What new photo/art printers are coming? Should you risk buying a printer now? What's being replaced?

What photo/art printers are due for replacement? Do price cuts show what is soon to go? Should you risk it? Is it a good time to buy a new printer?
How different printers show their age, What ones I'm looking at in the near future. Should you wait to get a new printer or replace what you've got?
Printers discussed for potential replacement and updates:
Canon PRO-200, Canon PRO-300, Canon PRO-1000, Canon G550
Epson EcoTank ET-18100, L18050, Epson P700, Epson P900, Epson P5000, Epson P7500
Why there is no hurry for most models to be replaced and why the current range of printers is vastly more capable than most people using them. including myself.
The printer age charts are at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/e...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/c...
My detailed printer reviews for the last 15 years are listed at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/p...
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"Buy me a coffee" ko-fi.com/keithcooper
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Any help with running this channel is gratefully received.
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[@joshnnik]

Thank you Keith, as someone contemplating the Pro 200 it was reassuring to know that it won’t be superseded as soon as I buy one.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - can't see a replacement there for some time. No guarantees of course, but I'd be very asurprised

[@keithholmes6776]

Thanks Keith - I bought a Pro-200 earlier this year just before the photo show in Hammersmith where I bought a cover for it. Thanks for this as I didn’t know about the ppl app but now have it. I printed an XRite chart and when the software is set to Soft Proofing the print looks spot on. I use a profile for the Pro Platinum paper from ColourPhil. The only gripe is the speed of ink use!

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, an excellent printer - if only they would do an ink-tank version...

[@user-yi6ow3ny4g]

I was just reading a magazine from 2013, they were talking about the pro 100 as a replacement for the pro 10. It's really fast moving in the printer world!

[@KeithCooper]

Good point, but - they were mistaken ;-) The PRO-100 was a replacement for pro9000 mkII the PRO-10 was a replacement for the pro9500 mkII [it bought in the CO 'ink'] No, they don't move quickly... ;-)

[@RandyPollock]

Very good informational video. Thank you, Keith,

[@KeithCooper]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johndufton6697]

Keith you for your usual excellent presentation. One area that I haven't, as far as I can tell, you haven't discussed is the relative quality of construction of the printers in relation to their previous models & comparing between different models & manufacturers

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Not an area I have ever covered, partly because I don't get to take printers apart, but mainly since 'quality of construction' is a very ill defined term. One person's 'solidly built' is another's 'desk crushing bulk' - The clearest differences would be to look at my reviews of the Epson P5000 and P900 17" printers My personal hope is that the replacement for the Canon PRO-1000 does not go for the size reduction and desk friendly mass of the P900. A good printer for me is one where you need someone's help to move it... ;-)

[@Stalled-wm3qd]

Firstly thanks Keith for all your valuable information you present to all of us wanting to choose a new printer. I bought a new A3+ Epson ET-8550 mostly based on your information. I previously had an old Canon Pro 9000 but had found that the replacement of the cartridges was very expensive. So I bought a CISS to replace them and straight away it told me via a nozzle check that the print head was malfunctioning. So I bought a replacement print head on E-Bay and that was faulty too. So I bought another one that said Brand New but that wouldn't work either with the CISS or the old cartridges. I am now waiting for a replacement for the second one. Well I got fed up messing around so I bought an Epson ET-8550. Using the ET-8550 is so good and I even did a three image stitched panorama sunset measuring 13" (roll of semi-glass Epson paper) x 55" long. I was very impressed! I will be getting it mounted soon. I also did an A3 print of a sunset and want to get that framed soon. But, I thought that some of my photos would definitely benefit from a bigger printer printing bigger photos. So I watched your video of the 17" SureColor P900 v another printer. Then I did a search to find the price in Australia of the 17" P900 and saw several about AU$1,100 but what also came up in the results was the SC-P906. www.camera-warehouse.com.au/epson-surecolor-sc-p906-a2-desktop-printer-plus-3-year-warranty Well it looks like it is an upgrade to the P900 and it looks like it has an attachment to fit paper rolls. But the price is around AU$1,700 so about AU$600 more than it's predecessor the P900. A big increase. Ultimately my aim will be to sell some prints via the internet. I never really had the time to do that before.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'd note that the P906 is just the model number for the P900 in your region The roll unit is an option for the P900, as is the warranty - that I suspect would make for the price differences

[@josesimasyt]

As Keith said, they are the same printer. I would look for the roll feeder separately as I got one for the P900 for maybe 250 Euros and that is less than 600 AUD. I am quite happy with it, works fine and all and I get to print A2 for less money. The software though is very clunky and confusing when you want to print custom sizes. Sometimes I need to print just a bit of an image to ensure that it is doing what I want before commiting to the complete image. One more thing, update the firmware of the printer when you receive it as you get some more options for roll feeder such as printing of a cutting guide.

[@philipgilligan_art]

Thanks Keith, pleasent few minutes viewing while I destress from a long journey :)

[@KeithCooper]

Happy to be of help! ;-)

[@tdm19991999]

Hi Keith, really looking forward to you testing the TC-20. As a graphic artist it could just be exactly the printer im looking for. I have a PRO-1000 which is fabulous, but for a lot of work it's probably too good, - as my graphic prints don't look absolutely lifelike anyway, so I will be eagerly awaiting your review.

[@KeithCooper]

Excellent - not got an ETA for it yet, other than 'soon' ...

[@philshaw439]

Not quite on context but do you know if Epson is/has replaced the Epson Traditional Photo paper with (what I assumed was the same product in the US) Epson Premium Lustre paper? I ask because the Epson Traditional Photo paper has been my main printing stock for many years, but it seems to be increasingly difficult to obtain.

[@KeithCooper]

TPP is not Premium Lustre it was also known as Exhibition Fiber in the US It's pretty similar to an Innova IFA paper, but I forget which one

[@philliplivingstone5336]

Hi Keith, great video as usual, thank you. Do you know if ICC profiles exist anywhere for the EPSON ET-7750?

[@KeithCooper]

Not that I know of - I'd get paper from a supplier which makes custom profiles if you buy paper - several I see in the UK do this

[@philliplivingstone5336]

@@KeithCooper OK, thanks, I'm using ILFORD and Canson and they don't have a 7550 profile. Thanks for replying.

[@trevormorris1271]

Thank you for making this video, Keith. I am considering buying a photo printer, but am concerned about the “ink counter end of printer life issue” that seems to come up when refillable inktank printers are discussed. Does this issue also apply to the Canon P200 that you mention in your video? That is my most likely candidate at the moment. As a trustable source, could you comment on this issue in general?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks This is an area I don't come across in my testing - I don't use anything at high enough print volumes to ever get close. Remember that I get to test brand new printers almost always on loan and with original inks. It means I've no reliable data to make any suppositions about... Sure I hear about people with issues, but you've no idea how much they have used the printer

[@dummatube]

That’s correct! I took your advice and went for the 18100 dye based printer to complement my three archival pigment printers and I couldn’t get one here in Australia! Why Epson? I grabbed a six colour dye based XP-15000 in the interim!

[@KeithCooper]

A good printer - they just won't sell it - mystifies me... :-(

[@tysonator5433]

Thank you Keith for another informative video,. I would like a printer recommendation for print find art photos on baryta paper from A4 to A3 please ! ? I use a windows PC and I am a Sony and canon shooter. Many thanks T

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was of interest. The computer and camera choices have no real bearing on this, but more to the point, I don't ever make specific recommendations [ A policy from 20 years of reviews] Pigment inks work best on baryta papers so it's Canon PRO-300/1000 and Epson P700/900

[@fraanzfan8158]

Hello Keith, have you ever tested the Epson ET 4810? I saw that all 4 colors are dye based. Would this printer print good (enough) photo prints on glossy paper for private use?

[@KeithCooper]

I've not tested that one - it's likely to be quite reasonable with good profiles on photo papers.

[@AzWineNut]

Hello Keith, thank you for your insights and straight forward information. I've used an Epson 1280 for many years until the dreaded "ink sponge is full", then onto the Epson 2880, which, unfortunately, gave me no end of clogging problems. Try as I might, I couldn't get Epson to help, but rather advise me to buy a new printer. I now am seriously considering the Canon Pro 200. My print volume is down, but I really want great quality results. My question is related to dye vs. pigment. Is a dye base printer less likely to have head clogs, or is the Canon head technology better for handling pigments as well as dyes? thanks!!

[@KeithCooper]

Clogging on all current desktop printers is much less of an issue than it used to be. The PRO-200 is definitely the best performing dye printer at the moment - it seems to take periods of non-use better than many, but those carts are small...

[@eoslove2022]

,,,won't be replacing our Canon Pro 100 and 1000 for ANY new printer technology UNTIL the cost of ink comes WAY WAY DOWN! To stop the Pro 1000 from wasting ink we do a test pattern sheet every 45 hours. We also purchase bulk 750ml carts for a refill system developed by a local engineer; the system advises when OEM tanks are down to 20ml and we just inject more ink into a small port we've drilled and capped. When the printer firmware believes a cart to be 'empty', we disable that colour cart in the firmware and continue printing. It took a year for all channels to be disabled. The only expense we can't control is the purge tank replacement, but they are inexpensive comparatively and usually available online; we stock up when we see a good price on this item.

[@KeithCooper]

Definitely issues I'd hope to see addressed in some way with newer machines

[@uabpsab]

As usual excellent video! You said to ask so here I do: I have a Epson P900, super printer except some feeding problems. What are the choices (if there are any) that fullfills these criteria: 1) same excellent head that doesnt clog much , 2) 24" 3)No switching between matte and glossy black. Perhaps a video about all choices of 24" printers, there are so many just from Epson! ?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Actually with no black swap, the only 24" Photo oriented choices are the Epson P7500 and the Canon PRO-2100 [22" is not a size I've seen??] Not sure what printers you mean, but there are few matching your requirements. If you are a bit wider in the 'quality' requirements, then I'm looking at the P6500 later this week - six colour, more for poster/POS printing

[@uabpsab]

@@KeithCooper Thx again! 22" was a typo :)

[@richardroberts3205]

Thanks for an informative episode. I am confused as I believe you said that the P200 is a souped up version of the P100...here in the USA the P200 is about $550 and the P100 $850 ...appreciate your insights...thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

The P200 is a current model, subject to normal marketing, and Canon in the US have been quite agressive in this segment The PRO-100 is obsolete and not sold for nearly three years - some like it for it being easier to use cheap ink than the 200 Other than that I can think of no reason anyone would buy a PRO-100. If such a market did exist and I had stock, I'd flog them for whatever I could get for them ;-)

[@jameskezman]

Hello and thanks for the overview. In your opinion, is the P900 good enough to replace a 3880 or is the IQ not enough to justify the upgrade? Thank you for your answer!

[@KeithCooper]

If I had a working 3880, I would likely not replace it. The P900 is two models ahead of the 3880 The P900 does have some advantages, such as the lack of black ink swap and smaller footprint. Could I get better prints from the 900 with careful profiling - probably, but few would likely spot it. Put it this way, an optimal 3880 print would best an average P900 one. Current printers are mostly limited by user ability [myself included] not printer functionality...

[@jameskezman]

@@KeithCooper - Thank you for your quick response! I do have a working 3880 and an old ImagePrint license that I’m running in 2010 MacPro! (It just works 🙂) So, I think I’ll wait for the P980 or whatever it’ll be called. Thanks again and have a great weekend!

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - if it ain't broke...

[@randyharbour8633]

You made a comment that has confused me. I thought I heard you say that Canon has removed color management from its smaller printers for Apple Macs. Does that mean the Pro-200 will not have proper color management if I am printing using a Mac computer? (I currently use a PC but have been considering going to a Mac.) Thanks for your good work !

[@KeithCooper]

No - just the small printers like the G550 and the like [see my G550 review for more about this] The Pro-200 and upwards work just fine. It's not completely so. but Mac users should take note

[@lynsmith1096]

Good video Keith

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@StSam]

Hi, Keith! Thanks for all of your insightful reviews. I'm a portrait photographer with ~20 years of experience. As a recent owner of a P6570 (Stateside model difference), I disagree that it's too big. It's actually almost exactly the size of a piano (not a Grand one). Being more or less your body type, I was able to handle delivery and setup by myself. I do have a few inital thoughts about it, as well as some tweaks I had to make to be satisfied with its output. I'd love to share my feedback if interested. Additionally, I'm a brand new owner of a used X-rite iSis1 that I bought with aspiration of making custom matching profiles for the aforementioned P6570 and D870/D1070 that I also own. I'd appreciate your insight on where and I how I should start. Which software do I need for printing color charts and feeding them back to X-rite. What is your algorithm/workflow? Please, forgive me if I'm in the wrong place for asking these questions.

[@KeithCooper]

Hi - Too big for my office, not too big in general. I've had 44" printers at home in the past ;-) Drop me an email at Northlight... See my isis reviews here and on the Northlight site for how I use it

[@frankluo1277]

Thank you, Is the p5000 a good choice when you don't have access to a printer for half the year? How much it costs to restart each time.

[@KeithCooper]

No - a very bad choice. It really will not like being left for 6 months. Good choice if you like buying printers. No inkjet printer will like it. A PRO-300 might be OK, just make sure you have two spare sets of inks

[@frankluo1277]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for your answer. Got it. At least a week to start together?

[@dummatube]

“There’s nothing you CAN say”! Anyway I would say a year before I bought the latest printer as the software, firmware and manufacturers media profiles need to catch up with it!

[@KeithCooper]

That's a good approach - not much initially ships 'fully complete'

[@jimduncan7764]

Thanks Keith - interesting. Just read Dan Wells loooong article on the Epson SC 9750 (UK 9700) - he thinks the Canon printer line up is up for a revamp - but I get your point completely. Could be that the Epson UltraChrome Pro12 ink set (which he raves about) pushes them Canon to move? He also mentioned you in passing! Thank again.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I can see a new ink-set/head design appearing in successors to the 2100/4100/6100 My query is as to whether we could still see an updated PRO-1000 with the existing head before that though. My Canon LFP testing started with the iPF6100, then 6300, pro-2000 [and near identical PRO-2100]

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - just had a look at his article. There's nothing of note I'd disagree with - A P5000 replacement with that ink set would almost automatically get a big thumbs up from me ;-)

[@anulearntech]

I might have missed your mention if Epson eco tank 8550, or perhaps it isnt considered a serious A3+ photo printer. Im really new to this photo printing thing so have been researching on this since last 2 days. 8550 seems to have very cheap printing ink cost, but has issues with thicker paper with roller marks and its black and whites are a bit off but theres a video About a proper colour profile fixing this.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, I have a detailed review of the 8550 - including several videos [and profiling info] www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ Definitely a serious printer if you're careful with media selection And no, its B&W is not a bit off if you are careful with media and ink selection - see the review.

[@anulearntech]

@@KeithCooper thanks, will check it out ✅

[@ericreese8783]

Thank you for your informative video about large-format printers. I am currently on my second Epson P-7000 and have owed the 7900 and 7880 before that. Can you give me some advice about getting the most life out of these printers? The print heads go out after 4-5 years for me. Maybe I don't have my P-7000 setup right, or am I missing some essential maintenance procedure. Thank you for your input.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks The only thing I know of to improve longevity is regular use [even if just a nozzle check] and keeping the inside clean. I've never had an Epson head fail - apart from when I dropped a paper clip into the printer... :-(

[@ericreese8783]

@@KeithCooper I have heard that the P7000 has a timer setup to automatically check or clean without being present. I have a few weeks in the winter that I go south for warmer weather:) Are you aware of how to set this up?

[@KeithCooper]

I don't know of this I'm afraid

[@gatos74]

Ηello Keith.Always very informative.I would like to see a printer from canon like G550 but a3+ size and at price point around 350 euros.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Ooh, I do hope not... Canon have broken colour management on Macs with the small printers like the G550. What you want treads too heavily on the toes of 'better models' for the time being - not saying you won't see bigger ink tank printers, but not soon I'm inclined to suggest

[@cameraprepper7938]

I guess that the best printers cannot get much better, though there price of the ink could be cheaper and the durability over years of the print could be better, so better ink, better paper. I might get the EPSON SURECOLOR SC-P900 which I think is the best A2/17" printer you can get today.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, still plenty of things to improve, but fewer and fewer would be noticed by most people using the printer

[@RobertTeague]

I've been very happy with the Epson P900, and no interest in replacing it yet. Although, I have found that ink is harder to get right now.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - my feeling is that it will be a few years until the 700/900 get a makeover

[@RobertTeague]

@@KeithCooper I'm pretty much old school, you don't have an photo without a print. The Epson (I use Red River paper) does a great job.

[@grgrhjj]

Hi Keith, I am glad I discovered your videos on youtube. I am planning to buy a new printer to print great quality photographs since the world of negative film has died already. I am planning to buy one that could print A3 as well. It would be part of the side business of printing photos, cards, etc I am planning. Which printer should I go for? Anything around ~500 GBP

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - can't help with prices, I don't track them See my main [written] reviews - vastly more info than the videos, which are more supplements... www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/ Budget is likely too cheap for good business use though... See my videos about the business side of photography as well ;-)

[@grgrhjj]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for the response. After your videos, I am inclined towards 8550. But all those functionalities are not important for me (like scanning). Any model you would like to recommend if I buy for family and friends on which I could print comparatively better quality photos?

[@KeithCooper]

@@grgrhjj There is no 'plain printer' which matches the 8550 printing features.

[@francescosarracino6954]

Hi, that's very helpful. I'm an amateur photographer and my Canon ip8750 just abandon me. I'm looking for a new printer and I wonder weather to buy an ip8750 (to use the inks I already have) or to upgrade, for instance to the Pro 200. Do you have any suggestions to help me?

[@KeithCooper]

I don't know the 8570 - but... if it gave good results and you have inks it makes sense looking for one

[@francescosarracino6954]

Thanks for the reply. The reason why I'm thinking about it is that the 8750 is a dated model by now and it still sells for 315 euro. Before buying it again, I'm wondering if it makes sense to upgrade/update.

[@KeithCooper]

I'm afraid it's one I don't know anything about

[@francescosarracino6954]

@@KeithCooper I see. Thank you for your consideration.

[@Strange_Lia]

Hello Keith, i'm really happy to have found your videos. I am currently looking for a new printer for my small business. I mainly print on thick and matt cotton paper and need a printer that can handle such paper without any problems (preferably up to 350g/m3). I also often print on handmade deckle edge paper, which is very demanding. I do not print photos, but mainly text (invitation cards). Filigree texts in light colors such as beige and light blue. I think that means I don't need a printer with 12 cartridges, but there should be light cyan, light magenta and light yellow to be able to print the delicate and light fonts well. Or what do you think? Preferably a printer with fillable tanks (to keep the ink costs as low as possible), but according to my research there is only the Epson ET 18100 that also has light inks in it. The others are gray and red. Do you think this might be a problem with light beige or light blue fonts? Can you maybe recommend a pigment ink printer and a dye ink printer that meet my needs (1. For thick matte cotton paper and handmade paper 2. Print bright fonts with good quality 3. Ink cost should be as low as possible 4. Size does not matter (DIN A4 or A3+))? I would be really grateful!

[@KeithCooper]

The 18100 won't handle thick media - see my review Handmade papers are very variable with inkjet - there are often ink bleed problems - they often just don't work... [pigment or dye] What you want likely doesn't exist in any printer of the sort I look at I'm afraid. Sounds more like a job for a colour laser, but that won't like the paper

[@Strange_Lia]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for your quick reply Keith! And aside from the handmade paper, what kind of inkjet printer would you recommend for thick cotton paper that meets my other needs as well? Preferably a printer with pigment ink and one with dye ink (I haven't decided yet).

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - I have a 20 year review policy of not making specific recommendations I'm afraid. I don't test this sort of application in any significant detail - I'm looking more at art/photo repro. Ink tanks and higher end printing don't currently go together in a big way - perhaps an ET-8550 might go with what you want ? www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@kore996]

Thanks for this video. I’ve been sitting on the fence as to whether I should be buying a printer or not. I do like the convenience of being able to print at home BUT I don’t know that I would print enough just for personal use. I do have a quality print shop within about 15 to 20 minute drive but I do have a spinal injury so I’m not typically up for that trip since it would be almost 1 hr round trip. My considerations are the Canon Pro 1000, Pro 300 and Pro 200…more so the Pro 200 and the Pro 1000 because I like the idea of a larger print size and I’m interested in some of the hacks they have for the Pro 1000.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was of some help. As ever there is a health warning that they could spring one on us next month, but I would be very surprised and it would be some time until stock appeared...

[@MattOGormanSmith]

There are services you can upload to and get your prints in the post. They might be worth a look. I googled "online photo printing" and got dozens of them.

[@ateliercunha2876]

What always put me off printing at home were two things: the exorbitant price of consumables (especially ink) and the fact that there is not, as far as I know, a dedicated black and white printer. The links seems to be cheaper with the EcoTank models, but the second premise does not yet exist. The Epson ET-8550 could be a possibility for me, with good performance in color and with the possibility to print on transparencies (digital negatives) for contact printing in black and white. Even so, it's been two years and something tells me it's still not "the printer" for me. This is just a rant and also because this video doesn't talk about this specific model, although you have others analyzing it in detail. Finally, the price of these printers is still high, considering that I don't sell prints. Cheers.

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, if you want a dedicated B&W printer, make one with third party inks and the likes of QTR Otherwise, you will just keep waiting, there never has been enough of a market for this to appear commercially from Canon/Epson The price is high, or it isn't... Depends on what you want to spend on a hobby for example. I've had people whinge about ink costs when they shoot on all Leica cameras and lenses... give me a break!

[@ateliercunha2876]

@@KeithCooper I know this is the problem for there not being a printer for B&W. But it's a pity. Of course the price is high or low depending on the use of the printer. I don't sell prints. That's why a printer for me is not an investment, not least because my work always goes to offset. As a professional I don't need a printer. A printer would be just for the pleasure of printing and to improve my photography (here the improvement would be reflected in my profession; I know) but until today I haven't taken that step because of the costs involved. 90% of my gear is second hand .-) No Leica here.

[@KeithCooper]

Indeed - it all comes at a cost ;-)

[@davidpavlich8939]

Red River did a cost analysis dealing with ink. At the time it was done, a typical printer like what I use (P800) uses about $3.40 worth of ink for a 16x24 colour print. I used to sell prints so it was a cost of doing business. I plan on upgrading to a 24” printer in 2024. The actual cost of ink is higher per ml in the small printers like Canon’s 13” printers. Ink costs per ml go down as the print cartridges get bigger.

[@thomaseriksson6256]

I have a suggestion on a Video about long time storing of Photo files as TIFF, RAW JPG, How do you do that? I currently have two rugged HD that I save files on and I get new HDs after a few years’ time for the new batch of files. I currently are interested in start saving on a rugged SSD but I don’t think they are as good for long-time stories as the HD, what is your comment on it?. Regarding new printers when it’s time for me to get one in a few year time I will check on your channel if there is a better printer than Epson P900 to use for B/W and for small space. .

[@KeithCooper]

I just keep old files on disks - some stored off-site.

[@thomaseriksson6256]

@@KeithCooper Okay CD or DVD?

[@KeithCooper]

Neither - old hard disk drives stored in the boxes and anti-static bags new drives come in. Not used optical for several years now That and a raided server.

[@thomaseriksson6256]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for this information, I will continue to use mobile rugged Lacie HDs.

[@goranagnehall9793]

Epson EcoTank ET-18100 is available in Sweden so it would be the same in other countries outside USA

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - it's currently only in Europe and a few other areas I was told...

[@auyeongwy]

I'll be using my P903 (Asian model of the P900) till it breaks or Epson stops making cartridges for my region. While paper handling could be improved it's only a minor inconvenience for hobbyist use. I am surprised that I churn through some cartridges within 1 year+ as a hobbyist - so picking the P900 over the P700 was the correct choice regarding cost savings on replenishing inks. Not much more I can ask for regarding print quality - except that the photographer takes better pictures!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - yes, it's a good printer

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Companies and people are printing traditional jobs less and less often. Companies have little incentive to do rapid printed development for paper unless we are talking of changes to cut down costs for the users and them. Non-traditional work is interesting. Printers fast enough for production etc. The price of the P900 with the roll adapter is pretty close to the P5000, even so the P5000 needs continuous work. So if you do the not-so-often panorama or long production (like many copies) the P900 can still be great. In particular for Photographers, you can go to your trip without concerns that your printer will be ruined, return, and print your 100s of wildlife and your 10s of panoramas.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - the bigger printers come with their own specific needs...

[@KeithStewart-zn8mg]

In New Zealand Epson had a promotion where they sold the roll adaptor for $1 yes a $1 with a P900 (P906). I got mine at the original price of $NZ299 when I got the printer. The promotion just finished.

[@freehand5040]

My p5000 is treated the same as my 3880 nozzle check 3 times week I print maybe 2 prints a month the only difference is the p5000 demands a mandatory full self clean twice a year which cost about 15 notes and because the carts are so big much cheaper I have no problem leaving the printer idle.

[@KeithCooper]

@@freehand5040 That 'megaclean' is nowhere near as vital as the printer might suggest. Mine has been nagging me for at least six months ;-) The key is regular activity [print or autocheck]

[@freehand5040]

@@KeithCooper mm interesting mine does an auto check when I fire her up do you just carry on printing ?

[@Dr.GeoDave]

You danced around the monochrome printing topic once or twice. I presume that the message for monochrome is the same story as color?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - B&W is getting better, but is still not getting quite the level of attention I'd personally like ;-) A new head/inkset for the PRO-1000 replacement and P5000 replacement would likely show improvements in B&W. Dye based printers are all still limited by the lower 'red-end' density in black dye inks - but dyes for 'better' printing seem a relatively low priority.

[@jefffenske1958]

I just now saw Dan Wells' article on the Epson 9570 at Luminous Landscape, mentioned in a comment above. I didn't read it all yet, but it looks like he said a dark gray could be the next ink to add to the 12, which is already in the P20000, which lacks the three “kicker” colors (orange, green and violet), which are great for color. Perhaps the P20000 is the best printer for black and white?

[@KeithCooper]

The P20000 is what I suggest when people are foolish enough to ask for the 'best printer' without specifying budget or size ;-) I have a review on the Northlight site

[@jefffenske1958]

@@KeithCooper I'm not aware if other Epsons that also have this dark gray ink, because I'm only interested in printing color. I figured you would know. It does sound like Wells is predicting a dark gray could be added to the 12 ink inkset in the future, and that the ideal printer for black and white would have 3 gray inks.

[@jefffenske1958]

@@KeithCooper Also, it sounds like Wells is a big fan of the “kicker” colors (orange, green and violet), which is nice to see. I loved the greens on the 7900 and the increased color gamut from the orange for flowers, fall colors, etc., and now they've added the violet, which should significantly help flowers be printed in their native color.

[@smooth111012]

I find it much cheaper to use a print store, better papers etc. home printers I found can’t print clearly, lines on the paper etc

[@KeithCooper]

Does depend on the printer - with the right media choices and decent printer it's no problem producing better results than most on-line print providers. Cost is another matter though - one I don't cover in my reviews ;-)

[@ateliercunha2876]

Why (costs) not?

[@KeithCooper]

1 - I don't sell printers 2 - I'm in the UK & costs vary all over the world 3 - Costs change all the time and I have no desire to keep track of them 4 - I've got to leave something for people to look up themselves ;-) :-) :-)

[@ateliercunha2876]

@@KeithCooper Fair enough.

[@dummatube]

I just spent a year ‘battling’ a Canon Pro 300! Every time I turned it on it spent ages clunking and bashing around internally until it said, “Printing (file name)” then clunked around some more and then decided to shake the ink cartridges for ages! Some times this would deplete the ink in a cartridge and then we would have to replace it and the whole thing would start again. I’ve even had cases were this depleted a second ink cartridge! Canon software is a disaster - never again!

[@KeithCooper]

That's very different to my experiences using one - that does not sound a well printer

[@Nickporter17]

Do you have a favorite budget printer? And a favorite beginner printer if it's different?

[@KeithCooper]

Not really I'm afraid - 'budget' and 'beginner' are essentially undefined terms. More to the point though, I look at very few printers at the cheap end of the market where models come and go at quite a rate. Cheap comes with many costs... All my current printer reviews are listed at www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/ Basically the cheaper the ink, the more you pay for the initial printer

[@Nickporter17]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for the reply. So, the ink tank style will have the cheapest ink, but the most expensive buy-in? If so, and this is the smarter route, do you have a favorite lower cost ink tank?

[@Nickporter17]

@@KeithCooper The link is very helpful. Thank you! Also, your videos are great!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - any favourites of mine are much bigger and more expensive. The Epson 8550 is a useful printer though - it's one if given I'd keep ;-)

[@Nickporter17]

@@KeithCooper perfect! Ty

[@youuplavie6910]

Bon jour, J'ai acheté cette année une epson ecotank 8550, et je galère pour le moment dans l'impression A3 de mes aquarelles, j'espère que je n'aurais pas à regretter mon achat. Je vois , je n'ai pas encore utiliser de papiers appropriés, seulement des papiers aquarelles que j'utilise pour peindre, et je suis tellement déçue./.... je cherche quelle seraient les meilleures vidéos à regarder pour améliorer la qualité des images...... (scannées aussi par l'epson 8550), mais vraiment je suis déçue. il y a un tel choix de profils, etc j'ai peut etre fait une betise en achetant cette imprimante, je voulais faire moi même quelques impressions A3 et plus petits formats pour espérer vendre quelques images.... Vous avez tellement de vidéos, pouvez vous m'orienter vers lesquelles regarder en priorité pour les profils, les papiers, les réglages pour des aquarelles, et des multi-techniques ?? merci beaucoup

[@KeithCooper]

Sorry - I don't speak French... See my main written review: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/