Digital BW, The Print

Todd,

Well that's like asking if something is a lot darker, or a little 
darker.  It's subjective, and you're asking me to make a statement 
based on what I think someone else's valuations might be.  Like I said, 
the difference at arm's length is less obvious than in close.  
Specifically in the areas of gradual tonal shifts, skies and clouds. 
There is a little more coarseness to the tones with the 1160. Banding 
is more prevalent with the 1160 than the 7000.  With the 7000 I pretty 
much have to look under a loupe to see it, and I can make it out from 
about 8" away with my 1160. Again, this is on EAM. There is likewise a 
small difference in the sharpness of the edges (I'm looking at 
sharpened images) and that may have to do with the firm paper grips and 
the suction platen the 7000 uses.  Less movement of the paper during 
printing and dead flat positioning.  The sharpness is something I only 
see substantially under a loupe, though, and that may make it 
irrelevant for most. Perhaps for you that means "teeny weeny bit." 
Don't know if this is helpful, but I can say it without feeling I'm 
misleading anyone.  I love the printer...

I think one should try to see some of the prints from the 7K before 
deciding on whether or not its appropriate for them. It's what I did. 
And cost is always an issue when one is making these types of choices.  
Furthermore, you have to factor in the ability to make those larger 
prints, even if you mostly print on 8x10 or 11x14.  I haven't met too 
many people who didn't like seeing their prints larger at least on 
occaision.  Bottom line, once again, what can you justify spending?  
That one is purely personal.

Cheers,
Phil
http://philbard.com

> 
> I think what Martin was hoping from you guys (or I guess I was) was somewhat
> less of a question of cost vs cost, but quality vs quality. Is there a way
> to quantify how much better a 7000's print might look than an 1160's? Does
> it look better? Teeny bit better, or way better?
> 
> My guess is that because the 7000s are built to a higher QC standard it's
> output might not look all that much better than a great 1160's, like Bernds,
> but you're less likely to get a bummer 7000, like Martin's 1200....
> 
> Todd