Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
Features & handlingThe R2880 is a replacement for the hugely successful R2400 so expectations are high for this printer. It builds on the black & white performance of the R2400 and boasts a few improvements too – namely a new system, UltraChrome K3+ Vivid Magenta, which is similar to the previous set, but now has Vivid Magenta instead of the regular hue. Like the R2400, it uses eight cartridges and still requires a change from Photo Black to a Matt Black when using non-glossy media, so you’ll end up wasting ink if you change media.
On the subject of media, the R2880 will print on paper from 6x4in up to and including A3+ (13x19in), and even directly onto CD using the supplied CD tray. There are also two USB ports to connect the printer directly to two computers if need be.
Performance When we connected the R2880 to our test computer and printed a mono picture using the printer’s default settings, results were astounding -– no colour cast and the level of detail was excellent. We got the same true results with our colour tests and print charts.
Printer designers face with a tough compromise – in order to make a printer produce better quality prints, overall output speed inevitably has to be reduced. However, we found the R2880 seems to have got the balance about right: quality results that are second to none, printed in a reasonable amount of time (one minute 50 seconds for an A4 print; six minutes 14 seconds for A3).
Now to the thorny question of running costs: the R2880’s eight ink system is made up of three blacks, two magentas, two cyan and one yellow cartridge. Each cartridge costs just less than £10 each, taking the total ink price to £80, plus an extra matt black cartridge if required. This is about average for printers in this market although there are cheaper, third party options if you want to risk it.
VerdictWe’re very impressed with this printer, but it’s not a clear-cut must-buy. The problem is not the R2880 itself, but the price of its sibling – the R1900. At around £200 less, the R1900 is such an attractive proposition, it’s a tough decision to choose between the two.
So what does the R2880 offer that the R1900 doesn’t? In a nutshell, the R1900 has a seven ink system with a gloss optimiser and is designed to produce vivid, high-gloss results, while the R2880 has an eight cartridge system more geared towards superb black & white results. So, it’s actually down to the photographer’s own preferences.
For those on a budget, the R1900 is clearly better value for money. But if you demand the absolute best from an A3+ printer then the R2880 should be on your wishlist. It’s the best A3 inkjet printer we’ve ever tested and is a worthy addition to any photographer’s digital darkroom - even if it does come at a premium.
Specification Weight/size 12kg/616x415x797mm
Max print size A3+
Print type Inkjet with Micro Piezo Print Head
Ink cartridges Eight pigment inks
Max resolution Up to 5760x1440 optimised
Media handling Automatic sheet feeder, roll paper, rigid media slot, CD/DVD (tray supplied)
Connections 2x USB + 1x PictBridge