Digital Camera Review

Incorporating revolutionary color processing technology and UltraChrome™ Hi-Gloss2 Ink, the Epson Stylus Photo R1900 offers a new level of quality for photo enthusiasts, who demand the big picture.

October 3, 2007 – The Epson Stylus Photo R1900 incorporates the latest developments from Epson to provide durable, superior quality, Hi-Definition photos up to A3+ on a wide range of media. It includes groundbreaking image processing algorithms to manage color combinations and ensure beautiful prints. It also features a new formulation of Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss Ink technology. UltraChrome Hi-Gloss2 represents the evolution of photographic printing, offering a wider color gamut, natural skin tones and consistent color with a smooth gloss finish.

In addition to cyan, magenta and yellow inks, UltraChrome Hi-Gloss2 features matte black, photo black, red, orange and gloss optimizer. The new orange ink replaces the blue ink previously used with UltraChrome Hi-Gloss. It allows Epson to offer significant enhancements in color reproduction for natural skin tones. Output also features more vivid oranges and an expansion in the red color gamut. The magenta and yellow inks have been reformulated and contribute to accurate blue and green tones. The resin coating of the gloss optimizer and color inks has been redesigned to create even smoother and glossier prints. The individual ink cartridges mean only the color that is used needs to be replaced.

The eight-color inkset featured in the Stylus Photo R1900 creates a staggering 18,446,774 trillion color combinations. To calculate which combination should be used to deliver the tones and colors required for the images, Epson has developed new Look Up Table (LUT) technology in partnership with one of the world’s leading centres of color science, the Munsell Color Science Laboratory of the Rochester Institute of Technology. In conjunction with the Micro Piezo™ print head the Epson LUT technology decides how much of each color is used to translate a RGB source file into a print. The mathematical algorithm effectively optimises color matching to ensure the printed image is consistent with the original photograph. The end result is prints with smooth gradations, reduced graininess, wide color gamut and low color inconstancy*; all of which combine to create clear and beautiful, Hi-Definition photographic images.

Other printing technologies in the Stylus Photo R1900 include Epson’s Variable-sized Droplet Technology. The smallest droplet of 1.5pl is used for areas where fine detail is required and bigger droplets where larger blocks of color are needed.

The flexibility of the Stylus Photo R1900 is further enhanced with its increased media support. It will print onto glossy, matte and fine art paper in cut-sheet and roll format. It prints directly onto printable CD’s and DVD’s. For printing photos without a computer photographers can connect their digital camera or picture viewer using Pictbridge. The comprehensive software package includes Epson Print CD and Epson Creativity Suite including Epson Easy Photo Print, FileManager, Web to Page and Camera RAW Plug-in.

Mark Robinson, Senior Product Manager, Epson UK commented, “The new Epson Stylus Photo R1900 is a truly advanced printing system that is easy and fun to use. The extensive research and development required to develop Epson Micro Piezo inkjet printers and ink technologies is fully illustrated in the launch of the Stylus Photo R1900. The UltraChrome Hi-Gloss2 Ink works in harmony with the Epson LUT technology and Epson paper to deliver outstanding photo quality for sale, for display and for archiving.”

Epson Stylus Photo R1900 key features summary:

• Print Hi-Definition durable photos and album pages on various media up to A3+
• Achieve vivid colors and natural skin tones with Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss2 ink
• Advanced color processing for smooth and accurate colors with Epson LUT technology
• Achieve a range of photo finishes with Epson glossy, matte and fine art papers in cut-sheet and roll format
• Personalise inkjet printable CDs and DVDs Prints are lightfast for 80 years** on Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper
• Borderless printing at a resolution up to 5760 x 1440dpi for stunning Hi-Definition photos
• Print photos on A3+ at 1440 x 720dpi (Photo Mode) in only 106 seconds***
• Efficient printing with individual ink cartridges, only replace the color used
• Enhanced connectivity with Dual Port USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• Bundled with sophisticated photo software including Camera RAW plug-in for Creativity Suite for fast, easy printing of camera RAW files
• Epson Stylus Photo R1900 RRP including VAT £399.99 – available November 2007

* Phenomenon where one color looks different under different light sources
** Light source: Fluorescent light, Intensity: 70,000 lux. Temperature : 24°C, Humidity : 60% RH
Glass mount: 2mm, soda lime. Fade criteria: Pure YMC 30% Loss at OD=.
Display-life Calculation: Total illuminance/(500 lux x 10 hours x 365 days = 1 year).
The data is calculated using Epson’s accelerated test and does not mean Epson guarantees lightfastness.
Tests developed and conducted by Epson.
*** Standard ISO Bike image 11×14″ used

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