Yes I did think it was just a generic answer. I have done the (6) tests. Surprisingly no difference I have added half a stop of exposure to my file in photoshop then sent to EPL. Much better results. These are only for home snaps etc. any serious images I want as always I’ll send to my printing guy. Thank you for your help
Thank you for your tutorials, Keith. I would like to try the icc profiles that you have created for the ET-8550 using Epson paper, but I can't find them in your website. Are they available for download? Thank you!
Your videos has been of great help to understand the complicate world of printing. I had a hard time getting my printing colors right and this video seem to have solved most of the problem. Now I can finally start to enjoy my ET-8550. A big thanks to you and your work ^^
Thanks - if you've not seen it, do check the main 8550 review - it includes links to all my 8550 videos and articles www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi Keith ... this is such wonderful information ... and you have presented it so well! I have just purchased an ET8500 and I would love you to send me your ICC profile as mentioned in this video. Yours is the only video I have ever watched that actually explains why the colours of my home photos aren't "deep" enough. If you can send me your ICC profile, I will be eternally grateful. Thanks again for such valuable information.
Thanks - you'll need to email me at Northlight Images for the profiles [for all the papers tested in this and the 8550 review - they are specific to a paper]
Hey good day I need some help. Kinda desperate…I have my ET8550 on my MacBook Air m3, if I’m using the default photo app to print, the prints are printing slow but extremely high quality…if I’m printing on Adobe illustrator, cricut design space, or photoshop…the printer is printing very fast and the quality isn’t good at all. I would ideally want to print slow on illustrator, photoshop and the cricut app to maintain a high quality as well. Can you please help? This is extremely frustrating. Really hating my experience with this printer so far because of this inconsistency
Hi - glad I found this video - and there are more videos to watch ... I am quite happy with my 8500, but some of my prints (on glossy paper) get too dark. What could be the reason for that? Is there anything I nee to adjust? I make cards from either 13x18 or 10x15 cm glossy paper and I put the paper in Tray 1. Should I rather use the rear tray? I'm not sure I understand everything about profiles, something I need to dig into ... Thanks!
Lots of things could contribute to dark prints. See the main written 8550/8500 reviews [the printers are the same but for size] - suitable profiles will help too www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
Thanks - if you've not seen it, do check the main [written] review at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ It pulls together all my 8550 related stuff...
I also would love to receive your ICC profile. I am getting much better prints now that I started using the rear paper tray!! I am an amateur photographer using a very nice camera and lens to photograph my grandchildren's games of high school soccer, football and basketball (Sony a9 and 2.8/ 70-200 0SSII.) I use Photoshop Elements for editing (easier for Nana). I can't seem to get to a printing screen to set my ICC color profiles in Photoshop Elements. Thoughts?
Try printing via Epson print layout. See the main [i.e. written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/ Profiles are available on request [email]
Have been following you for quite a while got the epson et 8550 loved the epson print layout loaded the icc for the paper Im using here in the usa now I have a new mac and print layout is not available anylonger totaly disappointed. using luminar neo and dont know what to use to print my photos what you sugest thanks in advance if you have time to answer me.
Have you installed the Airprint driver by mistake? EPL does work on new Macs and the 8550 is supported See the bit about the airprint driver in the setup section here www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ Re-install from Epson.sn and follow the instructions very carefully- this one has caught me out before ;-) I did a recent video about Airprint on new Macs - whilst it was for the Canon PRO-300, the principles are the same.
J enjoy taking pictures of eagles and printing them. Now that I watched your video on printing I think I could do better now. Could you please send me your profiles I think that would really help.
See the main [written] 8500 and 8550 reviews for those I've produced and contact me via Northlight Images www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
what I don't get is isn't it better to set things so photoshop manages printing rather then the printing? I have that epson program but I never use it with my p800 . I always print in photoshop and tell it to let ps manage printing. I am looking to get either this or the 8550 printer as supplement to my p800.
You mean documents and the like? Seemed fine, but I don't really test office printers, so I've no strong comparisons to make It is sold as a general purpose 'all in one' type printer It has no document feed - that is an office type feature. I've not come across a printer with ADF, which I'd ever consider for photo prints, but that perhaps more reflects the sorts of printers I test ;-)
Excellent Keith. May I ask you a completely daft question - "What are colour profiles" and if I download one where does it go in the computer programme. I cant seem to get my head around something which seems to be non - tangible, if that makes sense.
Profiles (a form of data file) go into a particular place on the computer system (for Mac and PC) Software then makes use of them to get better results when printing. The Epson installer puts some in place when it's run - these are for a few of their papers. Some paper suppliers provide them for some papers - not so many for the 8500/8550. I've created others during my testing. Think of profiles as translation specifications - they map colours in your image to what is needed to get the best in a print. A profile is specific to a particular paper and printer. It is not the same as the 'media setting' which just refers to broad paper types. See this ruclips.net/video/Y1eXy9sLkcQ/видео.html The notes link to articles and much more info.
Thanks - All 8500/8550 profiles listed in the reviews are available on direct request. These are the ones listed in the main [written] reviews at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
You don't load profiles into photoshop... See here for a good guide to installation www.permajet.com/icc-profiles/ The ones listed in my reviews are available from me See www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
Thanks for this interesting video. Q: using a proper ICC profile, same paper and printer. Will it give the same print results wether I am using PS, Qimage or Epson Print?
PS and Epson print layout are similar - depending on rendering intent of course. QI - no idea, the main version is windows only There are also potential differences connected with the CMM used in the operating system. This might produce differences with some images and settings. There are also differences between which software was used to create the profile There is no such thing as the 'correct' result BTW ;-) Fortunately, these differences are unlikely to be noticed by most. In general it's not something I ever worry about ;-)
@@KeithCooper Thx, I think I will give it a try myself and do the test myself and look what's happening. And even then I have to be sure that all parameters have the same adjustments but I am not sure yet if that's possible. Agree with you that I am not looking for the correct result. It was from curiosity more about the same result.
do you think I could get portfolio worthy images at 8.5 x11 on epson velvet fine art paper (or other 300gsm paper)? Images are portraits and fashion pictures. Thank you :) Zev
yes, with the right profiles - do note the discussion about media types/settings in the main written reviews www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/ Of course, I'll leave aside my questions about what exactly "portfolio worthy" means ;-)
@@KeithCooper thank you! I suppose I can answer what I mean by “portfolio worthy”. I mean that I can make a portrait print at that size, hand it to an art director, and they will appreciate the image for its beauty - the printer quality will not influence the beholders opinion in a negative direction -
Indeed - consider what images work with different papers. For my industrial work for example, a metallic gloss works a treat, whilst for some architecture a matte print on an art papers is better. Depends a lot on the photography and subject. Consider the 8550 as well, since a good big print outshines a good small one for some shots.
I wonder if you could help Keith. I have just got an ET 8500 and first test through the printer today. I have printed directly from Photoshop and Lightroom a different image on both. The printed result s on both are VERY dark . All the detail are there but its as though several minus stops of exposure have been applied.... could you shed some light on the matter (excuse the pu) thank you
Yes - print a known test image using epson print layout [EPL] This tests the printer and that you've installed the driver correctly - if it prints OK then your edit setup is wrong in some way... See the main written review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/ www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/ [use the datacolor one]
Thank you I have installed the EPL. It is so much better but still I would say about 1 stop underexposed. I have tried letting printer manage colour , using ICC I’ve tried normal and high settings. All are identical but around 1 stop underexposed. I contacted Epson who told me to do head cleaning X 6 times after every two do a nozzle check. If that doesn’t help leave three hours and then repeat the 6 X process again. If this doesn’t resolve it call back
@@garymccaffery928 Is this so for the test image? That is the key to see where the issues lie. There are very good reasons I'll absolutely never use one of my own images for such testing. I will also seriously doubt the competence of anyone who suggests cleaning for SIX times - this maintains my impression of the levels of expertise at Epson [1st line support that is]
I have been battling my 8500 for months, now. I am certain it is user error, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the computer to tell the printer what paper feed to use. I have thick cardstock that needs to be fed through the rear feed slot and it just keeps grabbing it and spitting it out blank. Do you have any direction you can offer?
It does depend on the driver settings and software - have you tried printing from EPL? I've not tested the 8500 in this way - I'll have a look when I can
Keith, thanks for the video. Just received the 8500, yesterday and used Epson print layout with their ICC files, I’m a bit disappointed with the print quality as well. I’m using Epson premium glossy paper. Can you share yours? Much appreciated any help. I returned the ET2800 printer, but this doesn’t seem much better. Thank you
See my main written review for the profiles I created for the 8500/8550 - available on request [email] There is no public links for them [for copyright reasons amongst others]
Thank you again for another informative video. You said you would make comparisons between the ET-2850 that you have just reviewed and this ET-8500. Can I ask if that comparison is going to look at the dye inks that are used? The ET-8500 makes use of the Claria ET Premium inks (dye and pigment) whereas the ET-2850 simply states that it uses dye and pigment inks. Putting to one side the limitations of ET-2850 on glossy paper, does this different ink technology make a visible difference or is it more about the longevity of prints? Interestingly, the ET-18100 information now available does not appear to use the Claria ET Premium inks and is utilising six dye inks (Bk, C, Y, M, LC, LM).
Thanks - I won't be going into precise ink formulation whatsoever - there is very little non proprietary info on this and I'm not going to guess ;-) Fishing out relevant differences from marketing copy is not an easy task - also the two printers are aimed at such obviously different markets, I can't see many people seriously in a quandary as to which is most relevant to them ;-)
So mr Keith, this can be done on Epson 8550 (printing photo duplex on a4 plain sheet) as you have a video about that? I’m basically looking for a printer to print my own comic books, which printer would you suggest if not this and paper for comics?
You need to find a suitable quality paper, but the 8550 is no better at duplex for photo media than the 8500. Duplex is pretty much an office printer function. If you can find a suitable paper that's the key... No idea about comic books though I'm afraid - I've not read one since the 1960's... :-)
I have tried numerous times and wasted many Glossy Papers trying to print a full 11" X 14". Have also been going back and forth with Epson support. Can you enlighten me please?
Love your Epson videos Mr Cooper. How can a 8550 owner add ICC profiles. Is it possible? Also if I have some Canon semi gloss paper left over, what profile would you recommend?
Thanks Not easy to find, unless you make them yourself However - Canon semi-gloss is almost the same as Epson semi-gloss, so you could use an Epson profile, or one of mine produced for the review See here for what there is: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thanks for this, Keith, another fact-filled review. :) At some point you mentioned talking about velvet fine art or something, but then didn't mention it again - is that coming in a separate video? I'd really like to know how the profiles influence the print heads - satin/gloss invokes the Photo Black, is that right? Is this the same as "Black enhance overcoat"? Is there a difference to the way it prints matt, gloss, fine art cotton rag etc? more or less ink? Can I look forward to another vid covering some of the aforementioned?! Sorry for all these questions if they're off-piste...Thanks once again for sharing all your knowledge and expertise. :)
Yes -this is just colour photos. That's gloss/lustre for most people There will be several others ;-) - before the actual review [written and video] Media settings are what define ink use - VFA and plain papers are the only ones using matte black - profiles have no effect on ink type. BEO is a feature of the higher end pigment ink printers - my own feeling is that BEO has a hefty amount of marketing goodness in it. See my 8550 review for a sneak preview of the 8500 review - just replace A3+/13" with A4/8.5" when you see it - they really are the same otherwise... ;-) I've some new things to test with the 8500, but a significant aspect of my testing is that very few people looking for 8500 info think to look for 8550 stuff ;-) :-)
Great review Keith. Thanks for it. I just ordered a ET-8500 for my family. I’d love to get the profiles you’ve created for it. I’m just a photographer and my kids like printings photos of them and their friends.
hi great videos very informative. i have an ecotank 8550 that is set up for sublimation printing, ive been told i would not be able to do any other type of printing like photos after it has been used for sublimation is that true? cant i just change the ink and run some through and thats all and it could print photos?? thank you!
Thanks - It's normally considered a one-way process, since it's very difficult to properly clean out the dye sub inks. They are also a lot harsher on the internal parts of the printer and may not mix well if not fully flushed out. That includes the waste ink processing and cleaning parts of the printer. All I can say is that it might work, but I'd not be surprised to see the printer fail...
@@KeithCooper hey thanks. fail how? also if i replaced ny part that had ink going through it that should take care of that problem yes? im brand new to this but its only a few parts the ink runs through right?
As far as I know, the dyesub inks use far harsher solvents and other additives than the normal inks. The ink handling system [and print head] are not designed to handle this reliably. However, I've heard of people using such inks and accepting that the printer may only last six months, since the 8550 is so much cheaper than a 'proper' dye-sub printer which will do A3+ and the 8500 A4. Not quite 'disposable' but still potentially useful. You need to check out actual users, not people trying to sell you the inks ;-)@@ohboy7790
Excellent coverage of this topic Keith, thank you very much indeed. Very timely too as I have the 8550, which is terrific, but I don’t use Photoshop, Capture One etc. My question is, (and this is leaning heavily towards your comment that ICC profiles are essential, which I’m very aware of), is it possible to apply ICC profiles to prints without such expensive software? I use a mix of papers (Fotospeed, Marrutt, Hahnemule). I am testing the Epson print layout software you mentioned and it will be interesting to see your take on that when ready. Does that software take ICC profiles? Curiously, I have noticed that if apply a border using the Layout software, it isn’t equal on the long edges. I checked the paper feed and it seems okay. I would be grateful for your thoughts. And I look forward to your next instalments on this topic. 🙏 By the way, Epson would do well to take some learnings from you, very educational and instructional.
EPL is free and uses profiles. I've covered it in most Epson reviews I've done of late... If you have an 8550 see here - links to all my articles/videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hey @@pmcbMadeInIreland I have the same Issue with unequal Borders when I print with Borders in the EPL-App. Did you find a Fix for that? Thank you in Advance for your Effort.
@@kevinternes4590 not yet. I’m still researching online but there’s not much out there so far. There are a few things to try, starting with print head alignment but no idea if they will fix this. It’s curious…
@@pmcbMadeInIreland I tried several options in the App, Alignment of the Printhead, precise Paperformat as a userdefined Format, different Papers etc. Epson Customer Services says I should try printing on Epson Paper and then call them again.
Ah, in which case I've no idea I'm afraid - I'd suggest asking in the printing forum at DPReview.com Lots of 8500/8550 users there [I've not used a PC for many years]
Hello Keith...thank you for your most interesting video. I need some help please...I'm trying to print a 4x6 photo from a picture in word document and not sure where to position the image it for it to print. Haven't been able to find any information on utube.
Can't help I'm afraid - I've not used Word for many years. Do you have the free 'epson print layout' app? It is a great way of printing single images on their own - but nothing to do with word.
Hello Keith ...and thank you very much for your prompt response. I have only just recently purchased the ET-8500 so am still trying to navigate my way around it. No I don't have the "epson print layout" app but have seen a video on Utube about it so will at some stage have a closer look at it. I am trying to print a smaller size of a 4x6 picture that's on my laptop and was wondering of another way of doing it. Thanks @@KeithCooper
If you've not seen it, have a look ay my main [written] 8500 review - it links to all my info on this and the almost identical 8550 www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/ www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi...thank you for sending the links will definitely have a look at them. I was having a look at one of your videos and you mentioned the Epson Print Layout which I installed into my laptop. It solved my problem...it was just what I needed to use to print off smaller prints. Just a BIG THANK YOU for your help. Cheers @@KeithCooper
It can do it... I'd suggest reading the main [written] 8500 and 8550 reviews - each links to loads of related videos/articles www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/ Start with one of the test images and software like EPL [see in the articles]
Yes I did think it was just a generic answer. I have done the (6) tests. Surprisingly no difference I have added half a stop of exposure to my file in photoshop then sent to EPL. Much better results. These are only for home snaps etc. any serious images I want as always I’ll send to my printing guy. Thank you for your help
Thanks - I'll file that one away for next time I'm talking to one of the technical people at Epson [who also cringe at some of this stuff ;-) ]
Indeed thanks again for the pointers
Thank you for your tutorials, Keith. I would like to try the icc profiles that you have created for the ET-8550 using Epson paper, but I can't find them in your website. Are they available for download? Thank you!
They are not there for download - only on request - email me?
Your videos has been of great help to understand the complicate world of printing. I had a hard time getting my printing colors right and this video seem to have solved most of the problem. Now I can finally start to enjoy my ET-8550.
A big thanks to you and your work ^^
Thanks - if you've not seen it, do check the main 8550 review - it includes links to all my 8550 videos and articles
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi Keith ... this is such wonderful information ... and you have presented it so well! I have just purchased an ET8500 and I would love you to send me your ICC profile as mentioned in this video. Yours is the only video I have ever watched that actually explains why the colours of my home photos aren't "deep" enough. If you can send me your ICC profile, I will be eternally grateful. Thanks again for such valuable information.
Thanks - you'll need to email me at Northlight Images for the profiles [for all the papers tested in this and the 8550 review - they are specific to a paper]
Hey good day I need some help. Kinda desperate…I have my ET8550 on my MacBook Air m3, if I’m using the default photo app to print, the prints are printing slow but extremely high quality…if I’m printing on Adobe illustrator, cricut design space, or photoshop…the printer is printing very fast and the quality isn’t good at all. I would ideally want to print slow on illustrator, photoshop and the cricut app to maintain a high quality as well. Can you please help? This is extremely frustrating. Really hating my experience with this printer so far because of this inconsistency
Do you have the full driver - not the airprint one - installed?
See ruclips.net/video/ATnObPkaM6U/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/FnHsYobka5c/видео.html
Hi - glad I found this video - and there are more videos to watch ... I am quite happy with my 8500, but some of my prints (on glossy paper) get too dark. What could be the reason for that? Is there anything I nee to adjust? I make cards from either 13x18 or 10x15 cm glossy paper and I put the paper in Tray 1. Should I rather use the rear tray? I'm not sure I understand everything about profiles, something I need to dig into ... Thanks!
Lots of things could contribute to dark prints.
See the main written 8550/8500 reviews [the printers are the same but for size] - suitable profiles will help too
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
Great stuff Keith, I've just had my et 8550 delivered your videos are very helpfull.😊
Thanks - if you've not seen it, do check the main [written] review at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
It pulls together all my 8550 related stuff...
I also would love to receive your ICC profile. I am getting much better prints now that I started using the rear paper tray!! I am an amateur photographer using a very nice camera and lens to photograph my grandchildren's games of high school soccer, football and basketball (Sony a9 and 2.8/ 70-200 0SSII.) I use Photoshop Elements for editing (easier for Nana). I can't seem to get to a printing screen to set my ICC color profiles in Photoshop Elements. Thoughts?
Try printing via Epson print layout. See the main [i.e. written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
Profiles are available on request [email]
Have been following you for quite a while got the epson et 8550 loved the epson print layout loaded the icc for the paper Im using here in the usa now I have a new mac and print layout is not available anylonger totaly disappointed. using luminar neo and dont know what to use to print my photos what you sugest thanks in advance if you have time to answer me.
Have you installed the Airprint driver by mistake?
EPL does work on new Macs and the 8550 is supported
See the bit about the airprint driver in the setup section here
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Re-install from Epson.sn and follow the instructions very carefully- this one has caught me out before ;-) I did a recent video about Airprint on new Macs - whilst it was for the Canon PRO-300, the principles are the same.
Thanks
Thank you!
J enjoy taking pictures of eagles and printing them. Now that I watched your video on printing I think I could do better now. Could you please send me your profiles I think that would really help.
See the main [written] 8500 and 8550 reviews for those I've produced and contact me via Northlight Images
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
what I don't get is isn't it better to set things so photoshop manages printing rather then the printing? I have that epson program but I never use it with my p800 . I always print in photoshop and tell it to let ps manage printing. I am looking to get either this or the 8550 printer as supplement to my p800.
EPL isn't 'better' - it's just easy to show in the videos, and it's free ;-)
I usually print from PS
Hi. For normal printing, not photos, is it also ok?
Scanning automatic feed in of papers?
Thanks!
Hans
You mean documents and the like?
Seemed fine, but I don't really test office printers, so I've no strong comparisons to make
It is sold as a general purpose 'all in one' type printer
It has no document feed - that is an office type feature.
I've not come across a printer with ADF, which I'd ever consider for photo prints, but that perhaps more reflects the sorts of printers I test ;-)
Excellent Keith. May I ask you a completely daft question - "What are colour profiles" and if I download one where does it go in the computer programme. I cant seem to get my head around something which seems to be non - tangible, if that makes sense.
Profiles (a form of data file) go into a particular place on the computer system (for Mac and PC)
Software then makes use of them to get better results when printing.
The Epson installer puts some in place when it's run - these are for a few of their papers. Some paper suppliers provide them for some papers - not so many for the 8500/8550. I've created others during my testing.
Think of profiles as translation specifications - they map colours in your image to what is needed to get the best in a print.
A profile is specific to a particular paper and printer. It is not the same as the 'media setting' which just refers to broad paper types.
See this
ruclips.net/video/Y1eXy9sLkcQ/видео.html
The notes link to articles and much more info.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Could you also share the profile used to print the photos shown in this video?
Thanks - All 8500/8550 profiles listed in the reviews are available on direct request.
These are the ones listed in the main [written] reviews at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper thanks for your quick response, I appreciate your work and time spent providing valuable information.
Where can I get hold of the icc settings and how do I load them into photoshop.
You don't load profiles into photoshop...
See here for a good guide to installation
www.permajet.com/icc-profiles/
The ones listed in my reviews are available from me
See www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
Does the Epson et8500 print quality better than the et2800? Thanks
yes - it has more inks IIRC? [I can't remember all the ET numbers and specs]
Thanks for this interesting video. Q: using a proper ICC profile, same paper and printer. Will it give the same print results wether I am using PS, Qimage or Epson Print?
PS and Epson print layout are similar - depending on rendering intent of course.
QI - no idea, the main version is windows only
There are also potential differences connected with the CMM used in the operating system. This might produce differences with some images and settings.
There are also differences between which software was used to create the profile
There is no such thing as the 'correct' result BTW ;-)
Fortunately, these differences are unlikely to be noticed by most.
In general it's not something I ever worry about ;-)
@@KeithCooper Thx, I think I will give it a try myself and do the test myself and look what's happening. And even then I have to be sure that all parameters have the same adjustments but I am not sure yet if that's possible. Agree with you that I am not looking for the correct result. It was from curiosity more about the same result.
Very good presentation on the Epson ET-8500, Mr. Cooper. Thank you for all of the videos you produce and post; they are quite helpful.
Thanks - appreciated!
I'm in the U.S. and my 8550 is the same color as your 8500...
Yes, the subtle mysteries of Epson marketing run far and wide... ;-)
Gracias por el vídeo me ayudo mucho, me podría decir, el papel como se coloca, el brillo para arriba o para abajo? Gracias
Sorry - English only...
do you think I could get portfolio worthy images at 8.5 x11 on epson velvet fine art paper (or other 300gsm paper)? Images are portraits and fashion pictures. Thank you :) Zev
yes, with the right profiles - do note the discussion about media types/settings in the main written reviews
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
Of course, I'll leave aside my questions about what exactly "portfolio worthy" means ;-)
@@KeithCooper thank you! I suppose I can answer what I mean by “portfolio worthy”. I mean that I can make a portrait print at that size, hand it to an art director, and they will appreciate the image for its beauty - the printer quality will not influence the beholders opinion in a negative direction -
Indeed - consider what images work with different papers. For my industrial work for example, a metallic gloss works a treat, whilst for some architecture a matte print on an art papers is better. Depends a lot on the photography and subject.
Consider the 8550 as well, since a good big print outshines a good small one for some shots.
I wonder if you could help Keith. I have just got an ET 8500 and first test through the printer today. I have printed directly from Photoshop and Lightroom a different image on both. The printed result s on both are VERY dark . All the detail are there but its as though several minus stops of exposure have been applied.... could you shed some light on the matter (excuse the pu) thank you
Yes - print a known test image using epson print layout [EPL]
This tests the printer and that you've installed the driver correctly - if it prints OK then your edit setup is wrong in some way...
See the main written review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/ [use the datacolor one]
Thank you. I have been scouring Epson site to find the download for EPL can’t seem to access it anywhere
@@garymccaffery928 just search for 'epson print layout download'
Thank you I have installed the EPL. It is so much better but still I would say about 1 stop underexposed. I have tried letting printer manage colour , using ICC I’ve tried normal and high settings. All are identical but around 1 stop underexposed. I contacted Epson who told me to do head cleaning X 6 times after every two do a nozzle check. If that doesn’t help leave three hours and then repeat the 6 X process again. If this doesn’t resolve it call back
@@garymccaffery928 Is this so for the test image?
That is the key to see where the issues lie. There are very good reasons I'll absolutely never use one of my own images for such testing.
I will also seriously doubt the competence of anyone who suggests cleaning for SIX times - this maintains my impression of the levels of expertise at Epson [1st line support that is]
I have been battling my 8500 for months, now. I am certain it is user error, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the computer to tell the printer what paper feed to use. I have thick cardstock that needs to be fed through the rear feed slot and it just keeps grabbing it and spitting it out blank. Do you have any direction you can offer?
It does depend on the driver settings and software - have you tried printing from EPL?
I've not tested the 8500 in this way - I'll have a look when I can
Keith, thanks for the video. Just received the 8500, yesterday and used Epson print layout with their ICC files, I’m a bit disappointed with the print quality as well. I’m using Epson premium glossy paper. Can you share yours? Much appreciated any help. I returned the ET2800 printer, but this doesn’t seem much better. Thank you
See my main written review for the profiles I created for the 8500/8550 - available on request [email]
There is no public links for them [for copyright reasons amongst others]
Thank you again for another informative video.
You said you would make comparisons between the ET-2850 that you have just reviewed and this ET-8500. Can I ask if that comparison is going to look at the dye inks that are used? The ET-8500 makes use of the Claria ET Premium inks (dye and pigment) whereas the ET-2850 simply states that it uses dye and pigment inks. Putting to one side the limitations of ET-2850 on glossy paper, does this different ink technology make a visible difference or is it more about the longevity of prints? Interestingly, the ET-18100 information now available does not appear to use the Claria ET Premium inks and is utilising six dye inks (Bk, C, Y, M, LC, LM).
Thanks - I won't be going into precise ink formulation whatsoever - there is very little non proprietary info on this and I'm not going to guess ;-)
Fishing out relevant differences from marketing copy is not an easy task - also the two printers are aimed at such obviously different markets, I can't see many people seriously in a quandary as to which is most relevant to them ;-)
Hi Mr. Keith, can I do a colour photo duplex on a4 plain sheet?
Doubt it...
Well maybe it will do it, but it will look very poor...
So mr Keith, this can be done on Epson 8550 (printing photo duplex on a4 plain sheet) as you have a video about that? I’m basically looking for a printer to print my own comic books, which printer would you suggest if not this and paper for comics?
You need to find a suitable quality paper, but the 8550 is no better at duplex for photo media than the 8500. Duplex is pretty much an office printer function.
If you can find a suitable paper that's the key...
No idea about comic books though I'm afraid - I've not read one since the 1960's... :-)
Thanks Keith, Great Information
Thanks - glad it was of interest
I have tried numerous times and wasted many Glossy Papers trying to print a full 11" X 14". Have also been going back and forth with Epson support. Can you enlighten me please?
Not really I'm afraid - 11x14" just isn't a common paper size here in the UK. I've never seen any yet alone tested it
This was extremely helpful mate!
Thanks!
Love your Epson videos Mr Cooper. How can a 8550 owner add ICC profiles. Is it possible? Also if I have some Canon semi gloss paper left over, what profile would you recommend?
Thanks
Not easy to find, unless you make them yourself
However - Canon semi-gloss is almost the same as Epson semi-gloss, so you could use an Epson profile, or one of mine produced for the review
See here for what there is:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thanks for this, Keith, another fact-filled review. :) At some point you mentioned talking about velvet fine art or something, but then didn't mention it again - is that coming in a separate video? I'd really like to know how the profiles influence the print heads - satin/gloss invokes the Photo Black, is that right? Is this the same as "Black enhance overcoat"? Is there a difference to the way it prints matt, gloss, fine art cotton rag etc? more or less ink? Can I look forward to another vid covering some of the aforementioned?! Sorry for all these questions if they're off-piste...Thanks once again for sharing all your knowledge and expertise. :)
Yes -this is just colour photos. That's gloss/lustre for most people
There will be several others ;-) - before the actual review [written and video]
Media settings are what define ink use - VFA and plain papers are the only ones using matte black - profiles have no effect on ink type. BEO is a feature of the higher end pigment ink printers - my own feeling is that BEO has a hefty amount of marketing goodness in it.
See my 8550 review for a sneak preview of the 8500 review - just replace A3+/13" with A4/8.5" when you see it - they really are the same otherwise... ;-) I've some new things to test with the 8500, but a significant aspect of my testing is that very few people looking for 8500 info think to look for 8550 stuff ;-) :-)
very helpful , thanks
Thanks
Great review Keith. Thanks for it. I just ordered a ET-8500 for my family. I’d love to get the profiles you’ve created for it. I’m just a photographer and my kids like printings photos of them and their friends.
Email me at Northlight - the papers covered are listed in the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
How go you turn the printer on and off. Thank you this is all new to me.
There is a power on button...
It will go into a low power mode after a while
hi great videos very informative. i have an ecotank 8550 that is set up for sublimation printing, ive been told i would not be able to do any other type of printing like photos after it has been used for sublimation is that true? cant i just change the ink and run some through and thats all and it could print photos?? thank you!
Thanks - It's normally considered a one-way process, since it's very difficult to properly clean out the dye sub inks. They are also a lot harsher on the internal parts of the printer and may not mix well if not fully flushed out. That includes the waste ink processing and cleaning parts of the printer.
All I can say is that it might work, but I'd not be surprised to see the printer fail...
@@KeithCooper hey thanks. fail how? also if i replaced ny part that had ink going through it that should take care of that problem yes? im brand new to this but its only a few parts the ink runs through right?
As far as I know, the dyesub inks use far harsher solvents and other additives than the normal inks. The ink handling system [and print head] are not designed to handle this reliably. However, I've heard of people using such inks and accepting that the printer may only last six months, since the 8550 is so much cheaper than a 'proper' dye-sub printer which will do A3+ and the 8500 A4. Not quite 'disposable' but still potentially useful. You need to check out actual users, not people trying to sell you the inks ;-)@@ohboy7790
Excellent coverage of this topic Keith, thank you very much indeed. Very timely too as I have the 8550, which is terrific, but I don’t use Photoshop, Capture One etc. My question is, (and this is leaning heavily towards your comment that ICC profiles are essential, which I’m very aware of), is it possible to apply ICC profiles to prints without such expensive software? I use a mix of papers (Fotospeed, Marrutt, Hahnemule). I am testing the Epson print layout software you mentioned and it will be interesting to see your take on that when ready. Does that software take ICC profiles?
Curiously, I have noticed that if apply a border using the Layout software, it isn’t equal on the long edges. I checked the paper feed and it seems okay.
I would be grateful for your thoughts. And I look forward to your next instalments on this topic. 🙏
By the way, Epson would do well to take some learnings from you, very educational and instructional.
EPL is free and uses profiles. I've covered it in most Epson reviews I've done of late...
If you have an 8550 see here - links to all my articles/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper class, thank you very much, will take a look.
Hey @@pmcbMadeInIreland I have the same Issue with unequal Borders when I print with Borders in the EPL-App. Did you find a Fix for that? Thank you in Advance for your Effort.
@@kevinternes4590 not yet. I’m still researching online but there’s not much out there so far. There are a few things to try, starting with print head alignment but no idea if they will fix this. It’s curious…
@@pmcbMadeInIreland I tried several options in the App, Alignment of the Printhead, precise Paperformat as a userdefined Format, different Papers etc. Epson Customer Services says I should try printing on Epson Paper and then call them again.
In photoshop in the menu automate, I am missing the epson print layout settings and I installed the latest driver
Mac or PC? If Mac, make sure you have not selected the airprint driver by mistake
@@KeithCooper, I have a Windows 10 desktop
Ah, in which case I've no idea I'm afraid - I'd suggest asking in the printing forum at DPReview.com
Lots of 8500/8550 users there [I've not used a PC for many years]
Hello Keith...thank you for your most interesting video. I need some help please...I'm trying to print a 4x6 photo from a picture in word document and not sure where to position the image it for it to print. Haven't been able to find any information on utube.
Can't help I'm afraid - I've not used Word for many years.
Do you have the free 'epson print layout' app? It is a great way of printing single images on their own - but nothing to do with word.
Hello Keith ...and thank you very much for your prompt response. I have only just recently purchased the ET-8500 so am still trying to navigate my way around it. No I don't have the "epson print layout" app but have seen a video on Utube about it so will at some stage have a closer look at it. I am trying to print a smaller size of a 4x6 picture that's on my laptop and was wondering of another way of doing it. Thanks @@KeithCooper
If you've not seen it, have a look ay my main [written] 8500 review - it links to all my info on this and the almost identical 8550
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi...thank you for sending the links will definitely have a look at them. I was having a look at one of your videos and you mentioned the Epson Print Layout which I installed into my laptop. It solved my problem...it was just what I needed to use to print off smaller prints. Just a BIG THANK YOU for your help. Cheers @@KeithCooper
Excellent!
I have yet to get my 8500 to print a good quality photo. The colors are always off and look nothing like my photoshop screen. I'll keep at it though.
It can do it...
I'd suggest reading the main [written] 8500 and 8550 reviews - each links to loads of related videos/articles
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
Start with one of the test images and software like EPL [see in the articles]
@@KeithCooper thanks for the information! I will look over everything and keep trying. Hopefully I can get better results.
The standard test image I start every printer test with, is available for download on the Northlight site