StevenZ
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FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
A while back I purchased a box of 17 x 22
Somerset Velvet and finally had a chance to try it out. I did a test of several 7x5 images ganged up the Somerset 17 x 22 sheet, then printed the same images on Epson FA Velvet. I was really surprised at the results. I found the Epson paper to be superior to Somerset - better dmax and cleaner contrast where as Somerset is a warmer toned paper yielding mucky shadow areas. When I compared the two papers/images side by side, the Epson won hands down. I used the same ABW 3800 profiles for both as per Martin's suggestion which might be a reason for the difference in quality.
What I DO like about Somerset is the non textured finish. It's the most popular stock paper in all the large format digital printing shops. I want to like this paper more but after seeing these results.....
If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.
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Canon 1D Mark III
Canon 5D
Canon 20D
EF 17-40L mm
EF 70-200L mm
EF 100-400L mm
Tamron SP XR 28-75mm Di
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19/Oct/08, 2:52 pm
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martinimages
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Re: FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
What printer is it you are using, if its the 3800, give us a clue to how you set up for printing in both PS and the printer dialogue box, also what profile do you use in PS for the somerset
Somerset actualy make Epson velevet fine art, there are a few variables as well,
Which one did you use Steven
Somerset Enhanced Digital Fine Art Paper 225gsm, comes in Satin, textured and velvet
Somerset Enhanced Velvet Heavyweight 255gsm
Somerset Enhanced Velvet Extra-Heavyweight 330gsm , [I think this only comes in rolls]
Somerset PHOTO 300gsm
Martin
Last edited by martinimages, 19/Oct/08, 6:41 pm
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19/Oct/08, 6:01 pm
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StevenZ
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Re: FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
Somerset Enhanced Velvet 225gm
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Canon 1D Mark III
Canon 5D
Canon 20D
EF 17-40L mm
EF 70-200L mm
EF 100-400L mm
Tamron SP XR 28-75mm Di
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19/Oct/08, 8:39 pm
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martinimages
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Re: FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
quote:
StevenZ wrote:
Somerset Enhanced Velvet 225gm
I think it depends on the subject matter, all papers have their own characteristics and are suitable for certain images, to test images side by side is like comparing colours from different output devices, all are different, compare the blacks of Velvet FA to that of Hahnemuhle German etching and you will see the tone colour difference, one is neutral the other cool, compare them on there own and all looks well, that’s why there is a vast range to choose from, Somerset lends its self very well to soft misty scenes and portraits whereas Epson velvet is great for more punchy types of image, and agree it is a superb FAP, more graphic so to speak, Museo max by Crane and Co is one of the very best papers but again depends on the image, I have tried Hahnemuhle etching is supposed to be good but for my style I am not a great lover of it, great tonal response but lacking in depth and is quite cool paper base, Harman A1 FB is a gloss paper but delivers the best sharpness and detail I have seen to date, superb for high definition detailed photos,
It really drives one mad trying to get the right choice and is expensive finding out which suits, I have tried lots and now keep the choice narrow, I use Somerset for the paper finish and its softer tones, Museo for general and exhibition work and occasional Harman A1 FB.
Its not to say I will never try any others but cost is a very big factor and expensive mistakes in choice do occur as I am sure you will have found out by now 
Martin
Last edited by martinimages, 27/Oct/08, 8:45 pm
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27/Oct/08, 8:44 pm
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I Simonius
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Re: FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
just looking Here for Somerset velvet and cant work out the difference between
"Somerset Enhanced Digital Fine Art Paper 225gsm A4, A3 and A3+ " and "Somerset Enhanced Velvet Heavyweight 255gsm - Sheets and Rolls " and also the epson version (finally tracked it down they changed the name I see)
here
Obviously trying to get the best paper but also the best price - any advice?
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Mac PPC Dual 2.3, 6GB Ram, LR2.5 , PsCS4 11.0.1, 5Dmk2 fw 1.1.0,
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23/Mar/09, 7:47 pm
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martinimages
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Re: FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
The somerset 225gsm can be bought in different finishs and only in sheets, the 255gsm is in one finish and also rolls are available
Martin
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23/Mar/09, 9:03 pm
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I Simonius
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Re: FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
quote:
martinimages wrote:
The somerset 225gsm can be bought in different finishs and only in sheets, the 255gsm is in one finish and also rolls are available
Martin
which do you use Martin?
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Mac PPC Dual 2.3, 6GB Ram, LR2.5 , PsCS4 11.0.1, 5Dmk2 fw 1.1.0,
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23/Mar/09, 11:08 pm
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martinimages
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Re: FYI: Epson Velvet versus Somerset Velvet
Different papers are better for certain types of image, for portrait or misty softer scenes Somerset 225 velvet satin is very good,the texture is not to heavy. I also use Museo Max a real good all rounder, Epson Velvet fine art is also a superb paper, I dont seem to get on well with some of the Hanmuel papers for some reason, there are so many on the market, I like to get a paper and get used to its characteristics, so its a personal choice to suit the subject matter. Some times pays to buy the 10x8 versions, and do some 8x6 images you will get 2 images per sheet so cost is not to bad, the advantage is you can afford to experiment and see what you like before doing the bigger more expensive sheets, Epson Archival matt gives very good results and is cheap, give that a go to, but it is not cotton based, great for knocking out a print or two inexpensively
Martin
Last edited by martinimages, 23/Mar/09, 11:28 pm
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23/Mar/09, 11:24 pm
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