I am a professional photographer, and after having heard so many good things from friends about Epson I decided to go at the 13" level first, I am very pleased with the overall results. I've read that some people say they get "dark" prints, it is probably true, but you can easily compensate for that in Photoshop using Curves and the Screen Mode and vary opacity so that it's just right for you. This happened to me too but I'm not sure if it is because I need to upgrade my calibrating system for my monitor. So I just made some printing tests..and I adjusted the photograph prior to printing and that's it, I'm very pleased with the results.
So far this is the first ink cartridge I change and it was the gloss optimizer, it lasted for 12 5x7's, 8 8x10's, 2 8.5x11's and 1 13x19" and I will soon be needing to replace the Cyan and Photo Black cartridge.
I've tried different papers with their corresponding ICC profiles and I like: Kodak Professional paper Lustre E for Inkjet (255 g) it's affordable and gives me better skin tones than Ilford. However I'm very pleased with Ilford's Galerie Smooth Pearl Paper (red package) I use it for printing 5x7's and 13x19's, Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk is 310 gsm and excellent better than the Smooth Pearl. I'm impressed with Ilford Galerie Smooth High Gloss Media, it looks a lot like Kodak's Metallic paper which I can only get from a pro lab.
I don't like Epson's luster paper it's too shiny, won't purchase again, it's not 5 stars as they claim.
I tried using Moab canvas 350 gsm and the printer did not accept it, apparently it's too thick and it caused a paper jam, so be cautious about the thickness. I still haven't tried the Hahnemuhle Fine Art paper samplers I've purchased I'll keep you posted.
For Matte prints turn the gloss optimizer off, always print with the Best Photo Quality possible and turn off the fast speed.
The results vary widely depending on the paper you use, so make a wise decision and purchase sampler packs to see what works for you.
The printer does indeed take a lot of desk space so plan accordingly.
I can certainly understand why purchasing RIP software is advisable (although more expensive than the printer itself), Epson's included software is primitive, so try controlling the printer from within Photoshop to get better results.
I truly enjoy printing in-house instead of going to the lab, that is priceless! I used to get frustrated with labs all the time because their colors are hideous and not consistent, this isn't a problem anymore I get the colors I want anytime.
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