In Focus Vol. 3 No. 11

Epson Unveils 7900 and 9900 with HDR Inks and More at PhotoPlus

Epson’s new 24-in. Stylus Pro 7900 and 44-in. Stylus Pro 9900 printers have the automatic black ink-switching feature that professional photographers have been asking for. However, the new models also have many additional features that make them suitable for use in higher-volume fine-art reproduction as well as commercial proofing environments. As Epson group product manager Mark Radogna puts it, “The new Epson Stylus Pro series is poised to dramatically redefine commercial, flexographic, and package proofing, as well as professional photographic and fine-art printing.”

New features in the 7900/9900 include: A 10-channel MicroPiezo TFP printhead that enables Matte and Photo Black inks to share the same physical ink channel; a 10-color UltraChrome HDR inkset that uses orange and green inks to produce an extremely wide color gamut; the option to use higher-capacity (350- or 700-ml) ink cartridges to lower overall ink costs; a built-in rotary cutting system for roll paper that can cut most canvases and thicker art papers; ePlaten Media Loading Technology to enable fast media loading with less risk of media damage; and an optional, in-line spectrophotometer that can be used with RIP software for greater automation in commercial proofing.

When the HDR (high-dynamic-range) inks are used in conjunction with Epson AccuPhoto Screening Technology, the printer can not only produce an extremely wide color gamut, but also exceptionally fine photographic blends and transitions. The ink and screening technology are designed to ensure a more consistent color balance, regardless of the light source under which the print is viewed. 

The automatic black ink switching capability is similar to that on the Epson Stylus Pro 3800. Converting from Photo to Matte Black ink takes a little over 2 minutes and consumes about 1.13 ml of ink; switching from Matte Black to Photo Black takes just under 3 minutes and uses 3.34 ml of ink. To reduce the risk of user errors, the printer operator must confirm the switch via the front control panel.

The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 will list for $3,995; the 9900 will be priced at $5,995. A 78-page reference guide with details about all of the new features is available from Epson’s Pro Imaging website.  Contact a LexJet account specialist at 800-453-9538 about availability of the new printers.

Epson Print Academy: You can learn how to update your workflow to take full advantage of the new UltraChrome HDR ink technology by registering for Track Two of the all-new Epson Print Academy which is now touring U.S. cities until next May. Whereas Track One is for advanced amateurs who want to output images from DSLRs onto an Epson Stylus Photo R2880, Track Two features in-depth, expert-level fine-art printing techniques for creating exhibition-quality prints. Topics covered include: strategies for image enhancement; creating a sense of dimensionality; and gradient, contour and luminous masking. Instructors will explain how to optimize color-managed workflows, and discuss advanced Photoshop CS4 Camera Raw settings, the Lightroom 2 develop module, non-destructive workflows, and printing from Lightroom 2 with files edited in Photoshop CS4.

MyEpsonPrinter.com: Businesses that plan to use Epson’s new printers in combination with other newer-model Epson printers or for longer print jobs can use the myEpsonPrint.com website to securely automate and track printing expenses. The system allows users to track consumables usage per printer and provide real time cost-per print estimates and print-job information. The myEpsonPrint.com service is free during the public beta period which will run through March 2009.