When it comes to finding the best printers for photographers in 2024, several key factors come into play. Resolution is a crucial consideration, as higher resolutions result in sharper, more detailed prints. Print speed is also important, particularly for those who need to produce large volumes of photos efficiently. The ink system used by the printer can significantly impact the cost of printing, with tank-based systems generally being more cost-effective for high-volume work.
Connectivity is another essential feature, as photographers often need the ability to print wirelessly from a variety of devices. The range of media handling capabilities, including the ability to accommodate larger paper sizes, is also a key factor for many professional photographers. Each of these elements carries a different weight of importance, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the user.
By carefully considering these factors and evaluating the leading options on the market, photographers can find the printer that best suits their needs and delivers the high-quality results they demand. Whether you're a professional working on large-scale projects or a passionate hobbyist, the right printer can make all the difference in bringing your photographic vision to life.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300: Best Professional Wide-Format Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 13" Inkjet Printer -- $899.99(Canon)
imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Prints up to 13... -- $899(Amazon)
Canon imagePROGRAF Pro 300 Printer 4278C003 -- $769.94(ExcellentPhoto.ca)
PFI-300 Lucia PRO Ink, 10 Ink Tanks, Compatible to imagePROGRAF PRO-300 ... -- $121.44(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a top-tier professional inkjet photo printer that excels in delivering gallery-quality prints. Its 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system ensures that every print achieves remarkable color accuracy and depth, making it a perfect choice for photographers and artists who demand the highest quality for their work.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for professional photographers, graphic designers, and artists who require precise color reproduction and the ability to print on various media types. It's also a great fit for advanced amateurs looking to elevate their printing capabilities. However, it may not be the best option for those with limited space or budget constraints.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional print quality with 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system | ❌ Higher price point compared to standard photo printers |
| ✅ Supports a wide range of media types and sizes up to 13" x 19" | ❌ Larger footprint may not be suitable for small workspaces |
| ✅ Includes professional print & layout software for enhanced control | ❌ Ink and maintenance costs can be high for frequent users |
Epson SureColor P900: Best Professional Desktop Photo Printer
Epson SureColor P900 17" Photo Printer, 10 Channel Print Head, USB 3.0, ... -- $1336.98(Microless.com)
SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer,Black -- $1229.99(Amazon)
Epson SureColor P900 Printer -- $1249(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Why We Picked It
The Epson SureColor P900 stands out for its exceptional print quality, leveraging a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink system and advanced black-and-white photo mode to deliver outstanding monochrome and vibrant color prints. Its professional media handling and compact design make it a top choice for serious photographers and artists who demand high-quality prints from a desktop printer.
Who It's For
The SureColor P900 is best suited for professional photographers, artists, and print studios that require exhibition-quality prints. It's also a great fit for photography enthusiasts who want to produce high-quality prints at home. However, it may not be the best option for casual users due to the investment in both the printer and ongoing ink costs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Outstanding image quality with 10-color ink system | ❌ High cost of ink cartridges |
| ✅ No ink switching for Photo and Matte Black | ❌ Significant initial investment |
| ✅ Compact design with professional media handling | ❌ Designed for use exclusively with Epson cartridges, limiting third-party options |
Canon PIXMA PRO-200: Affordable Professional Quality Printing
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Printer -- $499.99(Canon)
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Color Photo Printer -- $247.96(Hail Your Hair)
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer -- $476.63(ExcellentPhoto.ca)
PIXMA Pro 200 Professional 13 inch Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer - with ... -- $499(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 stands out for its ability to deliver vibrant and detailed prints, thanks to its 8-color dye-based ink system. It's designed to meet the demands of photographers and graphic artists who require professional quality prints in vibrant color. With features like fast photo printing, enhanced color gamut, and versatile media handling, it offers a compact and efficient solution for high-quality printing needs. Its affordability compared to other professional models makes it an attractive option for those looking to produce professional-level work without breaking the bank.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for photographers, graphic artists, and creative professionals who prioritize color accuracy and print quality in their work. It's also a great choice for home studios or small businesses that require a compact, yet powerful printing solution. However, it may not be the best fit for those who require prints with the utmost longevity, due to concerns about the lifespan of dye-based inks compared to pigment-based inks.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Vibrant and detailed prints with 8-color dye-based ink system | ❌ Dye-based inks may not offer the same longevity as pigment-based inks |
| ✅ Fast photo printing and enhanced color gamut for professional results | ❌ May require regular maintenance to ensure optimal print quality |
| ✅ Compact design with versatile media handling and intuitive software integration | ❌ Initial cost may be higher than standard home printers |
Epson SureColor P700: Best Professional Photo Printer
Epson SureColor P700 13" WF Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer w/Light Cyan/ ... -- $875.97(Adorama)
Epson SureColor P700 13" Photo Printer -- $829(prodigitalgear.com)
Epson SureColor P700 Printer -- $829(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Surecolor Sc-p700 -- $834.94(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Epson SureColor P700 stands out for its exceptional print quality, leveraging a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 Ink set that includes Violet, enabling a wide color gamut and rich, vibrant colors. Its new 10-Channel MicroPiezo AMC Printhead ensures consistent, accurate prints with excellent speed. Designed for professionals and photography enthusiasts, the P700 combines high performance with an aesthetically pleasing and compact design.
Who It's For
The SureColor P700 is ideal for professional photographers, semi-professionals, and ambitious amateurs who demand high-quality prints and appreciate hardware that not only performs well but also looks good in their workspace. It's especially well-suited for those who print both color and black-and-white photographs and seek deep blacks and an expanded blue color gamut for true-to-life image reproduction.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Outstanding image quality with UltraChrome PRO10 Ink and expanded color gamut | ❌ High cost of ownership due to expensive ink prices |
| ✅ Dedicated nozzles for black inks eliminate the need for ink switching | ❌ May be overkill for casual users or those with basic printing needs |
| ✅ Compact and aesthetically pleasing design with easy-to-use features | ❌ Ink consumption can be high, especially with frequent maintenance cycles |
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000: Best Professional Photographic Printer
Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Photographic Inkjet Printer - N... -- $698.33(Mercari)
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Photographic Inkjet Printer -- $600(Etsy - SideCycle)
MC-20 Maintenance Cartridge for Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Inkjet Print... -- $14(Amazon)
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 17" Professional Photographic Inkjet Photo P... -- $1249.99(Canon)
Pfi-1000 12 Color Ink Cartridges Pack Replacement for Canon imagePROGRAF... -- $279.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a top-tier professional photographic inkjet printer that stands out for its exceptional color accuracy and print quality. With a 12-color LUCIA PRO ink system, it delivers a wide color gamut and detailed gradations, making it an excellent choice for photographers, artists, and professionals who demand high-fidelity prints.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for professional photographers, graphic designers, and artists who require precise color reproduction and high-quality prints for exhibitions, portfolios, or sales. It's not ideal for those with limited space or who need a portable printing solution due to its large size and weight.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ 12-color LUCIA PRO ink system for superior color reproduction | ❌ Large and heavy, reducing portability and requiring more space |
| ✅ Capable of producing gallery-quality prints up to 17 inches wide | ❌ Higher price point reflecting its professional-grade capabilities |
| ✅ User-replaceable maintenance cartridge for easy upkeep | ❌ Ink and maintenance cartridges can be an additional ongoing cost |
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000: Compact Wide-Format Photo Printer
Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon ... -- $399.99(Amazon)
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wide-Format Printer, Black -- $399.99(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Why We Picked It
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 stands out for its ability to deliver professional ultra HD photo quality with its 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system, including red and gray inks for an exceptionally wide color gamut and enhanced black-and-white prints. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space but in need of wide-format printing capabilities. The printer's support for a variety of paper finishes and sizes, along with convenient features like auto 2-sided document printing and a 200-sheet front tray, make it a versatile tool for both personal and professional projects.
Who It's For
This printer is perfect for photographers, artists, and hobbyists who require high-quality, wide-format prints but don't have the space for a larger printer. It's also great for small businesses that need to print professional-looking materials in-house. However, it might not be the best fit for users who require high-volume printing at fast speeds due to its slower print speed.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Professional ultra HD photo quality with 6-color Claria Photo HD inks | ❌ Print speed may not be suitable for high-volume users |
| ✅ Supports a wide range of paper finishes and sizes, including borderless prints up to 13x19 inches | ❌ Designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges, limiting third-party ink options |
| ✅ Compact and 30% smaller than its predecessor, fitting easily on a desktop | ❌ Some users may find the initial cost and cost of replacement ink cartridges to be high |
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: Best High-Capacity Photo Printer
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supert... -- $247.96(curfew-grooming)
552 EcoTank Ink Ultra-high Capacity Bottle Five Color Combo Pack (T55292... -- $87.45(Amazon)
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Printer Black -- $879.7(eBay - trippodoshop)
552 Ink Bottles Ecotank 6 Pack ET-8550 ET-8500 Replacement for Epson 552... -- $79.99(Amazon)
Epson - EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer -- $699.99(Best Buy)
552 EcoTank Ink Ultra-high Capacity Bottle Black (T552020-S) Works with ... -- $19.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a top-tier choice for photographers and print enthusiasts who require high-quality, frequent printing without the ongoing cost and hassle of traditional cartridges. Its high-capacity ink tanks and EcoFit bottles offer a convenient and eco-friendly solution, while the Claria ET Premium Ink ensures exceptional image quality with accurate color reproductions and smooth gradations.
Who It's For
This printer is ideal for professional photographers, photography enthusiasts, and small businesses that need to produce high-quality photo prints regularly. It's also a great fit for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact and save money on ink in the long term, despite the higher initial investment.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cartridge-free printing with high-capacity ink tanks | ❌ Higher initial setup cost compared to traditional printers |
| ✅ Exceptional image quality with Claria ET Premium Ink | ❌ Genuine Epson ink recommended, which may limit cheaper third-party options |
| ✅ Cost-effective for frequent printing with affordable ink refills | ❌ May be overkill for users with infrequent printing needs |
HP ENVY Photo 7855: Versatile All-in-One Printer for Photography Enthusiasts
64XL Ink Cartridge Combo Pack Replacement for HP Ink 64 HP 64XL HP 64 In... -- $44.99(Amazon)
64 Black/Tri-color Ink Cartridges (2-pack) | Works with HP ENVY Inspire ... -- $44.89(Amazon)
HP Envy Photo 7858 All-in-One Printer -- $219(Server Evolution)
64XL Ink Cartridges Black and Color Replacement for HP 64XL Ink Cartridg... -- $64.89(Amazon)
Remanufactured Ink Cartridge Replacement for HP Ink 64 for Envy Photo 78... -- $54.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HP ENVY Photo 7855 stands out as a versatile all-in-one printer that caters to photographers who require not just high-quality photo printing but also scanning and copying functionalities. Its compatibility with a wide range of HP ink cartridges, including the 64XL Ink Cartridge Combo Pack, ensures users can achieve decent photo print quality for their projects. The printer's ability to work seamlessly with various HP ENVY and Tango series models, along with its upgraded chips for perfect compatibility and strict quality control, makes it a reliable choice for personal and semi-professional use.
Who It's For
Ideal for photography enthusiasts and home users who need a multifunctional printer for occasional photo printing alongside regular document printing, scanning, and copying tasks. However, it may not fully satisfy professional photographers seeking the highest quality prints for commercial purposes.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Supports a wide range of HP ink cartridges for flexible printing options | ❌ Not designed for high-end professional photo printing |
| ✅ Includes scanning and copying capabilities, making it a versatile all-in-one solution | ❌ May require frequent ink replacements for heavy users |
| ✅ Features upgraded chips and strict quality control for reliable performance | ❌ Not compatible with printers activated with HP+ service and models ending with 'e' |
Brother HL-L8360CDW: Best High-Volume Business Color Laser Printer
Business Color Laser Printer, HL-L8360CDW, Wireless Networking, Automati... -- $449.98(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Brother HL-L8360CDW is a robust business color laser printer that offers a good balance of speed, print quality, and connectivity options. It's designed to meet the demands of high-volume printing environments with its fast print speeds and high-yield toner cartridges. While it's not specialized for photo printing, it still delivers good color accuracy for business graphics and casual photo prints.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses or workgroups that require reliable, high-speed color printing. It's also a good fit for offices that need to print a variety of documents, including presentations with graphics, reports, and occasional photos. However, it may not be the best choice for professional photographers or businesses that need the highest quality photo prints.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fast printing speeds up to 33 ppm for both color and black prints | ❌ Not specialized for high-quality photo printing |
| ✅ Convenient connectivity options including wireless and Gigabit Ethernet | ❌ Higher initial cost compared to some inkjet printers |
| ✅ Automatic duplex printing and Amazon Dash Replenishment for efficiency | ❌ Toner can be expensive over time, despite high-yield options |
Canon SELPHY CP1300: Best Portable Photo Printer for On-the-Go Prints
Selphy CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer with AirPrint and Mopria De... -- $139.99(Amazon)
SELPHY CP1300 Compact Photo Printer Black + 2X KP-108IN Color Ink & Pape... -- $219.95(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 stands out for its compact size and portability, making it an excellent choice for printing high-quality photos on the go. With its dye-sublimation printing technology, it offers the convenience of instant dry prints that can last up to 100 years and are water-resistant. The ability to print from various sources, including smartphones, tablets, USB, or directly from a camera's memory card, adds to its versatility, making it a great companion for capturing memories wherever you are.
Who It's For
The SELPHY CP1300 is ideal for photography enthusiasts, scrapbookers, and anyone looking for a convenient way to produce physical copies of their digital photos at home or during events. It's also perfect for those who enjoy creating photo collages or running a DIY photo booth at parties. However, it's not suitable for users who need to print in large volumes or require larger print sizes than the maximum 4x6 inches.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compact and portable design with optional battery pack for mobile printing | ❌ Limited to small print sizes, with a maximum of 4x6 inches |
| ✅ Instant dry, water-resistant prints that last up to 100 years | ❌ Not suitable for high-volume printing tasks |
| ✅ Multiple connectivity options including AirPrint, Mopria, and Canon print app | ❌ Ink and paper costs can add up over time for frequent users |
Thanks for checking out our top printer picks for photographers! If you need more help or recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy printing!