Epson today announced the release of its Gemini Professional Portrait Printing System. The new system has been created to provide photography studios with the ability to output portraits up to 13 x 19 inches. The company said the new system is optimized for studios averaging at least 200 prints a month.
Epson’s Gemini project manager, Tim Mathiesen, explained that the Gemini system enables studios to determine their own turnaround times rather than being beholden to the schedule of a printing lab.
“Not having the restrictions of a lab’s cutoff dates can be like adding a 13th month of sales during busy seasons. Furthermore, photographers will also control the quality of their prints and enjoy more media options at a cost that is competitive with traditional printing at the lab,” said Mathiesen.
The system itself is comprised of two Epson ink jet printers, a PC server, proprietary software, an uninterrupted power supply, USB connectivity and a system rack with touch screen control. The printers can output up to 1440 x 720 dots per inch hardware resolution with six-color output using Epson Archival pigment inks.
The Gemini system enables photographers to either shoot digital or to import using a scanner. The software included enables them to make image adjustments, and includes templates for popular print portrait packages — Photoshop is supported, as well.
Gemini users will initially be able to use Epson’s Premium Luster Photo and Enhanced Matte papers in either 8.3 x 11.7 inch or 13 x 19 inch. The Gemini system has four 50-sheet capacity paper trays. It takes about six minutes for the first print and about 3 minutes for each additional print.
Although the Gemini uses a PC server, the system is Macintosh-compatible exclusively, at least for now — Epson said that it plans to add PC compatibility soon.
The Gemini can be leased directly from Epson — the company notes that the lease program includes a one-time US$5,000 start up fee, a fixed $400 monthly charge, and a per-print charge of $2.20 or $7.00, depending on paper size. The program includes hardware, software, delivery and installation, ink, paper, service and support, and software upgrades.
Users interested in the Gemini are encouraged to either call 800.241.5373 or to e-mail Epson directly.