Best digital press today?

[mrgraphics]

I am confused. I want to go for Digital Printing. My targets are Brochures, Fliers, A3 Posters, A5 Booklets all of small quantity. I read about Konika Minoltah 65HC. Anybody has bought it yet? Do you think that is a good option? Others say that this machine wont give me CMYK exact colors as it has an RGB workflow. Who can suggest me as i want to start putting digital press as i have to still buy the finishing machine. Please guide me i am very new.
From Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - East Africa

[lfelton]

@mrgraphics

The 65HC is "bleeding edge" technology, i.e. it is brand new and shifts the technology that's available. No one knows yet whether it will be a "good" shift or a dud. There simply aren't hardly any of them out there yet as the product is brand new.

Essentially HC alters the reflectance (yes, I do mean that literally & technically) and colour gamut of the toner. The net effect of this is that images appear somewhat brighter and the colour gamut is much closer to sRGB than it is to CMYK. In fact, you cannot hit some CMYK colours.

If you do not understand what this means in terms of workflow and product, then you may wish to consider passing on this product until there is more field experience with this technology.

The 6501 is essentially the same engine, but using "standard" Simitri HD toner and this is matches "standard" CMYK gamut very nicely (hence standard workflow, standard products). In addition, the pricing model is straightforward "pay per click", unlike the HC pricing model. Under all circumstances (except perhaps extremely light toner coverage) a standard 6501 will be cheaper to operate.

I hope that helps.