What is print quality? Which printer is best for it? What really sets printers apart

Well done! Im trying to get into digital art and thinking of making my own prints. Is there anything i need to consider before taking this step?.
Thank you for a good video

thanks again

Another excellent video! As I listened to you explain how little differences there are between printers, I could not help but think how little differences I see between papers from different manufacturers. Prints on any decent quality gloss paper are going to look very, very similar. That is equally true for semi-gloss/luster papers. Results will not match the gloss appearance but any decent semi/luster paper is going to give virtually identical results. There are some differences that can be seen between various matte papers. Hot press, cold press, smooth/textured and various non-RC coatings can make some differences, but even then the differences are typically very minor.

Great video as always and solid advice. I wouldn't change from Canon printers...not because I think they produce better results, I just know how to use them (and the software). :-)

For myself, the best printer is the one I own. The best print i can produce is the printed on my best printer!

Hi Keith, you always say the paper makes a big difference, and different printers will give different results on the paper. So if I know I want a specific look (matte paper, subtle variations in tone and color) How am I supposed to choose a printer without trying it out?

Thank you for another useful video.
Collectors of "Cooperisms" will have noted "Great prints don't come from simple answers." 😀

Thank you Keith, another great video.
It’s good to be reminded that my printer is good enough for my purposes (after reading your reviews) and the only upgrade I may need is in my printing and photography skills.

Since I’m very new to printing, I’m wondering whether I’ll see much difference in my Fuji aps-c files vs my new Fuji Gfx 50 files in print.

The on screen difference is pronounced and I’m wondering if I’ll see a big difference in future Epson P900 16”x” B&w lustre prints.

I realize I’ll eventually see for myself, but my printer is still in the box.

But your thoughts would be appreciated.

Having read your written review and watched the videos etc., I have concluded that the best two options are either the ET-8550 or P700/900. I will openly admit that a small part of the reason is I prefer the look of the Epson to the Pro 200/Pro 300 but as the quality is so close, why not!

The thing that keeps making me hold off for "an offer" is nobody has ever said anything negative about the print quality of framed prints made on my HP Envy Photo. It's very media sensitive in terms of print quality but aside from that it seems to pass any observer's criteria in isolation. To be quite honest, if they could make one that did A3/A3+ with an extra ink or two, I'd probably save my money and stick with it!

Thanks for test images!

I'm still trying to work out which is the best camera and lens....once I work that one out I'll start considering which printer is best 😋😁

Thanks yet again for all of your insights. From your other videos and articles, as well as my experience so far, I know that my Epson P900 at the High Quality (as opposed to Max/overkill) setting can produce archival/gallery/museum-worthy prints and I know that other printers can do a more-than-adequate job as well. The main concern for me has to do with paper. My "default go-to" paper is Epson Ultra Premium Luster but there are images where I prefer other papers (especially baryta but also metallic, various textured "rag art" papers, canvas, etc.). I know you're understandably hesitant to recommend specific papers, so my question is how to most effectively use test prints to pick the best paper for my needs (e.g., I'm evaluating a number of barytas--I'm very impressed with Epson Legacy but unfortunately it looks like that's no longer being produced). I've downloaded a number of test images but I'm wondering if one image on each paper will be sufficient--for example, if I use the "card test sRGB" seen on your monitor in the background of this video on 8.5" x 11"/A4, will that be large enough to make a good comparison or do I need to print separate (perhaps multiple) color and B&W test images at that scale? I know you're not a huge fan of sample packs, but I don't see an alternative as I don't want to buy a whole box of paper (I know of no source for single sheets) unless I'm confident it will serve my needs. I expect that it will be difficult to tell much difference (other than texture/sheen) between the various barytas for which I have samples (including those from Hahn, Canson, and Red River--Moab didn't include baryta in the sampler they sent). I'm sure that all of these can produce stellar prints (assuming of course I send a stellar image to the printer and use their ICC profiles) and all get favorable reviews, but I'd like to be confident that I'm making the right choice for me. I know it's not simple (so many variables and each image is different), but thanks again for any help you can provide.

Thank you for excellent video!

Thank you for this - really helpful.

Thank you for excellent video. Very informative!

Helpful. I’m a long time photographer but print almost never.

At the end of the video you started to talk about ease of use.

What I would be most interested in is paper alignment, misalignment rate, paper sizes paper jams and need to clean heads. Also roll vs sheet printers.

In a way, everything except actual print out put. Cost per sheet etc.

The marketing of the Canon Pro graf 1000 makes it sound like the failure rate is very low and head cleaning design usage is very helpful.

The other issue for me is what printers are best for low usage. As an amateur with a busy consulting practice I know my usage rate is snd will be very low.

Lastly, it seems to me that printing well is a very technical process. Light level in space. Monitor calibration, paper profiles, lifting to view prints. It just seems endlessly complicated.

But this video was very helpful.

If you can recommend a way to find another 6 hours in a day that would be super helpful and I could finally find time to print. 🤨🤣

More seriously, and you may have it already a series of equally cogent and straightforward forward videos on monitor calibration, paper options, paper profiles and paper textures and paper brands would be great.

Great video! This should be the first video people look at when they click on your channel. Simple answer to the question "Which is the best printer?" - A printer. ANY photography specific printer. Choose your printer based on the maximum size prints it produces, choose it based on user interface, on the software, etc. That's it. I think you can pretty much close your channel. now. 😂🤣😁

Hi Mr. Cooper,
thank you for this Video. I mean also that a good Foto, a good calibrated Monitor and the right Choice of Paper the best ( maybe the only) way for a good Print Result is.
I learn a lot from your Tutorials and written Articles about printing.
Thank you very much for this good Stuff👍🏻👍🏻
And now one last Question: What is the best Printer😉😂
I wish you a nice Sunday

Always informative! Where can I find your printer test images?