| » Forum Index » Problems and solutions » Topic: Proper Photoshop home printer |
|
Posted on 24/02/08 09:44:36 AM |
|
Hank
* Posts: 49 Reply |
Proper Photoshop home printer
I have a 2002 Hewlett-Packard 960c printer. Overall, it performs quite well. However, upon printouts, it doesn't return accurate colors within the blue spectrum. Specifically, a mid to light cyan might printer-elicit a mid or much darker blue (like navy blue). (RGB mode has been selected as color output.) Additionally, yellows might, occasionally, elicit a light-greenish to mid-greenish yellow. Reds (red ranges) most usually print accurately. Further, prior to printing, a dialog box opens which states, "Some PostScript specific print settings (Interpolation, Calibration, Encoding) will be ignored since you are printing to a non-PostScript printer." Subsequently, the user is given the option to continue or cancel. Obviously, these issues aren't at all satisfactory for me and, due to my printer being a "non-PostScript printer" (whatever that is), this could very well be the reason why I experience these color differences. Therefore, I plan to move to a better, more accurate printer. As such, I would greatly appreciate any input as to a "top of the line" printer to purchase. It should be one which would be the very best of quality for Photoshop CS3 home users - not industry users - as these may easily run up to quite substantial dollars (pounds). Thanks for your suggestions and any assistance with me on this issue. I'm really more than overdue for it!! Hank |
Posted on 24/02/08 6:14:40 PM |
|
vibeke
Kreative Kiwi Posts: 2166 Reply  |
Re: Proper Photoshop home printer
I have got a Canon IP5200R, and I find the colours are pretty close to what I see on the screen. I use a Spyder to calibrate my screen, and have set Photoshop to desaturated by 15% to match the colour I get from the lab I use and my own printer. I have had this printer for about 1 year, so there may well be a newer and better model out. the paper you use to print on can also make a big difference, as does using original ink cartridges. |
Posted on 24/02/08 8:20:25 PM |
|
tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply  |
Re: Proper Photoshop home printer
I use a Canon MP160 printer, which is about 2 years old. There have been some upgraded models since then for about the same price I purchased mine. I've never had problems with colormatching, and I use a Huey for calibration. The print quality is acceptable when printing on photographic gloss paper. But it does burn through some ink. It only has two small ink cartriges, one for black and one for color. In the future, I would like to get a printer with 4-5 ink bays so when one color goes out, I can just replace that bay and not throw away all that unused ink! As far as the industry standard for professional photography and printing, the Epson Stylus series seem to be the top brand (as far as I've read). There are models available both for the consumer and professional. When I upgrade, it will probably be an Epson with a 17" or more print width. It will greatly reduce costs when selling my aerial photography, since my standard framed print size is 11"x17". I currently have to outsource my prints and chew those losses at $50-60 each.  As opposed to printing my own at $6-8 per 11x17.
|
Posted on 24/02/08 9:42:05 PM |
|
Whaler
Visual Viking Posts: 330 Reply  |
Re: Proper Photoshop home printer
This a problem that seems to pop up every now and then in this forum. And I agree with what Vibeke and tank172 have answered. As for my findings on this you can go to http://www.howtocheatinphotoshop.com/cgi-bin/simpleforum_pro.cgi?fid=02&topic_id=1155703658&highlight=epson%20c84 where you also will find other replies. _________________ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Posted on 25/02/08 8:51:22 PM |
|
Hank
* Posts: 49 Reply |
Re: Proper Photoshop home printer
Thanks so much to each of you for your response and suggestions!! I have taken each of your responses under advisement and, additionally, went to the sites - suggested by Whaler - for further research and input. Big help!! In brief mention, I have a close friend - who introduced me to Photoshop some five years ago - who is a top professional graphics artist. He has also worked with George Lucas at Industrial Light and Magic, as a "sub". Chris is very creative. In the past, he and I have discussed lots of the issues addressed in the various posts Whaler suggested. Seems that any way one might approach these matters, proper print color reproductions can still become a bit of a wrestle, and beg vehemently for experimentation!! - and "fiddling" with, as well. As I have discovered early on, this can become somewhat frustrating at times, but can also be quite educational as well. It becomes a learning curve one seldom forgets!! As I mentioned in my opening address to these issues, in about 95% of my printouts, colors (colours) reproduce most satisfactorily. ( I have some other - non-professional - programs, Microsoft PictureIt!, et al, and the color prints, executed in Photoshop, will show some differences, but not dramatically. Interesting.) Finally, back to the words in the dialog window I am getting subsequent to clicking on the "Print" button in Photoshop CS3, specifically, "Some PostScript specific print settings (Interpolation, Calibration, Encoding) will be ignored since you are printing to a non-PostScript printer." So ... what is a PostScript printer?? Perhaps it should be obvious that I require a PostScript printer?!?! Also, perhaps, this might clear up a few of the rather minor yellows matters I have experienced from time to time. If the matter lies with my procurement of a Post Script printer, which ones are some excellent ones of that sort? Once I understand "PostScript" - and all of its' implications, I can then proceed with making further decisions as to which path I need to take next. Thanks, again, and my best to you all. Hank |
Posted on 25/02/08 11:31:16 PM |
|
dave.cox
Marquee Master Posts: 518 Reply  |
Re: Proper Photoshop home printer
Vibeke, Do you have a scanner? Your spyder software should be able to print and scan a test page to calibrate your printer, as well as your monitor. That's the way mine works anyway. Calibrating made a big difference in my color accuracy on the printer. By the way, I like your new Avatar. |
Posted on 26/02/08 03:28:34 AM |
|
vibeke
Kreative Kiwi Posts: 2166 Reply |
Re: Proper Photoshop home printer
Yes I do have a scanner, so I will give it a go. My new Avatar is a photo my husband took last week, while we were having lunch in town. It was so nice to get a photo where I didn't look 100. |
Posted on 26/02/08 10:08:16 PM |
|
Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply  |
Re: Proper Photoshop home printer
And a very fine photo it is too. But you never look old in your photos! |