HP 8450

Conclusion.

If I was impressed with the HP 7960 then I am besotted with the HP 8450. This printer has produced consistently excellent results throughout my weeks test period.

I am not over struck with the physical size of the printer, you could be forgiven for thinking it was an A3 printer. Nor was I impressed with the design, it looks like something that the Cadbury Smash aliens would use. Other manufacturers like Canon have radically changed the look of the printer, shame that HP didn't look at this aspect too. Whilst I am on negative aspects, Mr. HP please rethink the naming of your inks, its too corporate for the creative minded person - save the numbers for your business laser printers.

When it comes to print quality, then this printer is in a league of its own. I have seen plenty of printers in my time, but this one produces excellent results time after time. The only losers here are going to be the Colour management vendors. HP have got it spot on with the 8450, you can safely forget about creating a custom profile. If you do want to tweak the settings then this is an easy job via the excellent controls on the print dialogue palette.

When used in combination with HP media, you are going to get very long lasting prints - 75 years or more (HP Premium Plus Photo Paper). This is because HP media uses a swellable coating which encapsulates the dyes when dry. Talking of which, drying times are much longer than on porous media, so careful handling of prints is recommended for at least the first hour and don't put them in an album for at least 24 hours (or more). The dreaded Pizza wheel marks have vanished, this is due to the re-designed cartridges that allow a larger paper grabber wheel to be used.

This printer will appeal to the person who just wants to get on with producing prints, without all the fuss of colour correcting and colour management. HP have another winner on their hands here, I know they have spent a lot of time and money on R&D and it will pay off.

Would I buy this printer?

A few years ago I felt HP had lost touch with the photographer, their printers just didn't do much for me at all. Last year the 7960 made me think again, and this year the 8450 has convinced me that HP are not only back in the race, but they are leading the way forward yet again. The answer would be Yes, I would buy this printer, not for its design but for the quality of prints it produces. Well done HP.

Pros:
Excellent print quality
Print life (with HP Premium Plus Photo Paper)
Monochrome printing

Cons:
Ink prices
Awkward 6x4 media handling
Body design and size

Price (£349 inc. vat)

The Golden-i award is given to a product that meets the needs of the photographer
and produces unrivalled excellence

Print quality	*99%*
Features	*95%*
Ease of use	*95%*
Design	*85%*
Value	*95%*
Rating	*93.8% Highly Recommended*