For photographers seeking to create impactful, large-scale prints, the Epson SureColor P900 stands out as the premier choice. This 17-inch printer delivers exceptional print quality, matching that of our top pick while accommodating significantly larger formats. If you’re aiming to sell your photographic prints, enhance your portfolio, or simply want to showcase your work with greater visual impact, the Epson SureColor P900 is designed to exceed expectations.
The Epson SureColor P900 photo printer printing out a photo.
The Epson SureColor P900 distinguishes itself from other wide-format printers, such as the Canon ImagePrograf PRO-1000, with its user-friendly operation and superior output. It mirrors the outstanding print quality of the Epson SureColor P700, our top recommendation, but expands capabilities to 17-inch wide prints using the same professional-grade pigment inks. It also shares the same sleek design and broad compatibility with various paper types, making it a versatile tool for discerning photographers.
A notable advantage of the Epson P900 is its consistent printing speed across different connection methods. Whether utilizing Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB-B, print speeds remain consistently fast. In direct comparisons with the 17-inch Canon PRO-1000 at comparable resolution settings, the P900 consistently demonstrated faster print times, often significantly so when using Wi-Fi. For instance, printing a 12×18-inch image from a high-resolution crop of the NASA Pillars of Creation image on 13×19-inch luster paper via Wi-Fi, the P900 completed the task in 16 minutes and 33 seconds, while the Canon PRO-1000 required a considerably longer 24 minutes and 10 seconds.
The side of the Epson SureColor P900 photo printer.
Functionally, the P900 largely mirrors the acclaimed P700. It inherits the features that make the P700 a favorite, including long-lasting inks, extensive paper compatibility, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and an aesthetically pleasing design that allows users to observe the printing process through a transparent window. The P900 readily handles a diverse range of premium papers, including Red River’s Polar Gloss Metallic and Palo Duro SoftGloss Rag, Hahnemühle’s FineArt Baryta Satin, Canson’s Infinity Baryta Photographique, Awagami Factory’s handmade Japanese paper, and Epson’s Professional Media line, such as Legacy Fibre. Each paper type consistently yielded exceptional print results, showcasing the printer’s versatility.
Furthermore, the optional roll-feed adapter unlocks the potential for creating panoramic or banner-style prints up to 129 inches in length. While the width is capped at 17 inches, the extended length capability significantly surpasses the Canon PRO-1000’s 47-inch limit. This feature is ideal for creating striking vertical displays or expansive photographic art. It’s important to note that the roll-feed mechanism on the P900 does not include a built-in cutter, necessitating manual trimming with sharp scissors or a paper cutter, especially given the thickness of photo paper.
However, the main paper feed, which Epson terms the rear feed, can occasionally be sensitive, sometimes drawing in multiple sheets instead of a single one. During testing, this resulted in a misprint that wasted two sheets of paper. While not a frequent occurrence, it’s advisable to manually feed individual sheets, particularly when using expensive specialty papers to prevent potential waste.
In contrast, the other paper feed options on the P900 performed reliably. The roll feed operated without issues, a possible improvement over the P700’s built-in roll feed. The front paper feed on the P900, an updated design from the P800 predecessor, also functioned flawlessly for thicker media. Although loading thick paper through the front feed is slower, taking around 1 minute and 30 seconds, this deliberate pace seems appropriate for handling delicate and costly papers with care.
Concerns about print head clogging have proven minimal with the Epson P900. Extensive testing over a year, including periods of inactivity up to two months, revealed that only a single head cleaning was needed to restore optimal performance. This clog resistance marks a significant advancement over older inkjet models, aligning with the positive performance observed in the Canon ImagePrograf PRO-1000. While individual experiences may vary, consistent printing, even a nozzle check pattern every two weeks, is recommended to maintain print head health.
In conclusion, the Epson SureColor P900 excels as the Best Printer For Photos when large format printing is a priority. Its combination of exceptional print quality, speed, user-friendliness, and versatile paper handling, including impressive roll printing capabilities, makes it an outstanding investment for photographers seeking professional-grade, wide format output.
