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THE TRANSITION FROM C-PRINT TO INKJET

On this site, we will study the transition from c-print to inkjet, we will examine the differences between today’s two major printing technologies. We will scientifically compare the color gamuts of various printer/paper profiles. We will discuss the latest print permanence studies.


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THE TRANSITION FROM C-PRINT TO INKJET

On this site, we will study the transition from c-print to inkjet, we will examine the differences between today’s two major printing technologies. We will scientifically compare the color gamuts of various printer/paper profiles. We will discuss the latest print permanence studies.

THE REVOLUTION OF INKJET

The transition from "c-print" to "inkjet" and to Fine Art print, marks a new age in the printing industry. 

This tecnology is the best for quality and productivity and satisfies the printing industry.

If the same image is printed in c-print and inkjet, comparing with each other, the difference will consist of more vivid colors and sharper details. Moreover, the Inkjet tecnology with its specific papers allows you to print photos in a quality never seen before and show details that are not visible to the human eye, this details are not reproducible with the chemical print. The other advantages of the system based on inkjet technology are:

  • the papers: Unlimited, infact, it is possible to print on a wide range of "materials".
  • Print in Black and White perfectly Neutral and stable over time.
  • Double-sided printing
  • colors: print next to Adobe RGB, Gamut much wider.

FINEART PRINT

In its more complex meaning, "Fine Art prints" does not refer only to the final printing phase but It refer to the entire production process that accompanies the photographer from the moment of shooting to the final print of the work. The differentiation between a classic print and a Fine Art print, it is a long story. The Fine Art must guarantee a series of quality and durability specifications, in addition to the value given by the artist. Quality must satisfy the primary requirement of visual satisfaction, the prints must have a large tonal extension and must be capable of reproducing intense white without the use of optical brighteners, the paper must be free of acids or perishable chemical components during the time. Prints must last at least 60, during the indicated time, there will be no alterations / variations of chroma (color), contrast and overall brightness of the image

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPARISON BETWEEN THE FINE ART PRINT AND THE CHEMICAL PRINT

Some of the best photographers adopted Fine Art prints because they are able to extract details, gamut and depth that the c-print hides.
We leave below a series of photographic comparisons.
Look carefully at the images, colors, lights, details (the images have been printed in the format 20x30cm with Fine Art paper).
Scroll the slider to the right and left to compare the two photos.

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PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPARISON BETWEEN THE FINE ART PRINT AND THE CHEMICAL PRINT

Some of the best photographers adopted Fine Art prints because they are able to extract details, gamut and depth that the c-print hides.
We leave below a series of photographic comparisons.
Look carefully at the images, colors, lights, details (the images have been printed in the format 20x30cm with Fine Art paper).
Scroll the slider to the right and left to compare the two photos.
Chemical Lab Print
Fine art Digigate System

Diego Russo

Chemical Lab Print
Fine art Digigate System
Fernando Cerrone

Chemical Lab Print
Fine art Digigate System
Cecé Carnuccio

Chemical Lab Print
Fine art Digigate System


Chemical Lab Print
Fine art Digigate System

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MINILAB DRYLAB

Drylab solution

The inkjet replaces more and more chemicals products. In recent years, there have also been significant changes in the Minilab Drylab and the number of images printed on inkjet paper continues to increase.
The advantages of a drylab are:

  • Low investment costs;
  • Low printing costs;
  • Simple and intuitive operation;
  • Free of odors;
  • Low energy consumption of about 120W;
  • Wide range of colors;
  • Wide choice of supports.

PRO AND AGAINST the c-print VS INKJET print

Let’s take a close look at the pros and cons of lab and pigment prints based on important factors. Hopefully this information will help guide you in making the right decision.
While there will always be fierce debate between supporters of traditional photo lab prints and proponents of inkjet technology, the facts speak for themselves. The ultimate decision depends on how much you value color gamut and longevity versus cost, personal aesthetics, and the target market if selling your work.
Inkjet Prints Digital C-Prints
Print Permanence Print Volume and Production Speed
Color Gamut
Paper Selection
Paper Size Selection
Acceptable File Formats / Color Spaces
Environmental Considerations
Artist Control
Museum + Gallery Acceptance (Tie)

DURABLE AND QUALITY PHOTOS

Let there be no doubt that inkjet pigment prints will outlast C-prints by a wide margin. Since C-prints are dye-based, they are more susceptible to deterioration than inkjet pigment prints when exposed to light, heat and humidity, even when framed behind glass. In addition, dye coupler staining is an issue with C-prints over time. In fact, inkjet dye prints have greater longevity than chemical dye prints. Revised studies by Henry Wilhelm (Founder of Wilhelm Imaging Research) using improved test criteria dropped longevity estimates for Silver-halide paper (under typical display conditions) to 20 years, down from the 60-year figure quoted in older studies. In stark contrast, inkjet pigment ink prints can last for over 200 years on a true archival paper, under proper environmental and display conditions.

COLOR GAMUT

The advantage goes to inkjet pigment prints.
There is no doubt that today professional inkjet pigment printers can reproduce colors next to that of the Adobe RGB color space, into ProPhoto RGB territory.
ProPhoto RGB is the only color space large enough to contain all the colors a camera’s sensor can capture. Of course color gamut depends on the quality of the ICC profile, ink set, printer and paper used.

In contrast, photo lab print gamuts range from sRGB coverage (or less), to partial Adobe RGB coverage. One exception lies in the area of very saturated blues and magentas.
Inkjet printers use a greater range of color inks, both dye and pigment, than any other printing process. In addition, inkjet pigment prints exhibit greater contrast, smoother color gradations, deeper blacks (Dmax), and finer shadow details than chemical dye prints.

PAPER SELECTION

Again, the advantage goes to inkjet pigment prints. Today there is an astonishing number of excellent papers, both photo and matte, available for inkjet printing.
From canvas, cotton and kozo (mulberry), to baryta and bamboo, this diverse selection of papers allows for the personalized expression of your image in print.

On the other hand, photo lab print paper selection is very limited in comparison.
Note that overall, C-prints are more sturdy and less fragile than inkjet prints, and are less susceptible to scratching and scuffing. Of course this depends on the paper.

HISTORY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING IN TIME

Toward the end of the 19th century most photographic images were captured with sensitized silver salts coated on cumbersome glass plates. After exposure to light, the plates were chemically developed which formed a reversed or negative image, hence the term "negative". After the negative image was "fixed", the photographer created a positive print by individually contacting the negative with a sensitized paper which was then chemically developed. The process was complicated and expensive, and amateur photographers were few.
In the late 19th century flexible roll film became commercially viable. This film, which could be transported through smaller more portable hand-held cameras, allowed users to make numerous exposures. With no heavy, rigid, breakable glass plates involved, producing photographic prints became relatively easy. Soon non-professionals took up photography.
In 1951 inkjet printing was born. The ink is pushed towards the nozzle and then it is sprayed into tiny drops on the surface. This happens in two ways:
- through the use of a piezoelectric crystal which, when it is beaten by the current, it bends and drops a drop of ink on the support;
- through heating of ink to create a bubble getting bigger, than the bubble explodes and hit the paper.
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PRINTING SOLUTION

Digigate is able to offer you a system of equipment, supplies and supports necessary to guarantee immediate, fast and quality printing services, in complete autonomy with the lowest possible ink consumption. Infact, the low cost of printing (only and exclusive Digigate) makes our system the most competitive among all. The profiling and the calibration made adhoc exclusively with professional equipment, confer to the system the best quality result and real low printing costs.

DIGIPAPER

Wide range of papers and supports for inkjet printing, from photographic paper to canvas, to fineart, to special support, all tested for the best possible yield.

The revolution of Inkjet Print

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