PCPhoto
Think Ink: Buyer's Guide To Inkjet InksOften overlooked, printer inks are a key component of the digital darkroom |
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When
shopping for a photo printer, you’ll probably consider physical
dimensions, print speeds, resolution and droplet size, plus extra bells
and whistles such as a built-in card reader and LCD, all of which are
important. Some of these features enhance the usability of the printer,
while others affect print quality. While you’ll see great results by using the recommended inks for your printer, there’s also a selection of high-quality inks available from third-party ink manufacturers. In some cases, these alternatives may be cheaper, more advanced or have other benefits. The Essentials As you browse through the vast selection of inkjet inks, you’ll notice that some are dye-based and others are pigment-based. The basic differences between the two are a result of their chemical make-up. Pigment-based inks are comprised of microscopic grains of color that can’t be dissolved in liquid, so they just float around in a state of colloidal suspension. Pigment inks traditionally have had a subtler color palette with slightly lower contrast. The upside is that pigments are known for being resistant to damage and fading caused by exposure to light or humidity. They’re estimated to last in the hundreds of years. For some subjects, especially when combined with archival artistic papers, the effect might be perfect.   |
