Epson EcoTank ET-18100 A3+ PHOTO printer review

[@DeputyNordburg]

This printer is similar to a boat. I'd love for my neighbor to own one so I could use it from time time.

[@cameralabs]

Ha ha! I know what you mean, I'm always printing for my neighbours. Maybe I should use their lawnmower...

[@touchtennis]

Three years and I'm still trying to capture your matrix style photo! When I do I might buy this printer, print it a hundred times and sell all my gear! That to me is the ultimate bucket list shot!

[@cameralabs]

Which Matrix style photo?

[@touchtennis]

@@cameralabs You did it in your garden, then you went to an graffiti covered underpass somewhere and did a jumping one. Gotta be at least three years ago!

[@cameralabs]

@@touchtennis I'm intrigued! If you can find it anywhere, let me know! Was the jumping one a model? That might have been a Canon 1D event near Waterloo station

[@cameralabs]

My Epson EcoTank ET-18100 A3+ photo printer review. (Sponsored by Epson): www.epson.co.uk/en_GB/products/printers/inkjet/consumer/ecotank-et-18100/p/34290?cid=sm:instagram:EUL-Etinfluence:160323 Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: kzbin.info Equipment used for producing my videos Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): amzn.to/3PrKbPV 00:00 - Introduction and disclaimer 01:04 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 running costs 04:19 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 design, controls 05:25 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 ink loading 07:03 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 setup 07:42 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 document capture 08:34 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 document printing 09:13 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 A4 photo printing 10:06 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 A3 photo printing 11:11 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 black and white printing 13:49 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 CD DVD label printing 14:43 - Epson EcoTank ET-18100 verdict Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@alexanderkurumidi926]

Dear Gordon, Thank you for the organised and detailed review. 🙏 As always total precision and sufficient inf9 to make further decision to buy or not. Sincerely,

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@skfineshriber]

Thank you so much for a printer review! Cost per print is essential information that isn't always easy to find.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome! I had to calculate it by scaling up the area, but it's an indication of what it costs.

[@ssthapit]

Any thoughts on the Epson's waste ink management that may make the sustainability and affordability of the Ink Tanks ineffective?

[@cameralabs]

I think they've been out long enough that the total running costs are known to be cheaper. I intend to do some long term testing to find out for myself. I think it's highly dependent on how often you print.

[@ssthapit]

@@cameralabs Thank you Gordon. It would be helpful if you looked into. I was interested in the EcoTank printers for my home office color printing need. But saw some long-term reviews that found that the waste ink sponge replacement itself is more than $200 which encourages people to just buy a newer EcoTank printer (especially the lower to middle end). This to me made the sustainability claims moot if it becomes cheaper or comparable to get a new printer than to replace the waste ink sponge every 1-2 years.

[@cameralabs]

@@ssthapit good point, I'll look into that. I think it's user replaceable, but not sure about how it works out long term.

[@BitmapFrogs]

@@ssthapit this is a bold faced lie the waste ink sponge replacement is $30 bucks from Epson themselves

[@axgrf]

The waste ink tank is modular and user-replaceable in this model. Its a simple plastic container which you can remove and put in a new one.

[@tonicalavera1241]

Is there a big difference in terms of photo printing between this model and the Epson Expression photo 970? Is this model better for printing CDs in terms of color realism? Thank you

[@JacReviewsStuff]

Is it better to keep the printer on 24 hours a day every day? or is it better to turn if off after each print. I plan to print once a week and im concerned about clogged nozzels. so far, im keeping my printer on 24/7 and run two cleaning cycles before each weekly print

[@cameralabs]

Do you find you need to run the cleaning cycle weekly? That sounds excessive to me. I would turn mine off and only run the process if it hadn't been used for a few weeks - or of course if the test print came out looking bad. In fact if you don't mind a wasted sheet of normal paper, I'd just run that test to see how the nozzles are doing and if you even need to run a cleaning cycle.

[@JacReviewsStuff]

@@cameralabs hmmm I guess a nozzle check uses the least ink. Thankyou ~ I hope my youtube channel grows as big as you guy's one day 🤩

[@cameralabs]

@@JacReviewsStuff best of luck with it! It's a hard slog!

[@brightboxstudio]

Cleaning cycles use so much ink that I would never run a cleaning cycle unless the weekly nozzle check showed a clogged nozzle. I use a different Epson photo inkjet printer, and ever since I started a weekly nozzle check, I’ve had no unsolvable clogs. (I’ve been using Epson inkjets for almost 30 years.) Nice to see a printer reviewed with your grounded, practical review style, Gordon!

[@hyau512]

@@brightboxstudioHi, I have an Epson 1290 and since I don’t print every week, find clogged nozzles the number one issue. I was watching this review half-hoping that this problem has been solved in 2024. I like your idea of doing a nozzle check every week, and I should be organised enough to manage that! Thanks.

[@FatimaRahimanBoorany]

is this model the same as the ecotank L8100?

[@cameralabs]

I don't know, do the specs match?

[@andreasrogl5401]

hi, is it possible to use this printer also to print flyers? l like 300 piece? how many sheets fit in the magazine? thank you

[@cameralabs]

Not sure how many, it depends on paper type and loading tray. Check Epson website

[@simracer1256]

What is your view on printing yourself vs using a lab Gordon? I have always used DSL labs in Manchester, and I wonder if it is worth all the hassle of running my own printer. I did it for years with a CISS and it was always going wrong.

[@cameralabs]

It depends on volume and sizes. If you're printing a lot of big prints, regularly, then owning your own high-end inkjet can be great. I've only run into problems when they dry up due to inactivity, plus the downsides of accommodating a large machine. For small prints, it becomes a balance of cost vs convenience. Do you need it right now, or can you wait. The Cp1500 is a great option if you need results now, but I'd still be selective over how many prints I wanted. If you're printing a lot, a lab or online service may work out better. PS - look out for my QX20 review this afternoon

[@AI-PhotographyGeek]

I assume that 20% of the initialization would be consumed/held in the pipes delivering the ink to Nozel.

[@_alliswell]

hi, does the photo from this printer long lasting? compare to selphy cp1500, does cp1500 more long lasting? thank you

[@cameralabs]

I'll tell you in 100 years!

[@booked.boutique]

Great video George. What are the dimensions of the ID card slots for the custom tray? Can't seem to find that info anywhere! I'm hoping it's 85mm x 54mm...?

[@cameralabs]

Who's George?! Anyway, glad you liked the video! According to the printer driver software, the ID card size is 54x86mm, so pretty standard I assume...

[@booked.boutique]

@@cameralabs Haha, don't know what my brain did there! Thanks Gordon! 😄

[@cameralabs]

@@booked.boutique you're welcome!

[@eugeniobritofotografia]

It looks that you have printed in a regular DVD??? You should use printable surface discs, that have no text or nothing else in its surface. The quality is way better than that you had.

[@cameralabs]

Yeah, I know, but this was all I had access to at the time.

[@yamahass66]

This or canons pro models? Canons inc cost 200 euros for extreme small cart?

[@cameralabs]

I haven't tested the Canon's so can't say, sorry

[@ErikS-]

And how does in differ from the 8550?

[@cameralabs]

The 8550 is an MFD with extra inks for B&W. The 18100 is more aimed at colour photos with extra inks for subtle colours. Didn't I mention this in the review? Plus different regional availability.

[@OperKH]

You should use special disks for printing - they have surface similar to paper. On the regular disc, the ink get together in drops and the quality of print is poor.

[@cameralabs]

I know, it's a shame, but these normal discs were the only ones I had access to during the test.

[@andrearmstrong3715]

Thank you for the review! Do you recommend any paper outside of the ones sold by Epson?

[@cameralabs]

I've not tried them, sorry

[@andrearmstrong3715]

no worries, I just got the printer and I plan to compare Epson ones with Ilford Galerie @@cameralabs

[@cameralabs]

@@andrearmstrong3715 let me know what you think!

[@robertpanick2660]

For some reason this popped in my feed. Unfortunately, after sending the units out for reviews Epson never released it. Shame I would have bought one. The closest thing out there is the 8550, which doesn't seem quite as good. I guess I'll continue to use by Stylus 1400 that I've had for what seems like about 10 years.

[@cameralabs]

Really, that's odd. I know it's a UK only product, not in N America for instance. Are you in a different region?

[@robertpanick2660]

@@cameralabs I'm in the US. I saw another review from Keith Cooper and he mentioned in his feed that Epson had decided not to release it anywhere.

[@robertpanick2660]

I just searched the Amazon UK site and it apparently is available. I apologize. Shame Epson didn't release it in the US. Looks like a very nice printer

[@cameralabs]

@@robertpanick2660 yeah, I think i mentioned in the review that it was a UK model only and suggested some alternatives available Worldwide. It's a strange decision, i'm not sure why they did this.

[@sirha87tech]

Looks similar to L18050

[@Coscorosanna5067]

Can we use 300 gsm matte materials?

[@cameralabs]

Not sure, you'd need to check Epsons specs for it

[@dkastra26]

why this printer over the 8550?

[@jamcee20]

Is it okay to convert this into sublimation?

[@cameralabs]

I've no idea

[@MetabolizmSupplements]

would it print on mylar bags ?

[@cameralabs]

I have no idea, sorry.

[@noenken]

My 8550 is roughly the same price (around 650,- in Germany), acts also as a scanner / copy machine, comes with ethernet port and the touchscreen that makes things like firmware updates very easy. I literally don't even have software installed on my mac to use it. This 18100 seems to trade all those features for slightly better color prints (maybe) but also slightly worse monochrome prints (maybe) and printing from phones. ..... Nah. 😉

[@cameralabs]

They're both solid choices, but aimed at slightly different things. The 18100 is mostly about making colour photos on shiny paper - that's what it does best, and it does it as cheaply as possible for a new model. Your 8550 will probably be better for B&W, and of course is also an MFD, although prices do vary in different regions and it's also a little older, so some discounts have kicked in.

[@SinaFarhat]

Nice! That looks like a good printer to get! Thanks for the review!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@jan-martinulvag1962]

can it print panorama pictures. ?

[@cameralabs]

I'm not 100% sure as I've not tried, BUT you should be able to create a custom paper size in the driver that could be very long for example. I have an old paper roll that I'll try it out on and let you know if I have any success!

[@MadChalet]

Nice to see you reviewing this end of the process. I would guess that Epson has figured it out to still work to their advantage profit wise, with ink purchase being their cash cow. I'd like to think that this process reduces the plastics waste, but it looks like one still buys bottles that get tossed. At least we're not producing and tossing chips with every ink refill. Any guess about applying this 'eco' design to high-end printers with pigment ink?

[@cameralabs]

I hope so. It's a tough balance as they want the process and usability to be simple and foolproof, and no spills, but the easier it gets, the worse the waste generally.

[@rlepage2007]

I would add that, yes, you're still having waste with the containers that carry the ink (cartridges, vs. bottles to add to the printer), but cartridges, which contain less ink, are inherently more wasteful than the EcoTank approach. For most photo printers under $1000, you're changing the carts much more frequently. And, the ink costs much less per ml in the EcoTank world.

[@MrMick560]

Excellent!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@gotja]

What about fading

[@cameralabs]

I've only had it a few weeks, so no fading yet. This technology is normally fine so long as you keep it from direct sunlight. if you want greater longevity, go for a pigment model, not dye.

[@gotja]

@@cameralabs I assume if it's framed behind glass, that will increase lifetime of the print?

[@cameralabs]

@@gotja if the glass is UV protected, yes.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Gordon

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou!

[@S-LAB]

🔴Such an experience to have a PRINTER reviewed in 2023❗👍

[@shadyninja1]

I'm buying one

[@jeffrydemeyer5433]

I'm using it's ancestor the 7750, photo prints are nice enough. Text is bad, even on highest quality blacks are dark grey

[@cameralabs]

Yes, for good text you can't beat a laser.

[@riparianlife97701]

Funny it prints on disks. I haven't had a disk reader/writer in 15 years.

[@bebedaily]

Thanks🎉🎉🎉

[@norbert_engel]

Many (long term) reviews have shown these EcoTank/Ink tank printers from Canon, Epson and HP to be a massive scam. In many cases the printers "clogs up", rendering the entire thing useless often after only 2 years. Please check the "sponge" in the back, which is where lots of your ink will end. Once the sponge is saturated, your printer has basically reached the end of its life.

[@cameralabs]

I think you can replace the sponge. So far mine has not clogged even after 2 months of inactivity, so that's better than my experience with a traditional ink jet.

[@axgrf]

Not true on Epson printers, they use Piezo Printheads which don‘t have a finite lifespan. If you use original ink, the head doesnt dry out, and the waste ink tank can be user replaced. Ecotanks are certainly not a scam.

[@hjmkhalaf]

This is not the right CD to print on you need a printable CD not this one

[@cameralabs]

I know, but this was the only one I had. Actually I had a bunch that were even less suitable.