Epson Stylus Photo R2000 targets creative crowd

03.05.2011
Epson has announced the , a wide-format printer targeted to advanced amateur photographers, hobbyists, and creative professionals. The new unit, which features the company’s pigment printing technology, is designed to produce vivid, archival prints with a glossy look and feel.

In addition to pigment-based inks, the 13-inch printer offers flexible media handling and larger capacity cartridges that deliver up to 50 percent more prints, the company says. The printer can accommodate a range of papers, including cut sheet and roll paper, photographic and fine art media, canvas, art boards, and CD and DVDs. Its networking options include both Ethernet and wireless connectivity as well as USB 2.0.

The R2000, which replaces the ( Macworld rated 4.5 out of 5 mice ), uses Epson’s MicroPiezo AMC print head and UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 ink. The eight-color ink set takes advantage of Epson’s high-gloss encapsulated pigments, including an enhanced gloss optimizer that the company says creates photos with a uniformly smooth finish. Image quality is further enhanced by AccuPhoto HG screening technology, which is designed to ensure high image quality even at higher speed modes.

“The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 is an incredible tool for serious photographers, creative professionals, and hobbyists who want to step up to superior quality printing,” said Richard Day, Epson's senior product manager. “Whether you’re printing a series for gallery display, producing a comp to present to a client, or making a 12-by-12-inch scrapbook page, this printer has the capability and versatility to deliver outstanding results that will impress the most demanding of critics.”

Epson’s UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 ink is designed for gallery-quality archival prints. It is water, smudge, and fade-resistant. Red and Orange inks promise bold colors and smooth, natural skin tones. Additional printing advancements offer more vibrant greens and intense blues. An enhanced gloss optimizer delivers a uniform gloss finish, and auto-selecting Photo and Matte Black inks deliver deep blacks on matte, fine art, or glossy media.