When it comes to producing gallery-quality fine art prints, choosing the right Epson SureColor printer can make all the difference. The Epson SureColor P900 offers outstanding color accuracy and media versatility, making it ideal for professional photographers and artists who prioritize image longevity and ease of use. Meanwhile, the Epson SureColor P800 provides vivid color reproduction and flexible media handling, appealing to those who need high-quality outputs on a variety of paper types. Both have their strengths and tradeoffs, so understanding what each offers helps in making an informed decision.
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Key Takeaways
- The Epson SureColor P900 excels in color accuracy, media versatility, and longevity, suited for professional artists and photographers.
- The Epson SureColor P800 is a strong choice for vivid color and black-and-white prints, with extensive connectivity options.
- The P900’s compact design is a plus for smaller studios, but it requires Epson cartridges exclusively, which can be costly.
- The P800’s larger size and complex setup make it better suited for dedicated print spaces and experienced users.
- Both printers produce 17-inch wide prints, but their core strengths cater to different priorities in fine art printing.
| Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer |  | Best Overall for Professional Fine Art Prints | Ink Type: UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet | Maximum Media Size: 17 inches | Media Thickness: up to 1.5 mm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor P800 17-Inch Inkjet Color Printer |  | Best for Vivid Colors and Versatile Media | Media Width: up to 17 inches | Ink Cartridges: nine 80 ml cartridges | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Mobile | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| epson surecolor printer for fine art print | Connectivity | Ink Type | Maximum Media Size | Media Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch P | Wireless | UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet | 17 inches | up to 1.5 mm |
| Epson SureColor P800 17-Inch I | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Mobile | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer
The Epson SureColor P900 stands out for its exceptional color accuracy and wide color gamut, thanks to UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet. Its ability to produce prints with up to 200 years of color permanence makes it a top choice for artists who want longevity. Compared with the P800, it offers easier mobile printing, a more compact footprint, and superior media versatility, including handling thicker papers up to 1.5 mm. However, its dependence on Epson cartridges can drive ongoing costs, and longevity claims, while promising, are still under observation. This model is ideal for professional photographers and artists seeking the highest quality and color fidelity in a manageable size.
Pros:- Outstanding color accuracy with UltraChrome PRO10 Ink
- High media versatility, including thick and roll media
- Compact design with easy mobile printing
Cons:- Designed exclusively for Epson cartridges, adding to costs
- Longevity performance still being validated over time
Best for: Professional artists and photographers seeking gallery-quality prints with longevity
Not ideal for: Casual hobbyists or those on a tight budget due to cartridge costs
- Ink Type:UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet
- Maximum Media Size:17 inches
- Media Thickness:up to 1.5 mm
- Touchscreen:4.3 inches
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Print Head:10-channel MicroPiezo AMC
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for professionals prioritizing color fidelity, media flexibility, and print permanence.”
Epson SureColor P800 17-Inch Inkjet Color Printer
The Epson SureColor P800 is renowned for its ability to produce vibrant color and sharp black-and-white prints, thanks to its nine 80 ml ink cartridges. Its support for media up to 17 inches wide, including borderless printing, makes it highly versatile for different paper types and finishes. Multiple connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing tools make it suitable for a busy studio environment. On the downside, its larger size demands more space, and the complex setup can be intimidating for casual users. This model best serves artists and photographers who need flexible media options and color vibrancy, especially when working on diverse projects requiring high-quality output.
Pros:- Vivid color and high-quality black-and-white printing
- Supports borderless printing and multiple paper types
- Multiple connectivity options for seamless workflow
Cons:- Likely more expensive with professional features
- Size and setup complexity may deter casual users
Best for: Artists or photographers who value vivid color reproduction and media flexibility
Not ideal for: Beginners or those with limited space due to its size and setup complexity
- Media Width:up to 17 inches
- Ink Cartridges:nine 80 ml cartridges
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Mobile
- Temperature Range:50° to 95°F
- Storage Temperature:-4° to 104°F
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for users needing versatile media handling, color vibrancy, and connectivity in a professional environment.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on key factors that matter most for fine art printing: color accuracy, media handling, longevity, ease of use, and overall build quality. We compared specifications like ink technology, media versatility, connectivity, and user interface features. We also considered real tradeoffs such as cartridge costs, size, and setup complexity, aiming to identify models that serve different types of artists and photographers while maintaining professional standards.
| epson surecolor printer for fine art print | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch P | Wireless |
| Epson SureColor P800 17-Inch I | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Mobile |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Epson Surecolor Printer For Fine Art Prints
Choosing the right Epson SureColor printer for fine art prints involves balancing factors like color accuracy, media handling, longevity, and ease of use. Understanding your specific needs—whether professional gallery work, limited studio space, or diverse media requirements—helps narrow down options. This guide breaks down key considerations to help you match a printer that aligns with your artistic goals and workflow.Color Reproduction and Ink Technology
For fine art printing, the quality and longevity of your prints heavily depend on the ink technology used. The Epson SureColor P900’s UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet offers a broad color gamut and impressive permanence, making it suitable for archival-quality work. In contrast, the P800’s nine-color ink system provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, especially on a variety of media, but may not match the longevity of the P900’s inks. Prioritize ink technology if your work demands maximum color fidelity and durability.
Media Handling and Compatibility
Both models support media up to 17 inches wide, but their media versatility differs. The P900 handles thicker papers up to 1.5 mm and offers roll media support, making it ideal for larger or specialty papers. The P800 also supports borderless printing and a wide range of media types but may require more space and setup time. Consider how often you switch media types and the size of your typical print projects when choosing.
Connectivity and Workflow
For ease of use, the P800’s multiple connectivity options—including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing—are advantageous in busy studio environments. The P900’s wireless capabilities and mobile printing make quick, on-the-go adjustments easier. However, setup complexity varies, with the P800 potentially demanding more initial effort. Think about your workflow—if seamless connectivity matters most, the P800 might edge out slightly.
Size, Space, and Cost Considerations
The P900’s compact design is a plus for smaller studios or home setups, but it still requires dedicated media handling space. The P800’s larger footprint and more complex setup might be less practical for casual artists but suitable for dedicated professional environments. Both models involve ongoing costs, especially for cartridges; however, the P900’s reliance on Epson’s proprietary inks can significantly impact long-term expenses. Factor in your available space and budget when making a choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important feature for fine art printing?
The most critical aspect for fine art printing is color accuracy combined with longevity. Both the Epson SureColor P900 and P800 offer high-quality ink systems that produce vibrant, durable prints. However, the P900’s UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet provides an edge in color gamut and archival stability, making it a preferred choice for professional artists aiming for museum-grade quality.Can these printers handle different paper types?
Yes, both printers support a variety of media, including fine art papers, canvas, and thicker media. The P900 handles media up to 1.5 mm thick and supports roll media, which is beneficial for larger or specialty papers. The P800 also offers extensive media compatibility, including borderless printing, but may require more setup and space. Your choice depends on your specific media preferences and volume needs.Which printer is easier for a beginner to set up?
The P900’s more streamlined, compact design and mobile-friendly features make it slightly more approachable for beginners. The P800, with its broader connectivity options and more complex setup process, is better suited for users with some experience in professional printing. If ease of use is a priority, the P900 offers a more straightforward experience.How much do ongoing ink costs typically run?
Ongoing costs depend heavily on cartridge size and ink type. The P900 uses Epson’s proprietary UltraChrome PRO10 cartridges, which tend to be more expensive but last longer and offer superior longevity. The P800’s nine 80 ml cartridges are also costly but provide greater color options. Budget-conscious artists should consider these ongoing expenses, especially if printing frequently.Which printer offers the best value for high-volume fine art printing?
The P800’s larger ink cartridges and broader media support make it a strong candidate for high-volume printing, especially when vivid color reproduction is essential. However, if longevity and archival quality are paramount, the P900’s advanced inks justify the higher initial investment. Your specific volume, media, and quality priorities will determine the best value in your context.Conclusion
For professional artists and photographers prioritizing maximum color fidelity and print permanence, the Epson SureColor P900 stands out as the top choice. Those who need versatile media handling, vibrant color output, and multiple connectivity options might prefer the Epson SureColor P800. Hobbyists or artists with limited space should lean toward the P900 for its compact design, while large studios may find the P800’s media flexibility more aligned with their workflows. Both models deliver exceptional quality but serve different needs based on your workflow and budget.
