Ink density produced by inkjet printers 1990's-present

[jisner]

Has there been a gradual reduction in the ink density produced by inkjet printers over the last 20 years? In other words, have printers become more efficient in producing the same colors with less ink? Suppose I stumbled across a green digital negative made on an Epson inkjet printer in the year 2000. If I measured its UV transmission density, would I get a higher number than if I measured a green negative made on a comparable inkjet printer today? This is obviously a theoretical question, since (1) the old negative would have faded and (2) what do I mean by "comparable?" but I hope you get the spirit of the question.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

There were no pigment printers back in 2000 if my memory is correct. The first pigment printer in wide use was the Epson 2200 and I think that came out in 2002 or so.. I made inkjet negatives back in the late 90s on an Epson. They worked ok but todays pigment printers are much better.

 

[jisner]

Does getting "much better" include becoming more efficient in terms of ink usage? I'm not shopping for a printer. My question is purely academic.

 

[jtk]

There were no pigment printers back in 2000 if my memory is correct. The first pigment printer in wide use was the Epson 2200 and I think that came out in 2002 or so.. I made inkjet negatives back in the late 90s on an Epson. They worked ok but todays pigment printers are much better.

"Ink usage" seems to have remained about the same but that was never discussed as a relevant issue. I think my 2200 was Epsons apex. Ink density was of course adjustable up/down via toner but some users were unaware of that because they didnt care enough. I rely on that kind of excellent adjustment with my Canon Pro10.