Review of the Shinko Professional Printers

Adriana Martinez

Today, I asked one of my clients their opinion on the printer they own, and if they would want to share their experiences. I can tell you that I think the Shinko S2145 is an excellent piece of hardware, but consumer reviews are one of the most important things I look for when purchasing items.

"It is very fast, and easy to reload the paper and film. Colors are very vivid, the clarity is excellent. It makes it very easy when producing a large volume of photos."

"I would like some software that allows photo sets to be printed. In the near future, I'd like to purchase the printer that would allow larger prints/sets to be printed. This would allow a broader clientele."

Shinko CHCS1245

"If I had to say anything for improvement, it would be that a catcher for the photos should be included with the purchase of the photo printer."

A couple months ago, I received an Email from a customer who was looking for a dye-sublimation printer that could print fast, had high resolution, wireless options, and would be able to print matte and glossy without having to change the media. Fortunately, this Shinko covered all of my client's needs and more; and it's very rewarding be able to recommend a printer that will suit these demands.

Why Shinko? Very simple, the S2145 balances high-speed, high quality, and low cost. A professional caliber 6"x9"photo is produced in as little as 15 seconds, with as many as 310 prints per roll, making it 2-3 times faster than most comparable cut-sheet printers. The roll media allows 700 4"x6" prints, which is over 20 times the capacity of most cut sheet printers. Ideal for use in kiosks and high productivity locations, multiple printers can also be networked for even higher productivity; and at full capacity it can operate unattended for over two hours without needing to be serviced - it can be used virtually anywhere!

Shinko S2145

But I don't want to talk to you about the technicalities or the specs of these printers, but to advise and guide you to the right printer for your business needs.

I was at the fair the other day with my family, and we watched a sea lion show. The show was great, and at the end they offered us to take a family picture with these beautiful creatures. We went ahead and took the photos, and when they showed us the pictures - everything was yellow and shoddy. Honestly, I took the picture home with me because they were free, but I wouldn't have paid for those images, they were terrible! Now that I'm working with digital printers and learning more about each of them, I can recognize the quality of a printer. Time and Presentation are keys to sell, but without Quality, you may not get the desired results.

I'd like to thank Mr. Cecil Daniel for the interview, and for all these reasons and more, I'm very pleased to have brought you Shinko again in my newsletter. Thank you so much for your valuable time, and I hope I was able to clear some doubts about these amazing machines. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

This has been Adriana from Image Pro, thanks for reading!

HiTi 510Si Wireless Printing Solution

Frederic Friedmann

We recently tested the HiTi 510Si photo printer – a new device that allows instant wireless printing from your camera in conjunction with the HiTi WFT510 transmitter.

We were happily surprised by how easy it was to set up and how fast and unproblematic we were able to take the pictures, select the photo we wanted, and send to print while continuing to shoot.

 HiTi’s Direct Wireless Printing solution allows users to transmit images from a PictBridge compatible digital camera to a photo printer wirelessly. This leaves the photographer free to move around while taking photos and sending selected photos to print, while the printer is working independently and not taking up the photographer’s valuable time. This solution includes the HiTi WFT510 Transmitter and the HiTi P510Si, a standalone roll-type photo printer with wireless functionality.

Hiti 510 Si Wireless Photo Printer

HiTi’s WFT510 is now the only wireless photo transmitter designed to work with PictBridge compatible digital cameras on the market, and it has proven itself by winning the DIMA 2009 Innovative Digital Product Award.
We’ve heard great things from many of our event photographers who purchased the combo HiTi510Si printer and WFT 510 transmitter to print on the fly their photos at events across the country. We have been discouraged by complicated systems in the past, like the Wi-Pics device, and we did not expect for this system to work so well, so easily, and best of all at such a bargain price (the Printer + the transmitter will cost you about $1500 right now at our imagepro.biz shop).

The possibility to create digital frames and logos and import it directly to the printer was a big hit with our customers, as well as the fact that it comes with a card reader and a mini 3.6” LCD touch screen to print directly from the printer itself, avoiding the need to drag a laptop along to the event. Best of all, the printer weighs in at only 30lbs, giving it excellent portability to go with it’s technology.

HiTi WFT510
Transmitter

The printer has different media sizes available to suit a wide range of needs - 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, or 6x9 images.
The printer also comes with 4 software bundles for FREE:

• eFrame Converter – Easily convert the digital frames or logos you’ve created as TIFF files into files the HiTi can read and use as it’s photo templates.

• EventDesiree Deluxe - For users who want to print a large quantity of photos under limited time constraints.

• ID creator - Multiple ID formats and templates in a few simple steps.

• IDQuickDesiree – Lets you print Passport or ID photos with ease.

By installing the WFT PC Kit bundled with the WFT510, users can also transmit image data directly to a computer, which further enhances the flexibility of the kit. The HiTi WFT510 comes at an affordable price, allowing consumers to enjoy wireless transmission function on their digital cameras just like the high-end DSLR camera users.
We believe that the HiTi P510Si, with it’s integrated wireless technology and direct wireless printing capability, light weight, and ample media range, provides the most convenient and cost efficient printing method for event photographers.

This has been Frederic from Image Pro, thanks for reading!

New Canon Large Format Printers

Dodge

Hi guys, my name is Dodge, and I’ll be your inside source on the newest tech on the ImagePro showroom floor! In March, we announced the arrival of three new Canon printers, the 44-inch iPF8300 and 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and iPF6300 large format printers.

We just got our hands on the iPF6350 (still sitting out in our showroom for demonstration if you’d like to pass by), and these new additions to the Graphic Arts line are designed for precise, high quality print performance and increased productivity.

Canon iPF 6350

Each model features Canon’s new 12-Color LUCIA EX pigment ink system and advanced printing technologies - specifically developed to produce prints with an enhanced color range and improved durability.  These new imagePROGRAF models represent a good solution for the graphic, fine art, photography and proofing markets.
The major improvement in these 3 new printers is related to a major improvement in the color gamut over the previous generation.
To enhance its available color spectrum, the new imagePROGRAF models feature an all-new 12-Color LUCIA EX pigment ink set increasing the achievable color gamut by approximately 20 percent from the previous imagePROGRAF iPFx100 series and enabling over 90 percent coverage of PANTONE ® colors to produce rich expression. Additionally, to better meet the needs of the professional print market, the new models feature a reinforced mechanical structure to enable precise ink placement for improved text and line accuracy, making these new devices a powerful proofing solution.
The LUCIA EX inks have achieved enhanced black reproduction by improving the black tone and black density, which allows for the reproduction of the finest details in the shadow areas of photographs.  Also, a polymer has been added to strengthen the bond in the ink layer, making the output much less susceptible to external scratches.  With a built-in calibration feature, the printers are equipped with the ability to easily reset back to the original optimal factory settings; creating a stable, predictable printing platform on which superior results can be consistently achieved.   Improvements to the ink, hardware and software make these printers an optimal choice for those in the Photography, Graphics, and Fine Art and Proofing environments.

Canon iPF 8300

To fully capitalize on the dynamic color range of the new LUCIA EX ink set, each new imagePROGRAF model employs two advanced one-inch print heads, each featuring 2,560 nozzles per color and outputting a super fine four picoliter droplet at a full 2400x1200 dots-per-inch resolution to reproduce details with extraordinary accuracy and clarity. Paired with enhanced plug-ins and new, High Precision Printing Modes, these new imagePROGRAF models provide an extremely high level of photographic and proofing quality prints.
Another major feature of this printer is that in order to support high-volume printing and streamline workflows the Canon iPF6350 come equipped with an 80 GB high-capacity hard disk drive (HDD) that allows for faster spooling of large files as well as the ability to reprint jobs directly from the printer. To ensure the highest level of productivity and reduce overall print time, all new models are also equipped with a standard gigabit Ethernet network interface and an automatic dual-blade cutter.
These new printers provide users with a wide array of media options ranging from glossy to fine art to canvas. The variety of media available for the new iPF8300 and iPF6350/6300 provides the versatility and flexibility to complete any number of industry applications. For a list of media types please visit: Canon Media  Additional marketing, pricing and promotion information is located at Canon Promotions.

We liked what we’ve seen so far produced by our iPF6350, and the new imagePROGRAF printers show a clear improvement over the last generation, making these 3 machines very strong contenders even for the most exigent professional.

This has been Dodge from ImagePro, and thanks for your time!

Hahnemühle Professional Media

Lahcen

I am happy today to discuss the Hahnemühle line, since we are now an Official distributor! The Hahnemühle product line is made up of the highest quality digital papers, as well as eco-friendly media, and even a do-it-yourself canvas wrap system.

I’ve had clients asking me for their line for months now, and if you weren’t one of them before, you’ll surely be one now! First and foremost – Hahnemühle is Fine Art, High-Quality digital media.

In being a higher-end media, the quality of their media is consistently awarded for excellent color range, rendering, and gradation. Their Digital FineArt Collection is divided into three product lines: Glossy FineArt, Matte FineArt, and Canvas FineArt; each delivering their superior quality on a variety of textures and gsm’s.

FineArt Pearl

After our first test prints using Hahnemühle’s media on our Epson Stylus Pro 9900 and Canon iPF6350 in the showroom, I was astonished by the side-by-side comparisons with the same print by other paper manufacturers coming off the same printer! The differences were stark; the colors on the Hahnemühle media looked more vibrant and distinct, and looked like they were printed by a completely different machine. If you are currently in the business of high-quality printing, whether for art or photography reproduction, you need media such as Hahnemühle’s FineArt Pearl; with an ISO brightness of 105%, 320 gsm, and triple coated to provide flawless reproductions. Hahnemühle also provides its own ICC profiles, free of charge, for a myriad of printer/media combinations to increase color accuracy and repeatability.

Bamboo 290

Another interesting aspect of Hahnemühle is their Green Rooster movement; an environmental initiative to reduce carbon footprint of professional digital printers by creating eco-friendly, but still high-quality, media. A portion of revenue collected by Hahnemühle on products with the Green Rooster label is donated to selected environmental protection projects, and even though the media is made up of highly renewable materials, it still ranks better in color reproduction and quality than many others.

My favorite from the lineup is Bamboo - particularly suitable for warm-toned color and monochrome prints, and it is the world’s first digital fine art inkjet paper made from bamboo fibers!

At the last WPPI show in Vegas, I attended Hahnemühle’s showing and was impressed by their new Gallerie Wrap system. It allows artists and non-artists alike to create professional quality gallery wraps in mere minutes. It is a complete system of easy-to-use fastening components and stretching frames to accommodate most popular imaging formats.

You make the canvas print on your Hahnemühle media and printer, then take the print and stretch, fasten, and secure it to the frame in less than 5 minutes! See how easy it is in this video:

Feel free to contact me or come visit our showroom and look at some of the prints we have made using this media; I know once you see it in person, you’ll be sold!

Answering your questions about the Epson Stylus Pro 7900/9900

Frederic

Hello again! Many of you are asking about the wide format Epson Stylus Pro 7900/9900 series of professional printers and this week I'm answering some of your questions. Both printers share the same technical specifications the only difference being the maximum widths they can handle: 24" and 44" respectively. Epson introduced a range of innovations on this series that make the printers top of the line.



The image quality together with the wide range of media makes them highly versatile. From fine art and photography to signage and color proofing, you can benefit with the new technologies put into the 7900/9900 printers. They are simply amazing. Take the 11-color inks for instance. With the introduction of UltraChrome® HDR ink you have one of the widest color gamut ever at your disposition. There are three different ink container sizes to choose from depending on your printing requirements. The UltraChrome® HDR T642 have 150ml of ink per color, while the UltraChrome® HDR T596 have 350ml and the UltraChrome® HDR T636 offer 700ml, ideal for intensive overnight printing.

Epson Stylus Pro 7900

There's also the right media for your application, no compromises here. The Fine Art papers and canvas bring you the possibilities of choosing between Gloss, Matte, Velvet, Satin, Textured and more. Same for Photographic and Coated papers and media. The signage industry can obtain great results with the transparent backlight, clear film or adhesive synthetic paper. And when it comes to color proofing, Epson offers you more than 40 different types of media like, Standard Proofing Paper, CrystalClear Film and Publication.





Even if you need to print black and white images you can select from Normal, Cool and Warm tones to suit your project as it simultaneously uses Black, Light Black, and Light Light Black inks which significantly improves the gray balance while eliminating color casts. The results of this new smooth contrast range are just impressive. Together with the new inks comes a new print head, the MicroPiezo TFP™ with its automatic nozzle checking and cleaning making clogged nozzles part of the past. No more wasting ink and media before realizing that the printer is not performing at its peak.



I deal with professional photographers daily and they share their experiences about working with these printers with me. They love the idea of being able to print their work themselves and get astonishing results print after print. Rich, accurate color, high quality output and the variety of certified media available both in cut sheets and rolls are some of the reasons of their higher productivity and shorter turnaround times.

Epson Stylus Pro 9900

And if you are in the commercial proofing business I have good news for you too. Developed in partnership with X-Rite, Epson has incorporated an optional, high performance, in-line spectrophotometer. When driven by the latest front-end RIPs, Epson SpectroProofer™ can automate any color management process in your commercial proofing workflow. This invaluable tool can be installed in minutes to increase the color accuracy of the printer. But that’s not the only advantage for your proofing needs, just consider the fact that Epson achieves 98% PANTONE color coverage, quite possibly the best proofing system available today!



This is just a brief description of all the resources of these two printers. If you are a professional photographer wishing to have an in-house printing solution or if you are in the photo printing and/or color proofing business you’ll love the Epson 7900/9900 series. And your customers too…




This is all for today folks, thank you very much for reading.

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