There was a significant step-down in quality from the full to the mid-sized machines as with the color metric. However, the Epson XP and the Epson PictureMate PM-400 were standouts in their size class. The large format, 13″ x 19″ prints produced by the Epson XP were nearly on par with the full-sized machines. Interestingly, the quality decreased as the print dimensions decreased, with banding and streaking becoming more apparent. The Epson PM-400 was much more consistent across the various print dimensions. Despite displaying tone qualities similar to the full-sized machines, this model suffered from a reduction in resolution.
Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). The 12.6 mL cartridges hold less ink than the P700’s 25 mL cartridges, so you have to replace them more frequently, but at a cost of $1.11 per milliliter versus $1.52 per milliliter for our top pick.
Having the ability to understand how everything works will also improve your general color workflow. With your printer you can print your photo in full size without borders, or with a border. I like to print with a border around and later frame it, but the professional printers like the P900 are also able to do a print until the complete edge of the paper.
Generally speaking, inkjet photo printers are best since they use liquid ink, which is ideal for high-quality, high-resolution photography printing with a wide color gamut. Also, only inkjets can print on dedicated glossy photo paper. With bottled ink costing around 80% lower than cartridge ink, you won’t need to worry about your ongoing consumables cost. This is great news for anyone intending to print lots of color photographs.
A professional photography monitor is optimal, but having an iMac, Macbook Pro or Dell XPS screen for example, is not bad at all. Sure, it’s less AdobeRGB coverage, but the most important thing is to Calibrate your screen. With a ‘lesser’ screen it’s still perfectly fine to get a ‘near’ perfect result. The printer includes a built-in roll feeder, auto cutter, and a high-capacity cassette that accommodates up to 100 cut sheets from 8.5 by 11 inches to 17 by 22 inches. Thus, all other aspects of the print being equal, faster is better.
A good print is a print that looks similar to how you see it on your screen. Believe me, I’ve ordered many of my own prints in the past from different manufacturers and was often not 100% happy with the result. The Canon SELPHY CP1300 is a significant step up in quality from the mini-printers, yet it maintains the same appeal. This printer is compact, transportable, and can even run off a battery (sold separately).
Total throughput time for any print depends on various factors including workstation configuration, file size, print resolution, ink coverage and networking. EcoTank Photo can print fully borderless on a wide range of papers from thin vellums, to fine art and photographic papers, to even posterboards up to 1.3mm thick. Accurate and consistent reproduction of fine art with industry leading print permanence on a wide range of medias up to 64” wide. Our latest generation of photographic printers have been developed in collaboration with the industry’s most respected photographers and artists.
Ink is refilled using six plastic bottles that Epson says replaces up to 100 ink cartridges. At first, I was worried that I would make a mess refilling ink. That didn’t turn out to be the case — just don’t touch the top. That clever design means that it’s almost impossible to accidentally epson photo printer put the Photo Black in the Black tank, for example. The bottle automatically stops once the tank is full, so there’s no overflowing. Finally, we clocked the time it takes each machine to produce a 4″ x 6″ color print (or, in the case of the mini printers, a mini print).