Epson Stylus Photo R380 Review
CNET has reviewed one of the new “hi-definition” printers that Epson just released, the Stylus Photo R380, and they gave it a pretty good review. They gave it a 7.3 out of 10, which is a very good rating based on their scale.
According to Epson, the main benefit of this printer is speed. It is rated at 32 ppm for black, 30 for color and it can supposedly print a 4 x 6 picture in 13 seconds. Now of course, none of those numbers are truly accurate, but they are still impressive based on the performance of other Epson inkjets. The R380 also has a 3.5″ LCD (basically as big as it gets these days) and the ability to print directly onto CDs or DVDs.
With that giant LCD, Epson wants you to use a whole bunch of features like photo editing and red eye reduction and what not. I’ve always felt like LCDs on inkjets were pretty useless because no one is going to scroll through all their pictures and make adjustments on a tiny screen when they could easily do it on their computer. Why try to get the best version of a picture on a 1″ screen when you can look at it on your 19″ monitor? But, a 3.5″ LCD is pretty big compared to others, and it sounds like Epson has made an effort to make this printer a “home studio” that doesn’t require a computer, so if you are into that then the R380 is for you. For the record, CNET seemed to enjoy using the LCD to print directly from memory cards.
The one problem that the CNET reviewer had with the R380 was the text printing. Epson really bills this as a photo printer, so it’s not too surprising that the text performance is a little lacking - the less expensive HP Photosmart 8250 printed text almost twice as fast as the R380. HP inkjets have always been known for being better at printing text than their competitors, but it’s still worth knowing that if you are looking for a good all-around printer that you might have to look elsewhere. The Stylus Photo R380 is meant for printing good pictures and not really for everyday use.
Right now this printer is selling for $200 regularly and $160 if you use this rebate (PDF). This printer just came out, so there really isn’t any customer feedback at the moment. If you did buy this printer, let us know what you think of it and if the review is accurate.
Buy this printer 
Buy Epson Stylus R380 inkjet cartridges
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October 29th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
I have owned the Epson R300, R340 and now the R380. My R300 lasted until one month after warranty. It was going to cost more to repair than to just buy a new one. Since I print directly to CD’s and DVD’s, the above models are the only ones that are available. I then bought the R340. It just went out last week - three weeks after warranty. It fed 5 sheets into the printer. Couldn’t remove them except by pulling them out backward. Messed up the color jets to the point the they wouldn’t dispense ink. Tried using parts from the R300 but nothing worked. Talked to Epson and their attitude was basically, TS. I have now purchased the R380 but this time with a two year warranty.
November 6th, 2006 at 7:25 pm
I have owned the Epson Stylus Photo R380 for 3 weeks. I printed mostly 6X4’s and they do have the “snap” I was expecting. I really can’t comment on speed since I print on “best photo” quality, which slows it down (according to the manual).
I have noticed that it uses ink faster than my Epson Stylus CX4800. I might add that the ink cartridges are only available from Epson at this time.
I was really only interested in sharp details and impressive colors-this printer has not disappointed me in that respect. Lots of bells and whistles that I will probably never use, but it is a solid, well built performer.
November 6th, 2006 at 7:51 pm
I have question for Mike Grizzard:
Have you experienced any problems with nozzle clogging when the printer is not used for several days?
November 13th, 2006 at 9:45 am
I bought this printer two weeks ago. I think that the printer does a knockout job while printing pictures, but as stated above it does tend to be a bit slower when printing text. I still like it, though it does go through ink pretty fast. It’s pretty cool though, because the printer shows its ink status on the LCD screen itself, so you do not have to go through the printer utility.
Does anyone know if/when other retailers will carry the ink cartridges? Those babies are expensive!
November 15th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
Do you have to size the photo to a certain size to print onto DVD’s. I took a full size image and it blew it up and cropped alot off. What can I do to control what is printed?
November 18th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
I really want to purchase the R380 printer, but it seems that the time for uttilizing the $40 mail-in rebate has expired.
I met an Epson representative at CompUSA in Sacramento, CA today (11/18). She said that a $30 instant rebate was available from the Epson Website right now. Is this true?
December 25th, 2006 at 10:09 pm
I am on my second R380 in two weeks. Though I like the color, on 4×6 images, I am getting razor thin, vertical lines about 3/4″ apart. I am printing through the computer. I am wondering whether anyone else has had this same problem. If I can’t figure this out, I am going to have to return this second R380 as well.
January 14th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I was apprehensive about the Epson R380 as I did not see any ratings in Consumer Reports and other publications gave it a very good rating but not among the best.
So I did a test between HP’s latest model which was rated #2 and the 380. The Cannon did not get good text ratings but was #1 on speed. I don’t want speed but crispness with no blotches or fudges.
I run three funds on Wall Street and want crisp stock charts and small print in the Excel sheets for client examination.
No contest, Epson was great as my very small picos in Excel came crisp, like laser. I have about 50 by 125 spreadsheets on one page. Stock charts were were sharp, but not super sharp with all the colors. But neither was HP. It could be that Stockcharts.com has a very slight fuziness.On very small picos I saw parrell lines with a clear space, unlike other models that had fuziness.
In general, the reviews said that Epson had mediocre text. Really? I see no problem and the small print was crisp on Photo quality paper with a higher resolution,
The only drawback is that the 380 is a bit big on my desk and will not win esthetic design awards. Probably designed by a committee of bean counters. However, today all inkjests are in their final glory as small laser units are out there and will soon will be the norm, IMO.
I did not evaluate the ink guzzler aspect as these costs are not a problem for me. However, some who have regular incomes felt that ink costs were high. I also did not evaluate 380 on esthetic photo appeal. Pictures were very vey nice, but who cares if they are not super for the magazines as I think your mother-in-law picture is adequate on the 380.Girfriends will look great. Easy setup on the software, etc is a plus.
BUY the 360 and enjoy.
May 5th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
I bought this printer 6 months ago. I find the quality with the epson ink is superb. My complaint is that i onyl got about 25 pictures out of a set of ink, which equals (after paper) about 4.00 a picture, which i find waaay too much. I bought off meritline.com high capacity ink from G&G which makes it about 1.25 a picture, although the color is different than epsons, so i have to fiddle aorund alot with the settings. Basically, if u dont mind the price , and just looking for quality, this printer is for u. If the price is an issue, i would find a different printer
May 15th, 2007 at 1:02 am
My inital contact with Epson of the cartridges depleteing fast was the cartridges needed inital charging. I bought that story…hook line and sinker !!! So I bought the hi capacity cartridges from epson as the replacement. Guess what? !! I will separate from Epson in the future.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
I just bought R380 from Staples. When I performed the initial charging, printer said “error the epson cartridges were not recognized.” Took it back and Staples sent me out another R380 in 1 Day! Great service! Unfortunately, exact same thing happened. I called Epson Tech Support and after performing exact same steps to charge the ink cartridges, they decided to send me another set of cartridges!! I’m really frustrated, as reviews for this printer were good! The guy from their tech support just didn’t seem to get it! Two new printers, both getting the same error! Anyone else have trouble with initial charge of ink cartridges?
August 31st, 2007 at 11:57 pm
yes me, i haved the same problent with my R380. Ink Catridges cannot be recognized.
i don’t have any idea about it.
i hope some body in costumer service help me with this.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
I had this same problem when I switched from Epson ink to G&G ink. I removed the Epson carridges and inserted the G&G cartridges with no luck. I repeated this process perhaps four or five times until finally most, but not all, of the cartiges were y accepted. Then, I had to repeat this exercise several more times with the remaining ones. They, too, finally, were accepted. I think Epson just makes it difficult to go to non-Epson ink. If you persist, you should have no problems going forward. By the way, you may want to check out the G&G ink. It’s inexpenseive and of high quality.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Sorry, I failed to mention that my printer is an R340. Maybe the same issue is happening with the R380.
September 13th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Just got my R380 today. I loaded the ink cartridges and got the error message everone spoke of: “Ink cartridges cannot be recognized. Make sure ink cartridges are properly installed” I called support. Someone from a foreign country I could hardly understand told me I’ll get a new set of ink in several days. I ordered my R380 from B&H and it’s such a hassel to send stuff back…but I’m thinking of returning it and getting a refund. I’ve had an Epson 2200 for years. Trouble free, except they keep jacking up the price of the ink!
October 11th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Just got my R380 today. Brand new!! And got the ink cartridge error! FFS.
October 15th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
And I’ve got the ink cartridge problem too
October 27th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Brand new rx595 & same error with the supplied Epson cartridges.Looks like a lot of people with this problem & no mention on website tech support.Looks like should be in the FAQ.
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Just came home with my Canon R380, soooo excited. Installed ink cartridges that came with it and and my printer won’t except them. Soooo disappointed!! I’m glad to find this thread so I know there is a definite problem out there. I’ve submitted an email to their website, but I think I’ll just call tomorrow. Sounds like a problem either with the cartridges or the printer. I may end up just taking it back…
November 10th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
I just bought 18 ink catridges ( 3 of each different colors from a reputable seller online, who promised me that the cartridges would work with my Epson Stylus photo R380………… I have original Epson ink in right now, but my yellow one is empty which won`t allow me to print until it`s replaced. So I put in one of the yellow cartriges that I bought online and all I`m getting is ” INK CARTRIDGES CANNOT BE RECOGNIZED. I tried about 15 times to install and reinstall the ink, but it keeps coming up and I can`t use my printer until I can figure this out. Does anyone have an idea how I can fix this or is Epson making sure that we can`t buy other ink for these printers ?? The ink is almost unafordable, especially when you have kids that print as well. ( The seller of the ink told me to keep trying and it will work……but how many times do I have to try….is 15 times in a row not enough ??? ) I know I can probably return them if they don`t work, but I WANT to get them to work and be able to save TONS of money on ink ! Almost $100.00 to replace all 6 ink cartridges is INSANE !!!
November 27th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I just bought 8 cartridges - and none of them work.. I tried installing them about 20 times each - nothing… I think it is absolutely deplorable that a company would rig their printers to refuse anything but name brand. Its a monopoly -and POOR business ethics.
Its a gorgeous printer - the quality is amazing - but at 120 bux for a set of refills - thats just stupid expensive.
Buy HP, Canon, Brother.. ANYTHING… BOYCOTT EPSON - I have never been so pissed off at a company in my life!!!!!!
December 3rd, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I used to love my printer until it runs out of ink. Then the nightmare starts! I’ve had replace the ink 2 times. First time I bought non Epson ink….I had nothing but problems on installation. I got the famous”Ink cartridges cannot be recognized” scam message. After awhile I got them to work. This recent time I bought Epson ink, now it won’t recognize the dark blue ink. I tried 2 different Epson blue ink…still won’t recognize. Epson support is a joke. I just got off the phone with someone that I could not understand. DO NOT BUY THIS PRINTER!!!!! YOU WILL BE VERY SORRY IF YOU DO!
December 6th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I’ve owned Epson printers for years. Not until I purchased the R380 have I had so many problems. For example: I replaced all the cartridges except for the black, which had 1/4 ink left. After that ran out and not using any color ink because I had only printed letters, I replaced the black ink cartridge. I t made it’s charging noise for about two minutes, then looking at the ink Status Monitor, all the color ink cartridges dropped by 1/4! Totally unacceptable. This is the third R380 in less than three months.
Epson has decided to replace it with the RX595 at no charge, but continuing the warranty from the R380, not a new warranty. This may be my last Epson printer…
December 14th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
I just bought my Epson RX595 from Staples and got the ink cartridges problem also. I am reading that this seems to be an extremely common problem.
I hope someone at Epson is f-ing fired because they screwed up baaaaaad.
Just because I am so pissed off about this, I am going to systematically post my ire on every available online outlet.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:29 pm
i have the same stupid ink problem. its going back to the store tomorrow. maybe the R280 will be better
December 29th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
I am having the “ink not recognized” problem too. I purchased the printer today and followed the setup exactly as stated in the “start here” document. using the ink supplied with the printer from the factory. There is a subject in their website help section but none of the recommended solutions will fix anything and then they tell you to call the 800 number which is not open on weekends.
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I had just bought the R380. I had just finished unpacking it out of the box, and without ever having got one photo out of it recieved the error ” Ink Cartidges cannot be recongized. Make sure ink cartridges are correctly installed. From reading consumer reviews on some other websites, I thought it was a good printer, but after much frustration I think the most important work when it comes to this printer is REFUND !
January 6th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I have the ink error message also.
I actually bought 2 rx595’s recently. The one I bought for myself works great, so I decided to buy my parents one for christmas. It turns out theirs gets the stupid error right out of the box. Totally unacceptable. I will be returning that one and buying a different brand. But I am still going to be stuck with the one I bought for myself…
January 7th, 2008 at 8:25 am
I am on my 4th R 380 in one yr. Same problem error message. Did not like customer service as could not understand as they do not speak english well???? However sent me a out another printer after long phone calls trying to get to a manager that spoke proper english. They did not send me a new one only a referbished one as they said that is their policy??? so I guess I keep getting someone elses referbished R 380. This happened each time. The ink is way too expensive and only last a short time.
I do love the quality of the printing but have lots of trouble if one cartridge does not have any ink in, the whole thing shuts down and gives error message.
Wondering if ANYONE has tried using a self do it refil kit you can buy on line with epson ink??? My friends fill their own and save a lot but they do not have an epson.
Would like to try to refill myself.
If so please let me know as I am stuck with this printer.
When working which is rare I love the quality as I stated.
So each printer I have had they all have had problems but this ink thing with not recognizing the cartridges really
frusterates me to no end…. That is where I am today.
It seems if you go buy brand new ink and put them in right which is very simple, most of the time they work BUT if you use one that is 1/2 full or any used one with ink in it, it will NOT accept and give the message. Mine seems to only want a brand new cartridge then if I do not get the error message I am lucky.
Good Luck
January 10th, 2008 at 6:26 am
UNBELIEVABLE - I have a R280….uses the same ink as the R380 and have gone through 4 printers trying to get one that works “all the time”. I don’t think it’s going to happen though. I put new cartridges in - it printed (black text only) for about a week and now when I turn it on it won’t recognize one of the color cartridges no matter what. I know I’ve thrown out perfectly good cartridges in the past. I’ve come to believe that Epson and Junk are synonymous. Unfortunately i can’t return it so my next step may be to just blow it up. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGGGGGGGHH
January 10th, 2008 at 7:50 am
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGH continued - after calling Epson Canada and jumping through all of their hoops - try this - try that - they are now sending me another (new if they have one - refurb if they don’t) R280 so I can prolong my frustrations. This SUCKS!!!!!!!!!
January 11th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Same BS here… new in box, opened up, put FACTORY ink from the box in it, can’t recognize!… extremely disappointed from a company I have grown to trust!
February 1st, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I have a R380 but I don´t print nothing after a error message when I was printing a CD. The msg is “error - see your documentation. power off”, the msg not disapeared. What I can to do? Help me please
February 6th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I’ve been using non-Epson cartridges for a few months with no problems. The Cyan ran out, changed it and got “the message”. Reloaded about 20 times with no luck. Decided to try un-clipping other cartridges to see if they showed up in the error message. Not surprised that they did not. I think this just proves that the error message is total BS. Epson seems to have purposely created that dreaded monster everyone hates…the machine that forces US to do what IT wants.
February 26th, 2008 at 1:24 am
I’ve been using non-epson cartriges in my R380 for about a year without a problem. Yesterday I replaced all colors and all worked except for the black. I replaced the black again with another new black which also failed. I lost it, and now the printer is in 30 pieces all over the floor. Even though I’m out $160 + the cost of a lot of new cartriges, I feel much better. Does anyone know of a non-epson printer that prints DVDs?
March 27th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Possible fix for error of Ink not recognized. After replacing light cyan and light magenta, there was a message that all the cartridges were not recognized. Even the cartridges that did not change. I removed both cartridges and would get back to the normal can’t find the LC, LM when they were removed. If I put in the LC first, I would get the big error message again. When I put the LM in first, leaving LM completely out I get no error message. Putting the LM in last got everything recognized. So removing and putting in different order and not all at once fixed the problem for me. Good luck!
April 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Daniel’s solution should be trumpeted from rooftops.
I’ve had an Epson Stylus Photo R200 printer for a year and have been using non-Epson ink for about six months; today is the first time I’ve gotten this blasted error, and found my way to this page. Just taking out the one new cartridge and “resetting” the printer didn’t fix the problem, so I took out _all_ of the cartridges, got the same error message, and re-inserted the cartridges one by one, hitting the Ink button on the printer each tine. (That’s the button that you use to find out which cartridge has run out of ink, and to move the cartridge housing so that you can replace it). As I added cartridge after cartridge, the printer recognized each in turn, including the brand new one. After futzing with this for a few minutes, I’d re-inserted every cartridge and–the printer recognized them!
Thanks for great detective work, Daniel.
May 5th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I’m getting an error message for all 6 cartridges, even when they’re inserted. I tried inserting them one by one and pressing okay after each. Each color disappears from the list until I insert the last cartridge and all six appear again.
Any thoughts?
May 30th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Josh,
Your problem is exactly what is plaguing my printer and I have used nothing but Epson cartridges. Sams Club replaced my cartridges and I still have the same problem. Once all six cartridges are installed, each one gets a red X on the display.
My R380 is one month outside its warranty and I am a semi power user. I use it primarily to print CD’s, which the unit did a fantastic job at, depending on the manufactuerer of printable CDR.
Good quality prints, bad reliability. Hassle to constantly have ink on hand. Goes through yellow and black ink much too fast.
It seems that the R280, RX595, RX680 ALL suffer from the ink cartridge not recognized problem. Given the amount of reviews I have seen with this problem, it seems Epson should consider a recall.
If you rely on professional looking CD/DVD for business, this one is not ready for prime time.