Epson P5000 vs Epson P900 17" [A2] printer shootout - which is best for you?

Detailed comparison of the two Epson A2 desktop printers. If you want a bigger printer, which might be best for you?
The P5000 is much larger and heavier - how does it differ in paper handling, inks and print quality to the newer P900
How well does roll paper work with either one and how regularly do they need to be used.
00:00 Start
00:50 Size and overview
02:40 Costs
04:30 Space needed
05:42 Paper handling
07:22 Print borders - media sizes
09:07 Roll paper
10:32 Borderless overspray
12:12 The inks [black ink switching]
13:28 Ink cart sizes
14:10 Which colour inks
18:48 Usability features- Screens and menus
20:28 Read the P5000 manual
21:16 Software for the printers
22:20 Custom media
24:02 Printing on DVDs
24:38 Connectivity and configuration.
26:02 Print quality
26:53 Print detail
28:56 Highest usable settings
33:07 Positives and negatives for each printer
33:46 How often to use
34:29 An extended warranty?
36:50 Swapping inks
37:21 Paper choice and surface 'look'
38:00 P900 roll support
40:00 Range of paper sizes
40:50 Convenience
There are very detailed reviews of both printers, which also have links to all of Keith's related articles and videos about using the printers
www.northlight-images.co.uk/e...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/r...
Keith's video about choosing a larger printer [13"/17"] is at
• So, you want to get a ...
If you want a really big printer - here are some questions you should ask
• So, you want a large p... Detailed comparison of the two Epson A2 desktop printers. If you want a bigger printer, which might be best for you?
For a full index of all my videos, see:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/k...
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[@Jacques.dAnjou]

Thank you Keith for your videos! (Watching this in June 2023) still very valuable for me. I purchased my first Epson 8550 for printing my artwork on A3+ bamboo papers. Again, thanks for all of your hard work, much appreciated!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad they are of use

[@rusticagenerica]

We are super lucky to be able to enjoy your reviews !

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I like doing them too ;-)

[@billb6685]

Another excellent video. I own the P900 and always pickup a few additional tidbits from each of your videos. I especially liked the Spinal Tap reference😀

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks ;-)

[@kermitdk4509]

It is always refreshing to watch your videos. Im always waiting for the "it depends", it is so true. One shouldn't use numbers only for determining what's "best". And just as an final remark - I bought the P900 after watching your brilliant videos (it took a lot of time to decide, but I haven't regretted it 🙂)

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks, and I'm glad to have helped with the printer choice!

[@ddsdss256]

I decided on the P900 after viewing/reading a number of reviews (primarily yours--thanks again for all of the great material you provide!) and I've been more than happy with the results. Although as you point out, it's a process learning how to realize your artistic vision no matter what printer you use (and your articles and videos are very helpful in that regard), I've been able from the start to get great results with the P900--more than adequate for gallery/private sale use with relatively few prints I wouldn't want others to see. I'm not sure what the ink cost for the 5000 is, but for the P900, it's supposedly

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks for that - glad to have helped you on the way!

[@Grizzlywill]

Great video, very informative and helpful

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@blueelegy8570]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@randyblack2124]

Thanks Keith, very helpful

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'll be doing some more P5000 stuff now I've got it in the office.

[@danasafavian9266]

Great video.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@nachnamevorname5917]

"Don't drop paper clips into printers - it really doesn't help". You have a point there.

[@KeithCooper]

Oh yes - made a right mess of the print head...

[@jeremy2779]

Wow, timing could not be better, I've been having exactly this debate for the last two weeks!

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it's of help If you've any specific questions - let me know?

[@jeremy2779]

@@KeithCooper I've binged most of the relevant vids of yours after finding your channel the other week and the info has been invaluable so many thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I think tbh my decision has been made already but this is exactly what i needed to settle the matter. Just edited to add that for me and for many of the reasons stated, not least the overall amount of use it will get, the P900 seems to be the way to go. Thanks again Keith

[@KeithCooper]

Excellent - do check the written reviews as well (if you've not seen them) - since there is usually lots more detail in my written articles than any video.

[@jeremy2779]

@@KeithCooper roger that, will do!

[@LOTUSARTSTUDIO-gx8yf]

Thank you 🙏☺

[@KeithCooper]

Welcome!

[@bentait5402]

Hi Keith, thanks for your videos and website. It was (and remains) a wonderful resource when I was learning to print. I have had a P5070 (Australian model name for P5000) for about 5 years. I was printing for numerous photographers and the printer was in very regular use. I am now rarely printing and am trying to decide whether to keep keep the P5070 or sell it and buy a P906 (Australian model name for P900). I have had good luck keeping the printer healthy, and have only needed two more serious cleaning sessions since my print volume has dropped (two-three years). I still print and want the ability to print for myself, but my volume makes keeping the P5070 in good order a bit of a chore. The thing I am loathe to lose is the roll / paper handling, but I have successfully printed long prints on a 3880 in the past, and a P906 may be the better overall compromise for my use. I’m struggling to make a decision, and would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!

[@KeithCooper]

I'd keep the P5000 unless I had a really good reason - the paperless auto nozzle check keeps mine happy even if I just remember [with a calendar reminder!] to turn the printer on every week. Roll paper handling on the 5000 is an order of magnitude better than on the 900

[@bentait5402]

Thanks for the advice, Keith. That’s my inclination - I found the P5000 was a joy to use coming from the 3880. Is there any benefit to switching between matte and photo black inks from time to time to keep the valve that controls this healthy?

[@KeithCooper]

I tend to do the switch in printing every few months, but if I only used one paper type I'd likely schedule a double swap twice a year - I don't have any 'official' guidance though...

[@lukasptak2489]

Thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@manuelbruges4526]

It is very refreshing to meet a knowledgeable person with common sense and lay vocabulary. Thank you very much. Plus, do you know any reasonably quality grayscale printer for only BW?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks There are no greyscale only printers. The only ways I know of achieving this are to use specialist 3rd party ink-sets and modify an existing printer. The best place to start looking is to search for info related to QuadToneRIP - it is definitely not a 'click and print' solution though... I do cover B&W printing in detail in all my [written] printer reviews Start here... www.northlight-images.co.uk/digital-black-and-white-photography/

[@manuelbruges4526]

Thank you very much for the information. I will now check your written review.

[@ebreckpo6563]

For me the main asset of the P5000 compared to my previous P600 is the paper tray. To my knowledge it is the only "pro level" photo printer having that feature. Perhaps a little over the top for my usage, but print quality is superb. Unfortunately the printer driver has not been updated in 2 years on MacOs and I have to delete, reinstall the printer driver with every update of MacOs. Some functionality is lost e.g. colour calibration of the printer as some network stuff like loading custom profiles is not working on the latest Mac Os. On Win 10 no problem. The printer can be temperamental and needs daily use. One A4 a day or at least a nozzle check on plain paper daily to keep the beast working. 4 years further and it is still going strong.

[@KeithCooper]

Sounds good - The Canon iPF5100 was a favourite of mine for the same reasons www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-ipf5100-printer-review/ I've no really new Macs here to test, so can't test this

[@robertnystrom289]

Hi Keith! Thanks again for this wonderful resource. Two burning questions- 1) Is there a reason (bandwidth?) why the test targets are jpg as opposed to tif? I guess I fear jpg artifacts. 2) I have a P900, but I assume this could go for most printers. Let's say I print one small image a week- just enough to keep ink flowing in the tubes, and not using much ink over time. How long should one expect the ink to last without a color shift? Epson has 'suggested' replacing inks every 6 months regardless of level. I assume they just need lunch money. Have you ever seen a user created profile shift over time due to 'old' ink? What means 'old'? Six months? A year? 5 years? Any clue? My experience tells me it's more about weather (humidity!) than age. Thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Jpeg artefacts at JPEG level 12 are the stuff of forum arguments ;-) But yes, the files would be too big (that page is over 15 years old) I have the 16 bit TIFFS for some and still use the JPEGs... Colour shift - years As long as the inks are regularly agitated (4-6 mo) I give it no serious attention ;-) Epson ink system is relatively sealed - the Canon one is more open to the atmosphere

[@jimcarlin4586]

thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge, Can you explain the difference between the P5000 commercial and the P5000 standard?

[@KeithCooper]

It's in the setup There is an option for an extra grey ink [std] or violet [commercial] The violet gives a gamut which is a bit bigger and aimed at commercial proofing The grey improves tonality all over (and for B&W) and is the recommended choice for art/photo printing Some see the 'wider gamut' aspect and thus think it should be better for their photos - no ;-)

[@user-wx1rh9vt3p]

In your comparison of range of colors (at about 16 min into video) you talk about the close similarities between these two printers. I am wondering about how my 17 year old Epson SP 7800 color and B/W images would stack up against printing on the Canon pro-2100. I ask this because for the last week it looked like I had a banding and clog problem on my SP 7800 that was not fixable, so I started researching 24inch printers. I was considering the pro-2100. My Epson printer is now working fine again. So, now my main motivation to buy the Canon would most come from improved color. I am a landscape photographer, mostly print on glossy paper, my images tend to be bold, many sunsets, occasionally out of gamut on my SP 7800.

[@KeithCooper]

A lot depends on profiling. I used to have a 7880, so similar[ish] The pro-2100 is an appreciable jump. Then again so are the P7000 and especially P7500 [I've detailed written reviews of such printers, but no specific comparisons]

[@yosotattoo]

Thank you for your great insights! I wonder if you have had any experiences with the Epson SC-PX1VL. Best wishes!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks That not a model number used in Europe. AFAIK it is the same printer as the Epson P900 discussed here. I've an extensive review at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/

[@yosotattoo]

@@KeithCooper Thank you!

[@jameswalker7874]

How important is the number of nozzles on a print head? I'm looking for a new office type printer in the near future, and while I wouldn't be intending to use it for more than an occasional quick "disposable" photo print, given there is very little cost difference between the 2 HP Envy printers I'm considering so if there's a material difference I'd be inclined to pay fractionally more given ink cost will be identical on Instant Ink. On the colour side, the two quoted figures are 588 and 2,052 nozzles (684 per colour). Thank you

[@KeithCooper]

The number varies by print head design/technology - so is very difficult to compare. However, I simply don't have any significant experience of more office oriented printers. HP left the higher quality desktop photo printer market years ago I'm afraid.

[@leannemoss7002]

Keith! I have a question....I would like to order the p900 roll adapter, but I can't get Epson to confirm if there was a redesign on the roller guides. I'd hate to purchase and it either be the same or old stock. Do you have any insight? Thanks as always for your deep dives. Helped me to choose this printer over the summer and has worked beautifully for my art prints.

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, well... when I asked someone at Epson about it [a while ago], the photo I sent was news to them... That's not as surprising as it might seem. Many design changes and updates are not passed on from Epson HQ. The roll holder is probably the bit of the P900 I was least impressed by - as an engineering design solution, it's very smart, but as to something I wanted to rest rolls of expensive paper on, I was less impressed by the lack of spindle or even end mounts for rolls. My question to anyone asking about roll support on the P900 is 'why?'

[@leannemoss7002]

@@KeithCooper Yes you're right. After my comment to you, I went back and saw some awful reviews and photos of the damage it caused to rolls. I was hoping a redesign might save that. At the moment, I'm tediously cutting and trimming pieces of paper off my rolls I have on freestanding spindles. I'll keep doing that for now. Thanks for your reply, always appreciate your insights!

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was of use.

[@SteffenBloch]

Hi. I've watched a lot of your great videos but I have a question that I haven't been able to find an answer to in the videos I've watched. What is the smallest margin the P900 can print with as I think that borderless print makes a lot of mess in the printer? I hope you have an answer or a link to where you mention this

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, very small margins make any paper skew vastly more visible - small enough and tiny fractions of a millimetre will show. Borderless does produce overspray, but most of this is taken up by the pad system The issue is that it's 'most' not all, so for regular borderless P900 printing make sure to keep the inside of the printer clean (dust and ink spray is not good). I didn't print enough to be able to say much more on this - I'd suggest asking at the DP Review printing forum since there will be people there who use a P900 far more than I did inmy testing (it went back to Epson)

[@SteffenBloch]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for the answer. I will investigate further 😀 Keep up the good work it is very inspiring to watch your videos. Lots of good advice to get the printer to perform at its Best and and which printer you need for a task without overshooting. 🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍

[@robertobrighetti8584]

Hi Keith, thanks for all information you give us. I need to buy a new printer and I have to choose between Epson p900 and Canon pro 1000. Is the pro 1000 more similar to the p5000 or the p900? I read that the pro1000 must be used every day, otherwise it consumes a lot of ink for cleaning cycles. Does it appear to you too? For a person like me who doesn't print that often, is the p900 better or does it make no difference? Another thing I wanted to ask you is whether, for 310/320 gram papers, can rear loading be used on the p900 or is front loading necessary as for cardboard? Thank you in advance for your reply.

[@KeithCooper]

The 1000 has somewhat better paper handling in some respects, but yes it can eat up ink if left unused very often - I have a detailed review from when it first came out - long before I started supplementing the reviews with videos. I only ever used the front load for very heavy media - once again, see the main review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/

[@boristahmasian9604]

Excellent review Keith. I have the P800 and I am going to update it to the P900. I never got a roll feeder for the P800. I want to print 17"x60" or so panoramic. Is it possible to pre cut the paper and feed it through the back feeder bypassing the roll feeder? Thanks.

[@KeithCooper]

I never tried this with sheets. See the page length specs in the actual [written] review - it suggests 128" max www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/

[@boristahmasian9604]

@@KeithCooper Wow. Perhaps the most comprehensive printer review I have ever seen. Fantastic job and thank you for taking the time to do it. Perhaps cutting the paper to size, de-curling it in advance of printing and creating a flat surface behind the printer to lay the paper flat might do the trick. I'll let you know in the comments if I am successful! Thanks.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - my [written] printer reviews go back nearly 15 years - I only started the videos with the PRO-300 in mid 2020 ;-)

[@boristahmasian9604]

@@KeithCooper I am glad to have found your channel. I am a subscriber now and will pass on the word to my photographer friends too. Thanks.

[@spiritzen]

I’m a calligrapher and I want to print A3-A2s (to sell) mostly in black and limited colours (usually no more than 2-3 colours, rarely any backgrounds), occasionally I may print some paintings I’ve done. Is the Epsom p900 a good option for that?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, the fine detail of the P900 may give slightly crisper results on some media. As ever, choice of media and optimal print settings will need some experimentation... Printing such work is not the same as printing images or scans of art

[@evokem1819]

@KeithCooper Does the 900 print in A2 borderless?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - see the main review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/

[@zukokatsitadze7080]

Hey Keith do you know if the P900 comes with the full tank of ink or just for testing?

[@KeithCooper]

Full carts BUT quite a bit is used up in filling the ink lines/head See in the conclusions/discussion towards the end of www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/

[@zukokatsitadze7080]

@@KeithCooper That is an excellent article with the exact information I was looking for. Even the sellers were wrong with the amount of ink left after the configuration, they said 15% but I see more than that (25-30%) so it's enough for a dozen prints. Thanks, I will keep watching your videos

[@wisecracker1294]

Regarding the P 900, can I choose my own art papers to print on or must I use Epson papers? What is the longevity of the prints? Also - does the P 900 use dye-based inks or archival pigment inks? Finally, I used to have a Stylus 1400 printer which I loved. It was an inkjet printer and I sprayed my prints with Krylon UV Archival ink in hopes of extending the life of the prints. I'm wondering if you think there's anything wrong with that practice?

[@KeithCooper]

See my main [written] P900 review for paper and ink info www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/ They should last for years - I don't spray, but that more about the chemicals used than any concern over it harming the print. On a good paper, and mounted properly I'd expect P900 prints to outlast anyone I know...

[@wisecracker1294]

Thank you. And I received my Epson SureColor P900 printer a couple of days ago, and I'm loving it! @@KeithCooper

[@wisecracker1294]

P.S. - No need to spray, either!

[@50talist67]

If I create my own ICC profile on model Surecolor SC-P900 using i1 Studio how do I know which black ink cartrige is being used since Surecolor SC-P900model has two black cartriges.

[@KeithCooper]

It's selected by the media type you used when printing the target. So, a matt/art paper will use Mk, whilst a photo paper will use Pk

[@50talist67]

@@KeithCooper thanks. Asking as I am considering an Epson Surecolor SC-900. Still in the evalution process but I think at the end if the day I will go this model.

[@KeithCooper]

OK - if you've any specific questions, let me know via the Northlight site (where the main [written] review of the P900 is)

[@50talist67]

Read your comments about Bronzing when printing. Good input, will keep this in mind.

[@boristahmasian9604]

Hi Keith, I do not know if you have done the math on this or not but I though I'll ask anyway. Have you or anyone done an estimated ink usage per sq. ft. of printing? We are talking about color images with 100% coverage. Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

No - this is the only info I've seen www.redrivercatalog.com/rr/cost-of-inkjet-printing.html

[@boristahmasian9604]

@@KeithCooper Thank you. I saw that too. I was looking for more of a user experience and POV. Thanks for the link anyway.

[@tomaltman9506]

Will the 900 work with a M1 Mac Mini? I have a Canon Pro 100 that will not work with the Mac mini. I have tried for 2 years with no success.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - it's a current machine - the PRO-100 was discontinued a few years ago.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I print fine art prints that are of astounding quality for sale on my p800 at 1440 dpi. I think even the 2880 is marketing hype. I print using it at times and I don’t see much difference at all and when printing on cotton fiber papers, the 2880 can lead to saturating the paper and waviness which is very bad.

[@KeithCooper]

A lot does depend on the media and profile, but yes, 1440 will often do well on some papers

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

@@KeithCooper Keith, I have to admit that I have now done some tests to really see the difference. You are right. There is a noticeable difference. I like the 2880 far more though I'm not sure I would be able to really pick out the distance fro 4 feet away. Anyway, thanks for your response.

[@chardy7071]

Does the cutting blade of the Epson 5000 become dull quickly when used daily to cut canvas?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes it will wear faster - occasional use is fine, but regular, no. It is not intended for canvas cutting and damage to the head drive for example, caused by repeated ignoring of this would potentially invalidate the warranty [but check with your local Epson]

[@chardy7071]

@@KeithCooper Thanks a ton Keith, I've been following your videos to get some tips and I appreciate how you explain all the details.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - do check the written articles as well for the printers. I tend to include even more detail there ;-) It's partly because I can edit and expand text, but my videos are unscripted and you can't update/correct them easily

[@chardy7071]

@@KeithCooper Yes, I will.

[@chardy7071]

@@KeithCooper Just one more thing, did you encounter any issues with the Epson P900 printer breaking down when used for commercial business purposes?

[@eixenoeservices1937]

can i buy Epson P900 on 2023? i have watched some review video on youtube in comments they are saying lots of issues about P900. Is that true? Or any other suggestions. Thank You!

[@KeithCooper]

Of course you can buy one... the model will likely be in production for several years Alternatives [17"] P5000 or Canon PRO-1000

[@eixenoeservices1937]

@@KeithCooper But p900 is the latest one and price is less than above you mentioned? Also i am from india where can i get papers for p900 printer?

[@KeithCooper]

@@eixenoeservices1937 Latest means nothing special in this instance - such large printers are in a different market and you didn't mention price?. These are the only 17" alternatives As to papers - no idea I'm afraid , I only know the UK market

[@s70cas7ic0]

Shouldn’t ink cost be substantially lower on the 5000?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - but definitions of 'substantially' vary widely ;-) I don't include any detailed cost estimates, since ink prices vary widely around the world. Check the relative cost of 50ml P900 carts vs 220ml P5000 carts where you are for a rough estimate of price per ml.

[@s70cas7ic0]

@@KeithCooper it’s about little more than half the price. 😀

[@KeithCooper]

Although the two printers have different numbers of inks, the total amount used on a single sheet of paper is similar. If you swap between MK/PK often on the 5000 the cost will matter, but it's relatively small

[@robertfine5703]

Merci !

[@KeithCooper]

And thanks to you too!

[@frederikboving]

Keith, have you ever printed the "print history count report", and if you did - did it make any sense to you? @paulosergio3494 is struggling to understand the numbers reported.

[@KeithCooper]

At least 6 years ago when I first reviewed the printer [the original detailed written review] Not done it since...

[@frederikboving]

@@KeithCooper ok, thank you 🙏🏻

[@powderpuff1964]

great robust printer, i think its cheaper to use than the 900 on ink, because 200ml ink great review.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!