What To Know
- It features a dual paper tray system, with a rear tray for up to 100 sheets of plain paper and a front tray for up to 50 sheets of photo paper.
- The PIXMA PRO-200 includes a range of advanced features, such as a Chroma Optimizer cartridge for improved color accuracy, a built-in color calibrator for consistent color reproduction, and a print head cleaning system to maintain print quality.
- The ET-8550 offers a similar set of features, including a color calibrator, a print head cleaning system, and an advanced black ink mode for deeper blacks.
When it comes to selecting a premium inkjet printer for professional photography, two models that often come to mind are the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 and the Epson ET-8550. Both printers offer exceptional image quality, but they differ in terms of features, performance, and cost. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each printer to help you make an informed decision.
Print Quality
Canon PIXMA PRO-200:
The PIXMA PRO-200 utilizes a 10-ink system with LUCIA PRO inks, delivering vibrant and accurate colors with smooth tonal transitions. Its maximum print resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi ensures sharp and detailed images.
Epson ET-8550:
The ET-8550 employs a 6-color Claria Photo HD Ink system, offering a wide color gamut and excellent color accuracy. Its maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi produces highly detailed and lifelike prints.
Ink System
Canon PIXMA PRO-200:
The PIXMA PRO-200 features individual ink cartridges, which allows for easy and cost-effective replacement of specific colors as needed. Each cartridge contains 13ml of ink, providing a decent yield.
Epson ET-8550:
The ET-8550 utilizes a revolutionary EcoTank ink system, where large ink tanks are refilled with bottles. This system offers significantly lower printing costs compared to cartridges, with each set of ink bottles yielding up to 6,000 pages.
Connectivity
Canon PIXMA PRO-200:
The PIXMA PRO-200 offers both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, enabling wireless printing from mobile devices and computers. It also supports Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.
Epson ET-8550:
The ET-8550 provides similar connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing. Additionally, it features an Ethernet port for wired network connectivity.
Print Speed
Canon PIXMA PRO-200:
The PIXMA PRO-200 has a print speed of approximately 12ppm for color prints and 10ppm for black-and-white prints.
Epson ET-8550:
The ET-8550 offers a slightly faster print speed of 15ppm for color prints and 11ppm for black-and-white prints.
Media Handling
Canon PIXMA PRO-200:
The PIXMA PRO-200 supports a wide range of media types, including fine art paper, photo paper, and canvas. It has a rear paper tray that accommodates up to 20 sheets of photo paper or 10 sheets of fine art paper.
Epson ET-8550:
The ET-8550 also handles a variety of media, including photo paper, fine art paper, and specialty papers. It features a dual paper tray system, with a rear tray for up to 100 sheets of plain paper and a front tray for up to 50 sheets of photo paper.
Features and Software
Canon PIXMA PRO-200:
The PIXMA PRO-200 includes a range of advanced features, such as a Chroma Optimizer cartridge for improved color accuracy, a built-in color calibrator for consistent color reproduction, and a print head cleaning system to maintain print quality. It comes with Canon’s Professional Print & Layout software for precise print control.
Epson ET-8550:
The ET-8550 offers a similar set of features, including a color calibrator, a print head cleaning system, and an advanced black ink mode for deeper blacks. It utilizes Epson’s Print Layout software for print customization and management.
Cost
Canon PIXMA PRO-200:
The PIXMA PRO-200 has an initial purchase price of around $600, with replacement ink cartridges costing approximately $12-15 each.
Epson ET-8550:
The ET-8550 is priced slightly higher at around $700, but its EcoTank ink system significantly reduces printing costs. Each set of ink bottles costs approximately $15-20 and can yield up to 6,000 pages.
Final Note: The Ideal Choice for Your Photography Needs
Both the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 and the Epson ET-8550 are exceptional inkjet printers for professional photographers. The PIXMA PRO-200 offers superior print quality and advanced features, while the ET-8550 provides lower printing costs and faster print speeds. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and budget.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which printer offers the best color accuracy?
A: Both the PIXMA PRO-200 and ET-8550 deliver excellent color accuracy, but the PIXMA PRO-200 has a slight edge due to its Chroma Optimizer cartridge.
Q: How often do I need to replace the ink tanks in the ET-8550?
A: The ET-8550’s EcoTank ink system provides a high yield, with each set of ink bottles printing up to 6,000 pages. The frequency of ink replacement will depend on your printing volume.
Q: Can I use third-party inks with either printer?
A: Using third-party inks can affect print quality and void the printer’s warranty. It is recommended to use genuine Canon or Epson inks for optimal performance.
