If you're considering printing your own photos, the right printer can significantly improve the quality of your work.
Coming to you from Keith Cooper, this informative video revisits his original recommendation of the Epson ET-8550, which he still endorses as the best option for newcomers. Cooper explains that the ET-8550 stands out due to its unique blend of inks, combining both dye-based and pigment inks. This combination delivers impressive flexibility and print quality, making your photos look exceptional without noticeable quality losses compared to pricier models. He emphasizes the practicality of Epson’s ink-tank system, offering affordable refills, which encourages experimentation—crucial when refining your print skills. Importantly, Cooper notes this printer's capabilities aren’t just limited to standard photos; it effectively handles specialty papers, including metallic finishes and canvas, enhancing creative possibilities.
Beyond its basic features, Cooper highlights some crucial practical advice for maximizing performance from your ET-8550. Regular usage, even minimal, is essential for keeping the printer in optimal condition, and he suggests setting bi-weekly reminders to maintain printer health. Additionally, he advises caution when printing borderless, as this can require frequent internal cleanings. For Mac users particularly, Cooper emphasizes the printer's full support of proper color management, a key aspect often overlooked by competing models like Canon's smaller ink-tank printers.
Cooper also briefly addresses limitations of the ET-8550, acknowledging it's not suited for high-volume, commercial printing scenarios. For those scenarios, more robust, though costlier, options exist, including the Epson P5300 and Canon Pro 1100, which are designed for continuous, intensive use. He underscores that if you're interested in printing wide-format panoramas or thick poster boards, the ET-8550 can manage, provided you account for the physical space and handling requirements.
Further, Cooper provides detailed insights into using ICC profiles to enhance print accuracy. These profiles, which Cooper has extensively developed and provides freely upon request, help match your screen output precisely with your printed results. He clarifies that opting for third-party inks will negate these benefits and potentially void warranties, a crucial consideration when deciding your printing strategy.
To explore additional practicalities, the video touches on the ET-8550’s versatility beyond photography. Its built-in scanner and duplex printing capabilities make it suitable for general home-office use, adding significant value. Cooper also discusses the smaller ET-8500 version, advising that unless space is critically limited, investing slightly more in the larger ET-8550 makes better long-term sense.
If you're intrigued by black and white printing, Cooper addresses this directly, noting that while specialized monochrome printers exist, the ET-8550 performs admirably for general black and white prints using Epson’s Advanced Black and White (ABW) mode. Specialized monochrome ink sets are possible but introduce complexities that might outweigh the benefits unless you're deeply invested in monochrome photography. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Cooper.
The trouble is that beginning photographers might turn into better photographers, and if really committed, advanced photographers. The ET8550 at $700 is not exactly cheap, so one might expect it to last maybe 5-10 years. But will it meet your needs as you get more and more serious about printing? Of course the price of ink is a major benefit of the ecotank printers, but if the cost of ink is a prohibitive factor, or you see dollars going down the drain every time you waste a print, maybe printing your own photos in the first place isn't such a great option.
At a price currently of $884, the Canon Pro 310 makes a superior print, in my opinion. Especially if you get into black and white and are really fussy about gradation of tones on fine art papers. If a beginner gets to that level, the cost of ink and paper is far less significant of a factor. My point is to think about potential future needs before choosing a printer.
I bought the 8550 based on Mr Cooper's videos after searching high and low for something cheaper. I found something cheaper, but it came with many problems. My inate cheapness finally surrendered to good sense and I bought the 8550.
I don't doubt there are better printers, but not at the price of the 8550. However, i can say it is the best and most satisfying ink jet printer I personally ever used.