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  4. Does it make sense to buy a professional printer vs print services?

Does it make sense to buy a professional printer vs print services?


3 years 10 months ago #686628 by Photo Amigo
When you factor in the cost of a printer, ink,  and paper.  AND the number of prints that you do print out.  Does it make sense?  Or do you just order your prints ala cart when needed from print services?  

Unless you are selling physical prints, how can you justify the cost of some of these larger printers? 
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3 years 10 months ago #686630 by Nikon Shooter
Some colleagues did just that, they went for it. I asked
them to show me the costs and time invested and ca-
me to the conclusion that, if a printer is close by, I will
ask them to do mine. The expenses are too high for me.

If you live and work far from service suppliers, then ok.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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3 years 10 months ago #686700 by Photo Amigo
So wait, are you having your prints printed as needed or did you pick up a printer?  

Thank you
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3 years 10 months ago #686702 by Nikon Shooter
As needed but outsourced, there are two within 22 km.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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3 years 10 months ago #686833 by Prago
I have an Epson P800, and it was a little bit of an investment, and while I don't print that often, it's nice to have.  Now would I consider this a 'I made my money back from it' situation?  No.  I don't print enough, or sell my photos to have realized this yet.  
SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seeks like-minded SWF. No weirdos, please
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3 years 10 months ago #686896 by KenMan
I have a printer, but the head keeps clogging up.  So last few times I wanted prints, I ordered from Mpix.  
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3 years 10 months ago #686983 by Stanly
For me, I like the instant gratification of being able to print and hold.  Therefor, I'll always own a photo printer. 
Nikon Z6 | Nikon FM10 | Nikon D80 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8D | Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR | 35-105mm f/3.5 Macro | 80-200mm f/4.5 | SB600 | Pocket Wizard II
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3 years 10 months ago #687243 by Sawyer
Heck yes, I like the peace of mind of having my own printer.  Never know when that rainy day comes and you want to print off something.  
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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3 years 10 months ago #687270 by garyrhook
If you are satisfied with the paper offered by a lab, then that's a fine choice.

Me, I prefer choosing my own paper.
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3 years 10 months ago #687277 by Shadowfixer1
Yep. Paper choice makes or breaks an image.
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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3 years 10 months ago #687343 by Carlos
+1  when you have your own printer, you have more choices at your finger tips.  

If you are concerned about price, search for used.  There are some deals on older printers.  And don't worry if the printer is 5-7 years old, not much has changed with printers! 
(2) Canon 7D, Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, 50mm f/1.4 USM, 85mm f/1.8 USM, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6
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3 years 10 months ago #687633 by Photo Amigo
Thank you all.   Which services do you use for printing anyway?
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3 years 10 months ago #687730 by Peter P
IMO, it's always a good idea to have a good photo printer.  I never know when I'm going to be printing something or want to, but it's sure nice to have that ability.  
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3 years 10 months ago #687833 by Alex
Photo printers are one of those investments that IMO are super important to being a photographer.  I did a video a little while ago on importance of printing your photos out.  

Check it out:

Thank you for making PhotographyTalk.com your photography community of choice.
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3 years 10 months ago #688132 by Photo Amigo
Thank you, that was good video, helpful! 
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