Matching Elements to printers

[david.collin]

I started using Elements 5.0 with my Canon Pixma MP800 printer. The pictures are coming out over-saturated, muddy and red. I'm definitely not getting what I see on the screen. There are several pre-defined selections in the color management options for the printer. I don't understand what they mean. How do you get the right profile? What does "rendering intent" and its options mean? The whole printing thing seems too complicated in Elements.

[Carbone]

Are you using Canon papers ? This is the first thing to start with.

then, in the print dialog, just leave it to Perceptual. Make sure to select the right paper profile under Printer Profile, if you have one, else use Same As Source. If you have an option in the printer dialog box (driver) to remove all type of colour correction in the printer, do it.

Ray

[david.collin]

Thanks. That helped. But is Canon paper that important? I'm using a Kodak glossy.

[ME100FINN]

Canon paper is important - the ink, printer, profile, and paper are meant to work together as one. If you use a different brand, you'll have to run through your own testing (lots of paper and ink) to figure out what settings work on that paper to get consistent results.

A tip - jot down each detail of the print setting as you go on a post-it note. When the print comes out - put it on the back. As you go through each one, you'll have a history of what worked and what didnt.

I had some of the same oversat and red problems with my Canon i9900. Once I worked through the settings and understood what was managing what - I was able to get something to work with great results. Now I am starting over because I switched from pc to mac - one factor in the workflow changed so I am re-doing the print thing all over again with THREE printers!!

Good luck - I hope someone else might chime in on help with Kodak paper for you - it can work.

[cats4jan]

David

I have found Kodak paper to be the least compatible with either my Epson or Canon printers. They run and blotch.

Even generic paper does better than Kodak.

For important stuff - match your printer and paper

Beatrice

A tip - jot down each detail of the print setting as you go on a post-it note. When the print comes out - put it on the back. As you go through each one, you'll have a history of what worked and what didnt.


Very good hint. I always do this when I get a new printer or buy some specialty paper. A great reference when you forget just what you did to achieve a certain look.

[Simone]

Hi, Just to add to the other comments... I'm not a printer expert, but (like Beatrice) I have a Canon i9900 that I'm very happy with and the prints look very close to what's on the screen. I found that Ilford paper, specifically Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl or Smooth Gloss, works well -- I'd say equally well as the Canon paper. In fact, I'll go out on a limb here and say I like the Ilford paper results slightly better. I do the recommended slight color adjustments per the document in the Ilford box for my printer model (dial the Yellow down some) and mostly things turn out well. What I'm not really happy with is black and white, but I knew going in that this printer is not designed for outstanding b/w so at least I expected that.
I know this Canon model is not yours, but just to share some add'n info ....

[tomlaronge]

David,
I print on both Canon PIXMA i8500 and i9900 depending upon whether I am printing at home or at my office. I make hundreds of glossy prints using Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper(the Epson name is now changed). If I want a lighter weight print for insertion in a document I use an Epson lighter weight paper. I have gotten excellent results with relatively close to real colors and exquisite saturation and brilliance, namely that available rapidly with the Canon 8 color ink system. Frankly, this cut my paper cost use considerably relative to using Canon paper while not impairing the results.
From my experience, you can easily use the Canon printers with several different papers and achieve first class results if your printer profile is properly adjusted. If you are having trouble, you might get some assistance and print a couple of test targets, have the printed targets professionally scanned and inset the resulting profile into the Adobe software you are using, Elements or other. You should find that you will now get the results you desire.
Best of success,
Tom