Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer,Black
The Epson SureColor P900 emerges as a beacon of innovation, redefining desktop printing for photographers seeking uncompromising quality. Its compact design conceals a powerhouse, drawing upon years of large-format printing technology. The P900 isn’t just a printer; it’s an artist’s canvas, allowing a vivid portrayal of every captured detail. With the new UltraChrome PRO10 Ink, dedicated black ink nozzles, and a 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead, this printer stands poised to redefine your printing experience.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
Image credit: Epson
The Epson SureColor P900 stands out as a pinnacle of photo printing technology, boasting features that redefine the printing experience for professionals and enthusiasts alike. At its core lies the UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet, an innovation that delivers unparalleled color vibrancy and accuracy, setting a new standard for vivid and nuanced prints. What sets this printer apart is its dedicated nozzles for both Photo and Matte Black inks, eliminating the need for manual switching and streamlining the printing process for enhanced efficiency and convenience.
Powering this printer is the 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead, a sophisticated technology ensuring consistent and precise prints with exceptional speed and accuracy across various printing tasks. The introduction of Carbon Black Driver technology takes black density on glossy papers to new heights, producing striking contrasts and intricate details, especially crucial for high-quality photo prints.
Moreover, wireless printing directly from iOS devices offers a seamless and intuitive experience, allowing color-managed file printing with ease. This wireless capability, combined with the printer’s compatibility with a wide range of media types, including rolls and thick sheets, makes it an incredibly versatile printing solution.
With a user-friendly interface featuring a customizable 4.3-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and an interior LED light, the SureColor P900 ensures a fast, convenient, and intuitive operation. These innovations collectively position the SureColor P900 as a powerhouse in the realm of professional photo printers, offering unparalleled quality, efficiency, and versatility for the creation of stunning, exhibition-quality prints.
Design & Build Quality
Epson has brilliantly integrated professional-grade printing technology into the compact design of the SureColor P900. This desktop-friendly printer combines a minimalist exterior with robust build quality, making it ideal for home studios or offices where space is at a premium. The printer’s sleek dimensions belie its capabilities, emphasizing durability and functionality expected from professional equipment.
A standout feature is the customizable 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, enhancing user interaction with intuitive controls for managing print settings. Inside, an interior LED light illuminates the print area, ensuring clear visibility and precise print monitoring even in low-light environments. However, user feedback indicates concerns about software compatibility, particularly with MAC systems and popular design software like Photoshop, suggesting room for improvement in software integration to complement its impressive physical design.
Power & Performance
Image credit: Epson
The power and performance of the Epson SureColor P900 redefine what’s achievable in the realm of professional photo printers. Central to its prowess is the UltraChrome PRO10 Ink system with Violet, a technological marvel that boasts a broad color gamut, resulting in prints that are not just accurate but vividly lifelike. This innovation brings forth a level of color precision that truly captures the essence of an artist’s vision, be it in portraits, landscapes, or vibrant abstract compositions.
The printer’s standout feature lies in its dedicated nozzles for Photo and Matte Black inks. By eliminating the need for manual ink switching, it offers a seamless workflow, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent quality across different print types. This efficiency is further bolstered by the 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead, engineered for exceptional speed, reliability, and accuracy. Whether printing in small formats or large, intricate details or sweeping panoramas, this printhead delivers consistent results with remarkable swiftness.
An outstanding addition to the P900 is the Carbon Black Driver technology. This advancement significantly enhances Dmax, resulting in unparalleled black density, especially on glossy papers. This is a game-changer for achieving deeper contrasts and more nuanced grayscale, perfect for photographers and artists who demand the highest quality in their prints.
Wireless connectivity, coupled with the ability to print color-managed files directly from iOS devices, offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. The printer accommodates various media types, including rolls and thick sheets up to 1.5 mm, providing a diverse platform for creative expression. The 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen interface, along with wireless capabilities and an interior LED light, streamlines operations, making printing a hassle-free and intuitive experience.
Compatibility & Connectivity
The Epson SureColor P900 offers a range of connectivity options designed to streamline printing workflows, though some users have reported compatibility challenges, particularly with MAC systems and software like Adobe Photoshop. Wireless connectivity allows for easy printing from mobile devices, including direct printing from iOS devices, which enhances flexibility and convenience for users needing to manage their printing tasks remotely. This capability is complemented by Ethernet and USB connections, providing versatile options for integrating the printer into various network setups and workflows.
Despite its robust connectivity options, reports of software compatibility issues highlight potential obstacles for seamless integration into established workflows, especially for users relying heavily on MAC platforms or specific design software environments. Epson may need to address these concerns through software updates or compatibility enhancements to ensure a smoother user experience across different operating systems and applications.
What’s the Alternative?
Image credit: Canon
Choosing between the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 and the Epson SureColor P900 hinges on your priorities as a photographer or print enthusiast. The PRO-300 stands out with its expansive nine-color Chroma Optimizer ink system, offering vibrant, true-to-life prints and seamless integration with Canon’s Professional Print and Layout software. However, potential buyers should consider reported software compatibility issues on Mac systems and ongoing costs associated with ink refills.
Conversely, the Epson SureColor P900 excels with its UltraChrome PRO10 Ink system featuring Violet, which ensures exceptional color accuracy and vibrancy. It simplifies printing with dedicated nozzles for Photo and Matte Black inks and a 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead for swift, precise output. Wireless printing from iOS devices and extensive media compatibility add to its appeal, though users have noted software compatibility concerns with macOS and certain design software. Ultimately, your decision should weigh Canon’s advanced color technology and workflow integration against Epson’s innovative ink system and versatile printing capabilities, considering your tolerance for potential software challenges.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Epson SureColor P900?
The Epson SureColor P900 stands as a testament to innovation in desktop printing, offering unparalleled color accuracy, versatility in media handling, and user-friendly features. Its exceptional print quality, especially in monochrome printing, caters to photographers seeking professional-grade output.
However, potential buyers should weigh the reported software compatibility issues and the cost of ink refills against the printer’s undeniable capabilities. For professionals invested in precise color rendition and exquisite print quality, the SureColor P900 remains a top contender despite its minor software hiccups. As for enthusiasts and casual users, while the P900 might seem like overkill, its exceptional quality could be worth the investment for those seeking museum-quality prints at home.
