It is the lowest end printer Epsom makes which can use its new UltrachromeK3 inks, a resin and pigment combination which is scratch resistant, fade resistant (up to 200 years) and water resistant.
Ink for the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 photo printer comes in 80 ml cartridges, chipped so installed software can keep track of ink levels. This is also one of the differences between the Epson 4800, which has both 110 and 220 ml ink cartridges. However, since there is so much less ink wastage in the Epson 3800, you could probably consider that the 80 ml cartridges will give you at least the printing capability of the Epson 
4800's 110 ml cartridges. The first time the printer is used, it may consume up to 25% of the ink in your provided cartridges, but after that ink usage is reported to be quite good.
Retail price from Epson of the T580 80 ml ink cartridges is $59.95. Newegg.com's price is 45.99 per cartridge. Amazon's prices vary per cartridge color, but seem to go from just over $48 to $50 a 
cartridge. This may still be a savings, since Amazon will ship them for free. Other online dealers sell cartridges for as low as $43- but with a $7 shipping charge tacked on. Due to the variability of print media size, it is not possible to get an average price per print. But reviews seem to indicate it is not an ink hog due to wasted ink, unlike the Epson 4800.
The Epson printer will use other print media than what they manufacture, but says best quality prints can be expected by using Epson paper.
The Epson Ultra premium 17 x 22 inch luster paper, in a 25 ct package, was $60 from Amazon and $76 directly from Epson. Ultra premium luster paper in the 8.5 x 11 size, 50 count package, was $31 from Amazon and $35 from Epson. Epson's 17 x 22 inches velvet art paper, 25 count package, was about $100 at Amazon and $139 at Epson. 13 x 19 premium semi-gloss paper, in the 20 count pack was $43 from Amazon and $51 from Epson. So even if you do want to stick to Epson print media, my recommendation is to search online for the best price rather than buy directly from Epson. Do keep in mind that buying directly from Amazon with product totals higher than $25 gives you free shipping, while other online dealers usually charge for shipping.
