Are you looking for the best photo printer with a budget about a thousand bucks? If so, then you are perhaps considering to purchase either Epson SureColor P800 or Epson Stylus Pro 3880. For your information, Epson SureColor P800 is often regarded as the update for Epson Stylus Pro 3880, as the two products actually share numerous identical specifications and features. Needless to say, Epson SureColor P800 is a little bit more expensive than Epson Stylus Pro 3880, too. So, which is the model that holds the fullest value for the money? Let us see the comparisons.
Design
About the design, Epson SureColor P800 comes with a slightly more compact body than Epson Stylus Pro 3880. This allows the model to eat less space, but this is also because the model lacks the rear fine-art feed path that Epson Stylus Pro 3880 possesses. Even so, Epson SureColor P800 still retains the top automatic document feeder and the front specialty media path for a heavy and thick paper or canvas. Furthermore, while Epson Stylus Pro 3880 comes with regular control buttons and a display screen, Epson SureColor P800 features a touchscreen for easier and more practical interactive on-printer control. (See also : Epson SureColor P600 vs P800)
Feature and Performance
Even though both of these models are able to accommodate 17” wide papers, the maximum printing lengths differ. On Epson Stylus Pro 3880, the maximum printing length is 37.5”. Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is not able to take paper rolls. On Epson SureColor P800, the maximum printing length is 590”; it can take paper rolls using the optional paper roll adapter.
Each of the two models works with nine UltraChrome pigment-based inks. However, the types are different. Epson Stylus Pro 3880 works with UltraChrome K3 inks, featuring the high-gloss Microcrystal Encapsulation technology for reduced gloss differential and superior scratch resistance. The colors are immediately stable after printing. On the other hand, Epson SureColor P800 utilizes UltraChrome HD inks with Improved Resin Encapsulation technology for gloss uniformity and improved black density levels. Both Epson SureColor P800 and Epson Stylus Pro 3880 use 80mL ink cartridges. Both models have the maximum printing resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi.
Epson SureColor P800 vs 3880
All in all, Epson SureColor P800 is indeed the more superior product compared to Epson Stylus Pro 3880. Besides the addition of the capability to take paper rolls, it also offers an enhanced printing quality, thanks to the improved black density levels that allow for more accurate and vivid colors.
