When it comes to capturing your memories or producing professional-level artwork, having the right photo printer is essential. The market is filled with a wide array of photo printers, each with distinct features catering to different needs. From compact A4 printers to large-format A2 printers, the choices can be overwhelming. This article aims to guide you through the best photo printers available in 2024, categorized by their specific strengths. We will also cover important factors to consider when choosing a photo printer and share insights into our testing methodology. With smart buying choices and the right equipment, you can produce stunning, high-quality prints that last a lifetime. Let’s dive into our top recommendations for the best photo printers of 2024.
The best photo printers we recommend in 2024
Best photo printer for Letter (A4) photos
1. Canon PIXMA G620 The Canon PIXMA G620 is renowned for its excellent photo quality and cost-efficiency, making it ideal for home users who want to print photos up to A4 size. The printer features a six-color dye-based ink system that produces vibrant and sharp images. Thanks to its high ink yield, you can print hundreds of photos without needing frequent cartridge replacements, making it a budget-friendly option in the long run. Ease of use is another strong point for the PIXMA G620. It comes equipped with user-friendly software and wireless connectivity options, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. With its compact design, it fits comfortably within most home office setups.
Best multi-purpose Letter (A4) photo printer
2. Epson EcoTank ET-8500 The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 is the gold standard for users seeking a versatile A4 photo printer. With its EcoTank system, you can bid farewell to traditional ink cartridges. Instead, it uses refillable ink tanks, which significantly reduce the cost per print. The six-color Claria ET Premium ink system delivers exceptional print quality, ideal for both photos and documents. This printer is also equipped with various connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Its intuitive touchscreen interface makes navigation and operation a breeze, perfect for home offices or small businesses. Additionally, it supports media up to 1.3mm thick, making it a versatile tool for various printing needs.
Best photo printer for 13-inch (A3+) photos
3. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 excels in delivering exceptional image quality for prints up to 13 inches (A3+). It uses a 10-ink LUCIA PRO system, ensuring highly detailed and accurate color reproduction. This printer is a top choice for photographers and artists who demand professional-grade results. One of the standout features is its anti-clogging technology, which ensures consistent performance and minimizes the chances of print head issues. The imagePROGRAF PRO-300 also supports borderless printing, allowing you to take full advantage of the media size. With its robust build and superior output quality, this printer is an investment worth considering for serious photographers.
Best 13-inch (A3+) dye-based photo printer
4. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 For those preferring dye-based inks, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is an excellent choice for A3+ photo printing. This printer uses an 8-color dye-based ink system, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. It is designed to deliver stunning photos with a glossy finish, making it a favorite among photo enthusiasts and professionals alike. The PIXMA PRO-200 is also noteworthy for its speed. You can expect high-quality A3+ prints in a relatively short amount of time. The compact size and lightweight design make it a good fit for those with limited space. With support for various media types, including fine art paper, canvas, and CD/DVD printing, it offers exceptional versatility.
Best 13-inch (A3+) photo printer for panoramas
5. Epson SureColor SC-P700 Panorama photographers will find the Epson SureColor SC-P700 to be a perfect match for their needs. This printer supports media rolls, enabling you to print panoramic photos seamlessly. It uses a 10-color UltraChrome Pro10 ink system, which offers an extended color gamut and outstanding print density. The SC-P700 is designed with a compact form factor but doesn’t compromise on build quality. It features advanced Black Enhance Overcoat technology, which provides deeper black tones and reduces gloss differential. With its intuitive user interface and robust feature set, this printer is ideal for both amateur and professional photographers.
Best refillable 13-inch (A3+) photo printer
6. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a game-changer for those looking to combine size and cost-efficiency in their photo printing needs. Like its A4 counterpart, this A3+ powerhouse uses the EcoTank system, letting you refill ink tanks directly, thus significantly reducing printing costs over time. Equipped with a six-color Claria ET Premium ink system, the ET-8550 offers professional-quality prints. This printer is also versatile, handling a variety of media sizes and types. It includes a large touchscreen interface and supports multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and SD cards. Whether you are printing photos, graphics, or documents, the ET-8550 delivers outstanding results in a cost-effective manner.
Best 17-inch (A2) Canon photo printer
7. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 When it comes to print quality and size, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 stands in a league of its own. Designed for A2 prints, this model features a 12-ink LUCIA PRO pigment system, offering exceptional color accuracy and depth. It is capable of handling a wide range of media, including thick fine art paper and canvases, providing photographers with unparalleled versatility. The PRO-1000 also incorporates advanced computational technology to minimize the risk of printer head clogging and improve print consistency. It supports a high-capacity ink system, reducing the frequency of ink replacements. This printer’s robustness and advanced features make it a top choice for professional photographers and artists seeking superior print quality.
Best 17-inch (A2) Epson photo printer
8. Epson SureColor SC-P900 Last but not least, the Epson SureColor SC-P900 is the go-to option for those in need of a 17-inch (A2) printer that offers both quality and innovation. With its 10-color UltraChrome Pro10 ink set, this printer delivers remarkable color accuracy and detail. The SureColor SC-P900 also includes an enhanced MicroPiezo AMC print head, providing consistently high-quality output. This model supports a wide range of media and includes features like a customizable touchscreen and advanced Black Enhance Overcoat technology for rich black tones. Coupled with its compact design and user-friendly interface, the SC-P900 is perfect for professional photographers and graphic designers who require a reliable and versatile printing solution.
How to choose the best photo printer
Choosing the best photo printer involves several considerations beyond just print quality. First off, think about what you intend to print and the sizes you often need. While an A4 printer like the Canon PIXMA G620 may suffice for everyday home use, professionals may require the larger capabilities of an A2 printer such as the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000. Another crucial factor is the type of ink system. Dye-based printers, for instance, produce vibrant colors but may not have the archival quality of pigment-based printers. On the other hand, pigment inks are fade-resistant, making them better suited for professional use. Lastly, budget considerations are essential. Refilling ink tanks like those in the Epson EcoTank series can make a significant difference in long-term costs. Connectivity options, ease of use, and additional features like borderless printing and media versatility should also play a role in your decision-making process.
How we test photo printers
Our testing methodology for photo printers involves a comprehensive examination of various factors such as print quality, speed, and usability. We use standardized test images to assess color accuracy, detail, and consistency. Each printer is evaluated for its performance with different types of media, including glossy, matte, and fine art papers. In addition to print quality, we also consider cost-efficiency by analyzing ink consumption and the cost per print. Connectivity options, ease of installation, and software functionality are tested to ensure user-friendliness. We strive to provide a balanced view, incorporating real-world usage scenarios to guide you in making an informed decision.
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The Quick List
For those short on time, here’s a quick rundown of our top photo printers in 2024: 1. Canon PIXMA G620 – Best for A4 photos 2. Epson EcoTank ET-8500 – Best multi-purpose A4 printer 3. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 – Best for A3+ photos 4. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 – Best dye-based A3+ photo printer 5. Epson SureColor SC-P700 – Best for A3+ panoramas 6. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Best refillable A3+ printer 7. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 – Best A2 Canon printer 8. Epson SureColor SC-P900 – Best A2 Epson printer
Summary of main points:
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the best photo printers of 2024. “`html
Printer | Category | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Canon PIXMA G620 | Best for A4 photos | Six-color dye-based ink, high ink yield, wireless connectivity |
Epson EcoTank ET-8500 | Best multi-purpose A4 printer | Refillable ink tanks, six-color Claria ET Premium, versatile media support |
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 | Best for A3+ photos | 10-ink LUCIA PRO system, anti-clogging technology, borderless printing |
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 | Best dye-based A3+ photo printer | Eight-color dye-based ink, fast print speed, media versatility |
Epson SureColor SC-P700 | Best for A3+ panoramas | 10-color UltraChrome Pro10, media roll support, compact design |
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 | Best refillable A3+ printer | Refillable ink tanks, six-color Claria ET Premium, large touchscreen |
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 | Best A2 Canon printer | 12-ink LUCIA PRO system, advanced computational technology, versatile media support |
Epson SureColor SC-P900 | Best A2 Epson printer | 10-color UltraChrome Pro10, MicroPiezo AMC print head, advanced Black Enhance Overcoat technology |
“` By considering these recommendations, you can find the perfect photo printer to meet your needs, whether you’re a casual user or a professional photographer. Happy printing!