Quote:
Originally posted by lil2rich4u2
well some BASIC math, but lets give it a shot ...
decent printer: $250 ?
ink (black and photo): $80
paper (i pack i guess): $30
total: $360 not counting time and labor
for $360 i can order 1.8k pics online at $0.20 each
can i print 1.8k prints with the supplies listed?
talking about 5x7 or whatever avg size is for album ...
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at this time it is cheaper to go conventional print route. the only thing you save by having your own printer is some time, but the end result will cost you more if you print inkjets yourself.
and unless you are using archival pigment ink sets (like epson 2200, etc.) traditional chemical prints will look better, longer.
if you start spending the $ for archival paper and pigment ink then your inkjet home prints will be superior to conventional chemical prints in both image quality and archival characteristics---but you need the right printer; the new epson 7 color pigment inks and the right paper will look much more brilliant and sharper than conventional lab stuff, but at a price. save those shots for the ones you mat and frame and give away at christmas, and you will need a high end digicam with enough resolution to really see the difference in quality.
of course these price points could all change in 18 months.