BIG and Better, Setting Up | Epson 3880 instruction

ON TRIAL

EPSON

STYLUS PRO 3880

BIG AND BETTER

The desktop-sized A2 format

3800 was a huge success with photographers who have lowish printing volume requirements so its replacement has a lot to live up to. Report by Trevern Dawes.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 in closed down mode.

E pson’s Stylus Pro 3800 has enjoyed the status of being the most popular A2 printer,

but after three years it’s been replaced by the Pro 3880 model which has to meet the challenge of being equally – or even more – successful.

Like its predecessor, the Stylus Pro 3880 is an ideal printer for both the professional’s studio and the enthusiast’s study because it presents well as a relatively compact and elegant ‘box’, is easy to set up and equally easy to operate. Prints made with it in both colour and black and white leave little to be desired. The lack of a roll paper capability is reﬂected in the appealing price, but isn’t a feature many will miss when using single sheet feed is the prime intention (even if these sheets are cut down from paper rolls to the maxi- mum paper handling of 950x432 mm).

This sleek black-and-silver printer has a pull- out rear automatic sheet feeder and a drop-down receiving tray at front. These fold neatly away when the printer isn’t in use. The rear manual paper feed is a separate item that’s attached when required.

Apart from the badging, there are no changes to the outer appearance compared to the 3800, but several signiﬁcant changes lie within. ‘Vivid Magenta’ and ‘Vivid Light Magenta’ inks have been added to the UltraChromeK3 pigmented inkset to enhance the colour gamut, especially in the blues and purples. AccuPhoto HD2 screen- ing improves the ink placement accuracy for smoother colour and better tonal gradations. A new print head provides better colour placement and there is now an ink repellant coating to help

reduce clogging and minimise maintenance. For those keen to fully exploit their printing the Stylus Pro 3880 will accommodate 16-bit ﬁles. The front control panel with its seven buttons, three lights and a LCD info screen provide access to all func- tions and monitors precise ink levels and the print status. Three paper feed systems cover all sheet handling requirements.

Apart from the two new ‘Vivid’ inks, the remainder are the same as for the Pro 3800, however the vivid colours can’t be used in the earlier model.

Setting Up

Straight out of the box, the printer’s moving parts are so well secured with blue tape, it takes sev- eral minutes to free everything up. Thereafter it’s a case of plugging in the power cable, switching on, shaking each ink cartridge before insertion, closing the ink bay lid and waiting about seven minutes for the print head to be automatically charged. When the ‘Ready’ indicator appears

in the LCD panel, connect an USB or Ethernet cable (not supplied) and install the CD with the printer driver, user guide and software download. Altogether, set-up takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but is very simple and straightforward, aided by the “Start Here” instruction sheet.

After set-up, if you wonder why the ink levels do not register as full, it’s because about 20 percent of each cartridge (which have an 80 millilitre capacity) is used to charge the print head. Of course, all new ink cartridges thereafter will have 100 percent capacity.

The set of nine UltraChromeK3 pigmented inks. The Photo Black and Matte Black cartridges have their own individual slots.

3880 specifications

The Epson 3880 is a robust and versatile professional-grade inkjet printer designed for photographers and artists who demand high-quality prints. Known for its exceptional output, the printer employs advanced technologies and features that cater to a variety of printing needs.

One of the standout characteristics of the Epson 3880 is its UltraChrome K3 ink technology, which utilizes a three-level black system. This sophisticated ink set consists of eight colors, providing a wide color gamut and superior tonal range. The additional three levels of black ensure deep shadows and vibrant highlights, resulting in photographs that are both rich and detailed. The printer also supports a variety of media types, making it suitable for fine art prints, photo papers, and canvas materials.

The 3880 features an advanced ink distribution system that contributes to its outstanding reliability and consistency. Dot size control technology enables the creation of fine details and smooth gradations, crucial for producing high-quality images. When combined with a high-resolution capability of up to 2880 x 1440 dpi, it ensures that every print meets the highest standards of sharpness and clarity.

Another important aspect of the Epson 3880 is its ability to handle large formats. With print sizes up to 17 inches wide, it is ideal for producing larger works of art without compromising quality. The printer also includes a roll paper option, allowing for continuous prints, which is particularly useful for panoramas or large projects.

Connectivity is another feature that enhances the usability of the Epson 3880. It comes equipped with both USB 2.0 and Ethernet connections, ensuring seamless integration into various workflows. Additionally, it supports wireless printing, allowing users to print directly from their smartphones or tablets.

Epson's user-friendly interface and LCD control panel provide easy navigation and settings adjustment, making the printing process straightforward and efficient. The printer also includes an automatic maintenance system to keep the print heads clean and reduce downtime.

In summary, the Epson 3880 stands out in the market due to its combination of advanced technologies, versatile media handling, and user-friendly features. Its commitment to quality and performance makes it a preferred choice for professionals seeking to produce stunning prints with remarkable fidelity and detail.