Epson Targets Photographers with New Stylus Photo R3000 Printer

Although it's not been particularly vocal during CES 2011, it seems that Epson still has plenty of surprises in store for us in the first half of 2011, the company just announcing its brand-new Epson Stylus Photo R3000, designed for professional photographers and fine artists.

The new device features the Epson UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta ink technology and an advanced MicroPiezo AMC print head, as well as an Intelligent High-Capacity Ink System formed out of nine individual 25.9 ml ink cartridges with pressurized ink.

Plus, the device also offers plenty of connectivity options, including built-in Ethernet, wireless 802.11n and Hi-Speed USB 2.0, as well as an advanced Black-and-White Photo Mode that lets professionals choose from from one of four pre-set modes – neutral, warm, cool, or sepia.

It's also quite interesting to mention that, beside the main top-loading, high-capacity tray, the device comes equipped with a new front-in, front-out media path designed for fine art media up to 1.3 mm thick, including Epson's line of Signature Worthy papers, while also offering BorderFree cut-sheet media handling, roll paper printing up to 44-inches long and CD/DVD printing.

"The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 represents the next generation of 13-inch professional printers with its advanced features and design," said Richard Day, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America.

"Epson is always striving to anticipate the demands of professionals while pushing the boundaries of technology to provide the level of quality expected from Epson. We've integrated new productivity features that will have a big impact on design workflows, including superior media handling, wireless connectivity, larger ink cartridges, and auto-switching black inks," Mr. Day added.

The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 will be available in March 2011 for $849 (MSRP), which is not exactly a very small price, but we're pretty sure that it's quite worth it, given the numerous advanced features this thing has in store.