What is the difference in performance between original and compatible cartridges?

To try and help you decide we carried out a simple test. We printed the same photographs with both Epson original cartridges and Pro-Jet compatible cartridges, using the same printer. For the test we used a brand new Epson R200 which had excellent reviews for printing photographs.

First, all the photographs were printed with the original Epson cartridges installed, then a set of Pro-Jet compatible cartridges were installed and the same photos printed. All the photographs were printed on the same print quality setting (best photo), using 190GSM Pro-Gloss Photo gloss paper. The prints were then scanned with an HP scanner, again using the same quality setting for each print.

We were very surprised by how well the compatible cartridges performed against their OEM counter part. Even when compared side-by-side like this the only difference we can see is a slight difference is colour tone. What do you think?

The photos on the left hand side were printed using Epson original cartridges and the ones on the right were printed using pro-jet compatible cartridges. Click the images to enlarge and view in a new window.