Epson Gemini 3

Epson UK has just announced an update to the original Gemini system, this now incorporates the latest Epson Stylus 4800 printer with the superb UltraChrome K3 inks. photo-i was given an in depth overview of the system and was also able to talk openly with Neil Horne who has been using the Gemini 3 in his studio. Neil's enthusiastic praise for the Gemini system left me feeling guilty for not purchased one there an then. I was given all the information about how good the K3 inks were for monochrome printing and how terrific the printer worked with colour etc. ( I knew all this anyway and can verify all of Neil's claims).

What did impress me was the ease of use for the professional photographer. Full training is given on installation, this usually takes half or a full day out of a busy schedule. A strong emphasis is placed on colour management and in particular calibrating the monitor, an essential step for achieving accurate colour on prints. A photographer can be productive within one day of installation and produce prints that are going to generate real income.

The lease costs £150 per month, which means there isn't a large capital outlay and the running costs are relatively low, approx £1.15 per A4 print. Epson supplies all the ink and media inclusive of this price. This is an ideal start up package for someone embarking on a new photographic career or even for two or more photographers to share a system. If anything goes wrong, then Epson will have a support team out within a day. Sounds good.

For the high street professional photographer the Gemini 3 would seem to be a logical step, especially if the goal is to produce prints for clients without having to mess about with colour profiles etc. There could also be opportunities to offer customers a bespoke selective printing service. For an amateur photographer at £150 per month plus the cost of the prints, the Gemini 3 may prove to be too expensive, but for a photographic society with a healthy membership this may be workable and could generate extra funds - not forgetting that prints could also be sold to the general public at an annual exhibition.

For more details visit www.epson-proportrait.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE

Epson launches new in-studio professional photo print solution for all photographic professionals

New print solution from Epson revolutionises professional printing and gives workflow control back to photographers.

September 2005 – Marking a new era in digital imaging, Epson – the preferred choice of professional photographers - launches a new in-studio professional photo printing solution, Gemini 3.

Gemini 3 has been engineered to give today’s professional photographer everything they need to print exceptional quality full colour and black and white portraits quickly, easily, affordably and in the convenience of their own studio.

Accurate colour representation is no longer reliant on colour management experts, as with Gemini 3 this is all part of the comprehensive support package. Epson engineers install and calibrate the system from computer screen to printer enabling the photographer to print with total confidence achieving quick, accurate and hassle free results from the click of a button.

It’s a complete in-studio portrait printing system offering increased flexibility and productivity. The revolutionary Epson Professional Portrait Printing System (PPPS) is designed to give photographers complete control of the entire production process including addressing the critical issues of colour accuracy. From lens to print it couldn’t be easier.

Gemini 3 builds on the success of it’s predecessor Gemini, by including Epson’s UltraChrome K3 ink set. This innovative ink set has three black inks, as well as a full set of colour inks, offering the ultimate in both black & white and colour printing. The three black inks offer more neutral gradations in colour and black & white prints, resulting in life-like replication of skin tones required by professional photographers. The third black ink – light light black – gives excellent greyscale performance and smoother tonal reproduction for the ultimate in high quality printing.

With the new ink set and the greater flexibility of the new model, Gemini 3 supports a variety of media, from lustre and gloss, through to canvas and fine art to preserve high value sales of prints up to A2 size.

Gemini 3 offers a complete in-house solution, incorporating a bespoke version of the Epson Stylus Pro 4800, full editing and enhancing software, an on-board PC server with LCD screen, and a free-standing cabinet to ensure that the entire photo printing process is neatly contained, optimising studio space and giving users faster image processing. This solution is modular and can be adapted and tailored to suit the individual needs of the user.

By bringing full control of the work-flow and quality back to the photographer, it allows for a speedy, yet professional output with enhanced creativity. Gemini 3 enables users to obtain a faster turnaround and higher output rate, and consequently increases revenue. Epson continues to offer this solution on a favourable leasing programme. With training and installation included, it is estimated that users of Gemini 3 can have the solution fully up and running within 48 hours.

Kevin Wooldridge, Graphics Sales and Marketing manager says “Gemini 3 gives photographers the chance to control their whole work-flow process, from beginning to end, the user has complete control. The photographer can edit, crop, enhance and optimise the image, with no need for additional application software, images are then transferred in a matter of seconds to the Gemini 3 server for immediate printing.

“Gemini 3 cuts out lab costs and delays allowing the photographer to encourage the client to make purchasing decisions when they are most receptive during their time in the studio. Decisions to purchase and delivery of prints can be achieved in real time. Coupled with a range of media including canvas and fine art, the opportunity to sell up can be exploited. Owing to the stepped click charges, the higher the output volume, the lower the print cost. By leasing the Gemini 3 all-in-one solution the photographer is able to optimise studio work space and drastically lower the cost of ownership.”

Epson ProPortrait Gemini 3 key features summary:

Complete in-house photo printing solution
Incorporates Epson UltraChrome K3 ink enabling a wider range of media to be used, with images lasting up to 100 years
Modular solution, tailored to the individual needs of the user
Stylus Pro 4800 included as standard in package allowing users to print up to A2, with upgrade options available for up to 44” printers.
Leasing programme allowing user to pay for what they use, no hidden costs.
Zero Wastage through a credit facility for reject prints

Epson UltraChrome K3 ink key features summary:

3 black inks deliver the most advanced black & white digital photographic results to date
Wide colour gamut resulting in accurate reproduction of skin tones
Prints look good in any lighting condition
Outstanding durability, with a lifespan of up to 75 years in colour and over 100 years in black & white*

Epson Stylus Pro 4800 features summary:

Flexible media handling from A4 through to A2 with roll and sheet feed capability
Incorporates Epson Micro Piezo technology and Epson’s Variable-sized Droplet Technology for high definition results

*Please refer to www.epson.com for test conditions

Click charges are as low as £1.15 for an A4 size print and monthly charges are £150.