The printer driver will make the switch for you when you select the appropriate paper type – matte papers use the Matte Black, while coated papers like Ultra Premium Luster use the Photo Black. Although the 3880 holds nine inks, (Figure 2) the Photo Black and Matte Black inks share a line, meaning they can only be used exclusively. After unpacking the printer and plugging it in, you'll be prompted to insert the ink cartridges to charge the system. Going from unpacking to using the printer takes less than an hour, even if you're the type that reads manuals. Size wise, the 3880 is only 1" wider than the 13" Canon Pro 9500, and the same width as the HP B9180. (the 4880 by contrast tips the scales at 89 lbs). While the 4880 that ships on a palette, the 3880 is much more compact, weighing only about 43 lbs. Unlike most printers in this size category, you can actually setup the 3880 by yourself. The print head has been improved as well with more accurate placement and an ink repellent coating to reduce clogging and maintenance requirements. Combined with the new ink, Epson has added AccuPhoto HD2 screening to improve the accuracy of ink placement on the page, giving the images a smoother color and tonal gradation as well as reducing ink use. It's behind the scenes where the real changes are occurring though. Other than the UltraChrome K3 label (Figure 1) adding the Vivid Magenta, the printers look visually identical. In fact, even opening up the ink compartments you'll see only a Vivid label on the magenta cartridges to tell you this is a different printer.
Both the 3880 and the 3800 it replaces use the same case and controls. With the new Stylus Pro 3880 though, Epson has taken one step forward rather than skipping directly to UltraChrome HDR. Since the 4880, 7880, and 9880 are still current models, this isn't as odd as it might seem.
The other change is more recent, and so far seen in only two printers – the 79 – with UltraChrome HDR, adding green and orange to the mix to give skin tones a more accurate appearance as well as fit the needs of graphic designers in addition to photographers.īecause the HDR inkset has been out for a while now, you would probably expect a new printer from Epson to adopt this version. The first is the second generation of UltraChrome K3, which replaced the original magenta and light magenta inks with a new Vivid versions to increase the color range, particularly in the deep blues. Since the 3800 was released, Epson has made two major changes in their pigment ink photo printers. With a good combination of price and size, this C sized printer has filled the needs of photographers looking for the ability to print 17x22 on a variety of media without the bulk or expense of a large format printer. For the past three years, the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 has held this status.
When you have the most popular C Size (17") printer on the market, it might not seem that there's a good reason to update it.