Digital BW, The Print

djon43 wrote:

> As we all know Epson WILL print at 1440dpi..if we make no selection it
> defaults/resamples to 720dpi, which "works" even on photocopy paper.
>
> 1440 is obviously more attractive on photo papers than 720dpi
> (visually/loupe) even on relatively soft papers (eg iplug up on
> Entrada)...also better than 2880dpi, especially on soft papers...
>
> ***what I don't understand is why that driver offers 2880dpi: that
> setting seems counterproductive even on the sharpest of papers (eg.
> Kirkland and Kokopelli). What is the utility of 2880dpi?
>
> ***2880dpi obviously does want to plug up dots (like lithography with
> a too-fine halftone screen) so seems a more risky choice than 1440dpi.
>
> ***Is there a *visual* advantage to using 2880dpi Vs 1440dpi IF one
> tinkers carefully with ink limits?
>
> Are there papers that will deliver more detail or beauty with 2880dpi
> than 1440dpi? What are they? Special techniques?
>
> Is 2880dpi intended for printing on a film base? Is it better than
> 1440dpi for that purpose?

I'm using an Epson 7600, StudioPrint 10, and PiezoTone inks, mostly 
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag.

I print everything at 2880. Not because it's sharper (it might be, I 
haven't taken the time to test), but because I get better tones and 
tonal transitions over 1440. This could be due to the RIP doing a better 
job of placing ink ink vs. the Epson driver. I don't know.

I've talked to others using a similar setup. Some find 2880 works for 
them. Some fine 1440 is better. There may be some sample-to-sample 
variance in the printers, or it may just be aesthetic judgment.
--
Bruce Watson