Making sense of Epson EcoTank printer models for photos, art & card printing, Which models do what?

How the different models in the Epson EcoTank range of printers differ in function and usefulness for photo, artwork and card printing. How many inks, and what sort of inks have a big influence on just what they will do.
Looking at some of the range of printers, including those Keith has reviewed.
The reviews below contain links to all the videos and articles produced for a particular printer.
ET-8550/8500
www.northlight...
ET2850
www.northlight...
And that big four colour printer:
WF-C8690
www.northlight...
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[@ingridz5]

I was loosing my will to leave till I found your video....THANK YOU, very helpful

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it helped!

[@debbiehartmann1467]

I laughed out loud when you said you would lose your will to live if you had to test all the printers on that list...I actually paused the video so I could finish laughing! I love your videos and they are the reason I can print so well from my Epson 8550, I learned sooo much from you!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks! Glad to have been of help

[@todayandtomorrow123]

lol same here.

[@cathlinejohnson1856]

“I would lose the will to live”…lol. You crack me up! Thank you for the video !😊

[@KeithCooper]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@iandawkins2182]

Epson model numbers are a nightmare and too many very similar models. That said I have one and they may not be the best photo printers, but it has freed me as I can now print lots of photos and have them on display without haemorrhaging money on ink. Love your videos and I always learn something 👍👍

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad they are of use!

[@thebear5516]

This is the exact kind of video I was looking for!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@G0FUW]

Loving the ET8550 with Epson paper and a range of Fotospeed papers, with their bespoke ICC profiles. A year and a bit into owning it and still not replaced all of the original inks. Used daily for office work and regularly for photo printing. May not be for everyone, but it works for me.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - an excellent printer...

[@woozyjoe4703]

Keith you are the best reviewer here for printers and one of the best producers on youtube. Thank you so much for your hard work and brilliantly informative videos.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - that's really appreciated

[@johnwatson8192]

Thank heavens you're still alive and kicking! I've just bought an Epson ET 3850 after about a week of faffing around trying to solve poor print quality on my 2011 Canon Pixma MX885. It seemed to print colour ok but text was appalling and when I got the dreaded error code 200 I decided enough was enough. After a lot of soul searching and recounting how few photo prints I had made over the years vs general printing I decided that the ET 3850 was a better choice for me and my wife. I decided that if I printed a photo on it and in general liked the results but would prefer it in gloss then I could send it off to a professional lab with condidence that it would be good. Thanks for the useful tips on papers in your review of the ET2850 which I think will prove very useful for my new printer. So yes, loosing the will to live - I've been there the last few days with numbers flying around my head (not least prices) and eventually I said enoughs enough I'm having this one. Now all I have to do this afternoon is set it up.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - if you've not seen it, the main [written] review of the 2850 collects together all my info on it, and includes a list of the icc profiles I created or the review. www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-2850-printer-review/

[@Milubee]

This is incredibly helpful, especially with the visual presentation you prepared! Thank you

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful! - I just looked at the range and wondered how to make sense of it ;-)

[@Hellacious_Abarth]

Very helpful! Thank you so much for explaining everything. It's been very stressful trying to decide prior to finding your video. Appreciate the time you took to explain it all, wonderful Job. 😊

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I guess I need to update it in 6-12 months when all new numbers appear :-)

[@Stefan-oc9bo]

Hi Keith, thanks for another very informative video. I still use my Epson R2880. This one will not last forever and hope that Epson will come up with an A2+ printer with at least the ET-8550 specifications in time.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - not sure when we'll see anything at 17" width.

[@marcopiazza4436]

Thx for all your great videos Keith. I used your great analysis & info to buy a Canon Pro 200. But now I'm hooked to keep up to speed:) Thankyou.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@shugsbug]

Great review, helps me understand these better, thanks for sharing

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markmuller3086]

Thank you! The Tyranny of Choice! So true. I’m overwhelmed but your video helped explain this line of Epson products My biggest question is about the EcoTank technology. It helps save money in the long run. Any word on how they perform and hold up vs traditional technology? I’ll look at your channel for videos on this question.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was useful. Long term testing is not something I can do but the ecotank printers are pretty much the same as cartridge ones, but with different ink-sets

[@firstnamelastname8197]

In some east asian areas there is a 6-color dye based ink tank printer which epson claims to be suitable for hobbyists and small photo booths, the model is L8050(A4)/L18050(A3) I think?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, the et-18100 here www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-18100-printer-review/

[@richardterrell5309]

Interesting, these numbers I agree confuse for a photo printer. I did save considerable at Wex Photographic for the ECO 8550, as though all stock had gone, they did quarantee lower price on next stock if ordered. A couple of days later a red post van parked outside and a promt firm few knocks on the door, whilst I on the phone!

[@KeithCooper]

A very good printer...

[@TomaszKoprowski]

Not only is their numbering system unclear and varying between geographies (to localize inks perhaps?) but also their webpage for selecting printers is a complete and utter garbage. They have plenty of filters, but there isn't one to show the ecotanks...

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - it can look a bit of a mess...

[@PaulaFi]

I've surprisingly made great looking, in fact stunning, glossy and satin art prints with Epson Ecotank 2851.They are also water resistant with their resin coating. Matt prints really aren't! They get spoiled easily with a drop of water. I haven't made any photo prints yet. I'm wondering too, why Epson has so confusing naming system. I haven't found out the difference between 2850, 2851. Maybe nothing?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, I'll admit that water resistance is not on my testing criteria ;-) It could be the same printer (Epson has variations in different markets)

[@TonyHiggins]

I'm facing a challenge - a printer like the 8550 would likely serve my needs very well, but I travel for 6 months of the year and quite often, the printer would sit unused for periods of time - something you have noted is NOT healthy for ink-jets in general and these printers in particular. Is there any way to prepare these printers for periods of disuse so that they can be out of service, and then easily returned to service?

[@KeithCooper]

Not really - Seal up [properly airtight] in a plastic bag, keep somewhere cool and dry is about the best suggestion I've seen.

[@kraviindia]

Thank you, Keith for another great video comparing the range of eco-tank printers. Decided to go in for ET8550... This is sold in India as L8180... I do have a query: which is the best media with proper profiles for 8550? I cannot afford a spectrophotometer so no question of icc profiling.... How is the Red river media ? Or any specific choice? Please clarify

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, have a read the main [written] review - that's where all the detailed info like that is.

[@araej9293]

I know this video is old now, but I was wondering which of these you’d recommend for printing specifically art and not photos? The title of the video mentions art but (unless I missed it, which is totally possible) you only really mentioned photo printing? I’m on the hunt for a printer that can be used to print digital artwork as prints or on cards, postcards etc. I’m new to making prints so I’m going through a bunch of videos from people.

[@KeithCooper]

From a printing POV, art is no different to photos... For quality from this range look at what you can do with the 8550 All linked info and videos from here www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ [real detail is always in the written articles - stuff you can't cover in videos] [ BTW 8 months is not old in printers! - YT and it's continual emphasis on 'new' does still irk me somewhat... ;-) ]

[@araej9293]

@@KeithCooper thank you!

[@dunnymonster]

I hope Epson continue to allow full colour management within the drivers of all their models. I certainly applaud them for this. Canon have a nice range of similarly specced " megatank " printers but their reluctance to provide full colour management in the driver of the lower spec models means I wouldn't consider them. Quite why Canon do this is beyond me. I get that the market they are aiming these printers at probably have no clue what colour management and ICC profiles are but it literally costs Canon nothing to include this functionality into the driver's. If the point of it is to prevent cannibilisation of higher dedicated photo " pro " models then it's a lost cause because I'll omit buying any of their printers and just choose Epson instead! Great way to secure a sale out of me Canon lol. Sure, 95% of users of the lower end series are not like me and you, they simply want a plug and play experience. Those of us on tighter budgets who want to dabble in colour management at a relatively basic level can do so with our lower end Epson's. These cheaper printers could be the gateway to us getting more into printing and eventually, when funds allow, we might part with bigger bucks to " upgrade " to one of their higher end photo dedicated printers. The irony with Canon is that this is exactly the formula in which they sell cameras. They offer entry level models which, once they have you invested in the lenses will keep you in their system as you move into the higher end pro camera bodies. Come on Canon...have a word with yourself eh? 😋

[@KeithCooper]

I have raised this with Canon numerous times when asked, but that's just me...

[@dunnymonster]

@@KeithCooper The famous " Canon Cripple Hammer " is in full force with their printer division it seems 😁

[@phildarcy7647]

I have just got the ET-8550 printer but I'm actually nervous - maybe I did too much research. I'm a pretty good cook but I don't need to know a lot about ovens or how to use a Kenwood to bake a grand Vicky Sponge. Good drivers are not necessarily mechanics (of course it may help if one breaks down, I'm partially sighted so can't drive anyhow). I apologise if posting in the wrong place 😊 What I'm getting at is I arrived here because of research although I'll use it to sell stuff (invitations and the like but I'll use a laser printer and cutting machine too and toner foiling). Printing technologies must be the most complicated things as you might need more than one machine as they seem very specialised 🥴🥴🥴

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - my own videos and articles are sometimes meant for people looking for technical details, but who may not have realised the business aspects of what seems a techy question

[@deandraford]

Oh my god I can’t tell you how helpful this video has been!! Such great explanation WOW. Would you choose b/w the canon pro 1000 or epson 8550?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks I'd pick a pro-1000 since I like large prints - that's nothing to do with the excellent 8550. Presuming I don't have to pay for either... ;-) Two very different printers - there is no simple either/or answer :-)

[@deandraford]

@@KeithCooper thank you!

[@elizabethcompian5827]

hello, i really like your videos but im still confused, what printer would you recommend to me if i want to make art prints ?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'm afraid I've never made recommendations in 20+ years of writing reviews. Without knowing much more, any suggestion is about as much use as you saying you want a car and me telling you you need a red one... However... ;-) The fact you're asking on an Epson ecotank video inclines me suggest you start here: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ That's the main review, not one of my supplemental videos ;-)

[@elizabethcompian5827]

@@KeithCooper thank you

[@santoshanjani3860]

Hello Sir, thanks for such valuable information.❤ I am looking for big size printer ( between 24" to 36", also should print on sheet as well as on roll) The running cost should not be too much. I looking into Epson because here Epson ink is available easily in compare to canon. My aim is to print art on canvas, matt, satin and luster. paper. Please suggest me some Epson printer. Thanks 🙏

[@KeithCooper]

P6500?

[@todayandtomorrow123]

do you recommend a good starter one? I plan to use it for color images which I will be rescanning, for experiemrntla artwork, not for archival purposes.

[@KeithCooper]

Ideally needs to be a 6 ink one - the four ink ones tend to be more office oriented

[@makdrumz]

Hello Keith! I am mostly looking for this printer, to print gaming cards. Is there some specific paper you would suggest for this printer? I want the paper to be as hard as possible!

[@KeithCooper]

look elsewhere - I strongly suspect that no inkjet printer of this sort will do what you want - the prints simply won't be robust enough. There are good reason that commercial prints are printed on large sheets and cut to size often after lamination.

[@makdrumz]

@@KeithCooper Thank you Keith! Do you have any suggestions in laser printers then?

[@KeithCooper]

sorry - just not the sort of printer I ever look at

[@ShelleSinger]

I bought the 8500 and I'm super happy with it. Question...I'm printing from Lightroom and using ICC profiles provided from Red River Paper here in the states. I get confused at times regarding the "velvet" setting. Example: printing matte paper with ICC on Lightroom. Do I set paper type "velvet" on the touch screen on the printer?

[@KeithCooper]

I do both - the VFA setting is the only one which uses both blacks. The matte setting is different. The profile is used with whatever paper setting it was created with. See my main [written] review for much more about this www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@ShelleSinger]

@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith. I carefully read your article and have a better understanding and will do some experimenting.

[@annakarlsson176]

Thank you for your in depth videos! I've been looking for a printer to use with my cricut to make stickers on and I am looking at getting an Epson Eco tank but it's very hard to find the right model. I had no clue about the Pigment and the Dye until I watched your video and up until that I was looking into getting a 2850 but have had a change of heart now. While I wish I could afford one of the high end models my pricerange is towards the lower end models, where ET 4800 is the top. I've been reading up on Epsons site and found that the models ET 4800, ET 2825, ET 2821, ET 2820, ET 2815 are all four ink printers with all Dye. Have you had any experience of any of these models when it comes to printing on glossy/photopaper?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks I've not looked at any of those models - I tend to look at photo/art level printers rather than more basic ones. Also I've never actually seen any 'sticker' material which would hold on to ink - all my media stocks are of the art/photo type. The dye printers will print on photo papers, but with 4 colours I'd not expect to be overly impressed

[@annakarlsson176]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for your quick answer and input! I saw that your videos were towards the photo/art level but took the chance to ask since you have some really good videos with a lot of information towards the different models. Your videos had more information that I've found so far! Have a nice evening and keep up the good work :)

[@thatqueerkid3834]

I have an ET-4800 that I print on sticker paper and run through my silhouette portrait and the print quality is pretty good. Obviously not as good as a higher quality printer and it can get a bit grainy but it’s still pretty good for the price

[@grinchlette]

Trying to figure out if ET2850 is adequate to print on waterproof Avery labels..

[@KeithCooper]

No idea - it will either print OK, or the ink will not dry properly... I don't have any labels to test...

[@JustNow42]

Et-2875 needs the App Epson Smart Panel to print and it is terrible, cannot do proper manuel dobbelsided printing where you select what to print. It is quite strange deviation from what we normally see.

[@KeithCooper]

Assuming that's to print from a phone or something? They all work with normal desktop drivers

[@Tommytoolsqueezer]

How does it compare to the Canon 300 in terms of printing quality?

[@KeithCooper]

'It' - which printer? The video is about a range of printers...

[@mobilefreelancer3831]

realistically how many a4 size photos can the printer print? I'll be grateful for a rough estimate

[@KeithCooper]

Which printer? - this video is about a whole range of printers...

[@sukeyd.artist]

Hi, so I want to make art prints using a 300 gsm paper and make cards, please let me know which one should I get?

[@KeithCooper]

I've only tested a few, Of those the 8550 was the best for me See: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@sukeyd.artist]

@@KeithCooper Thank you very much, appreciated :)

[@jp_21.97]

Hello! What is the maximum paper weight Epson ET 8550 could print? Could it print 300gsm papers? Also, is it possible to use pigment ink instead of dye ink for ET 8550? Thanks!!

[@KeithCooper]

Weight is not the criterion to check this by - it's more about thickness and surface softness. I put 350 gsm canvas through it... See the media tested in the main [written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ As to the inks, you would ideally have to do this at initial setup. It kills any warranty and would require custom print profiling, but it would likely work for a while. People use dye-sub inks in these but the printer lifetime can be decidedly reduced due to the chemical makeup of many such inks.

[@jp_21.97]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for the response! Your channel is really helpful! 🙌

[@vladaste]

For matte B&W prints, which is better, 8550 or 18100?

[@KeithCooper]

Since I've not yet had an ET-18100 here to test, I genuinely cannot say...

[@vladaste]

@@KeithCooper I'm waiting for your upcoming ET-18100 review!

[@KeithCooper]

Me too ;-)

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

i have an Epson ET7700 and every black and white photo comes out strongly purple coloured. Every calibration and clean etc still ends with a purple photo. So infuriating and such a waste of ink and paper.

[@KeithCooper]

ET-7700 is not a model I've tested However, looking at the specs... Black and white will never be optimal with the limited ink-set of this printer. You might be able to get moderately good B&W on some papers with custom icc profiles, but they will always have a tendency to veer away from neutral in some lighting.

[@tonyfoulkes9289]

Unfortunately you kept repeating yourself, frustrating to listen too. Enjoy you videos but this one not so much.

[@KeithCooper]

Hey, it's a confusing subject ;-) - sorry it wasn't to your taste...

[@PaulaFi]

I don't think so. I was very confused with Epson's naming system a couple of months ago. This video is about it.

[@tonyfoulkes9289]

@@KeithCooper this was a good video along with your other ones, certainly appreciate your presentation. Look forward to other videos .