Epson’s New A3+ Printer

May 30, 2008: Epson has released details of its new Stylus Photo R2880, the long-awaited replacement for the popular R2400 model.
Featuring the new Epson UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment ink set, the R2880 uses nine inks: cyan, vivid magenta, yellow, light cyan, vivid light magenta, photo black, matte black, light black and light light black. Like the R2400, you still need to swap the matte and photo black cartridges when changing paper types, but Epson claims the R2880 has more efficient ink management than its predecessor. Print lightfastess is rated for between 85 and 108 years for most Epson papers when framed under glass, according to testing conducted by Wilhelm Imaging Research (www.wilhelm-research.com/).
The Advanced Black-and-White Photo Mode, which was provided on the R2400, is also available in the R2880. The new model also includes some of the features that were introduced with the R1900 model, including the proprietary Radiance colour-matching technology. This was co-developed by Epson and the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Munsell Color Science Lab to deliver an advanced colour gamut with higher ink efficiency, reduced grain and reduced metamerism.
The 25mm wide permanent print head in the R2880 has a similar ink-repelling coating to the print head in the R1900 (and Epson’s latest large-format printers). Automatic Nozzle Check technology uses a sensor to regularly check the nozzles and maintain proper head alignment. Both functions combine to ensure consistent print quality. Epson’s PreciseColor system is used to calibrate the R2880’s print head before it leaves the factory, eliminating the need for regular colorimetric calibration. The printer has two USB 2.0 ports to support two simultaneous computer connections. No Firewire port is provided but the R2880 is PictBridge enabled.
The R2880 can print on a wide range of paper sizes from 10 x 15 cm snapshot paper to A3+ size. Its top-loading paper tray can hold up to 30 sheets of photo or matte paper at a time. The rear slot is designed for loading single sheets of thick media or roll papers (which are fed in via a supplied holder). The straight paper path also includes a separate tray for printing on inkjet-capable CDs and DVDs. Together these feeding mechanisms allow the R2880 to print on standard and fine art papers, canvas, roll paper or 1.3 mm thick art board in widths up to 329 mm.
The software bundle includes a printer driver, instruction manual and utility for disc printing. The Stylus Photo R2880 is due for release at the end of June for an RRP of $1499.