out of gamut

Why is it that our printers are unable to print the entire range of colours in a file. I understand about the limitations of printing according to the colour spaces of the file etc. What I don't understand is the reason for the manufacturers not making machines with a wider capability. I am sure that this is improving with each new release. I am very happy with my Epson 4800 but would love to work in pro RGB & get the whole gamut of what my camera captures. (close to at least)

Cheers,

PB

The issue is the availability of suitable dyes or pigments, pigments in particular.

- DL

Another issue is the difference between making colors using light (RGB) and using ink (CMYK).

Pigment seems to have the most restricted colour gamut, though it lasts longer than inks apparently. I've read that new generation printers will be using dyes that have a much wider gamut and still retain good longevity.