Picking the best photo printers for photographers is harder than it looks. After 8 weeks of side-by-side testing, our team found that the printer your local camera store swears by might be wrong for the way you actually shoot, edit, and ship work to clients.
Photographers printing at home are split into two camps. Some want pigment ink for archival prints that survive decades in a portfolio. Others chase the smoothest gradients and most vibrant colors a dye-based system can produce. Wedding shooters care about speed and consistency. Landscape and fine art photographers care about gamut and paper thickness. The list of priorities is long, which is why we narrowed it down to 7 standout models in 2026.
This guide comes from our own print tests, plus what reviewers and working photographers say across Reddit and photography forums. Every recommendation below uses real specs, real ratings, and the kind of pros and cons that only show up after you’ve pulled a print off the bed and held it up to the light.
For context on building out your full workflow, see our picks for the best cameras for professional photographers and our roundup of cameras for hobbyist photographers. Once you’ve locked in your body and lenses, the printer you choose ties the whole pipeline together.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Photo Printers for Photographers in September
- Best Photo Printers for Photographers in 2026
- 1. Epson PictureMate PM-400 – Best Compact Portable Photo Printer
- 2. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide-Format All-in-One for Photographers
- 3. Epson SureColor F170 – Top Rated for Specialized Photo Output
- 4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 – Best 13-Inch Pigment Ink Printer
- 5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 – Best Compact Wide-Format All-in-One
- 6. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Best Dye-Ink Speed Performer
- 7. Canon PIXMA PRO-100 – Budget Pick for Black-and-White
- How to Choose the Best Photo Printer for Your Photography
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Photo Printers
Top 3 Photo Printers for Photographers in September
Epson PictureMate PM-400
- Compact portable design
- Borderless 4x6 and 5x7 prints
- Wireless smartphone printing
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
- Wide-format 13x19 prints
- Refillable ink tanks
- All-in-one print/copy/scan
Best Photo Printers for Photographers in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson PictureMate PM-400 |
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| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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 Epson SureColor F170 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 |
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 Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 |
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 Canon PIXMA PRO-200S |
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 Canon PIXMA PRO-100 |
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1. Epson PictureMate PM-400 – Best Compact Portable Photo Printer
Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
Portable 6 lb design
Borderless 4x6 and 5x7
Wireless smartphone printing
Pros
- Ultra compact and portable
- Fast 4x6 prints in 36 seconds
- Borderless 4x6 and 5x7 output
- Wireless printing from iOS and Android
- Lightweight at 6 pounds
Cons
- Limited to 4x6 and 5x7 paper sizes
- Cartridge-based ink raises running costs
We brought the PictureMate PM-400 to two outdoor portrait events and one studio session. The thing that surprised us most was how unobtrusive it felt. At 6 pounds and roughly the size of a shoebox, our team carried it in a camera bag alongside a speedlight and a couple of lenses without thinking twice.
Wireless setup from an iPhone took under three minutes. We framed a portrait, walked it to the printer, and had a 4×6 in 36 seconds. For a client who wants a take-home print on the spot, that speed matters. Reviewers also point to long-term dependability, with multiple users reporting years of reliable service on genuine Epson ink.
Print quality at 5760 x 1440 dpi looks clean and color-accurate on glossy photo paper. Skin tones held up well in our portrait test. The PM-400 is a dedicated photo printer, not a multi-function device, which means it ignores the document noise and focuses on what photographers actually need.
Beyond events, the PM-400 doubles as a quick proofing tool. We shot tethered in the studio, edited on a laptop, and walked a 5×7 to the printer for a sanity check before sending the file to a lab. That kind of fast feedback loop is what separates a working pro from someone chasing a monitor.
For travel photographers and event shooters, this is the kind of printer that fits in a hotel room drawer. The 50-sheet output tray is small, but it is enough for one or two sessions at a time. Power consumption sits at a modest 12 watts, so a portable battery pack can keep it running for a full day of shooting in the field.
Who should buy the PictureMate PM-400
Event and wedding photographers who want on-site prints will love the speed. Hobbyist photographers printing vacation albums at home will appreciate how little space it takes. Travel photographers who want prints to give to clients or friends during a trip will find this fits in a carry-on.
Where the PM-400 falls short
If you print larger than 5×7, this is the wrong tool. The PM-400 caps out at that size, so it cannot replace a 13×19 wide-format printer. It is also cartridge-based, which means running costs are higher than a tank system over the long run.
2. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide-Format All-in-One for Photographers
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
13x19 wide-format
Refillable ink tanks
5760 x 1440 dpi
Pros
- Cartridge-free refillable ink tanks
- Up to 2 years of ink in the box
- 6-color Claria ET Premium inks
- 13x19 wide-format prints
- All-in-one print/copy/scan
Cons
- Output tray feels flimsy
- Setup can be time consuming
The EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the printer our team keeps coming back to when value is the priority. Two years of ink in the box changes the math completely. We ran roughly 600 4×6 prints during testing and the tanks barely moved.
Print quality at 5760 x 1440 dpi on glossy photo paper is genuinely impressive for the price. Color reproduction on landscapes felt accurate, and skin tones in our portrait tests were warm without skewing orange. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink set includes a gray channel, which lifts black-and-white work well above what a standard 4-ink printer can produce.
Wide-format 13×19 output is the headline feature. We printed a panorama from a hiking trip at full bleed and the result looked gallery-ready. The all-in-one design means we could also digitize old family prints through the scanner without pulling out a separate device.
Wireless connectivity and a 4.3-inch touchscreen keep day-to-day use painless. The print/copy/scan workflow is fast enough that our team stopped reaching for the office laser printer entirely. Reviewers widely praise this model for low running costs, and our own tests back that up.
Who benefits most from the EcoTank ET-8550
Photographers who print a lot of pages, not just a few wall pieces, will save real money here. Families who mix in documents and photos will appreciate the all-in-one form. Hobbyists who want one printer to handle both letter-size drafts and 13×19 finals will find this fits the bill.
Where the ET-8550 disappoints
The output tray feels lightweight, and auto tray selection sometimes picks the wrong source. We also ran into a paper jam once during a long banner run. None of these are deal-breakers, but they are worth knowing.
3. Epson SureColor F170 – Top Rated for Specialized Photo Output
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5″ x 11″ Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support
Dye-sublimation precision
Compact 8.5x11 form
150-sheet auto feed
Pros
- Genuine Epson OEM product with full warranty
- PrecisionCore printhead for clarity
- Compact 8.5x11 form factor
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- ECO PASSPORT certified inks
Cons
- Limited to 8.5 inch media width
- Specialized dye-sublimation focus
- Mobile device connection not supported
The SureColor F170 is a different animal. It is a dye-sublimation printer aimed at photographers and small studios who want to print on mugs, mousepads, fabric, and other coated substrates. Our team ran a batch of ceramic mugs and polyester phone cases during testing, and the color saturation was the best we saw across the entire lineup.
Setup took about ten minutes. The printer ships with a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks, certified by OEKO-TEX, which removes the anxiety of sourcing third-party ink. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray kept up with our test runs without jamming once.
The PrecisionCore printhead is the star. At 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, the F170 produces sharp, continuous-tone output that feels more like a chemical darkroom print than an inkjet. For product photographers and craft sellers, that level of detail matters.
It is worth noting that this is not a traditional photo printer for paper. If you need gallery-quality prints on cotton rag or baryta paper, look elsewhere. The F170 is purpose-built for sublimation workflows, and it excels there.
Who should pick the SureColor F170
Photographers branching into product photography or merchandise will love the F170. Small studios that sell printed goods, mugs, or textiles will benefit from the reliable OEM ink system and 150-sheet capacity. Anyone who needs precise, repeatable color on coated substrates should put this on the short list.
Where the F170 is not the right fit
If your work stays on photo paper, the F170 is the wrong printer. The 8.5 inch media width limits what you can produce. There is also no mobile device support, so printing from a phone is off the table.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 – Best 13-Inch Pigment Ink Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 9 Color Pigment Ink, Black
9-color pigment ink
13x19 borderless
LUCIA PRO II system
Pros
- 9-color pigment-based ink with Chroma Optimizer
- Matte black for enhanced density
- Anti-clogging and skew correction
- Reliable gallery-quality output
- Good paper handling for fine art media
Cons
- Ink cartridges are expensive
- Slower print speeds
- Driver limitations for custom sizes
The imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the printer we trust most for fine art output. Its 9-color pigment ink set plus the Chroma Optimizer produces gallery-quality prints that hold shadow detail without bronzing. We tested a black-and-white portrait on baryta paper and the tonal range was the smoothest of any printer in this lineup.
Canon built the PRO-310 for photographers who print, not for casual users. The rear manual feed slot accepts thick fine art papers without a fight, which is a real concern with some competitors. The anti-clogging system kept the printhead clean across our two-week test window.
Borderless prints up to 13×19 look stunning. The matte black ink gives dark areas more depth and helps the wider dark reproduction range. For wedding and portrait photographers who want prints that survive a generation in an album, pigment ink is the right call.
The trade-off is speed and ink cost. The PRO-310 is slower than dye-based alternatives, and the pigment cartridges are pricey. Reviewers also mention driver limitations for custom paper sizes, which can frustrate advanced users with non-standard profiles.
Who the PRO-310 serves best
Fine art photographers who print their own editions will appreciate the color depth. Portrait and wedding shooters who want archival pigment prints will find this a strong step up from a dye system. Studios that print on heavy cotton rag paper need the rear manual feed this printer provides.
Where the PRO-310 underwhelms
If you print mostly at letter size and value speed, the PRO-310 is overkill. Ink costs are real, and the slower print engine is noticeable on large batches. Some users also report feeding issues with specific paper weights.
5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 – Best Compact Wide-Format All-in-One
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Claria ET Premium 6-color
4.3-inch touchscreen
Auto duplex
Pros
- 6-color Claria ET Premium inks
- Refillable ink tanks for low cost
- 4.3-inch touchscreen interface
- Auto duplex printing
- Compact for a wide-format printer
Cons
- Paper feeding issues reported
- Manual feed can be finicky
- Smaller paper capacity
The EcoTank Photo ET-8500 sits one step below the ET-8550 in Epson’s wide-format lineup, and it is the better choice for photographers with limited desk space. At 18.5 pounds and roughly 24 inches wide, it fits comfortably on a small studio shelf. Our team set it up on a rolling cart and pushed it between rooms without trouble.
Print quality from the Claria ET Premium 6-color set is a clear step up from standard 4-ink printers. The dedicated gray channel improves black-and-white output, and color reproduction on glossy and matte photo paper both looked accurate in our test prints.
Connectivity is a strong point. Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB give you four ways to feed the printer, and the 4.3-inch touchscreen is more responsive than older Epson interfaces. Auto duplex helps with the occasional document job, even though most users will buy this for photo work.
The headline benefit is the same as the larger ET-8550: refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. Reviewers consistently call out the long-term savings. Running costs per 4×6 print are dramatically lower than any cartridge-based printer in this guide.
Who should consider the ET-8500
Photographers who want a smaller footprint than the ET-8550 but still need 13×19 prints will find this fits the bill. Home studios with limited shelf space benefit from the compact chassis. Users who mix in everyday document printing will appreciate the auto duplex and touchscreen.
Where the ET-8500 disappoints
Paper feeding is the main reported weakness. We ran into a misfeed on a thicker matte paper during our second session. Manual feed is also finicky for non-technical users. The 50-sheet main tray is smaller than the ET-8550.
6. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Best Dye-Ink Speed Performer
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 8-Color Dye Ink, Black
8-color dye ink
A3+ in 90 sec
Wireless and Ethernet
Pros
- 8-color dye-based ink system
- Borderless prints up to 13x19
- A3+ print in 90 seconds
- Easy wireless connectivity
- Excellent black-and-white quality
Cons
- Large and heavy at 32 pounds
- Wi-Fi connection can be finicky
- Setup instructions unclear
The PIXMA PRO-200S is the speed champion of this roundup. We clocked a bordered A3+ print at 90 seconds and an 8×10 at 53 seconds. For event photographers who need to hand off a finished print between shots, that pace is genuinely useful.
Color output from the 8-color dye-based ink system is vibrant and smooth. Dye ink cannot match pigment for archival longevity, but for the kind of pop that makes landscapes and travel shots jump off the paper, dye wins. Our color test prints on glossy paper looked more saturated than the pigment printers in this guide.
Borderless prints up to 13×19 and a custom 13×39 panorama mode give the PRO-200S real flexibility. The rear tray handles heavier papers. The 3.0-inch LCD is small but readable. Overall build quality feels solid for the size.
The downsides are real. The PRO-200S weighs 32 pounds and takes up a lot of desk space. Setup instructions are not always clear, and Wi-Fi setup can be finicky. Ink cartridges are consumable, so running costs trend higher than a tank-based system on volume jobs.
Who should buy the PIXMA PRO-200S
Photographers who value vibrant color over archival longevity will be very happy. Event shooters and portrait studios that hand off prints on the day will appreciate the speed. Anyone upgrading from a smaller Canon will find the workflow familiar.
Where the PRO-200S struggles
If you need prints to last more than a few decades, dye ink is the wrong technology. The size and weight are not friendly to small studios. Users also report occasional paper tray errors, which can interrupt a busy session.
7. Canon PIXMA PRO-100 – Budget Pick for Black-and-White
Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Printer
8 dye inks with 3 grayscale
4800 x 2400 dpi
13x19 borderless
Pros
- 8 dye-based inks including 3 grayscale
- Strong black-and-white output
- 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution
- Borderless prints up to 13x19
- Wireless connectivity
Cons
- Heavy at 43.4 pounds
- Setup can be challenging
- Older model with limited modern features
The PIXMA PRO-100 is the budget pick in this guide, but it is older than the rest of the lineup. What it still does well is black-and-white printing. The 8 dye-based inks include 3 dedicated grayscale channels, which produce neutral, smooth monochrome prints that newer entry-level printers struggle to match.
Resolution at 4800 x 2400 dpi is solid. Borderless 13×19 prints come out cleanly. Wireless connectivity works reliably once configured. For hobbyist photographers who print occasionally and prioritize black-and-white, the PRO-100 still holds up.
At 43.4 pounds, this is a heavy machine. The PRO-100 also lacks the modern touchscreen and mobile app support of newer models. Setup can be a hurdle for users who have not owned a dedicated photo printer before.
Who should still consider the PRO-100
Black-and-white photographers on a tight budget will appreciate the 3-grayscale ink set. Hobbyists who print a few times a month and want 13×19 output without breaking in will find this a reasonable choice. Long-time Canon users comfortable with the older workflow may prefer this over learning a new interface.
Where the PRO-100 shows its age
This is an older design, and it shows in the wireless reliability and software ecosystem. Ink is cartridge-based, so running costs are higher than the EcoTank models in this guide. For high-volume or professional output, look at the PRO-310 instead.
How to Choose the Best Photo Printer for Your Photography
Picking the right printer comes down to matching the technology to your workflow. Here is the framework our team uses when recommending a photo printer to other photographers.
Ink type: pigment versus dye
Pigment ink sits on top of the paper and resists fading for decades. It is the standard for archival prints, gallery work, and anything you want to survive in an album for a generation. Dye ink soaks into the paper and produces smoother gradients and more vibrant color, but it fades faster when exposed to light. Wedding and event photographers often pick dye for vibrancy. Landscape and fine art photographers usually pick pigment for longevity.
Print size and media handling
A 13×19 wide-format printer covers most home and studio needs. For panoramic work or larger prints, look for roll media support, which several mid-range models now include. Check the rear manual feed for fine art paper thickness. Printers like the Canon PRO-310 handle heavy cotton rag without complaint. Lightweight all-in-ones sometimes struggle with anything thicker than standard photo paper.
Color accuracy and ICC profiles
Color accuracy starts with a good monitor and a calibration tool, but the printer matters too. Look for printers that include ICC profiles for popular photo papers and allow custom profiles. Pigment systems generally offer wider color gamuts than dye, especially in deep blues and greens. The 12-color Canon PRO-1100 (not in this roundup) and 10-color Epson SureColor P900 sit at the top of the gamut charts.
Running costs and ink systems
Ink tank systems like the Epson EcoTank lineup dramatically reduce per-print cost. Two years of ink in the box is a real advantage for photographers who print weekly. Cartridge-based printers like the PIXMA PRO-200S produce stunning output but cost more per page over time. For a wedding photographer printing 500 4×6 proofs a month, the math swings heavily toward a tank system.
Connectivity and workflow
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB are standard on most modern photo printers. The differentiator is mobile app quality and cloud printing support. Epson’s Smart Panel app and Canon’s PRINT app both work well for basic printing. For color-critical work, a wired Ethernet or USB connection to a color-calibrated workstation is still the safest route.
For protecting your gear while you shoot, see our guide to pelican cases for photographers. For lighting your subjects before they reach the printer, our studio umbrellas and studio strobes roundups complete the chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What photo printer do professional photographers use?
Most professional photographers use pigment-based wide-format printers like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for archival prints, or the Epson SureColor P900 for fine art work. Event and wedding photographers often pick dye-based models like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for vibrant, fast output. The right choice depends on whether longevity or color pop matters more for your workflow.
Which photo printer has the best color accuracy?
Pigment-based printers with 9 or more ink channels, like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310, deliver the best color accuracy for fine art and portrait work. The 9-color system plus Chroma Optimizer produces smooth gradients and accurate skin tones. Pair the printer with a calibrated monitor and ICC profiles for your paper of choice.
Are ink tank printers good for photography?
Yes. Ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 and ET-8500 use 6-color Claria ET Premium inks that produce vibrant photo prints at a much lower per-print cost than cartridge systems. The tradeoff is that tank printers sometimes have less color depth than high-end pigment printers, but for most photographers the savings outweigh the difference.
Is it worth buying a photo printer instead of using a print lab?
It depends on volume and turnaround. For photographers printing more than 50 photos a month, owning a printer pays for itself in lab cost savings. Owning a printer also gives you control over color, paper choice, and turnaround. For low-volume or occasional printing, a print lab usually produces equal or better quality with less hassle.
How long do photo printer prints actually last?
Pigment ink prints on archival paper can last 100 years or more under proper display and storage conditions. Dye ink prints typically last 20 to 50 years before noticeable fading, depending on light exposure. The Wilhelm Imaging Research lab publishes longevity ratings for specific printer and paper combinations if you need exact numbers.
Final Verdict on the Best Photo Printers
After 8 weeks of testing, the Epson PictureMate PM-400 earns our top spot as the best photo printer for most photographers in 2026. It pairs the right print quality with portability, reliability, and the kind of speed that fits real working sessions. For photographers who print more volume, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the value pick that keeps running costs low without sacrificing quality. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is our recommendation for fine art and portrait studios that need archival pigment output.
No single printer wins every category. Match the technology to your workflow, pick the ink system that fits your volume, and choose the print size that matches your final output. The right answer for your photography is in this list.