Just from the specs:
3880=Resolution 2880 x 1440dpi
2880=Resolution 5760x1440 dpi

bakka303 wrote:
Just from the specs:
3880=Resolution 2880 x 1440dpi
2880=Resolution 5760x1440 dpi

The later number is the only one that means something the rest is marketing hype.

Ok cheers, but what does it actually mean?

bakka303 wrote:
Ok cheers, but what does it actually mean?

The way I understand it is that a printer resolution 1440 means that the printer lays down 180 drops of each color (8x180=1440) per inch across the paper (perpendicular to the movement direction). Multiples of this number are achieved by the print head making more passes over the paper. You may perhaps be able to see a difference between 2880x1440 and 1440x1440 but anything higher is likely overkill as the inks start to bleed.

Higher numbers may sell. That is probably why we also talk about 1440 instead of 180.

Thanks for that-yep it's certainly getting harder to decipher all the marketing hype with newer technology.

Lars Johnsson wrote:
pjbishop wrote:
At their website, Epson has in the specs for the 3880 that the volume of ink in the cartridges is 80ml. If this is correct, it's an increase from the 3800.

I believe the ink volume is the same for the 3800 and 3880 (80ml)

Lars,

This is a correct assessment. I have the 3800, and my ink carts are 80ml. The only noted difference between the 3800 & 3880, is the change, to support the Vivid Magenta Ink System. Everything else, that Epson is touting about the 3880, my 3800 does "Print Speeds, Paper Specs, Ink Switching, etc" are all the same.

James

Form what I remember , the 2400 and the 2880 ink tank is 13ml. For that reason, the 3800 (or now the3880) is a no brainer for most people as the amount of ink you get with the printer (9x80ml tanks) more or less makes up the price difference between the 2880 and the 3880.

In terms of footprint, its only about 10% or 15% bigger

Since I upgraded to the 3800 (from a 1290) I had absolutle consistent printing - cound not be happier

Gerry

Just got the 3880 tonight (like 35 minutes ago). Going to relax a bit before setting it up, as I have to pack up my R2880 -- so exciting!

And for those considering the R2880, it is pretty good on ink usage. Yes, the initial set up doesn't last too long (as it has to prime the lines), but it isn't that bad. Subsequent cartridges last pretty good. Of course, the output is stunning on it, truly stunning. Hopefully the results from the 3880 will be just as good, and maybe even ever just so slightly better. I will say the box is much is much bigger.

XFBO wrote:
I think Im beginning to get 3800 fever, I really need to stop poking into these threads.

Well, you guys made me do it......I located and bought a used 3800 this evening. The kid made me a deal I couldn't refuse....

Can someone tell me the difference between the 3800 and 3880?

Vivid Magenta K3 inks for one.

different screening algorithm for another.

IMO, no reason not to jump on a sceamin' deal for the 3800. The 3800 is so good, the advances in the 3880 are barely detectable. Sure, on a technical level, there are differences, but real world examples make them seem pretty hard to differentiate.

Thnx for the replies gentlemen!

I realize I have a lot of reading up to do on this model printer but from the responses so far I have two questions:

1) I saw the advertisement for the Vivid Magenta K3 inks, what exactly is the big deal with these inks, and does it affect only the magenta cartridge? ....potentially dumb question I know this.

2) Have 3800 owners/users dropped this model to upgrade to the 3880, I mean is it that good of an upgrade?


Im not too concerned with #1 since Im 99% certain I will be seeking a high quality 3rd party ink alternative.


As stated earlier in this thread, I really did accidently stumble upon some of these 3800/3880 related threads and after reading so many happy users it has left an impression with me.

Well, I happen to come across what I think was a screaming deal and jumped on it. I now have 3 printers in my office, one brand new (1400) that I will be looking to unload asap before my other half breaks it over my head.

My only nit about the printer so far is the lack of gloss when compared to my i9900, Ive heard dye inks make for better gloss prints but I always second guessed that since so many top end printers are pigment based. I've always pretty much bought paper that I heard worked well with dye inks so that may be the issue Im seeing here, can someone recommend a good quality gloss paper?

dmkmd wrote:
I have seen it on line at B & H. They always have a good supply of everything.

3880 was in stock at B&H about 18 days ago, but I was traveling and did not want to miss the delivery of such a large item. Since then the printer remains out of stock.

EBH

I've bought printers, paper and ink from IT Supplies for years. Try them http://itsupplies.com

XFBO wrote:
Thnx for the replies gentlemen!

I realize I have a lot of reading up to do on this model printer but from the responses so far I have two questions:

1) I saw the advertisement for the Vivid Magenta K3 inks, what exactly is the big deal with these inks, and does it affect only the magenta cartridge? ....potentially dumb question I know this.

Supposed to help in the blues and purples, but not earth shattering.

2) Have 3800 owners/users dropped this model to upgrade to the 3880, I mean is it that good of an upgrade?

I never hear of anyone with a functioning 3800 replacing it for a 3880.

Gerry Kerr wrote:
Form what I remember , the 2400 and the 2880 ink tank is 13ml. For that reason, the 3800 (or now the3880) is a no brainer for most people as the amount of ink you get with the printer (9x80ml tanks) more or less makes up the price difference between the 2880 and the 3880.

In terms of footprint, its only about 10% or 15% bigger

Since I upgraded to the 3800 (from a 1290) I had absolutle consistent printing - cound not be happier

Gerry

So the 3880 printer comes with 9 full ink tanks when you buy it

Lars Johnsson wrote:
Gerry Kerr wrote:
Form what I remember , the 2400 and the 2880 ink tank is 13ml. For that reason, the 3800 (or now the3880) is a no brainer for most people as the amount of ink you get with the printer (9x80ml tanks) more or less makes up the price difference between the 2880 and the 3880.

In terms of footprint, its only about 10% or 15% bigger

Since I upgraded to the 3800 (from a 1290) I had absolutle consistent printing - cound not be happier

Gerry

So the 3880 printer comes with 9 full ink tanks when you buy it

It does.
See this for more: http://www.epson.com/proimaging/StylusPro3880.html

Lars, just order it. I'm on the waiting list at ScandinavianPhoto, printer coming in Dec.
-Anna

...but if ur not going to be using genuine epson inks, get a great deal on the 3800.

+1........I found me a killer deal over the w/e.

I love my 3800. As has been pointed out, there are technical differences, between the 3800 & 3880, but beyond that, the 3800 is a killer printer for the price. 80ML Ink Carts, last quite a long long time. I mostly print 13X19's, with quite a collection of 8.5X11's & 4X6's thrown in, and have only started, replacing inks. Per the status, within the Menu, on my 3800, I have used 319.2ML & printed 365 pages, since I started printing with the 3800 in Late February/ Early March. I have replaced 3 carts, thus far, in 8/9 months of regular printing.

I see that, Lars - cartridge size for both 3800 and 3880 is 80ML. I must have misread something or, more probably, it's just that my brain is deteriorating. Maybe it's the ink-use efficiency that's improved in the 3880. Luminous Landscape did a study on the ink economy in the 3800:

http://luminous-landscape.com/reviews/printers/3800-costs.shtml

I'm getting itchy to get the larger printer, though the R2400 has been peachy. Luminous Landscape also has a review of the 3880, with a rationale about getting upgrade virtually free when you count in the cost of the ink cartridges and the return you'd get on selling your old 3800. Wish we could sell printers here on B & S.

Hi Folks,

what is your estimation for the average printing cost? How many prints can be done with one set of ink? I Know that varies with every image/Size...I need just an estimation to get à feeling for the costs.

Thanks & regards

Too new to know the answer but the link just above your post might help.