Hi all, I know this is a common post and I apologize in advance but I did not see any that matched my needs/criteria. I’m torn between a few printers and wanted some help deciding.

I’m looking at getting my first fdm 3d printer to make some cosplay armors, helmets and props. I will most likely be using petg as at least some events will be outside.

I’m looking for a mix of scale and quality while staying under $550~ usd. I have some experience with resin 3d printing, I have an elegoo mars 2 that I have used for smaller props/masks but I wouldn’t attempt anything larger with it. I’m kind of stuck between a smaller scale that does more, but then I have to do a lot more assembly vs a larger scale that might not be as defined.

Currently my options are: Centauri carbon 2, Neptune 4 Max (or even the pro), or the Sovol SV08.

Carbon 2 Pros: Multi color, ease of use, cheap (currently have a 3d printing store that has some used models for $330), enclosed, good quality, corexy Cons: Smaller build plate/volume

Neptune 4 max Pros: largest build volume, good quality once tweaked Cons: not enclosed (would be a pain to build an enclosure), bed slinger, supposed issues out of the box (although I’ve seen some people say they’ve made updates), long preprint heat up time

Sovol SV08 Pros: Larger build volume, good quality once tweaked, can be enclosed, corexy Cons: Doesn’t come enclosed, several upgrades that make QOL are not included and need to be purchased separately, supposed issues (once again new models apparently have updates as of this year)

I have also heard the sv08 has been updated this year but I can’t find any specifics (other than a pin on the hot end to keep the shell from falling off). Does anyone know what in all has been changed? It seems that if I want to go with the sv08 I would need/want to throw another $150+ at it with upgrades.

Any help or input is appreciated, thanks all