Latest to get the SureColor revamp are the 24in and 44in models, replacing the Stylus Pro 7890/7000 and 9890/9000. The older models are popular in the commercial printing world for proofing and poster work. They are also big in professional photography, which explains why Epson has decided to offer two models, with ink colours optimised for proofing and professional photo printing. Each model is available with or without an updated built-in spectrophotometer for self-calibration.
Here we’re primarily looking at the 24in-wide (610mm), 10-colour SureColor SC-P7000V, suited for proofs up to A1 (or more usefully B2) format, but the 44 inch SC-P9000V is otherwise identical except for width and throughput.
‘P’ stands for photographic quality and ‘V’ stands for violet, which is a new colour in the 10-colour ink set. The violet extends the gamut in directions that orange and green cannot, and Epson claims it can now match 99% of Pantone solid colours.
The SC-P7000 STD and SC-P9000 STD (Standard) use light-light black (ie pale grey) in in place of violet, mainly for black and white photographs.
Epson has also introduced eight-colour models, the SC-P6000 and SC-P8000, for less demanding applications.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Launched in the UK on 24 September, the SC-P7000V is designed for proofing and display applications. Target users are agencies, designers, pre-press specialists, print-for-pay centres and commercial printers. Those doing lots of poster and display work may want to consider the SC-P9000V.
How does it work?
It’s an aqueous inkjet printer that handles roll and cut-sheet media. It uses Epson’s latest PrecisionCore piezo heads for greyscale resolutions up to 2,880x1,440dpi. Most users will be perfectly happy with the results at much lower resolutions, saving considerable time and ink.
How does it differ from previous models?
“They are better printers but at the same price,” says Martin Johns, Epson UK’s business manager.
The PrecisionCore heads include sophisticated nozzle blockage detection and compensation on the fly.
Also new are the UltraChrome HDX inks, which have longer fade resistance compared to previous K3 and HDR inks, greater pigment density (especially the black) and the new violet colour.
The lightfastness is claimed as up to 60 years, compared to 45 years on the outgoing Stylus Pro models.
An optional hard disk can be specified, to store jobs for quick repeats.
What’s the software supplied?
The standard set includes standard Macintosh and Windows drivers, colour calibration and network utility software.
How does the colour management work?
“The SC-P7000 with optional ILS30 SpectroProofer allows automated colour management for consistent and repeatable results,” Epson says. The innards for the ILS30 are supplied by X-Rite and are similar to its i1Pro2 spectrophotometer, with support for the latest ISO lighting and measurement standards, including M1 measurement.
Colour management info is stored by the printer, so you don’t need to export profiles to all front-end users. You only need calibrate once for the data to be used across all media types. Multiple printers can be matched too.
What’s the USP?
Compared to the competition, USPs are the PrecisionCore heads (though they’re also in the older models) and the brand new HDX ink. Also unusual in this sector is the ability to feed and print on 1.5mm board.
How easy is it to use?
“Very easy,” says Johns. “There is spindle-less media loading thanks to the flange-type media roll holder. There is front access to media and ink cartridges.”
What training and support is on offer?
There’s a one-year on-site warranty with the option to extend it to three years.
What does it cost
The 24in SC-P7000 models (with violet or LLK) are £2,395 without the spectro reader, or £3,450 with it.
How many are installed?
As it’s a brand new machine there are none so far. Epson says machines will begin shipping from November.
SPECIFICATIONS
Print width 24in (610mm)
Paper formats A1 to B4 sheets plus 17in (432mm) and 24in (610mm) rolls
Max media thickness 1.5mm
Colours 10: cyan, light cyan, vivid magenta, vivid light magenta, yellow, matt black, photo black, light black, violet, green, orange
Printheads Epson PrecisionCore micropiezo TFP greyscale
Resolutions Up to 2,880x1,440dpi
Speed Up to 40m2/hr (depending on quality setting)
Footprint 801x945mm
Price £2,395 (SC-P7000V) or £3,450 (with spectro)
Contact Epson UK 01442 261144 www.epson.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
HP Designjet Z3200ps
HP’s Z-series aqueous inkjets are popular with photographers but have never made much of a mark in proofing. There are 24in and 44in models. However, the PostScript RIP, X-Rite-based built-in spectrophotometer and HP’s claim to match 95% of Pantone colours means it’s worth a look.
Print width 24in (610mm)
Paper formats 610x1,676mm to 216x279mm sheets, and 24inch (610mm) rolls
Max media thickness 0.8mm
Ink HP aqueous pigment
Colours 12: blue, green, magenta, red, yellow, grey, photo black, matt black, light cyan, light grey, light magenta, gloss enhancer
Printheads HP thermal
Resolutions Up to 2,400x1,200 “optimised dpi”
Speed Up to 17m2/hour on coated media
Footprint 1,262x690mm
Price From £2,411
Contact HP 0800 408 0784 www.hp.com
Canon imagePrograf iPF6450
Canon seems to bring out a new aqueous imagePrograf wide-format inkjet every other month, targeting ever narrower market slices. This is its 24in proofer with built-in spectrophotometer. It has automated colour management, a standard 250GB hard disk and talks to third-party RIPs.
Print width 24in (610mm)
Paper formats A1 to B4 sheets, 610mm rolls
Max media thickness 1.5mm manually through top slot
Ink Canon Lucia EX aqueous pigment
Colours 12: CMYK, RGB, matt black, light cyan, light magenta, grey, photo grey
Printheads Canon thermal
Resolutions 2,400x1,200dpi
Speed 4 minutes per A1 on coated media, in high-quality mode
Footprint 1,227x702mm
Price £2,795
Contact Canon 01737 220000 www.canon.co.uk
