Home > Consumer Reviews > Epson Stylus R800 Inkjet Colour Photo Printer

I have owned a number of Epson printers and have used other makes. I was a little doubtful at first because of the price but eventually, after reading the reviews here and in various magazines, I decided to buy. Ordered on a Monday it was delivered on the Wednesday, about 9 a.m. Set up was simple, the enclosed set up sheet details all the requisite steps and the enclosed CD supplies drivers plus an on screen manual. Use is simple, even loading the 8 cartridges has been colour coded so that making a mistake is difficult. The results are superb. It really is difficult to tell the output apart from that produced by a photo laboratory. Having now printed over 50 photographs, typed various letters, and printed quantities of data I can say that I am well satisfied. Connected to the computer using a Firewire port, freed up a USB port, and is fast. For notes or to print out, say, e-mails for reference, the draft setting is fine and does save a bit on ink. Previously I have avoided draft settings but this one is really good, as are all the settings.

Time taken to familiarise oneself with the wide variety of settings that are available is time well spent. There is even availabilty to print on Cds and DVDs plus banners can be printed on roll paper. The accessories needed for these functions are included. So perhaps the price is not really so high.

To conclude, if you want a printer that can cope with many problems and also produce superb photographs, then this is it. Buy it, you will not regret it.

Following extensive research and review hunting to make sure I was making the right choice, I have had my R800 for a few days now.

The review in PC Pro magazine swung it for me though (Feb 2005). The printer was tested against 14 other superior inkjets and won by a country mile. Things like the Epson Durabrite ink and paper which offer 80 years fastness were very important factors. The Canon offerings were shoddy in comparison at 25 years fastness.

You only get a few sheets of 4 x 6 photo paper, so make sure you order some with the printer. I have tried varying print outs 4 x 6, 5 x 7 and A4 and compared these directly with prints produced by www.ofoto.co.uk and I am hard pushed to see the difference. The results are nothing short of stunning, it truly is better and cheaper to now print at home.

I cannot recommend this printer enough...

I have just received the epson r800 two days ago and am very happy with it so far. I had the stylus 950 before which was a very good printer but the r800 is miles ahead. Unbelievable the quality of prints! You got to see it to believe it!
Stefanie

All I am going to say is that I gave 2 identical prints to my sister, one from this printer and one from a photo lab. She actually thought the one from the R800 was the one from the photo lab!
I know its expensive to run on epson inks but the prints are brilliant and you'd be hard pushed to tell the difference from a photo lab, also you get the guarantee that the prints will be lightfast for 75+ years.
If you're looking for a printer to print smashing photos and pin sharp text and graphics then this is the one. If you want a print sample go to Epson's website and they'll send you one of a photo you upload.

I have only recently purchased the R800 but have been amazed by the total quality of the prints obtained on both A4 and 4" x 6" paper. I can only concur with the other reviewees - the clarity, the sharpness down to the minutest detail leave nothing to be desired. I have not found a downside. I am lucky being in the Channel Islands I am not liable to VAT and therefore can purchase a full set of ink cartridges from Amazon for less than £70 which is comparable with any inkjet printer. Even at the current price of the printer it is still a "snip" for the quality it provides. Buy and enjoy!