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Specifications, images and pricing for Epson 3800 / Epson Stylus Pro 3800. A review of features, Pros and Cons. Inks, accessories listed. Pricing is at the bottom of this page.
We stock 17x25 paper for the 3800 - designed so you can print a full frame 16x24 print:
Read our report from using the 3800 at a trade show. It really does handle 17x37!
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Key Product Features:
- Epson UltraChrome K3™ Ink Technology
- Professional Cut-Sheet Media Handling from 4” x 6” up to 17” x 22” (new)
- Main Top-Loading High-Capacity Paper Feeder (new)
- Second Top-Loading Manual Feeder - Optimized for Fine Art (new)
- Front-Loading Straight-through Manual Feeder up to 1.5mm Thick
- BorderFree™ Cut-Sheet Printing from 4” x 6” up to 17 ” x 22 ” (new)
- Advanced MicroPiezo® AMC™ Print Head Technology
- Ultra-Modern Image Processing Technology (new)
- Maximum Resolution of 2,880 x 1,440 dpi
- Nine Individual 80ml High-Capacity Ink Cartridges (new)
- Auto-Sharing Photo and Matte Black Ink Technology (new)
- Pressurized Ink Cartridge Technology (new)
- High-Performance Print Engine Speeds
- Epson PreciseColor™ Technology
- Automatic Head Alignment and Cleaning Technologies
- Standard USB 2.0 and 10/100 BaseT Ethernet (new)
- Epson PrintJob™ Information System
- One-Year Epson Preferred Protection Plan
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Epson Stylus Pro 3800
The World's Greatest Images are Printed on an Epson. |
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Download the 6 page Epson 3800 Pro Brochure
Downlaod the 41 page Reference Guide
Designed from the beginning to exceed all expectations in the area of photographic image quality, the Epson Stylus® Pro 3800 incorporates a brand new, compact, 17-inch wide printer design, a radical, new, photographic screening technology and Epson UltraChrome K3 Ink.
Epson UltraChrome K3 Ink technology has produced some of the world's greatest images. Inspired by our past generations of pigmented ink technology, Epson UltraChrome K3 incorporates a three-level Black, along with new color pigments that raise the bar dramatically for professional color and black-and-white prints. The standard has been set.
Our 1-inch wide print head now incorporates a new Auto-sharing Black ink technology, allowing both Photo and Matte Black ink to be installed simultaneously, facilitating automatic switches without any user intervention.
Capable of handling virtually any type of cut-sheet media up to 17 inches wide, the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 incorporates a high-capacity paper feeder that accommodates sizes ranging from 4 x 6 up to 17 x 22. We've developed four different ways to load media, including a front-loading, straight-through path capable of handling media up to 1.5 mm thick and even a second, top-loading, single-sheet feeder optimized for fine art paper.
The extreme precision of an Epson Stylus Pro print engine, along with the extraordinary performance of Epson UltraChrome K3 Ink technology, results in your image being masterfully printed, without any signs of how it was produced. Prepare to be inspired all over again.
Due to the conditions of Epson USA's warranty, we are unable to ship this item outside the USA (including Canada). If you use a freight forwarder to get around this - you will not have a warranty. We offer free ground shipping on all printers to any part of the contiguous United States. Please note that the free shipping does not include additional fees, in particular liftgate fees. A liftgate fee is charged by the shipping company on large format printer deliveries to send a truck that has a liftgate to residential locations and businesses without a loading dock. |
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Epson 3800 REVIEW with PROS & CONS
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The Epson 3800 pro is 27 inches wide, 10 inches high and 15 inches deep (when completely closed up). The top-loading high-capacity paper tray can hold up to 120 sheets of paper letting you load an entire package of photo paper. The Epson 3800 can accommodate cut sheets from 4"x6" up to 17"x22".
Much like the Epson R2400 and R1800 (which share similar design elements) the 3800 Pro has a secondary top loading manual feeder for thicker fine-art media ranging from letter (8.5"x11") to 17"x22".
The front paper feed path allows you to load extremely thick media (up to 1.5mm - 59 mil) with paper sizes from letter up to 16"x20"
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All nine inks in the UltraChrome K3 ink set are loaded at the same time (with previous printers you were required to swap the matte and photo black manually - resulting in ink waste) and the printer comes with a full set of FULL cartridges. Each ink tank on the Epson 3800 holds 80ml of ink and the tanks are pressurized by the printer to allow for extremely fast printing.
The maintenance tank on the 3800 is front loading - except to plug in the power and connect the interface (USB or Ethernet) you do everything from the front of the printer. This is quite handy for limited space environments.
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| The Epson 3800 has an extremely compact design with a narrow depth. Only 10 inches high and 15 inches deep when the printer is fully closed, making the 3800 one of the first "desktop" Pro printers from Epson |
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Size comparison of the 4800 and 3800. The 3800 is 30% smaller by dimension than the 4800 and 51% lighter at 43.2 pounds
The Epson 3800 Pro comes standard with USB and 10/100 BaseT wired Ethernet networking. Using USB you can position the printer up to 15 feet away from your computer. Using Ethernet networking you can position the printer up to 600 feet away (by using a hub) and have the printer available to all PCs and Macs on your network
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The Epson 3800 uses an advanced print head design called AMC (Active Meniscus Control). AMC gives the print head extremely accurate droplet placement capabilities with droplets as small as 3.5 picoliters. The print head is 1 inch tall (or 1 inch wide, depending on how you look at it) with 180 nozzles for each of the 8 colors (1440 total).
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The Photo/Matte Black channel switches between black ink types automatically depending on the paper type you select in the print driver so you'll always be using the proper black ink for your paper. With previous printers, if you had the Photo Black loaded and wanted to print on matte paper you got an image with less density and richness.
Through some impressive plumbing this switch only uses up a limited amount of ink (the 4800, in our own tests, used up $40.73 of ink, 93.4ml, each time you switch ink). Switching from photo to matte uses ~1.5ml and takes roughly 2 minutes. Going from matte to photo uses ~4.5ml and takes about 3 minutes. The entire process is automatic and you may not even notice it's happening.
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Along with a new nozzle and head design, software changes have added an all-new radical algorithm for determining dot placement and screening, resulting in an extreme-level of photographic image quality.
These allow the printer to produce extremely fine photographic prints even in bi-directional and lower resolution print modes.
The driver now compensates for various ink densities between resolutions - allowing for a single ICC profile to be used per media type (no more need for a separate 2880 and a 1440 profile, you just need one!). The 3800 is also FAST:
| Epson Driver Print Mode |
4” x 6” |
5” x 7” |
8” x 10” |
11” x 14” |
16” x 20” |
| SuperFine - 1440 dpi HS |
1:00 |
1:14 |
2:03 |
3:18 |
5:32 |
| SuperFine - 1440 dpi |
2:00 |
2:29 |
4:08 |
6:39 |
10:59 |
| SuperPhoto - 2880 dpi HS |
1:53 |
2:19 |
3:50 |
6:04 |
9:46 |
| SuperPhoto - 2880 dpi |
3:51 |
4:43 |
7:47 |
12:15 |
19:40 |
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| The average pigment particle size of the UltraChrome K3 ink is 1/10 of a micrometer - making it 1/100 the width of a human hair. The K3 ink set use unique high-density pigments for an extremely wide color gamut. The high-gloss MicroCrystal Encapsulation technology give your prints reduced gloss differential (also commonly mis-labled "bronzing") and superior scratch resistance. Your color is stable immediately after printing, no short-term color shifting - meaning it should look the same tomorrow (and the next day...). On the Epson Premium Glossy Luster (2880x1440 mode), the K3 can produce a black density of 2.3 with an L* value of 4.1. |
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MEDIA HANDLING UPDATE: we asked one of our friends in the upper levels of Epson's support departments just how long the 3800 can print - they replied that they understand it will handle up to 37 inch lengths using the normal driver. For all those out there wanting a 16x24 print this is very good news. Epson says that you must load these longer sheets from the top main loader. The Secondary single sheet loader will handle fine art (or any media) up to 325 g/m2, and accommodates media up to 17 inches wide; and the front-loading, straight-through, manual sheet feeder handles media up to 16 inches wide (and up to 1.5 mm thick posterboard).
We also learned on a forum that the minimum paper size is 3 1/2" x 5" and the maximum size is 17" x 37 3/8" - apparently this comes from the Japanese user manual.
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The Epson 3800 will simultaneously use the Black, Light Black and Light Light Black ink to significantly improve the gray balance of your prints while eliminating color casts - unless you want them. The advanced black and white mode allows you to tone your prints - you can make them neutral, cool, warm or give them and tint you want. The Light black inks help to virtually eliminate metamerism and bronzing.
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LIKE GETTING A FREE PRINTER UPGRADE... Although the Epson 3800 is $445 more expensive than the Epson R2400 ($850), the 3800 comes with $450 more ink than the R2400 (and at a lower cost per millimeter) -- so it's almost like getting a free printer upgrade when you're willing to buy the Epson 3800 (17") over the Epson R2400 (13").
Here's a comparison of costs per milliliter of ink, at Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP):
$1.35 / ml with HP B9180 ink cartridges (27 ml carts)
$0.95 / ml with Epson R2400 ink cartridges (15 ml carts)
$0.75 / ml with Epson 3800 ink cartridges (80 ml carts)
$0.65 / ml with Epson 110 ml ink cartridges used in 4800/7800/9800
$0.58 / ml with Canon iPF5000 ink cartridges (130 ml carts)
$0.51 / ml with Epson 220 ml ink cartridges used in 4800/7800/9800
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Competitive comparison: (red indicates the best feature)
| Printer Feature |
Epson Stylus Pro 3800 |
Epson Stylus Pro 4800 |
Canon iPF5000 |
| Maximum Printer Width |
17-Inch |
17-Inch |
17-Inch |
| Maximum Number of Inks |
9-Color |
9-Color |
12-Color |
| Maximum Number of Inks Used for Printing |
8-Color |
8-Color |
11-Color |
| Three-Level Black? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Auto-Switching Matte & Photo Black? |
Yes - Auto Sharing |
No |
Yes - Auto Switching |
| Maximum Ink Cartridge Fill Volume |
80 ml |
220 ml |
130 ml |
| Pigmented Ink Technology |
UltraChrome K3 |
UltraChrome K3 |
Lucia |
| Printing Method |
AMC Piezo x 1 |
AMC Piezo x 1 |
FINE Thermal x 2 |
| Print Head Replacement |
Not Required |
Not Required |
User Replaceable |
| Maximum Resolution / Minimum Droplet Size |
2,880 x 1,440 / 3.5 pl |
2,880 x 1,440 / 3.5 pl |
2,400 x 1,200 / 4 pl |
| Print Speed - True Lab Quality 16" x 20" Print |
5:32 (1,440 x 720 HS) |
6:07 (1,440 x 720 HS) |
6:00 (2,400 x 1,200) |
| Professional Media Support up to 1.5 mm |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Cut Sheet / Roll Support |
Yes / No |
Yes / Yes |
Yes / Optional |
| Borderless Printing Technology |
Cut Sheet |
Roll Only |
Roll Only |
| Paper Handling - Automatic Feed |
Top Input Tray |
Roll & Cassette - Manual |
Roll & Cassette - Auto |
| Paper Handling - Manual Feed |
Top, Front, & Rear |
Top, Front, & Rear |
Top, Front, & Rear |
| Connectivity - Standard |
USB 2.0 & 10/100 BaseT |
USB 2.0 & FireWire |
USB 2.0 & 10/100 BaseT |
| Connectivity - Optional |
Not Required |
100 BaseT Ethernet |
FireWire |
| Estimated Purchase Price |
$1,295 |
$1,995 |
$1,945 |
Epson 3800 REVIEW with PROS & CONS
Features & Benefits
For Professional Edition Only: Pantone® licensed and SWOP-Certified Postscript® Language Level 3™ compatible RIP by ColorBurst®
- PostScript Language Level 3 compatible software RIP server with both Macintosh OS X (Panther and Tiger) and Windows XP versions standard
- SWOP® Certified for the Epson proofing media line when using the supplied SWOP printing environment
- PANTONE® Licensed to include the Coated and Uncoated library
- Professional Color Management Technology, including separate Input ICC profiles for RGB, CMYK, and Grayscale images
- Ink Limiting Technology with CMYK curve adjustments for complete control of color
- In Printer Linearization Technology to ensure accurate color across multiple printers
- Easy-to-use RIP Server Interface
- Professional Job Management to handle any workflow your network can produce
- Print directly from any software application or drag-and-drop into a Hot Folder
- And much more!
The Future of Print Head Technology
8-channel print head with Auto-sharing Black Ink technology
- Innovative, new print head design allows for all nine inks to be installed simultaneously
- Without any user intervention, the printer automatically switches between Photo and Matte Black ink while utilizing the same physical ink channel
New, ultramodern photographic screening technology
- Highly precise screening technology uses a radical new algorithm for determining dot placement, resulting in an extreme level of photographic image quality
- Produces extremely fine, photographic prints, even in bi-directional and lower resolution print modes
- Compensates for various ink densities between resolutions - allowing for a single ICC profile to be used per media type
Advanced MicroPiezo® AMC™ print head technology
- One-inch wide, high performance print head offers a maximum resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi
- Produces variable-sized droplets as small as 3.5 picoliters to greatly decrease print times, while optimizing photographic quality
- Proprietary Active Meniscus Control (AMC) technology precisely controls the curvature of every ink droplet within each nozzle before releasing it onto the media
- Extremely sharp and accurate placement of ink droplets consistently delivers outstanding photographic print quality from sheet to sheet
Automatic print head alignment and cleaning technology
- Built-in sensor reads printed data for highly precise alignment of all color channels
- Built-in sensor analyzes a printed nozzle check pattern and automatically cleans the print head if any problems are found - even partially clogged nozzles
Epson PreciseColor™ Technology
In order to ensure consistent printing between multiple Epson Stylus Pro printers of the same model, Epson has enhanced the production process to include colorimetric calibration. This system evaluates and adjusts each printer at the manufacturing stage, assuring you'll get consistent color output from printer to printer.
Epson UltraChrome K3™ Ink Technology
Advanced 8-color pigment-based ink system
- Unique, high-density pigments for an extremely wide color gamut
- Professional print permanence ratings for truly sellable quality prints
- Microcrystal Encapsulation™ Technology for reduced gloss differential
- Superior scratch resistance from improved pigment and resin chemistry
- Stable color immediately after printing - no short-term color shifting
- Black density up to 2.3 with an L* value as low as 4.1*
Three-level Black ink technology
- Simultaneously uses Black, Light Black, and Light Light Black ink
- Significantly improves the gray balance while eliminating color casts
- Delivers impressive midtones and highlights for a smoother tonal range
- Virtually eliminates the metamerism and bronzing of basic pigment chemistry
- Enhances the ICC profiling process for ColorSync™ and ICM™ workflows
Advanced Black-and-white printing technology
- Unique driver technology taking full advantage of our three-level Black system to produce professional black-and-white prints from color or grayscale image files
- Includes proprietary Epson screening technology developed specifically for black-and-white printing
- Produces a truly consistent image with no color crossover or color cast
- Represents the standard for producing sellable quality neutral and toned black-and-white prints
Two Auto-sharing Black Ink modes
The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 automatically utilizes two different Black Ink modes - Photo Black or Matte Black. This innovative solution optimizes the Black ink density for various media types. Whether printing on traditional photographic medias or unique, fine art paper, this technology dramatically improves the final print quality.
New, high-precision print engine technology
Exclusive 17-inch wide printer design
- All-new print engine technology that takes full advantage of the latest in precision mechanical design, resulting in a significant reduction in overall printer size and weight
- Incredibly quiet operation, perfectly suited for even home use
- Large, 2.5-inch, backlit LCD control panel for easy, direct printer control and operational status monitoring
Professional media handling
- Prints on virtually any type of cut-sheet media from 4 x 6 up to 17 x 22
- Top-loading, high-capacity paper feeder handles up to 120 sheets of plain, letter-sized paper or up to 20 sheets of photographic media
- Second, top-loading, manual sheet feeder accommodates thick fine art paper up to 17 inches wide
- Front-loading, straight-through, manual sheet feeder handles media up to 16 inches wide, up to 1.5 mm thick posterboard
- Supports manual printing on both sides of specialty media
- Prints on select BorderFree®, cut-sheet media from 4 x 6 up to 17 x 22
High Performance Print Engine Speed
The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 utilizes our latest print head technology - making it one of the fastest printers ever made by Epson. The following table represents the highest quality print modes for three popular print sizes.
Print mode
- SuperFine - 1440 dpi HS produces an 8" x 10" in 2:03, 11" x 14" in 3:18, 16" x 20" in 5:32
- SuperFine - 1440 dpi produces an 8" x 10" in 4:08, 11" x 14" in 6:39, 16" x 20" in 10:59
- SuperPhoto - 2880 dpi HS produces an 8" x 10" in 3:50, 11" x 14" in 6:04, 16" x 20" in 9:46
- SuperPhoto - 2880 dpi produces
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