Most folks I know who print their own images on Epson printers say “skip the 2880 since it uses twice the ink, and there’s no difference in the detail.” In fact, you’ll find this repeated constantly by most online pundits and magazine article authors.

Well….

… it uses about 10% more ink, not “twice the ink”… but then, what’s the point if there’s no more detail?

There are two points, actually. First, you’ll get better, more rich colors. (Look at flat areas of color, and you’ll see what I mean.)

But the second point is that if you’re looking for increased detail, you’re looking in the wrong place.

While there is some modest increase in detail, I’d agree that  it’s pretty much negligible. However, I finally did find the difference, and it’s at the opposite end of the spectrum from detail: the softness.  The difference shows up in gradations, and is particularly apparent in shadows.

In the PDI test image (the one with the four children’s faces at the bottom)  there are many objects casting shadows on the white wall behind them. The 2880 does a much better job of making those shadows look as if they were cast by actual light, and less like spattered ink. There is a softer, more natural and luminescent look to them in the 2880 print.

So, I’d not be in such a big hurry to discard printing at 2880, frankly. There are some visible benefits.

But, as always, run your own tests!