Best printer? Epson ET 8550 or SC P700 - which A3+ printer is best for you

Summary

In this video, Keith Cooper compares two printers: the Epson 8550 EcoTank and the Epson P700 with conventional ink cartridges. Both printers are similar in size and capabilities but differ in print quality, ink types, and functionality. The 8550 uses six dye-based inks, while the P700 employs pigment inks for more archival quality. The video explores factors such as print cost, media support, print quality for color and black-and-white images, software compatibility, and practical usability, ultimately concluding that the choice depends on individual needs, from casual printing to professional photo and fine art printing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The comparison between the Epson 8550 EcoTank and Canon SCP-700 printers highlights that both are 13-inch inkjet printers with a maximum print size of 13 by 19 inches (A3+).
• 😀 The Epson 8550 uses a unique six-ink system, including a pigment black ink and a photo black, while the Canon SCP-700 uses 10 ink cartridges with a conventional ink setup.
• 😀 Pigment inks, such as the one used in the Epson 8550, are more durable and provide better archival quality, which is ideal for professional and long-lasting color prints.
• 😀 Dye-based inks in the Canon SCP-700 provide vibrant colors, especially for glossy prints, but may not last as long as pigment inks in the Epson 8550.
• 😀 The Epson 8550 is more ink-efficient due to its EcoTank system, which reduces ink replacement frequency, while the Canon SCP-700 requires frequent cartridge replacements, leading to higher operational costs.
• 😀 For black and white printing, the Epson 8550 performs better due to its two black inks (photo black and matte black), offering smoother gradients and more precise tones.
• 😀 The Epson P700 (similar to the 8550) is favored for black and white prints as it avoids color tints, providing cleaner, more accurate monochrome results.
• 😀 Both printers can handle media via back-feeding, but the Epson 8550 has a simpler, more accessible paper loading process, while the Canon SCP-700 may be a bit more awkward to use.
• 😀 The Epson 8550’s EcoTank design offers a more economical solution for high-volume printing, while the Canon SCP-700 is better suited for smaller, less frequent print jobs.
• 😀 When choosing between the two printers, it depends on whether print quality (especially for color and black-and-white), ink efficiency, or cost-effectiveness is the user's priority.

Q & A

What are the key similarities between the Epson 8550 EcoTank and the Epson P700 printers?

Both the Epson 8550 EcoTank and the Epson P700 are inkjet printers capable of printing a maximum sheet size of 13 x 19 inches (A3+). They have similar physical setups, including back paper feeds and front print output, and both feature maintenance tanks for managing ink during printing.

What distinguishes the ink systems used by the Epson 8550 and the Epson P700?

The Epson 8550 uses six inks, including a pigment black and five dye-based inks (cyan, yellow, magenta, photo black, and gray). The Epson P700, on the other hand, utilizes all pigment inks, including two black inks (photo and matte), along with additional grays and a violet ink, which contributes to a wider color gamut and higher print quality.

How do the ink capacities compare between the Epson 8550 and Epson P700?

The Epson 8550 EcoTank uses bottles of ink, with a total capacity of 250 milliliters of ink across all six tanks. In contrast, the Epson P700 uses conventional 25-milliliter ink cartridges, totaling 420 milliliters of ink. This gives the P700 more ink per cartridge but still uses a smaller overall capacity compared to the EcoTank.

Which printer would be better for producing high-quality archival prints?

The Epson P700 is the better option for producing archival prints, as it uses pigment-based inks, which are more durable and resistant to fading over time compared to dye-based inks. If long-lasting prints are important, the P700’s pigment inks would be preferable.

What are the main differences in media support between the two printers?

The Epson P700 supports roll paper printing, specifically 13-inch roll paper, and has a more specialized media path for handling it. The Epson 8550 EcoTank, while it does not have a roll paper feed, can print long sheets by cutting off lengths of paper and feeding them through as custom-size sheets.

How does the user experience differ between the Epson 8550 and the Epson P700?

The Epson P700 features a high-quality, backlit display screen, which makes it easier to monitor print progress and adjust settings. In contrast, the Epson 8550 has a more basic screen, which may not provide the same level of visibility and ease of use, especially in low-light conditions.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing between these two printers?

Choosing between these printers depends on the intended use. The Epson P700 is ideal for those focused on producing high-quality color and black-and-white prints, especially for professional or archival work. The Epson 8550 is more suitable for general-purpose printing, especially for users who prefer the lower cost and convenience of the EcoTank system and are not as concerned about absolute print quality.

How does the black-and-white print quality compare between the two printers?

The Epson P700 excels in black-and-white printing, thanks to its specialized pigment inks and dual black ink setup (photo and matte black), which provides smooth gradients and rich tonality. The Epson 8550 can produce good black-and-white prints, but it uses a combination of gray ink and primary colors, which may not achieve the same tonal depth and consistency as the P700.

What is the role of software in printing with the Epson 8550 and Epson P700?

Both printers can be used effectively with Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as other photo-editing software. The Epson P700 works well with Epson Print Layout (EPL) software, which offers full functionality and advanced features. The Epson 8550 is compatible with EPL but may experience issues with certain paper sizes and settings, indicating that the software integration for the 8550 may not be as refined.

How do the economic factors compare between the two printers in terms of ink usage?

The Epson 8550, with its EcoTank system, is more economical in terms of ink usage. The ink bottles provide a larger volume of ink and are more cost-effective over time. In contrast, the Epson P700 uses more expensive ink cartridges, and the ink costs can add up quickly, particularly since the cartridges need to be replaced sooner after initial setup.