Photokina - Epson's 3800 A2 UltraChrome K3 printer

[Ian]

http://dpnow.com/images/forum/photokina2006/epson3800.jpg

Above is a quick look at the new Epson Stylus Pro 3800, which can print up to A2 size archival quality prints using UltraChrome K3 pigmented inks. It's remarkably compact - about the size of HP's new A3+ B9180 printer - and our information is that, apart from more economical high capacity ink cartridges, there is no need to physically swap the photo and matte black cartridges like you have to on the smaller R2400. We'll update this post with further information like pricing and availability once we have it.

Ian

[JSR]

Calling it the "UltraCrime" printer is probably very accurate, giving the price structure! ;)

Can you confirm the UK price bracket for the 3800, Ian? Your news page has an RRP of £995+VAT, which is £1170. It's listed on US sites for $1295.

That suggests that UK customers are going to be charged almost TWICE (~$2100+) what our US friends will be charged. That can't be right.

:(

Thanks,
JSR

[Ian]

Yes, the price is rather steep looking, though you do get a lot of ink in the box compared, say, with an R2400. I'm disappointed, but hardly surprised that there is a big difference between the UK and US prices. I understand the Euro price is €1499.

I'm doing an update story on the 3800 - keep an eye out for it here in the Headline News board.

Ian

[JSR]

I'll keep an eye out for your review.

At the US prices, the 3800 would very likely have been my "next printer" (I appreciate that you can't actually buy it yet, but I'll be on the lookout for my "next printer" in about 4-6 months); but at the UK prices I just can't justify it.

Effectively, Epson have lost a sale by being guilty of "locational discrimination".

Looking at the US prices, and comparing supplied ink, no one in their right mind would buy an R2400 now. But looking at the UK prices, the R2400 will be a vital entry into the K3 market for those who can't afford to be ripped off by UK prices.