Olympus P-400 Dye Sublimation Printer

[Sesopedalian]

I have a chance to get one brand new for $150.00. When this model came out 6 or7 years ago it was $1000.00. As far as I can tell, the technology hasn't changed much for these, and it was reviewed as having better photo production of any inkjets of the day. Will something that dated still print better than the inkjets of today just because it is a dye sub printer?

 

[Zepper]

What's the consumables costs per print? Are consumables readily available and for how long? Can you use generic paper? Do the thermal heads eventually go bad? How much to replace?

How does that compare to the Canon iP4300 which prints beautiful photos and costs around 10 cents per 4x6" print using clone ink and careful shopping for paper. The iP4300 is $60. (less than the cost of a replacement set (5) of OEM ink tanks) after MIR this week at staples both online and in-store. If you really need better (generally meaning having a longer life) prints than the iP4300 can do, take your files to a store that prints out by photo process - wallyWorld for example.

I see some camera store has paper and ink for "up to" 100 prints (perhaps 400 approx. 4x6" as the paper is A4 size) for the Olympus on eBay for $150.00!!! 'nuff said...

.bh.

 

[Sesopedalian]

Zepper, those are all good questions to ask.
Well, I called their support line, and it turns out that the chemicals in the special paper that is used expire after three years, and also with the ribbon roll that is used, so no go for me.

 

[Zepper]

That means the paper has a 3-year shelf life. Once it is printed on, that should become irrelevant. I'm not trying to dissuade you, just pointing out questions that need asking and answering.

.bh.

 

[Sesopedalian]

What I meant to say is the unused, unopened, paper has a date of 2003 on the back of the package. Tech support says that old paper may have issues with accurate (photo) printing, plus the ribbons I have for it were made in 2004, and the same story there. I bought it from Office Max today, but it's going back because I don't want to take the chance. Back to plugged ink jet nozzles!

 

[QueBert]

I have a Dye Sublimation printer, I was very close to getting the P-400 but I went with the Sony instead. I can't comment on consumable costs for it today, but I know 3 years ago when i got my Sony, both were very expensive, like 50-60 cents a 4x6. Canon has some newer ones that are in the 28c range. As for quality I don't think anything beats a good Dye Sublimation, the speed is pretty good, the print comes out completely dry and water proof due to no ink.

I will also comment that the ribbon/paper packets for my Sony are harder and harder to find, since nobody makes generics. I don't know what I'll do when Sony decides to stop supporting this printer all together. I would imagine it's no different for any other brand, the market for Dye Sublimation just isn't that big. But the quality is fantastic, of course my $100 Canon ip4000 makes fantastic prints too, and isn't limited to 4x6

Is the Dye Sublimation print quality better, probably yes, but is it noticeable? not really to me.