anybody here print your own pictures. Is it cost effective?

holden j caufield

Diamond Member
Dec 30, 1999
6,324
10
81
I'm using an HP it basically only uses 3 colors as opposed to the 6 or so from epson. I've been printing pictures but I haven't kept track of how many prints I get on a cartridge. But I've already replaced 2 color cartridges at $40 a pop. It's fun but it doesn't seem cost effective
 

Superrock

Senior member
Oct 28, 2000
467
1
0
It is cost effective if you distribute your costs effectively. Only print out your favorite pics and try non name-brand inks/papers. If push comes to shove you can still burn your pics on a cd and give them to a photomart that way to develop.
 

virtuamike

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2000
7,845
13
81
I print on an Epson R2400. A set of ink runs me about $100. I think I'm on my 5th. Paper runs me $35 for 20 sheets of 11x17 premium glossy and $50 for a 13"x33' roll. It's grossly cost ineffective, but the prints are just too damn gorgeous :)

If you're looking for a great online printer, I highly recommend WHCC (White House Custom Colour).
 

paulney

Diamond Member
Sep 24, 2003
6,909
1
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No, I don't. For family albums and stuff, Costco can't be beat.
When I print my work for sale, I send it off to a local pro lab, which provides provides profiles for Photoshop (for soft-proofing), and has professional-grade equipment (gyclee, etc).
 

TuxDave

Lifer
Oct 8, 2002
10,571
3
71
It's hard to beat Costco but the only thing that it's good for is instant gratification. Forgot to print out a picture? No need to head back over to Costco, you can get it done right away.
 

rudder

Lifer
Nov 9, 2000
19,441
86
91
Sams club.... 58 cents for a 5X8... 17 cents for a 4X6. I would love to have a photo printer for convenience... but with the amount of picture I print it would be a waste of $$$.
 

mooglekit

Senior member
Jul 1, 2003
616
0
0
for me, it's not at all cost effective (Canon iP6600D, professional glossy paper), but it's also not about being cost effective...I can print what I want, when I want, and the prints look better than anything I've received from my local big box stores