OK, this helps.
If you want archival images, you will need either pigment inks or high
quality dye/hybrid.
In Epson, I would suggest either printers using Ultrachrome inks like
the R800 (the smaller version of the R1900)if you can still find any (I
believe it has been discontinued) it does best with glossy images, but
does acceptable matte.
The C88+ uses 4 Durabrite Ultra inks. The print quality is not "the
best" but quite reasonable. It uses pigment inks, the only problem is
that it really needs regular use to keep from clogging. It can use a
wide variety of papers. You can also consider the Workforce 30 which
uses similar inks. Both of these are cheap printers, but the cartridges
are not.
The other option is the Artisan 50, which uses Claria 6 inks, which
gives a better result, and more accurate color, but it is not as durable
an ink as Durabrite, and again cost per cartridge isn't cheap. eh paper
choices are a bit more limited with these inks, but the results are
better looking.
In Canon, there are a number of inexpensive printers in the Pixma line.
Most use dye inks which are not that stable over time. A few use the
"e" inks which are pigmented and waterproof, but none are cheap,
however, they are less costly than Epson for the same yield.
Art
If you are interested in issues surrounding e-waste,
I invite you to enter the discussion at my blog:
http://e-trashtalk.spaces.live.com/
arri wrote:
> Thanks everyone for your feedback... here are some answers
>
> On Dec 1, 6:18 am, Arthur Entlich <e-printerh...@mvps.org> wrote:
>> As you said there is no such thing asbest.
>>
>> The question is what isbestfor your needs?
>>
>> Let's talk about the output...
>>
>> Does it need to be glossy or matte of both?
>> BOTH
>> Does it need to be archival and relatively fade resistant?
>> ARCHIVAL and FADE Res
>> Doe sit need to be waterproof?
>> YES
>> Is speed to print important?
>> NO
>> Is a wide color range more important than other factors?
>> NOT SURE
>> Do you need to print onto other than paper, such as to CD or DVD label
>> side surfaces or very thick materials?
>> NO
>> Do you need to produce back and white photo-quality prints?
>> NO
>> Will you be printing output on a regular basis or intermittently?
>> Intermittently
>> How many pages a week?
>> 2 at MOST
>> Do you need theprinterto have an LCD readout?
>> NO
>> Do you need theprinterto have other features like scanning, fax, etc?
>> NO
>> Art
>>
>> If you are interested in issues surrounding e-waste,
>> I invite you to enter the discussion at my blog:
>>
>> http://e-trashtalk.spaces.live.com/
>>
>>
>>
>> arri wrote:
>>
>>> hi
>>> im looking to buybestquality photoprinter- i know there is no such
>>> thing as theBEST.. here is what im looking for a priter to provide
>>> - broderless prints
>>> - size upto 8x10 is okay
>>> - inexpensive print cartridges
>>> - price in the range of $200
>>> thanks in advance- Hide quoted text -
>> - Show quoted text -
>