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Best Photo Printers for Photographers

Posted on November 20, 2024 - By Sandrine Hermand-Grisel
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When selecting the ideal photo printer, photographers must weigh several factors to ensure their equipment matches their creative needs. Whether you're a professional seeking to produce gallery-quality prints or a passionate enthusiast printing at home, the right photo printer can elevate your work. This updated guide highlights the best photo printers for photographers as of November 2024, focusing on printers renowned for their superior print quality, versatility, and efficiency. Each printer on this list excels in specific areas, from color accuracy and black-and-white performance to media compatibility and ease of use. We’ll also cover critical features like ink systems, print size options, and cost-per-print to help you make an informed decision based on your printing preferences and budget. No matter your expertise or print requirements, you’ll find the perfect model to bring your photographic visions to life.
Printers are organized in order of price, from the most affordable to the premium options.
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Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank Photo Printer
Pros:
Exceptional color accuracy with a six-dye ink system, enhancing vibrancy and tonal range, especially for skin tones and grayscale.
Extremely economical for high-volume printing with refillable ink bottles.
Supports borderless printing and panoramic sizes up to 47 inches.

Cons:
Limited to A4/8.5x11-inch prints, unsuitable for larger professional formats like 17x22 inches.
Slower print speeds compared to professional-grade printers.
Limited professional workflow tools, such as ICC profiles or advanced color management software.

Best For: Photographers needing cost-effective, high-quality prints for proofs or smaller projects.

Why It Stands Out: The PIXMA G620 is a solid choice for photographers prioritizing low operating costs and rich color reproduction. Its refillable ink system drastically reduces costs while maintaining quality, making it ideal for studio or personal use where smaller print sizes suffice.
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Pros:
Produces vibrant and accurate color prints with an 8-color dye-based ink system.
Supports various print sizes up to 13x19 inches, including panoramic formats.
Compact and lightweight design for a professional-grade printer.
High-speed printing compared to other professional photo printers in its class.

Cons:
Dye-based inks are less resistant to fading compared to pigment-based alternatives.
Limited to 13-inch wide prints, unsuitable for large-format printing.
Lacks advanced features like roll paper support or built-in color calibration.

Best For: Photographers seeking a balance between affordability, portability, and professional-quality prints for up to 13x19 inches.

Why It Stands Out: The PIXMA Pro-200 offers an excellent mix of quality, versatility, and speed. Its dye-based ink system excels in producing vibrant colors, making it an ideal option for photographers focusing on portfolios, exhibitions, or vibrant landscape prints while keeping costs manageable.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Pros:
Exceptional print quality for both photos and documents using a 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system.
Extremely cost-effective for high-volume printing with refillable ink tanks.
Supports borderless printing up to 13x19 inches.
Compact design with intuitive touchscreen controls.
Handles a wide variety of media types, including fine art papers and thicker photo stock.

Cons:
Slower print speeds compared to dedicated professional photo printers.
Dye-based inks for color may lack the archival longevity of pigment-based systems.
Limited to 13-inch print width, unsuitable for larger format needs.

Best For: Photographers prioritizing affordability in ongoing printing costs and versatility for both personal and professional projects.

Why It Stands Out: The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a game-changer for photographers seeking high-quality photo printing without the recurring expense of cartridges. Its refillable tank system dramatically reduces cost per print, making it an excellent choice for professionals managing high output while delivering vibrant, detailed prints.
Epson SureColor SC-P700
Epson SureColor SC-P700
Epson SureColor SC-P700
Epson SureColor SC-P700
Pros:
Outstanding image quality with a 10-channel printhead and UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks for deep blacks and vivid colors.
Compact design for a professional-grade 17-inch printer.
Advanced Black Enhance Overcoat for enhanced tonal range and shadow detail in monochrome prints.
Supports media up to 17 inches wide, including thick fine art and photo papers.
Easy-to-use interface with a 4.3-inch touchscreen.

Cons:
Higher upfront cost compared to some competitors.
Smaller ink cartridge capacity may lead to frequent replacements for high-volume users.
Limited roll media support (requires an optional adapter).

Best For: Professional photographers seeking gallery-quality prints with exceptional color accuracy and black-and-white depth.

Why It Stands Out: The Epson SureColor SC-P700 is celebrated for its ability to deliver professional-grade prints in a compact format. Its advanced pigment ink technology ensures unparalleled color fidelity and fine detail, making it an ideal choice for photographers demanding superior print quality for portfolios, exhibitions, or client deliveries.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Pros:
Exceptional print quality with 10-color LUCIA PRO pigment inks for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Compact for a professional 13-inch printer, making it suitable for smaller studios.
High compatibility with a wide range of media, including fine art papers and glossy photo papers.
Includes anti-clogging technology for reliable performance.
Supports borderless printing and custom sizes up to 39 inches long.

Cons:
Limited to a maximum print width of 13 inches, not ideal for those needing larger formats.
Slower printing speeds for high-resolution prints.
Higher ink costs over time due to the use of pigment-based inks.

Best For: Photographers looking for a reliable, compact printer to produce professional-quality prints for portfolios, exhibitions, or client presentations.

Why It Stands Out: The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is renowned for its ability to deliver rich color and detail, rivaling larger printers. Its compact size and user-friendly interface make it a practical choice for professionals seeking high-quality output in a smaller workspace. The LUCIA PRO inks ensure longevity and excellent tonal gradation, making it a go-to for photographers who prioritize archival-quality results.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
Pros:
Outstanding print quality using 12-color LUCIA PRO pigment inks, ensuring accurate colors, deep blacks, and smooth gradations.
Wide color gamut ideal for fine art, photography prints, and exhibition-quality work.
Large print size capability, up to 17 inches wide.
Built-in anti-clogging technology and a nozzle recovery system for consistent performance.
Supports a variety of media types, including fine art papers and canvas, with a vacuum system to ensure flat printing surfaces.

Cons:
Bulky and heavy, requiring substantial workspace.
High initial cost and ongoing ink expenses.
Slower print speeds compared to some competitors in its class.

Best For: Professional photographers and artists demanding gallery-quality prints and archival durability for fine art or commercial projects.

Why It Stands Out: The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 delivers unmatched precision in color reproduction and tonal gradation. Its 12-color LUCIA PRO ink system ensures breathtaking results, particularly in black-and-white printing, with deep blacks and fine details. Perfect for professionals, it balances advanced technology with reliability, making it a top choice for those prioritizing museum-grade output.
Epson SureColor P900
Epson SureColor P900
Epson SureColor P900
Epson SureColor P900
Pros:
Outstanding print quality with a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink system, delivering exceptional color accuracy and smooth gradients.
Handles wide-format prints up to 17 inches, perfect for professional photography and fine art.
Black Density Enhancement technology for superior black-and-white prints with rich contrast and deep shadows.
Compact and sleek design compared to other printers in its class.
Advanced media handling, supporting a wide range of papers, including fine art and thick media.

Cons:
Relatively high initial cost and ink expenses.
Slower print speeds for larger, high-quality prints.
Limited roll paper adapter (optional purchase) increases setup costs for panoramic printing.

Best For: Professional photographers and fine art creators seeking precise color and exceptional black-and-white print quality for gallery-level presentations.

Why It Stands Out: The Epson SureColor P900 is a favorite among professionals for its precision and versatility. With its UltraChrome PRO10 inks and compact size, it combines top-tier print quality with a design suited for smaller workspaces. Whether you're printing vibrant portraits or nuanced monochromatic images, the P900 excels in delivering results that meet the demands of discerning photographers and artists.
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