultra PlusWith the versatility of these Seal Laminators, their ease of use and adaptability to material sensitivity, you’ll see how easy it is to increase revenue from clients you already have, and provide extra services in a steady, supportive field.

What services could you offer with a laminator, you ask?

Basically, there are three:

Face Lamination: The process of applying a sealing, permanent film over the print. Utilizing several different options to bring out true colors and desired finish (matte, glossy, etc.) Lamination is also used to protect the prints, and extend their durability.

Mounting: The process of fixing a print onto a rigid material using an adhesive film. The laminator activates the adhesive with either pressure or heat, and fixes the image on without faults or air bubbles. There are various techniques of mounting, be it wood, metal, cardboard, or even a transparent laminate known as Face Mounting. Some of these types of mounting can cost multiple times the amount of the print itself, and the laminating machine is essential for this application.

Seal 62 BaseEncapsulation: By applying the laminating film over a print, using a heat-conducting laminator, you can seal the complete image leaving a small border around the print. By using this process, you can manipulate the print much easier, without worrying about losing image quality or damaging the print. This use is ideal for use in education, restaurants and hospitality, conferences and meetings, and many others where the same print can be reused many times.

These are some points to consider when choosing a laminator:

Maximum Width of the Laminator: The laminators always come a little wider than the normal printing sizes. Typically, they are in the ranges of 24", 43", 61" and 80". The Seal laminators, for example, come in 44" and 62".

Seal 62 Ultra PlusWhat you want to produce: Posters, presentation panels, frames, light boxes, etc. Each application utilizes a specific material, each for the item’s sensitivities of heat or pressure. By choosing the Seal 62 Ultra C Plus, your prints will be laminating using a Cold process that may be suitable for more jobs. The Seal 62 Base also comes with Heat Assist for high volume production.

For use with materials sensitive to heat, we also have the Seal 44 Ultra Plus (44") and the Seal 62 Ultra plus (61").

The acquisition of a lamination machine will convert your business from a basic printing processor to having the capabilities to offer a finished product, not losing out on possible revenue from the same client; and bringing in new clients that wish to have this post-production work, and in turn choose your business for their printing needs as well.

For more information on the Seal Laminators or the lamination process, feel free to contact me at anytime.
This is has been Carlos from Image Pro, and it’s been a pleasure.

FujiFilm Photo Printers


Hi guys! Adriana here, bringing you info on Fujifilm’s current lineup of mobile and versatile printers.

I enjoy writing these newsletters because I get to share this time with you readers, each with your own stories and opportunities, and I hope to provide you with useful information that could help you learn about products that could possibly make your work in the media industry a little easier.

Fine Pix IP-10 Digital Photo ID System




Fine Pix ID PrinterThe FinePix IP-10 is a Dye-Sublimation thermal printer made by Fuji for ID and Passport Photos. Equipped with Fujifilm’s Image Intelligence technology for automatic facial recognition and color optimization, it provides consistent, quality results every time.

With a resolution of 300x300dpi, this can make vibrant 4x6 prints in approx. 70 seconds. You can select from up to 6 different ID Layouts including US passport, regulation photo ID size, or the full 4x6 Images – and you can also display these images on a TV/Monitor screen to show clients a quick preview, or on its own 2.4in color LCD screen.

Not without mentioning it weighs only 3 pounds, and if you would prefer a standalone system, you can connect a USB cable directly to the printer from the camera; or you also have the option of a computer middleman to further process images. The IP-10’s versatility and image quality is a veritable mobile profit booster for any sized workspace.

ASK 2000 Digital Photo Printer System


ASK 2000 Digital Photo PrinterGeared towards professional event photographers for on-site printing, the ASK 2000 is an updated version of the ASK1500 model with printing times up to 1.5x faster. Easy operation and maintenance, its front loading capabilities let you replace media in no time flat.

The new ASK 2000 can print up to 600 images from one single roll and has the versatility of printing in 5 different sizes; 4x6, 6x4, 5x7, 6x8 and 6x9, all at a stunning resolution of 300x600dpi.

It not only delivers outstanding outputs but it’s also a space conserving machine that delivers lab-quality prints consistently and economically. Being a dye-sublimation printer, these images are ready to handle as soon as they’re printed - its dry-print method allows your business to run more efficiently resulting in an increase in sales. The Ask 2000 is perfect for event photographers; just pick, click, and go!

ASK 4000 Digital Photo Printer System


ASK 4000 Digital Photo PrinterFrom the same vein as the ASK 2000, the ASK 4000 is a compact dye-sublimation printer for professional event photographers that want continuous lab-quality Images at a fraction of the cost.

The Ask 4000 produces 2 different sizes lab work in seconds, 8x10 and 8x12. With only 40 seconds per 8x10, 300x600dpi resolution and the affordability and reliability of a Fujifilm printer; the ASK 4000 gives lab-quality prints from a mobile, desktop-friendly device. In the leisure and wedding photography business, where onsite instant image processing is vital for sales, the ASK 4000 delivers with stunning prints at lightning fast speeds.

By simply connecting the printers to a laptop via USB, professional photographers can use both the ASK 2000 and 4000 in conjunction to provide a variety of print sizes in near-perfect lab-quality, at almost instant print times. Also, they both come with a 1-year parts and labor guarantee provided by Fujifilm, to give you the reliability you need for any job.

Thank you for the opportunity to come to you through this product line. I really appreciate your valuable time and I hope this information was as informative and educational for you as it was for me.

This has been Adriana from ImagePro, and I’ll see you on my next newsletter!

November 10, 2009

Epson Stylus Pro 3880











Carlos OchoaHello again, Carlos here, and I’m very grateful to be once again writing about the exciting, new technologies that Epson has to offer. Today, it’s the new Epson Stylus Pro 3880.



After a few years of helping my clients choose the best printer, and later best media and materials, for their needs – I have almost always been able to compare Epson’s Stylus Pro line as the top choice. Epson has always placed reproduction quality as #1, without worrying if it is on a small or large format printer.





Epson Stylus Pro 3880Surely after the appearance of the new Epson printers, the Stylus Pro 7900 (24") and the 9900 (44"), many thought that a model like the Stylus Pro 3800 would be eliminated from the market. Contrary to this, Epson has surprised us with a new version: the Stylus Pro 3880 K3, and the Stylus Pro 3880 Graphic Arts edition. With its wide color spectrum from its 8 UltraChrome K3 inks, the new 3880 also utilizes the new Vivid Magenta to increase the intensity of blues and violets, further widening the color gamut – characteristics only before seen in the larger models.



That way, with this model, you can experiment with the ultimate in professional printing quality in color, as you would normally in black and white.

UltraChrome K3 inksThe quality of the UltraChrome K3 inks are recognized market-wide for their permanence, quick drying speeds, and minimal metamerism – constants for the Stylus Pro line, and still maintained from the large format to the Stylus Pro 3880, the smallest of the line but with the same features.

Another important addition to this printer is the AccuPhoto HD2, combining complex mathematic architecture and advanced screening technology, the AccuPhoto HD2 technology is designed to ensure exact placement of each drop of ink, resulting in smooth and grain-free prints. The system itself selects the best combination of inks for each color and reduction of metamerism.



The Graphic Arts edition of the Stylus Pro 3880 includes a PANTONE Raster Image Processor from ColorBurst to deliver reliable color accuracy and ensure complete color control. It also has an easy-to-use managing interface that makes overseeing your prints a breeze, with no more manual adjustments. For the most possibilities in color matching and additional proofing needs, the Stylus Pro 3880 Graphic Arts is perfect.



MicroPiezo Printer HeadAs in their other printers, Epson retains the characteristics that make up their amazing printers. Technology like the MicroPiezo printer heads that give stunning image detail. Their extensive gamut of blacks and grays - assisted by automatic changing in between Photo and Matte Black inks, to give you the richest blacks regardless of paper. It’s compact design to accommodate any workplace and do up to A2+ prints; and can utilize a wide variety of award winning media offered by Epson, when used in conjunction with incorporated settings in the printer, can give you excellent image quality alongside versatility and near limitless project flexibility.

For all these reasons, and without forgetting the excellent support services Epson has to offer, the 3880 is a great addition to the Stylus Pro line, and is sure to usher in greater projects for the year to come.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 will be available at the beginning of November, but we are already accepting pre-orders for those who would like to be among the first to receive one. Please contact us so that we can help you if you have any questions.



This has been Carlos Ochoa from Image Pro, thanks for reading!

Sony Photo Event Printers Review




Lahcen BoufedjiHello again, Lahcen here, and today I’ll be sharing some information on the Sony Dye-Sublimation printers. We’ll be taking a look at the SnapLab UPDR80, UPCR10L, UPCR20L and UPDR200 – great for traveling event photographers, event planners, and even stationary revenue generators for retail settings. We’ll also be looking at the UPXC300, Sony’s digital passport and ID photo printing system.



I do a lot of events in Miami, and I have always been on the lookout for a fast and portable printer that I could just put in the trunk of my Accord with the rest of my equipment and go, and I think I found it in the Sony UP-DR80.





Sony UP-DR80It’s half the size and weight of my previous printer, weighing only 25 lbs, making it one of the smallest dye-sublimation printers available today.

It can print from 4x8, up to gorgeous 8x12 prints; all with your choice of ProMatte, Luster, or Glossy print surfaces with the same media. For an example on speed, it knocks out 8x10 prints in 63 seconds; and as opposed to inkjet printers, the prints are ready to be handled as soon as they are finished with no risk of smudging inks – perfect for grab and go situations like malls or parks. It has a superb print quality and my clients are always impressed with the results and the amount of the prints produced in such a short time.



Sony SnapLab UPCR10L The Sony SnapLab UPCR-10L is made primarily for events or retail stores, and it’s today’s highest selling dye-sublimation printer in the world. At only 24 lbs, I love its minimalist design and along with its portability, ease of use, and quality of prints; I believe the UPCR10L will be a great additional revenue-generating tool for event photographers and planners. With the help of a Bluetooth USB Adapter, you can transfer the images wirelessly from your camera to the SnapLab, further cutting down on production time. It used to be the case that guests would have to wait for weeks, even months, for the professional photographer’s photos to be ready to order; and by that time many have lost interest in the purchase. With the advent of these new portable lab-quality printers, the wait time is over.





Sony SnapLab UPCR20LNext, we have the Snap Lab UPCR-20L - the new generation of the kiosk by Sony, with a 10.4 inch LCD screen, it offers small to medium retail environments a sleek, high-speed option for revenue expansion. In terms of speed, a 4x6 takes approx. 8 seconds, while a 5x7 can be printed in 13 seconds; twice as fast as previous models. The UP-CR20L produces gorgeous, rocket fast prints in the 3x5 to 6x8 range, with software selectable Glossy or ProMatte finishes. Just like the UPCR-10L, it takes all ranges of digital media, plus CDs and DVDs. The LCD menu of the SnapLab supports 12 languages, and customers will be attracted to its simple-to-use interface, and astonished by its great looking prints; you can easily profit from another source of income without compromising on space. I’d recommend the UPCR20L for retail stores, event photographers, and shopping malls.





Sony UPDR200 Closing out the line we have the UP-DR200, with exceptional performance from 3x5 to 6x8 sizes, and the ability to print either Glossy or ProMatte finish with the same media. The printer also offers up to 30% more paper capacity than its predecessor, holding 700 4x6’s or 800 5x7’s. Blazing fast prints clocking in at 8sec for 4x6 and 12sec for 5x7 also makes it one of the fastest printers at the moment. The front and auto-loading mechanisms of the system make replacing media a snap; open the front door, insert the roll and ribbon, and you’re done. I strongly recommend this printer for Professionals and Event photographers.







Sony UPX-C300Finally, we have the Sony UPX-C300 – Sony’s answer for strict regulations on ID and Passport photos, and subpar photo systems that develop prints that are constantly rejected. This system comes with an 8 megapixel camera and 400 dpi printer, perfect for high quality prints. Also equipped with Bluetooth wireless functionality, one button press on the camera sends the selected shot to the printer’s queue; I personally love being able to shoot different photos and print seamlessly, without having to walk back and forth between the printer.



The camera also automatically adjusts certain properties in the picture, such as facial and frame position, along with many other new features that help ensure fewer rejections by government agencies. That’s been my take on Sony’s line of SnapLabs, printers and their new Bluetooth Digital Passport System, the UPX-C300.



From my experience with all those printers, I’ve loved its speed, portability, and print quality – as have my clients. I can easily recommend any of them, and would be more than willing to help you in choosing one for yourself or your business’s needs.





This has been Lahcen from Image Pro, and thanks for reading.

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