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Printer Buyers Guide and OT

Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-16 by amadou diallo

Ars Technica has just run an article I did for them at
<http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/inkjets.ars>. It's a fairly broad
buyers guide and at an editorial limit of 3,000 words you can't get
very deep into the subject. But it might be a useful intro for clients
or colleagues.

Now the OT part.
There's a fair amount of posts already about the article on ars' forum
at <http://tinyurl.com/3a8dtd>. And it's always intersting when a
digital photo discussion gets going on a more generalist site like
ars. Everything from  "this is very helpful" to "it's a piece of
crap", so it pays to have a thick skin. But it's really easy to lose
sight of how much bad information is out there until you see it. Some
posts are valid, others less so, but most are written with the surety
of "fact" versus (misguided) opinion (my favorite is the poster who
says serious photographers use dye-sub instead of inkjet) that can
confuse the heck out of anyone trolling the web for reliable info.
So what's the point? Many of us on this list are in contact with
either clients, colleagues, or just friends who have questions about
how to navigate the complex technology involved with printing images.
Sometimes their questions do not have short, easy answers and it hurts
to watch the hands on the clock spin while you're doling out free
advice instead of getting on with paying jobs. But as we've all
benfitted from the sharing of info from others more experienced and
knowledgeable over the years, I encourage all of us to remember just
how beneficial this information is to those who lack your experience
and skill. And if they don't get the info from you, they'll go to god
knows where on the web.

-- 
amadou diallo
Author, Mastering Digital Black and White
www.masteringdigitalbwbook.com

Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-16 by Debbi

I cannot wait to purchase your book! Please tell me there will be a 
chapter dedicated to getting store bought frame size from working in 
RAW. Unless I crop most of my image, (and not the look I was really 
after) I cannot print to a normal 8 X 10 or 11X14. I know it's the 
size of the sensor of the camera that creat3s this problem I just 
hate it.
Debbi,
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>But as we've all
>benfitted from the sharing of info from others more experienced and
>knowledgeable over the years, I encourage all of us to remember just
>how beneficial this information is to those who lack your experience
>and skill. And if they don't get the info from you, they'll go to god
>knows where on the web.
>
>--
>amadou diallo
>Author, Mastering Digital Black and White
>www.masteringdigitalbwbook.com

RE: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-16 by Alan Kearney

Debbi, which camera do you use? I shoot with a Nikon D2x and it's a DX
(small) sensor) camera. I was frustrated like you for awhile, until I
replaced the focusing screen with one that had a grid etched on it showing;
the boundaries of Nikon's "High Speed Crop" (allowing for up to 8 fps @ 6.3
megapixel images), the 11 different focus areas but most importantly the 4
corners of the sensor that will "print" to an 8x10 or 11x14 print without
much cropping in PS. This means I'm doing the cropping in the camera and
does use less of the sensor but if you frame within these boundaries you
don't have to crop as much in PS.

 

IMHO, this interesting book can't tell you, or anyone else for that matter,
how to get an 8x10 or 11x14 from a DX or "half frame" sensor!  The only
option is a 35mm full frame sensor camera, which only leaves you with one
choice - buy the full frame Canon at an "arm and a leg" price!

 

Alan

 

  _____  
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Debbi
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 11:51 AM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

 

I cannot wait to purchase your book! Please tell me there will be a 
chapter dedicated to getting store bought frame size from working in 
RAW. Unless I crop most of my image, (and not the look I was really 
after) I cannot print to a normal 8 X 10 or 11X14. I know it's the 
size of the sensor of the camera that creat3s this problem I just 
hate it.
Debbi,

>But as we've all
>benfitted from the sharing of info from others more experienced and
>knowledgeable over the years, I encourage all of us to remember just
>how beneficial this information is to those who lack your experience
>and skill. And if they don't get the info from you, they'll go to god
>knows where on the web.
>
>--
>amadou diallo
>Author, Mastering Digital Black and White
>www.masteringdigitalbwbook.com

 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

RE: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-16 by Alan Kearney

Oh, Debbi, I forgot to mention that I always shoot in RAW. Changing from RAW
to Tiff or any of the JPEG options won't fit an 8x10 or 11x14 either,
because I believe my Nikon reduces the capture size equally on all four
sides so the aspect ratio will stay the same.

 

Alan

 

  _____  
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Debbi
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 11:51 AM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

 

I cannot wait to purchase your book! Please tell me there will be a 
chapter dedicated to getting store bought frame size from working in 
RAW. Unless I crop most of my image, (and not the look I was really 
after) I cannot print to a normal 8 X 10 or 11X14. I know it's the 
size of the sensor of the camera that creat3s this problem I just 
hate it.
Debbi,

>But as we've all
>benfitted from the sharing of info from others more experienced and
>knowledgeable over the years, I encourage all of us to remember just
>how beneficial this information is to those who lack your experience
>and skill. And if they don't get the info from you, they'll go to god
>knows where on the web.
>
>--
>amadou diallo
>Author, Mastering Digital Black and White
>www.masteringdigitalbwbook.com

 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

RE: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-16 by Debbi

A 20D, do they make grids for those?
Thanks
Debbi
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>Debbi, which camera do you use? I shoot with a Nikon D2x and it's a DX
>(small) sensor) camera. I was frustrated like you for awhile, until I
>replaced the focusing screen with one that had a grid etched on it showing;
>the boundaries of Nikon's "High Speed Crop" (allowing for up to 8 fps @ 6.3
>megapixel images), the 11 different focus areas but most importantly the 4
>corners of the sensor that will "print" to an 8x10 or 11x14 print without
>much cropping in PS. This means I'm doing the cropping in the camera and
>does use less of the sensor but if you frame within these boundaries you
>don't have to crop as much in PS.
>
>
>
>IMHO, this interesting book can't tell you, or anyone else for that matter,
>how to get an 8x10 or 11x14 from a DX or "half frame" sensor!  The only
>option is a 35mm full frame sensor camera, which only leaves you with one
>choice - buy the full frame Canon at an "arm and a leg" price!
>
>
>
>Alan
>
>
>
>   _____ 
>
>From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
>[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Debbi
>Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 11:51 AM
>To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT
>
>
>
>I cannot wait to purchase your book! Please tell me there will be a
>chapter dedicated to getting store bought frame size from working in
>RAW. Unless I crop most of my image, (and not the look I was really
>after) I cannot print to a normal 8 X 10 or 11X14. I know it's the
>size of the sensor of the camera that creat3s this problem I just
>hate it.
>Debbi,
>
>>But as we've all
>>benfitted from the sharing of info from others more experienced and
>>knowledgeable over the years, I encourage all of us to remember just
>>how beneficial this information is to those who lack your experience
>>and skill. And if they don't get the info from you, they'll go to god
>>knows where on the web.
>>
>>--
>>amadou diallo
>>Author, Mastering Digital Black and White
>>www.masteringdigitalbwbook.com
>
>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
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RE: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-16 by Debbi

I shoot RAW too.
Debbi
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>Oh, Debbi, I forgot to mention that I always shoot in RAW. Changing from RAW
>to Tiff or any of the JPEG options won't fit an 8x10 or 11x14 either,
>because I believe my Nikon reduces the capture size equally on all four
>sides so the aspect ratio will stay the same.
>
>
>
>Alan
>
>

RE: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-16 by Alan Kearney

Sorry Debbi but I don't know the Canon product line. You owners manual
should tell you if you can swap out Focusing Screens and which ones are
available and work with which lenses. If you can't find that info a quick
call to your Canon dealer should do as well. On the Nikon product line
different screens are not compatible with all lens selections so be
wary/choose carefully.

 

Good luck, Alan

 

  _____  
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Debbi
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 3:08 PM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

 

A 20D, do they make grids for those?
Thanks
Debbi 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-17 by richardeskin

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Debbi 
<corkie@...> wrote:
>
> I cannot wait to purchase your book! Please tell me there will be a 
> chapter dedicated to getting store bought frame size from working 
in 
> RAW. Unless I crop most of my image, (and not the look I was really 
> after) I cannot print to a normal 8 X 10 or 11X14. I know it's the 
> size of the sensor of the camera that creat3s this problem I just 
> hate it.
> Debbi,
> 
> 
Debbie - facing the same problem, and being unwilling to compromise 
on my framing or cropping, I simply started cutting my own mats. I 
just buy standard frames that assure I will have at least 2.5 - 3 
inches of mat around my image and I can make the openings any 
proportion I want, including panoramas, and still use standard 
frames. It also gives me the flexibility to have the mat overlap the 
image slightly, or to allow approximately a half to 3/4 inch of paper 
showing inside the mat, so I can sign the actual picture, without 
doing it inside the image area.

Rich

Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-17 by Debbi

What brand mat cutter? I may do just that.
Debbi
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Debbi
><corkie@...> wrote:
>>
>>  I cannot wait to purchase your book! Please tell me there will be a
>>  chapter dedicated to getting store bought frame size from working
>in
>>  RAW. Unless I crop most of my image, (and not the look I was really
>>  after) I cannot print to a normal 8 X 10 or 11X14. I know it's the
>>  size of the sensor of the camera that creat3s this problem I just
>>  hate it.
>>  Debbi,
>>
>>
>Debbie - facing the same problem, and being unwilling to compromise
>on my framing or cropping, I simply started cutting my own mats. I
>just buy standard frames that assure I will have at least 2.5 - 3
>inches of mat around my image and I can make the openings any
>proportion I want, including panoramas, and still use standard
>frames. It also gives me the flexibility to have the mat overlap the
>image slightly, or to allow approximately a half to 3/4 inch of paper
>showing inside the mat, so I can sign the actual picture, without
>doing it inside the image area.
>
>Rich

Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-17 by Keith Zimmerman

Debbi,

Try the Logan 301-S Compact system.  It is self-contained and will cut 
up to 32" mats.  I just bought one and found it reasonably priced and 
very easy to learn and use.  

keithz

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Debbi 
<corkie@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> What brand mat cutter? I may do just that.
> Debbi
> 
>

Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-17 by Keith Zimmerman

Debbi,

Try the Logan 301-S Compact system.  It is self-contained and will cut 
up to 32" mats.  I just bought one and found it reasonably priced and 
very easy to learn and use.  

keithz

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Debbi 
<corkie@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> What brand mat cutter? I may do just that.
> Debbi
> 
>

Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-17 by robert49brake

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Zimmerman" <keithz@...> 
wrote:

> Try the Logan 301-S Compact system.  It is self-contained and will cut 
> up to 32" mats.  I just bought one and found it reasonably priced and 
> very easy to learn and use.  

Just a note on the 301 Compact.   Earlier packaging did not include the straight edge cutter 
as newer packaging does.  Discovered that last weekend when I went shopping for one at a 
local chain "art supply" and was comparing prices with online suppliers.  Straight edge cutter 
alone is roughly 27 bucks.

Re: Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-17 by richardeskin

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Debbi 
<corkie@...> wrote:
>
> What brand mat cutter? I may do just that.
> Debbi
 
I got the logan simplex plus 750. It takes mat boards up to 32 x 40 
so I can buy full sheets and cut mats as I need them. It has worked 
well for me. Check prices. I think I got it at DickBlick.com.



> 
> >--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Debbi
> ><corkie@> wrote:
> >>
> I cannot print to a normal 8 X 10 or 11X14. I know it's the
> >>  size of the sensor of the camera that creat3s this problem I 
just
>  hate it.
> >>  Debbi,
> >>
> >>
> >Debbie - facing the same problem, and being unwilling to compromise
> >on my framing or cropping, I simply started cutting my own mats. I
> >just buy standard frames that assure I will have at least 2.5 - 3
> >inches of mat around my image and I can make the openings any
> >proportion I want, including panoramas, and still use standard
> >frames. It also gives me the flexibility to have the mat overlap 
the
> >image slightly, or to allow approximately a half to 3/4 inch of 
paper
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> >showing inside the mat, so I can sign the actual picture, without
> >doing it inside the image area.
> >
> >Rich
>

Re: [Digital BW] Printer Buyers Guide and OT

2007-04-18 by Harry Lockwood

On 4/17/07 5:45 PM, "robert49brake" <robert49brake@...> wrote:

> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint%40yahoogroups.com> , "Keith Zimmerman"
> <keithz@...> 
> wrote:
> 
>> > Try the Logan 301-S Compact system.  It is self-contained and will cut
>> > up to 32" mats.  I just bought one and found it reasonably priced and
>> > very easy to learn and use.
> 
> Just a note on the 301 Compact.   Earlier packaging did not include the
> straight edge cutter
> as newer packaging does.  Discovered that last weekend when I went shopping
> for one at a 
> local chain "art supply" and was comparing prices with online suppliers.
> Straight edge cutter
> alone is roughly 27 bucks.
> 
I¹ll second the recommendation of the Logan Compact.  And mine did come with
the straight-edge cutter  Here¹s some additional advice, based on my
experience.

You (Debbi) will have to practice (on cheap boards) diligently if you want
to get perfect corner cuts.  Over or under cuts look less than professional.

Do not skimp on blades.  A dull blade will make a mess.  Change it often.
-- 

Harry F. Lockwood




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