Hahnemühle has a range of different media and historically we only stocked papers and canvases that fell into their Digital FineArt Collection. In this article we are going to provide a relatively high level summary of the differences between this FineArt Collection and the Photo Collection.
Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Collection
The Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Collection is a high-end range of unique, high-quality papers and canvases. The collection comprises more than 25 unique options with special surface textures and an extensive range of premium inkjet coatings. These papers and canvases guarantee exceptional print results with bright colours, deep blacks, and outstanding reproduction of details.
When combined with Canon inks and fair environmental conditions prints on this range of media can last more than 100 years.
In simple terms if you want the best, then you choose a paper or canvas from this collection.
Hahnemühle Photo Collection
The Hahnemühle Photo Collection is a good alternative to the Digital FineArt Collection if you are looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing to much on the overall quality. They are non-textured cellulose papers with a smaller range of options. They have been created primarily for photographic applications such as photo prints and posters.
These papers are designed to last for 30+ years.
What are the main differences?
We’ll cover each in a little more detail, but effectively we’d summarise it as 3 main points:
- The number of paper and canvas options to choose from
- The cost
- The life expectancy and quality
Number of options to choose from
Whilst the Photo Collection may grow further over time, it comprises considerably less options than the FineArt Collection:
- Digital FineArt collection = 26 unique options including 6 different canvases.
- Photo collection = 8 unique options with only 1 of those being canvas.
If you are looking for something quite specific then its possible you may not find a paper or canvas finish within the Photo Collection that meets your requirements. On the other hand you may be spoilt for choice and struggling to choose when selecting from the FineArt Collection.
The Photo Collection is around 50% cheaper
In general you should find that the price of our printing on the Photo Collection is roughly 40-50% cheaper than anything in the FineArt Collection. This is because the Photo Collection has been created to provide a more affordable option. With a cheaper price obviously comes a less premium product so you need to balance this accordingly in your choice.
Even though we are really not comparing apples-to-apples, lets give an example of how the pricing can vary.
Lets assume someone is looking for a glossy kind of finish and you like Hahnemuhle FineArt Pearl, but you also have a budget to work within and you’re considering Hahnemuhle Photo Silk Baryta X as an alternative.
Printing @ 70 x 50cm
- Hahnemuhle FineArt Pearl = $63
- Hahnemuhle Photo Silk Baryta X = $31
- Thats a saving of $32
Lets say you were printing 10 works at 70 x 50
- Hahnemuhle FineArt Pearl = $630
- Hahnemuhle Photo Silk Baryta X = $310
- Thats a saving of $320
Now if pricing was your only consideration and you were generally happy with the print output on both media, then logically you may proceed with Photo Silk Baryta X. If you are looking for a higher grade paper with more texture and more assurance around the lifespan then you should opt for the FineArt Pearl.
Quality and life expectancy
The Digital FineArt collection has been manufactured to be the very best in the market when it comes to print quality and life expectancy. In simple terms the general expectations are as follows:
- Digital FineArt Collection = 100+ years of life
- Photo Collection = 30+ years of life
This is based on using manufacturer supplied inks [i.e., official Canon or Epson inks] and fair environmental conditions.
Which one should you choose then?
Generally we would always prefer customers to choose from the FineArt Collection as this ensures the best print quality and longevity. As with many things though you need to factor in your individual requirements and decide what option is best for you. We are always available to help provide guidance and recommendations.
Here are some basic scenarios maybe that might help you choose.
Scenarios for FineArt Collection
- I want the best results for my print in terms of colours and details
- I am framing it for the long term so longevity is really important to me
- I am printing family pictures and they have sentimental value
- My print is going to look best on a specific type and texture of paper
Scenarios for Photo Collection
- Longevity is not a concern, I am only keeping the print(s) short term
- I am on a tight budget and saving some money is a key factor in my decision
- I am not overly fussy on the media so long as it looks good enough
