interactive review
Epson Stylus Photo 2100
page 8

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23 June 2002

Papers continued.

At the moment the Epson paper range for the 2100/2200 is limited, but this will probably expand over time. Certainly the option of being able to choose between Photo Black or Matte Black will open the doors for other paper manufacturers to produce a variety of finishes, but for the time being the Epson range is of high enough quality to satisfy even the most demanding of users.

The review package didn't include all the paper types, but Epson did supply a few printed examples using each of the four surfaces.

Premium Semigloss Photo Paper: (supplied for review)

This paper surface closely resembles traditional lustre photographic paper. There is a sheen to the surface but not enough to cause glare. Holding the print at an angle to a light source shows a small degree of "Bronzing". Colours and saturation are well handled. This paper is best suited for portrait and beauty pictures. Paper weight 251 gm. (67 lbs/ream)
Photo Black ink.

Glossy Paper-Photo Weight: (supplied for review)

A very similar surface to the Premium Semigloss, but with slightly more shine, this closely resembles traditional glossy unglazed photographic paper. This paper has the widest colour Gamut of all the papers, in theory this paper should be giving you the best colour. As with the PSPP, this paper also exhibited a degree of "Bronzing". Commercial photographers will probably prefer this paper for their work. Paper weight 215 gm. (57 lbs/ream)
Photo Black ink.

Archival Matte Paper: (supplied for review)

A matte paper that closely resembles the Epson Heavyweight Matte paper, this surface is ideal for exhibition work and fine art photography. The Blacks are rich with good shadow detail, whilst highlights are kept well under control. The paper needs to be handled with care as surface abrasions can become noticeable. Paper weight 192 gm. (51 lbs/ream)
Matte Black ink. All tests so far have been made using Photo Black

Watercolor Paper - Radiant White: (not supplied for review)

A textured matte paper which resembles traditional artist's watercolour papers. The blacks are exceptionally deep on the sample print, due to the picture content I could not judge the colour accuracy (sunset in Venice). The surface is not as textured as some other makes of watercolour papers. Visually it is hard to tell whether this picture was printed on Archival Matte or Watercolour paper. However, holding the print leaves you in no doubt. This surface is going to be popular with art-photographers and the new hybrid artist's who are using inkjet printers. Paper weight 190 gm. (51 lbs/ream)
Matte Black ink.

Premium Gloss Photo Paper: (not supplied own stock used)

Although Epson UK states that this media is not compatible with the 2100, it is listed on the Epson 2100 user guide CD and on an Epson (US) PowerPoint presentation. Epson states that this media type is designed for Dye based printers and would not give satisfactory results with UltraChrome pigment ink. The PGPP media type is not included in the printer media drop down list, although the help files state that media types will vary from country to country. I have printed a few sheets on PGPP and the results are very good, although not spectacular. The gloss finish is certainly better than the Glossy Photo Weight paper, and the image quality is excellent. This paper will appeal to those who require a glossier look to their pictures - commercial photographers, PR agencies, and for layout purposes. Paper weight 255 gm.
Photo Black ink.

I should mention that the Photo Black and Matte Black ink cartridges are interchangeable at any stage. The printer will automatically perform a nozzle clean, which should flush out any residual Black ink. I will come back to inks at a later stage in this review.

CD printing: (three blank CDs supplied)

This will be the subject of my next page. CDs which are labelled as inkjet printable should be used, i.e. they should have a white surface coating - TDK & Sony. The CD printing facility is useful for photographers who want to promote their name or logo on a portfolio CD, or for the wedding photographer giving a CD containing a slide show to the client.

Paper specifications

Premium Semigloss Photo Paper:

Archival Matte Paper:

Watercolor Paper - Radiant White:

Glossy Paper-Photo Weight:

Premium Luster Photo Paper:

Velvet Fine Art Paper:

Premium Gloss Photo Paper:

CD-R: (needs a white side)

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