Choosing a professional pigment ink photo printer starts with the kind of print you need to make. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the clearest match for fine art work, thanks to its nine-color pigment ink set and Chroma Optimizer. The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 offers the broadest paper handling and larger 13 × 19-inch output, while the Canon PIXMA iP8720 keeps the decision focused on wireless, high-resolution photo printing.
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These printers are not interchangeable. The PRO-310 emphasizes pigment-based output and print controls, but it is slower and prints on one side only. The Epson and PIXMA use six-color photo ink systems and can make large prints, though their supplied descriptions do not identify them as pigment systems. I rank them by how well their stated features serve professional photo work, while accounting for media flexibility, print size, and workflow limits.
Key Takeaways
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the only model here explicitly specified with a nine-color pigment ink system and Chroma Optimizer.
- Epson XP-15000 combines 13 × 19-inch borderless output with a rear specialty-media path and automatic two-sided printing.
- Canon PIXMA iP8720 offers 13 × 19-inch wireless photo printing and a six-color system that includes gray ink.
- The PRO-310 trades speed and duplexing for fine art-focused ink and handling features; its listed speed is two pages per minute and it prints simplex only.
- Buyers who specifically require pigment ink should compare the PRO-310’s documented ink system carefully against the dye-based photo systems described for the other two.
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 13-Inch Wireless Professional Photo Printer |  | Best Overall for Pigment Ink Fine Art | Printer type: Inkjet | Maximum print width: 13 inches | Ink system: Nine-color pigment ink plus Chroma Optimizer | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Wide-Format Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Wide Prints and Flexible Media | Printer type: Wireless wide-format inkjet | Maximum print size: 13 × 19 inches | Ink system: Six-color Claria Photo HD | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA iP8720 Wireless Photo Printer |  | Best for Straightforward Wireless Photo Printing | Maximum print size: 13 × 19 inches | Ink system: 6 colors, including gray | Maximum color resolution: 9600 × 2400 dpi | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| professional pigment ink photo printer | Ink system | Printer type | Maximum print size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 13- | Nine-color pigment ink plus Chroma Optimizer | Inkjet | — |
| Epson Expression Photo HD XP-1 | Six-color Claria Photo HD | Wireless wide-format inkjet | 13 × 19 inches |
| Canon PIXMA iP8720 Wireless Ph | 6 colors, including gray | — | 13 × 19 inches |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 13-Inch Wireless Professional Photo Printer
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the strongest fit when pigment ink is a firm requirement. Its nine-color pigment system and Chroma Optimizer set it apart from the Epson XP-15000 and PIXMA iP8720, whose supplied descriptions specify six-color photo ink systems without identifying them as pigment. Matte Black ink is relevant for buyers making monochrome or matte fine art prints, where deep blacks are part of the intended result.
This focus comes with workflow limits. Canon lists a speed of two pages per minute, and the printer supports simplex output only. That makes it less suitable for routine double-sided documents or frequent batches than the XP-15000, which has automatic duplexing. Its 13-inch maximum print width also gives the Epson an advantage for buyers who specifically need 13 × 19-inch output; the PRO-310’s listed width is 13 inches, with no maximum sheet length specified in the provided details.
A 3-inch color LCD, anti-clogging system, and skew correction add useful controls and handling support. They do not remove the need to plan around one tray and the slower stated pace. I would choose this model for a photo or fine art workflow where the pigment ink specification matters more than throughput. Buyers who mostly want large, convenient everyday photo prints should compare the Epson or PIXMA before committing.
Pros:- Nine-color pigment ink system with Chroma Optimizer
- Matte Black ink supports deep black output
- Color LCD, anti-clogging system, and skew correction
- Designed for detailed color and black-and-white fine art prints
Cons:- Listed print speed is two pages per minute
- Simplex printing only, unlike the duplex-capable XP-15000
- One tray and a 13-inch maximum print width
Best for: Photographers and printmakers who specifically want a documented pigment ink system for color and black-and-white fine art output.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need automatic duplexing, high-volume output, or confirmed 13 × 19-inch print support.
- Printer type:Inkjet
- Maximum print width:13 inches
- Ink system:Nine-color pigment ink plus Chroma Optimizer
- Display:3-inch color LCD
- Print resolution:1200 × 1200 dpi
- Print speed:2 pages per minute, color and black-and-white
- Duplex printing:Simplex only
- Trays and weight:1 tray; 31.6 pounds
Our verdict“For buyers who put pigment ink and fine art features first, the PRO-310 is the most directly aligned choice, provided its slower simplex workflow fits.”
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Wide-Format Inkjet Printer
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is the more versatile choice when output size and paper handling matter alongside photo printing. It makes borderless prints up to 13 × 19 inches, matching the PIXMA iP8720’s maximum stated print size and exceeding the PRO-310’s listed 13-inch width. A 200-sheet front tray and 50-sheet rear tray give it more stated capacity and feed options than either Canon model in this comparison.
The rear feed and support for specialty media, including cardstock, suit a studio or home workspace that mixes photo prints with other creative jobs. Automatic two-sided printing is another practical distinction: the PRO-310 is simplex only, and duplex support is not listed for the PIXMA. These conveniences do not make the Epson the dedicated pigment pick, though. Its six-color Claria Photo HD system includes red and gray inks, but the provided description does not identify it as pigment-based. Buyers with a strict pigment requirement should favor the PRO-310.
Compared with the PIXMA, the Epson gives more explicit information about paper handling and duplex use; the PIXMA lists a higher maximum resolution and a six-color system with gray ink. The Epson’s stated drawbacks include the risk that non-genuine ink may damage the printer and affect warranty coverage, while Dash Replenishment requires activation. I would choose it for large, varied photo and creative output, not as a substitute for a printer whose pigment ink specification is clearly documented.
Pros:- Borderless output up to 13 × 19 inches
- Six-color Claria Photo HD system includes red and gray inks
- Front and rear paper trays support varied media workflows
- Automatic two-sided printing and specialty-media support
Cons:- Supplied details do not identify its ink system as pigment
- Manufacturer warns non-genuine ink may damage the printer and affect warranty coverage
- Dash Replenishment requires activation
Best for: Photo makers who want 13 × 19-inch borderless prints, specialty-media support, and automatic duplexing in one printer.
Not ideal for: Buyers who require an explicitly specified pigment ink system or prioritize fine art ink features over paper flexibility.
- Printer type:Wireless wide-format inkjet
- Maximum print size:13 × 19 inches
- Ink system:Six-color Claria Photo HD
- Paper trays:200-sheet front tray; 50-sheet rear tray
- Two-sided printing:Automatic
- Specialty media:Includes cardstock support
- Included cartridges:6: black, cyan, magenta, yellow, gray, red
- Sound pressure level:49 dB(A)
Our verdict“The XP-15000 is the practical pick for large prints and varied media, but the PRO-310 is the better-supported choice when pigment ink is the deciding requirement.”
Canon PIXMA iP8720 Wireless Photo Printer
The Canon PIXMA iP8720 is the straightforward large-format photo option in this group. It prints up to 13 × 19 inches and connects wirelessly to Wi-Fi-enabled computers, making it a fit for users who want oversized photo output without prioritizing the PRO-310’s fine art controls or the XP-15000’s multiple trays. Its six-color ink system includes gray, a useful inclusion for black-and-white images.
Canon lists a maximum color resolution of 9600 × 2400 dpi and droplet sizes of 1, 2, and 5. Those figures describe output capability, but they do not establish print permanence or prove a pigment ink formulation. That distinction matters for this roundup: the PRO-310 explicitly specifies nine-color pigment ink and Chroma Optimizer, while the iP8720’s supplied details describe six colors and gray ink without calling them pigment.
The PIXMA’s appeal is a relatively focused feature set: wireless printing, large photo size, and a gray-inclusive color system. Its tradeoff is that the supplied specifications say little about paper capacity, specialty media, duplex printing, or studio-oriented controls. The XP-15000 is a stronger choice for mixed-media jobs and two-sided output, while the PRO-310 is a clearer fit for pigment-based fine art printing. I would shortlist the iP8720 when large wireless photo prints are the main need and those additional workflow features are secondary.
Pros:- Prints photos up to 13 × 19 inches
- Six-color ink system includes gray
- Wireless printing from Wi-Fi-enabled computers
- Lists a maximum color resolution of 9600 × 2400 dpi
Cons:- Supplied details do not identify the ink as pigment
- No duplex or specialty-media support is listed in the supplied specifications
- Paper tray capacity and professional workflow controls are not specified here
Best for: Home or small-workspace photo makers seeking wireless 13 × 19-inch printing with gray ink for monochrome work.
Not ideal for: Buyers who require a confirmed pigment ink set, specialty-media details, or automatic duplex printing.
- Maximum print size:13 × 19 inches
- Ink system:6 colors, including gray
- Maximum color resolution:9600 × 2400 dpi
- Ink droplet sizes:1, 2, and 5
- Connectivity:Wireless printing from Wi-Fi-enabled computers
- Noise level:Approximately 43.5 dB(A)
Our verdict“The iP8720 suits uncomplicated wireless large-photo printing, while the XP-15000 offers clearer media flexibility and the PRO-310 the explicit pigment system.”
How We Picked
I ranked these printers around the title’s specific promise: professional pigment ink photo printing. That means the ink system carries more weight than wireless connectivity or headline resolution alone. The PRO-310 earns the top position because its supplied specifications explicitly name nine-color pigment ink, Chroma Optimizer, and features aimed at fine art output, including Matte Black ink.
I then compared the alternatives by the practical ways they can support a photo workflow. Print size matters for portfolios and wall prints, while paper paths and media support matter when work extends beyond standard photo stock. I also considered limitations that change day-to-day use: duplex capability, stated print speed, tray arrangement, and the product information available about ink. The XP-15000 ranks ahead of the iP8720 for its described specialty-media support and automatic duplexing. The iP8720 remains a capable large-format photo option, but the supplied details give less evidence of professional media handling.
I use only the specifications and product details provided here. They do not include independent print-quality measurements, ongoing ink costs, or a complete supported-media list, so I do not treat maximum resolution as a guarantee of superior print quality. For this lineup, buyers should distinguish the documented pigment system in the PRO-310 from the six-color Claria Photo HD and Canon six-color systems described for the other models.
| professional pigment ink photo printer | Printer type |
|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 13- | Inkjet |
| Epson Expression Photo HD XP-1 | Wireless wide-format inkjet |
| Canon PIXMA iP8720 Wireless Ph | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Professional Pigment Ink Photo Printer
A printer that can make attractive photos is not automatically the right professional pigment ink printer. I would match the ink formulation, print dimensions, media path, and expected workload to the work being produced.Confirm the ink system before choosing
Start with the ink type, since it is central to this roundup’s promise. The PRO-310 explicitly specifies pigment ink; the XP-15000 lists Claria Photo HD and the iP8720 lists six colors including gray, without identifying either system as pigment in the supplied information. If pigment is a purchasing requirement, verify the exact model’s ink documentation before deciding. A larger color count or higher listed resolution does not answer that question.
Match print size to the work
The XP-15000 and PIXMA iP8720 both specify prints up to 13 × 19 inches, giving them a clear fit for oversized portfolio pieces and wall prints. The PRO-310 is listed with a maximum print width of 13 inches, but no maximum sheet length is supplied here. If a particular finished dimension is essential, confirm that the printer supports the exact paper size and borderless mode you need before purchase.
Think about paper handling and workflow
The Epson has a 200-sheet front tray, a 50-sheet rear tray, specialty-media support including cardstock, and automatic duplexing. That makes it the most clearly documented option for switching among media and handling double-sided work. The PRO-310 has one tray and simplex output, so it is more narrowly oriented toward photo and fine art prints. The PIXMA’s supplied details leave its tray capacity and specialty-media options unspecified.
Treat resolution and speed as limited clues
The iP8720 lists a maximum color resolution of 9600 × 2400 dpi, while the PRO-310 lists 1200 × 1200 dpi. Those specifications use different figures and do not provide a direct quality ranking. Print quality also depends on ink, paper, image preparation, and the print settings. For throughput, the PRO-310’s stated two pages per minute signals a slower workflow; that may be acceptable for individual fine art prints, but less convenient for frequent batches.
Account for paper and ink constraints
Paper compatibility can shape the result as much as printer hardware. The Epson explicitly mentions specialty media and cardstock, while the PRO-310 emphasizes fine art printing. The iP8720’s supplied details do not define its paper range, so buyers should check the supported media list for their intended stock. Epson also warns that non-genuine ink may damage the printer and affect warranty coverage; its Dash Replenishment feature requires activation. Review the relevant ink and warranty terms as part of the ownership decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer in this comparison explicitly uses pigment ink?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the only model whose supplied specifications explicitly state a pigment ink system: nine colors plus Chroma Optimizer. The XP-15000 and PIXMA iP8720 are described with six-color photo ink systems, but the provided details do not identify those inks as pigment. If pigment is mandatory, check the manufacturer’s documentation for the exact model and cartridge set.
Which models can print at 13 × 19 inches?
The Epson XP-15000 and Canon PIXMA iP8720 both specify output up to 13 × 19 inches, with the Epson also stating borderless output at that size. The PRO-310 is specified with a 13-inch maximum print width, but the supplied information does not state a maximum sheet length. Confirm the required paper size and borderless support if those dimensions are essential to your work.
Which printer is best suited to fine art and black-and-white prints?
The PRO-310 is the most directly positioned for fine art in this group. Its nine-color pigment system, Chroma Optimizer, and Matte Black ink are the clearest fine art and monochrome-oriented features listed. The XP-15000 and iP8720 both include gray ink in their six-color systems, which may suit photo printing, but their supplied descriptions do not specify pigment inks or the same fine art features.
Which option offers the most flexible paper handling?
The XP-15000 has the most paper-handling detail in the supplied specifications: a 200-sheet front tray, a 50-sheet rear tray, specialty-media support including cardstock, and automatic two-sided printing. The PRO-310 lists one tray and simplex printing. Comparable tray and specialty-media details are not provided for the iP8720, so buyers considering it should confirm those points for their own workflow.
Does a higher listed print resolution guarantee better photos?
No. The PIXMA iP8720 lists 9600 × 2400 dpi, while the PRO-310 lists 1200 × 1200 dpi, but those figures alone do not establish which printer will produce the preferred print. Ink formulation, paper, image quality, and settings also shape the result, and the resolution figures are not presented as a directly comparable print-quality test. I would use the resolution as one specification among several, not as the deciding measure.
Conclusion
For buyers whose first requirement is professional pigment ink, I recommend the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310. It has the clearest fit for fine art and monochrome output, with the tradeoff of slower stated speed, simplex printing, and one tray. Choose the Epson XP-15000 if you need 13 × 19-inch borderless prints, flexible media feeds, and automatic duplexing, while recognizing that its supplied ink details do not establish a pigment system. The Canon PIXMA iP8720 makes sense for buyers who mainly want wireless 13 × 19-inch photo printing with gray ink and do not need the Epson’s documented media handling or the PRO-310’s specified pigment set.
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