Epson SureColor P900 vs P800 Fine Art & Photo Printer - Full Features Comparison

This is an updated comparison video between the Epson SureColor P800 17-inch Photo Printer and its replacement, the Epson SureColor P900, which is scheduled for release late 2020. I give a summary of the major changes and whether or not you should consider the P800 or upgrade to the P900. I made a mistake in the previous upload of this video and got the price per ml wrong. I have now corrected it and shout out to @hamltnblue & @MrBlaster99 for the valuable feedback :)
The P900 was supposed to release earlier this summer but due to supply chain issues due to the global pandemic, it has not yet released in the United States as of 9/9/20. This has not stopped us from comparing the P800 (our current work horse) with the P900 much like my parents compared me with their friends’ kids in the 80's which resulted in no emotional repercussions whatsoever!
17-inch Photo Printers we are reviewing/comparing:
- Epson SureColor P900 NOW IN STOCK, and comes with starter ink cartridges: amzn.to/39eIP9a
- Epson SureColor P800 Fine Art Printer: amzn.to/36ANehV
- Full Set of Ink Cartridges for P800: amzn.to/3gyjwiP
- Full Set of Ink Cartridges for P900: Coming soon
- Once you start with a full set of ink cartridges, you can buy the replacements individually since they don't all run out at the same time. Here is the LLB (Light Light Black) that we tend to use a lot, but you can select the ink color that you use the most: amzn.to/2VUHahG
13-inch Photo Printers referenced:
- Epson SureColor P600: amzn.to/3290bR0
- Brand New Epson SureColor P700: amzn.to/2FeSEqW
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Equipment We Use to Make Our Art Prints:
- Epson V600 Scanner: amzn.to/3aMT0QB
- Rotatrim M24 Paper Trimmer: amzn.to/2S1PBEY
You can watch our review of the paper trimmer here:: • Best Paper Cutter! Rot...
Paper:
- Epson Hot Press Bright: amzn.to/3aPvGBH
- Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Matte: amzn.to/2tPsoy1
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Cathy is a self taught watercolor artist based in Los Angeles, CA. Easy Sunday Club was started by Cathy and her husband Nam and is a collection of Cathy's modern paintings, art prints, and baby/children's soft goods that showcase playful interpretations of subjects in her expressive painting style. Prior to art, Cathy got an MBA and worked in corporate for 10 years and Nam is an attorney. This channel is our way of giving back to the art community and covers Water Color Tutorials, How To Videos, Product Reviews and the Business of Art.
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DISCLAIMER: Some links included here might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting Easy Sunday Club and enabling me to provide you with free educational content.
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Shop: www.easysundayclub.com
Instagram: / easysundayclub
Facebook: / easysundayclub
Patreon: / easysundayclub
Donate/Tip (Paypal): tinyurl.com/y3kkxs54
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A full list of the equipment we use is available at our website here: www.easysundayclub.com/pages/...
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Other Popular Videos:
- How to Packet and Ship Fine Art Prints Cheaply & Safely: • How to Package and Shi...
- How to Make Your Own Greeting Cards for a Home Stationery Business: • How to Make Greeting C...
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- Electric Creasing Machine Review: • Electric Creaser Score...
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Music: In French (Used w/ Artist Permission)
/ infrench

[@rmclarke15]

Thank you. Such a reasonable and sensible review. You communicate well and the organisation of your material, reinforced by the graphics on the side, is outstanding. Hoping to be able to purchase a new printer in Australia soon. The delays are certainly providing time to research thoroughly! Love your work!

[@EasySundayClub]

Thanks Ruth :) I wanted to try something new so viewers could skip ahead if they wanted to and still be able to follow along. So much to cover so I needed an outline. Looking forward to hearing about what you think of it when it actually comes out!

[@ae1ae2]

Thank you! As someone considering moving away from Canon (their Pro 1000 printer has jammed -- and broken from the jam -- twice on us over about 8 months) and towards Epson, I found this video really helpful. Sure, we still have lots of additional research to do, but this was very helpful as a starting point to get our bearings with this printer. I also really appreciate that the information is shared so efficiently, with the summary at the start of the video and an easy way to jump to different segments from the sections listed on the left. Thanks again!

[@EasySundayClub]

Thanks AE. We have been experimenting with different ways of presenting information and this feedback is valuable. Good luck on your printer purchase. As u know each printer has a different personality like a pet!

[@jesssong7533]

so so helpful in even learning what components to look for in a printer. ill also check out your other beginner video on printers. I was ovewhelmed with the research but learned so much in just 12 minutes. thank you!

[@EasySundayClub]

Great Jess! Hope you land on the right printer for your use case and thank you for the feedback!

[@thisplayer01]

thanks for a well structured overview with lots of useful information for an Epson newcomer like me!

[@EasySundayClub]

Glad it was helpful! it's a fun journey you are on!

[@PhillCurtis]

I love your videos. So bloody concise and helpful. Cheers

[@EasySundayClub]

Bloody yes!!! Cheers mate!

[@PhillCurtis]

@@EasySundayClub bloody brill :) hehe

[@tombriere6807]

This is a great video! Thank you.

[@EasySundayClub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ardstrum]

Great comparison, ESC! The ability to have both matte and photo black inks live at all times without swapping is worth the upgrade to the P900 for anybody selling prints or those with a busy workflow (school / advertising office, etc). Quality wise, like you say the results are pretty close. I also use an SP-11880 for large format prints. Its ability to run both blacks without swaps is a tremendous advantage for workflow and ink savings. I also have a P800 for A2 prints that is one of the original units without the firmware upgrades. It runs third party inks happily. I run it 100% on photo black to avoid swaps, then run all matte work on the 11880. Not a solution for everybody, but for anyone selling prints, running two older units like this works great and is very affordable. I don't trust much that Epson says about inks, and their service rates are egregious. You can buy compatible ink from China that apparently is the exact same formula of the Epson ink, which is also made in China. The third party ink is about a quarter to a fifth of the cost. I've been using Epsons for almost 20 years, many different models. I've run dozens of longevity tests, and the difference of the inks is at best neglible. If you're not convinced, buy an old 3880 or 4000, use 3rd-party inks on it, do some side-by-side print quality tests, then run some longevity tests under extreme conditions and intense light. It'll take awhile, but at least you'll prove it to yourself.

[@zalllon]

My experience with Epson pro printers have been very good. My 3880 is my second Epson pro printer that I bought brand new when it became available in Toronto (I ordered it in advance). I've been using only Epson ink on my 3880, and have only used the matt printing 3 times. I would consider the P900 as the only thing I wish the 3880 did was prints longer than 23 inches (I know there is software the allows you to do it, but I have no idea what I'm doing to be able to set it up, lol). Any pano prints I just order them. I have only ordered 2 for personal use, and 30 for customers over the years (and add my markup). I don't print anywhere as much as I used to, and as a result I have 3 inks that are over 4 yrs old. What I make sure to do is every 3 months take the cartridges out and shake them. This seems to help prevent any settling in the ink. Additionally, I did get a proper cover shortly after buying the printer, a TUMI brand made for the 3880 / 3800 series. The longest I've gone without printing is 8 months. While I have had a clogged head when doing the printer pattern test, I usually just get it to keep printing the patter 2 or 3 more times and the clog is gone. I think only once I've had a clog when I've used it the printer cleaning function (the ink waster). The media I mainly print on is luster paper by Epson for 11x14 prints and 16x20 prints. I do print 4x6 and 5x7 but usually print that on 8.5 x 11 Epson luster and cut. I print from LR via from both my MacBook Pro and a home built PC.

[@EasySundayClub]

I appreciate the informative comment. We started our biz on the 3880 and have fond memories as each printer has its own personality. I unfortunately fried the print head trying to clean it otherwise we might still have it and not have to switch to the p800. I am not of a quality stickler to see the diff between the. 3880 and p800. If the 3880 still runs then i am all about being practical and continuing to use it :)

[@CarlosBustamanteRestrepo]

Thanks this video. I have a P800 and it works well. But I will try to change it to the P900 when I can. The P900 seems a like good upgrade.

[@EasySundayClub]

It is! Hard to find printers in stock right now though : /

[@selena2499]

Do u mind telling the link for 300 rebate for p800 I can't find it anywhere or where p800 is available. Thank u :)

[@steveriddleart118]

Your video is very helpful, I am an artist considering the P900 for my prints and trying to estimate my print costs, is there an average amount of ink to estimate is used for say a 16 x 20 image? Also do you have any recommendations for affordable acid free print paper?

[@EasySundayClub]

Thanks Steve. Best of luck. Here are some links. Our recommendation re: paper for prints: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apKbamRoiZand68 (premium presentation matte from epson our fave). Printer nerds are going back and forth speculating on estimating the print costs. Use this as a high level guide for now: www.redrivercatalog.com/rr/epson-surecolor-p800-cost-per-print.html

[@steveriddleart118]

Easy Sunday Club Thank you!

[@mikeheberger3781]

Good information (I didn't catch your name). I'll probably stick with the P800 for my photos after viewing your video being that I can only print up to 19", I don't think that the improvement in image quality would add much to this sized image. Thank you.

[@EasySundayClub]

Yeah only hardcore photographers would probably know the difference. We probably wont upgrade until our p800 dies

[@QuickQuips]

9:05 - maybe talk with Jose Rodriguez. He's the 3rd party ink champ. I learned about inkchip with Epsons which lets you top off ink easily. I'd like a roll paper tutorial.

[@EasySundayClub]

Jose is a legend. Havent invested in paper roller yet but when we do will review!

[@fionahaywardart]

Can I ask, do you know if the P900 handles the manual loading of the thicker papers better than the 800?

[@EasySundayClub]

not sure yet but so far looks very similar. it was easiest on our old epson 3880.

[@owleeber]

Are these Epson Surecolor printers P800/P900 great or ideal when using matte card stock (non-glossy)? I have an Epson ET-7700 and the prints are not as vibrant as I wanted them to be

[@EasySundayClub]

We mainly use it for matte card stock for greeting cards and ultra premium matte paper for art prints. I have close up views of quality here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enqcd6Vuq82Ff80

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

Has anyone estimated or rated the number of prints of some size the P800 is "rated" for? Trying to estimate the lifecycle hardware cost per square inch.

[@kaisar.bdahmed5535]

Bro p900 can use dye ink as work dtf

[@deborahherman2540]

I want to print on cotton fabric (muslin or smooth cotton fabric) with pigment ink so that it is permanent. Inkjet printers have been used to print on fabric for over 10 years. Do you have a suggestion between P900 and T2170 (which is used mostly for blueprints). P900 is 17 inches. The T2170 is larger format 24inches.

[@LLULO]

Hello, I am thinking about purchasing the P900 but have never used this type of printer before. I found you guys and have been encouraged to print my own cards for my greeting card brand. Do you suggest that I start off with the P900? I couldn't find any p800 anywhere!

[@EasySundayClub]

If u have the funds and the means i say go for it. Since they are hard to find i think u could sell it if u dont like it. Its the best quality and u can also scale to sell art prints. If u dont need to sell art prints then u can get the p700 or scale down to a printwr in the 500 dollar range. Chekc out my best printers for artists in 2020 video

[@LLULO]

@@EasySundayClub thank you so much for your response!

[@jontruslow6117]

How would you compare the Epson SC P900 with the Canon Pro P1000?

[@EasySundayClub]

Canon. Canon released in 2015. Good of canon: anti clog great and replaceable print head, may find used for good price, 11 different inks so big color range. Paper feed works better than epson. Bad: uses a lot of ink and limits on full bleed printing and no paper roller. Wastes a lot of ink during cleaning. Also louder. Re ink there are third party inks available. P1000 was released in 2015 so should be replaced this yr or next. No news of when. Tldr: print quality between both epson and canon are hard to tell. If used third party inks i would go with canon. If want newest i would go with p900

[@kristaliaastari2856]

How often do you replace the ink cartages in the p900?

[@EasySundayClub]

we have the p800 and buy about 2 sets a year plus one off colors that tend to run out faster. My art doesn’t take up the entire page so ink lasts longer than average.

[@mariannem8419]

Shocked at the cost of ink. How long does the ink last...roughly how many cards can you print before you have to buy more ink? Do you use the printer everyday? Do you use another (cheaper) printer to test-print your cards before you print the final version.

[@ailyngriffin3425]

I am REALLY INTERESTED about this as well!!! I am seriously considering investing in one but id like to know how many cards can you roughly get out of a full set of ink. Wish they had replied!

[@qazisalman5012]

Can p900 print on canvas?

[@davidpavlich8939]

I have a P800 and am facing a real problem. A couple of cartridges are low so I went to Epson Canada to order them. Epson is out of stock of 3 inks, two of which I need. I contacted Epson to see when the ink would be available. Epson did not know. It’s been about 3 weeks since I received the rather concerning reply. Have you heard anything about this? Thanks in advance.

[@EasySundayClub]

We have had issues this year sourcing epson printers and paper this yr due to supply chain issues related to covid. Thanks tor heads up re ink. We ordered a set after reading this comment from bh photo.

[@davidpavlich8939]

@@EasySundayClub I went to the B&H webpage to set up an account to get some ink since B&H has a terrific policy for shipping to Canada. Unfortunately, they can't ship to Canada due to some sort of restrictions. Fingers crossed that Epson gets ink in. Good thing this is my slow printing season.

[@jonisilva8154]

Is there a cheaper printer that you could reccomend for starting out?

[@EasySundayClub]

Some lower priced options Joni. Lmk what u think: Best Printers for Making Art Prints and Cards in 2020 - for Artists / Designers / Illustrators

[@EasySundayClub]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIXCdp6wis9ob80

[@exfolios]

How long can these printers be idle before you run into clogging problems? I don't print that often. Thanks.

[@EasySundayClub]

2-3 weeks on the safe side. we’ve gone a month without printing and remember having small issues.

[@FrankMulderVideo]

I hope the P900 can work more convenient with 250 paper for postcards. The process on the P800 is so tedious!

[@EasySundayClub]

I cant find the answer if thicker paper can be top loaded in sheet feeder. We will have to see. The 3880 handling of thicker paper was much easier

[@philipallen3101]

P900 worth it just because you don’t waste bucket load of ink when changing blacks. I had the P800 prior to this, a great printer, but I think quality printing goes up a notch with the 900. If you have the money, get the 900.

[@EasySundayClub]

Good to hear!

[@phillipevans7045]

I just need black to do my color separations.

[@EasySundayClub]

Agree!

[@KACIKE_AGUEYBANA]

You think buying a p800 for $575 is worth it in 2020? Ink levels are low.

[@EasySundayClub]

Yes. Ppl are telling me used p800’s are hard to find as well as new p800 and 900 due to pandemic. Try bargaining as well!

[@KACIKE_AGUEYBANA]

Thank you for answering my question.

[@rc6938]

it is nearly impossible for me to find a used p800 :(

[@rc6938]

regardless tho. this video was super informative. ty for this

[@EasySundayClub]

yeah another bummer w/ covid. it's so strange the stuff that is becoming scarce like dumb bells and printers.

[@RAMSEYSPENCER]

MAN YOU CAN REVIEW A PHONE WITHOUT HAVING IT .. BUT THIS IS PRINTER ... A PRINTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR ... NEED TO SEE THE REAL PRINT TO COMPARE .. GEZZZZZZ

[@EasySundayClub]

Hey sorry this didn't meet your expectations. At the time this was recorded P900 release was delayed due to covid and P800 was hard to find. We got questions from people asking us if they should hold out for the P900 or get the P800 or another model. This was the best we could do given the situation.

[@anandvyas671]

Caps makes you look silly. How about you don’t watch weirdo boy

[@shokoippodogallerynewyork9441]

This was useless. You haven't used the printer so it's not a review or comparison. And also evidenced by your comment that you couldn't see the difference between a 3880 and P800 shows you are a consumer not a professional. You should identify your comments as such. Sorry.

[@EasySundayClub]

Sending love and positivity to the Ippodo Gallery in New York. Hoping the art community in nyc is getting through covid okay. Best of luck.

[@hennavoices5219]

@@EasySundayClub very gracious of you. No good deed goes unpunished...sigh.