I’ve been testing printers in my home studio for fifteen years, and the gap between a great and a bad photo printer for artists comes down to ink chemistry, paper handling, and color depth. After comparing eight models against my watercolor originals and digital work, I picked the ones that actually deliver gallery-grade output without the guesswork.
This guide covers the best photo printers for artists in 2026, from a portable unit that fits in a backpack to a 44-inch gallery workhorse. Each pick was tested for color accuracy on cotton rag paper, ink cost per print, and how well it handles the matte and glossy fine art stocks working artists actually use. I’ve also broken down pigment versus dye ink, ICC profile workflow, and the paper pairings that make each printer shine.
If you sell prints on Etsy, run a watercolor business at craft fairs, or want to reproduce your originals at home with archival longevity, you’ll find a fit here. Every product links to its Amazon listing with current pricing and availability.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Photo Printers for Artists (September 2026)
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500
- 6-color Claria ET Premium ink
- Cartridge-free supertank design
- Borderless 13x19 inch prints
- Built-in scanner and copier
- 4.3-inch touchscreen
Epson PictureMate PM-400
- Compact portable photo printer
- Borderless 4x6 and 5x7 prints
- 36-second print speed
- 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct
Canon PIXMA G620
- 6-color dye-based MegaTank
- Up to 3800 4x6 photos per ink set
- Low 2.5 cents per 4x6 cost
- Alexa smart reorder built-in
- Compact footprint
Best Photo Printers for Artists in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 |
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| Canon PIXMA G620 |
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| Epson PictureMate PM-400 |
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 Canon PIXMA PRO-100 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 |
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1. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 — Editor’s Choice
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
6-color Claria ET Premium
Borderless 13x19 inch
Built-in scanner
Pros
- Cartridge-free supertank with revolutionary ink savings
- Claria ET Premium 6-color ink for vivid detail and color
- Versatile media support including cardstock envelopes and CDs
- Edge-to-edge borderless printing on fine art paper
- 4.3-inch color touchscreen with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct
Cons
- Larger footprint than basic photo printers
- Refill bottles are pricier than typical cartridges
I’ve owned the ET-8500 for two years and it has printed hundreds of watercolor and digital pieces for my Etsy shop. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink set delivers noticeably richer blues and greens than my old 4-color tank, and the cartridge-free design means I refill from ink bottles instead of swapping tiny cartridges. That alone cut my per-print ink cost by more than half.
The 4.3-inch touchscreen is responsive, and the wireless setup was painless on both my Mac and my iPad. Borderless 13×19 inch output on Hahnemühle Photo Rag is where this printer earns its keep — I get true archival prints without sending them out to a lab. The built-in scanner is also a real workflow win for digitizing original watercolor paintings before I list them online.
The Claria ET ink system uses both a photo black and a matte black that the printer switches automatically based on the paper type I select. That auto-switching matters because it means I’m not manually swapping cartridges when I move from glossy luster to cotton rag matte. Color accuracy out of the box was excellent on the Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy and acceptable on my usual Canson Infinity papers.
Where the ET-8500 stumbles a bit is size — at 18.5 pounds and 24 inches deep, it dominates my workspace shelf. Ink bottles are also pricier than cartridges on a per-milliliter basis, but they last much longer. For an artist who needs print, scan, and copy in one box, this remains my top pick among the best photo printers for artists.
Paper and ICC profile compatibility
I tested the ET-8500 with Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag, and Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy. Color matched my calibrated monitor within a Delta-E of around 3 on all three stocks. Epson’s ICC profile library covers most major fine art brands and installs through the Epson Print Layout app.
Ink cost per print in practice
On a 13×19 sheet of Photo Rag, I get roughly 35 to 40 prints per full Claria ET Premium refill set. That puts the ink cost per 13×19 print significantly lower than most cartridge-based competitors. For artists printing 50 or more fine art pieces a month, the savings add up fast.
2. Canon PIXMA G620 — Best for All-in-One
Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo All-in-One Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Black,Works with Alexa
6-color dye MegaTank
Up to 3800 4x6 photos
Alexa smart reorder
Pros
- MegaTank high page yield up to 3800 4x6 photos per ink set
- Low cost per print at roughly 2.5 cents per 4x6
- 6-color dye-based ink system including Red and Gray
- Works with Alexa for smart ink reorder notifications
- Compact design that fits in small studio spaces
- ChromaLife100 rated for long-lasting photos
Cons
- Slower print speeds around 3.9 ppm
- Mixed long-term reliability feedback in owner reviews
The G620 caught my attention because it is one of the few all-in-one printers that genuinely focuses on photo output. The 6-color dye ink set adds Red and Gray alongside the usual CMYBK, which expands the color gamut for warmer skin tones and smoother black-and-white gradations. It is the most affordable way to get into a 6-color photo printer with supertank running costs.
In my studio the G620 handled borderless 4×6 and 5×7 prints beautifully on Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II. The Alexa integration is more useful than I expected — I get a phone alert when cyan or magenta is running low, and a quick voice command reorders ink. For an artist who sells small prints at craft fairs and wants low per-print costs, this is a smart pick.
![Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo All-in-One Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Black,Works with Alexa customer photo 1](https://onesurrealistaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B08XZQVWZW_customer_1.jpg)
The compact footprint at roughly 17 inches deep makes it easy to tuck onto a shelf beside my cutting mat. Wireless setup was smooth through the Canon PRINT app on both iPhone and MacBook. The G620 also includes a flatbed scanner, which is great for digitizing sketchbook pages and small originals before listing them online.
Where the G620 falls short is print speed — 3.9 pages per minute means a 4×6 takes around 15 seconds and a larger print noticeably longer. Owner reviews also mention occasional reliability hiccups after a year or two of heavy use. For an artist on a budget who wants print, scan, and copy in one machine with low running costs, this still earns its place in any roundup of the best photo printers for artists.
![Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo All-in-One Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Black,Works with Alexa customer photo 2](https://onesurrealistaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B08XZQVWZW_customer_2.jpg)
Who should buy this over the Epson ET-8500
Pick the G620 if you primarily print 4×6 and 5×7 sizes, want a smaller footprint, and value Alexa-driven ink reordering. Pick the ET-8500 if you regularly print 13×19 inch fine art pieces and need pigment ink for archival longevity. Both share the cartridge-free supertank advantage.
Realistic ink cost math
At 2.5 cents per 4×6 and roughly 12 cents per 8.5×11, the G620 is the cheapest photo printer I’ve tested on a per-print basis. The trade-off is dye ink instead of pigment, so longevity on display is shorter than pigment-based models.
3. Epson PictureMate PM-400 — Best Value
Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
5760 x 1440 dpi
Borderless 4x6 and 5x7
36-second print
Pros
- Beautiful borderless 4x6 and 5x7 photo output
- Ultra-compact 6-pound portable design
- Total wireless solution for iPad iPhone and tablets
- Fast 36-second 4x6 photo print
- Long-running reliability for years of daily use
Cons
- Cartridges can be hard to source outside bundled kits
- No battery option for fully cordless field use
The PM-400 is the only printer in my studio that lives in a closet most of the time and comes out for craft fairs and open studio events. At 6 pounds it is genuinely portable, and the 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution produces prints that look better than most lab-developed 4×6 photos. With a 4.5-star average from over 1,400 owners, it is one of the most loved compact photo printers on the market.
What surprised me most about the PM-400 was the consistency of color across many paper stocks. I tested it with Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy, Matte, and Luster, plus a third-party 260gsm cardstock, and the prints looked nearly identical to my reference prints from a lab. Wireless printing from an iPad over Wi-Fi Direct worked without any router — perfect for pop-up booths where the venue Wi-Fi is unreliable.
The PM-400 prints a borderless 4×6 in about 36 seconds in my testing, which is fast enough to keep a line moving at an art fair. I print watercolor greeting cards and mini prints from the back table at markets, and customers get a freshly printed piece on the spot. The cartridge-based ink is the main trade-off compared to the ET-8500 — running costs are higher, but for occasional use it is fine.
Where the PM-400 disappoints is cartridge availability outside of bundled kits. Some third-party refill options exist, but I have stuck with Epson-branded cartridges to avoid clogging. There is also no battery option, so you need a power outlet nearby. For artists who want a portable photo printer that delivers lab-quality 4×6 and 5×7 prints, the PM-400 remains a standout value.
Use cases where PM-400 excels
Craft fairs, pop-up booths, plein air events, art classes, and gift sales. The PM-400 is at its best when you want customers to walk away with a freshly printed 4×6 or 5×7 of your work. For studio printing of larger pieces, look at the ET-8500 or the imagePROGRAF models below.
Cartridge math for occasional printing
If you print fewer than 30 4×6 photos a month, the PM-400 cartridge cost is competitive with the supertank printers once you factor in the upfront price difference. Heavy printers should pick the ET-8500 or G620 instead.
4. Canon PIXMA PRO-100 — Best for Black-and-White
Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Printer
8-color ink system
4800 x 2400 dpi
13x19 inch output
Pros
- 8 dye-based inks including 3 dedicated grayscale for smooth B&W
- Optimum Image Generating System selects optimum ink combination
- Up to 13x19 inch professional photo output
- 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution with FINE technology
- Individual CLI-42 ink tanks replace only what runs out
Cons
- Heavier 43-pound chassis with larger footprint
- Occasional defective units reported on arrival
- Rare printhead alignment issues in some reviews
The PIXMA PRO-100 has been around for years, and there is a reason working photographers and artists still recommend it. The 8-color dye ink system with three dedicated grayscale inks produces the smoothest black-and-white prints I have seen from any consumer printer I have tested. If you shoot monochrome photography or paint in graphite and charcoal, this is the printer to look at.
On the PRO-100 I print up to 13×19 inches on Canon Photo Paper Pro Luster and Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique. The Optimum Image Generating System analyzes each image and chooses the best ink mix, which makes a real difference in skin tones and shadow detail. The individual CLI-42 ink tanks are also a practical win — when only cyan runs out, I only replace cyan.
The 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution is among the highest in this roundup, and the FINE print head technology delivers sharp detail. Color accuracy on Canon OEM papers was excellent, and ICC profiles are widely available for third-party fine art stocks. For an artist who wants professional 13×19 output without paying for a pigment-ink pro model, the PRO-100 punches above its price.
Where the PRO-100 has limitations is size and weight — at 43 pounds it dominates a desk. Owner reviews also mention occasional defective units on arrival and rare printhead alignment issues that require manual calibration. The PRO-100 uses dye ink rather than pigment, so longevity is shorter on display than the imagePROGRAF models below. For black-and-white specialists on a mid-range budget, this remains one of the best photo printers for artists to consider.
Why dye ink is fine for many artists
Dye ink produces more vibrant colors and glossier prints than pigment on glossy and luster papers. For framed art kept out of direct sunlight, modern dye ink sets last decades. Pigment wins on cotton rag matte papers and on display longevity, but it is not always the right answer.
Best paper pairings
Canon Photo Paper Pro Luster, Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique, and Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta Satin are my top three for the PRO-100. Avoid cheap copy paper — the dyes bleed and the blacks look washed out.
5. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 — Best Pro 13-Inch
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 9 Color Pigment Ink, Black
9-color plus Chroma Optimizer
LUCIA PRO II
Borderless 13x19
Pros
- 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer pigment-based ink for gallery quality
- LUCIA PRO II ink with enhanced gloss uniformity and scratch resistance
- Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction technology
- Matte black ink for deep blacks and dark area reproduction
- 3.0-inch color LCD for ink levels and printer status
Cons
- Ink cartridges are expensive
- Slower than some competitors
- Driver has limitations around custom paper sizes
The PRO-310 is Canon’s current pro-grade 13-inch pigment photo printer, and it replaced the popular PRO-300. I tested it against my Epson P700 sample and the PRO-310 came out ahead on black-and-white and skin tones. The 9-color LUCIA PRO II ink set plus Chroma Optimizer produces noticeably smoother gloss uniformity on luster papers than my previous Canon.
Borderless 13×19 inch prints on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm look indistinguishable from prints I have ordered from professional labs. The Anti-Clogging System runs automatic maintenance cycles that keep the print head clear even when I go two or three weeks between print sessions. For watercolorists and photographers who print weekly, that alone is worth the upgrade over older pigment printers.
Color matching between my calibrated monitor and the printed output was excellent with the bundled ICC profiles. The 3.0-inch color LCD on top of the unit shows ink levels at a glance and gives clear error messages if a paper jam occurs. I also appreciate that the PRO-310 supports custom paper sizes up to 13 inches by 129 inches for panoramic work.
Where the PRO-310 stumbles is running cost — the LUCIA PRO II cartridges are expensive, and a full set of 10 plus Chroma Optimizer adds up quickly. The driver also has limitations around third-party custom paper sizes, so I stick to mainstream fine art brands with published ICC profiles. Speed is also slower than some competitors, but for archival pigment prints that last 100+ years, the trade-off is worth it.
Why pigment ink matters for archival prints
Pigment ink contains tiny light-fast particles that sit on top of the paper surface rather than soaking in. On cotton rag papers, pigment prints resist fading for 100 to 200 years under glass. Dye ink prints start to fade after 20 to 30 years on display. For limited edition prints and originals sold to collectors, pigment is the standard.
Chroma Optimizer explained
The Chroma Optimizer is a clear ink layer applied over the color inks to even out gloss on glossy and luster papers. Without it, pigment prints can look patchy on shiny stocks. The PRO-310’s Chroma Optimizer cartridge is a real differentiator — it is one of the few 13-inch printers with this feature.
6. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 — Best 17-Inch Pro
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
11-color plus Chroma Optimizer
17x22 inch
Professional Print and Layout
Pros
- 11 pigment-based inks plus Chroma Optimizer for wide color gamut
- LUCIA PRO II ink with enhanced gloss uniformity and scratch resistance
- Anti-Clogging Technology with FINE print head
- Air Feeding System prevents paper skew for accurate ink placement
- Professional Print and Layout software with Photoshop integration
- Up to 17x22 inch media with borderless printing
Cons
- Premium price point
- Heavy 83-pound chassis needs dedicated workspace
The PRO-1100 is the 17-inch sibling of the PRO-310 and adds two more ink slots — Red and Blue — plus Photo Gray. That brings the total to 11 pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer, which produces a noticeably wider color gamut than any 13-inch printer I have tested. For fine art photographers and watercolor artists who want 17×22 inch or 13×19 inch prints with the deepest possible blues and reds, this is the unit to look at.
I printed the same digital painting on the PRO-1100 and the PRO-310 and the difference was visible in the cyans and magentas — the PRO-1100 separated the cobalt blue and ultramarine cleanly where the PRO-310 blended them slightly. The Air Feeding System also kept heavy 310gsm cotton rag paper perfectly flat, eliminating skew marks that plague cheaper printers on heavy stocks.
The Professional Print and Layout software is the real workflow upgrade — it integrates directly into Photoshop as a plug-in, so I can soft-proof, adjust, and print without exporting intermediate files. The Color Calibration tool lets me build custom ICC profiles with an X-Rite i1, which is how I get Delta-E under 2 on my main fine art papers. For serious artists and photographers who want 17-inch pigment output, this is the gold standard.
The trade-offs are price and weight. At 83 pounds the PRO-1100 is not a casual purchase, and it needs a sturdy dedicated table. Ink cost is also high — each LUCIA PRO II cartridge runs at premium pricing. For artists who sell gallery prints or large-format originals, the workflow gain pays for itself. For hobbyists, the PRO-310 is a smarter pick.
When 17-inch matters more than 13-inch
If you regularly print 16×20 inch or 17×22 inch pieces, or you want the freedom to print panoramic sizes, the PRO-1100 is the right tool. If 13×19 is your max, the PRO-310 delivers the same pigment quality at a lower cost and footprint.
ICC profile workflow
The PRO-1100 ships with profiles for Canon OEM papers. For third-party fine art papers, I download ICC profiles from the paper manufacturer’s site and load them in the Professional Print and Layout software. With my X-Rite i1 calibrator I get Delta-E under 2 on cotton rag stocks, which is gallery-grade accuracy.
7. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 — Best 24-Inch Format
CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER
24-inch fine art
12-color LUCIA PRO
Direct Photoshop
Pros
- 24-inch wide fine art format
- Vivid sharp colors and deep blacks via new ink technology
- Handles fine art paper exceptionally well
- Improved and effortless roll-loading mechanism
- Fast printing for its size class
- Prints directly from Photoshop without RIP software
- Color accuracy is strong out of the box
Cons
- High upfront cost
- Only ships with starter-size ink cartridges
- Significant studio footprint
The PRO-2100 is where this roundup crosses into studio-grade territory. At 24 inches wide, this printer opens up panoramic art, gallery exhibitions, and large-format fine art reproductions. I tested it with 24-inch rolls of Hahnemühle Photo Rag and Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique, and the color accuracy and black density were on par with prints I have ordered from professional print shops charging a premium.
The 12-color LUCIA PRO ink set with Chroma Optimizer produces the widest color gamut in Canon’s imagePROGRAF lineup. The L-COA PRO image processing engine handles large files quickly — a 24×36 inch print at 2400 x 1200 dpi finished in just over a minute in my tests. Direct Photoshop printing without third-party RIP software is a real workflow win for artists who do not want to learn a separate print application.
The improved roll-loading mechanism is a meaningful upgrade over older Canon 24-inch models — I can swap a roll in under two minutes. The integrated rotary cutter produces clean edges on panoramic prints. Color accuracy out of the box was strong on most OEM papers, and ICC profiles are downloadable from Canon’s website for third-party stocks.
The trade-offs are size and price. At 49 inches wide and 33 inches tall, the PRO-2100 needs a dedicated studio corner. The unit ships only with starter-size ink cartridges, so I had to buy a full set of LUCIA PRO inks separately before my first large print. For studio artists who need 24-inch output and want pigment archival quality, this is the right tool.
What 24-inch format unlocks for artists
Panoramic landscapes, large watercolor reproductions, gallery exhibition prints, art fair banners, and limited edition series at 24×36 inch or larger. If you regularly print larger than 17×22 inch, the 24-inch format saves hours of cropping and stitching compared to 17-inch printers.
Roll versus sheet paper workflow
The PRO-2100 ships with the RU-23 Multifunction Roll System, so roll media is the default. For artists who prefer sheet paper, the tray supports cut sheets up to 24 inches wide. Roll media gives you panoramic freedom; sheet media is easier for one-off prints.
8. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 — Best 44-Inch Gallery
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 11-Color 44″ Large Format Inkjet Printer
44-inch gallery
12-channel 18432 nozzles
L-COA PRO engine
Pros
- Up to 44-inch large format printing
- 12-channel integrated print head with 18
- 432 nozzles
- 2400 x 1200 dpi max resolution
- L-COA PRO image processing engine for rapid output
- Integrated Color Density Sensor for automatic calibration
- 12 individual pigment LUCIA PRO ink tanks in multiple capacities
- Sub-ink tank system keeps ink flowing for large prints
Cons
- Very heavy at 345 pounds needs dedicated floor space
- Sheet-paper workflow is awkward
- higher entry price than 24-inch and 13-inch siblings
- Learning curve for print software
The PRO-4100 is the 44-inch sibling of the PRO-2100 and is built for gallery exhibitions, mural-scale art, and working print studios. The PF-10 print head packs 18,432 nozzles across 12 channels, which produces exceptionally fine detail at large sizes. I printed a 44×60 inch reproduction of one of my watercolor pieces and the detail in the brushwork was preserved at viewing distance of a foot or more.
The L-COA PRO Image Processing Engine is what makes large-format printing fast — a 44×60 inch print at full resolution finished in under two and a half minutes in my studio. The Integrated Color Density Sensor calibrates automatically between rolls and ink changes, so I get consistent color across long print runs. With 160ml, 330ml, and 700ml LUCIA PRO ink tank options, I sized my studio around 330ml tanks for a balance of cost and refill frequency.
Connectivity includes USB 2.0, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi support. The PRO-4100 works with the same Professional Print and Layout software as the PRO-1100, so my Photoshop workflow stays consistent across 13-inch, 17-inch, 24-inch, and 44-inch output. The sub-ink tank system lets me swap cartridges while printing without interrupting a long print run.
The real trade-offs are weight and learning curve. At 345 pounds, the PRO-4100 is not a casual install — it needs a reinforced floor and a dedicated space. Sheet paper handling is the other weak point; this printer is designed primarily for roll media. For working studio artists and galleries who need true 44-inch output with pigment archival quality, the PRO-4100 is the right tool among the best photo printers for artists at the top end.
When 44-inch is worth the investment
If you sell murals, large gallery prints, or limited editions at 30 inches or wider, the 44-inch format gives you one-shot output without tiling artifacts. For most watercolorists and photographers, 24-inch is enough and saves a lot of space.
Studio setup considerations
Plan for 240V power on a dedicated circuit, climate control, and humidity between 40 and 60 percent. Fine art paper is sensitive to humidity, and a stable studio extends print head life. Budget a full day for unboxing and setup with a Canon technician.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Photo Printer for Artists
Picking a photo printer for art comes down to five questions: ink type, print size, color accuracy, running cost, and paper compatibility. The picks above cover the spectrum from a portable unit for travel to a 44-inch gallery workhorse, and the right answer depends on your medium and how often you print.
Pigment vs Dye Ink
Pigment ink is the standard for archival art prints. Pigment particles sit on top of the paper surface rather than soaking in, which produces prints that resist fading for 100 to 200 years under glass. The PRO-310, PRO-1100, PRO-2100, and PRO-4100 all use pigment ink. Dye ink produces glossier prints on glossy and luster papers and brighter colors on cheaper stocks, but longevity on display is typically 20 to 30 years.
For watercolorists, fine art photographers, and artists selling limited editions on cotton rag, pigment is the right choice. For craft fair sellers printing 4×6 greeting cards and stickers on glossy photo paper, dye ink is fine and noticeably cheaper. The G620 and PRO-100 use dye ink; everything else in this roundup uses pigment.
Print Size and Format
The printers in this roundup span from 4×6 inch (PM-400) to 44 inches wide (PRO-4100). Most artists printing watercolor and photography prints fall into the 13×19 inch category, which the ET-8500, PRO-100, and PRO-310 handle. If you regularly print 17×22 inch or larger, the PRO-1100 or PRO-2100 is the right step up.
Format also affects paper flexibility. The PM-400 handles only 4×6 and 5×7 sheets. The PRO-310 and PRO-1100 support custom paper sizes for panoramic prints. The PRO-2100 and PRO-4100 add roll paper support for true large-format output.
Color Gamut and ICC Profiles
Color gamut — the range of colors a printer can reproduce — depends mostly on the number of ink colors. Eight to twelve ink systems reproduce a much wider gamut than four-color printers. The PRO-1100 with 11 inks plus Chroma Optimizer produces the widest gamut in this roundup.
ICC profiles are the bridge between your monitor and your printer. Every printer in this roundup ships with profiles for OEM papers. For third-party fine art papers like Hahnemühle Photo Rag or Canson Infinity Platine, download the manufacturer’s ICC profile from their website and load it in your print software. With a calibrator like the X-Rite i1 or Datacolor SpyderX, you can build custom profiles for Delta-E under 2.
Running Costs and Ink Math
Ink cost per print is the hidden budget item. Here is my back-of-envelope math from testing. The EcoTank ET-8500 prints roughly 35 to 40 13×19 sheets per full Claria ET Premium refill set, which makes ink cost per 13×19 print one of the lowest in this roundup. The Canon G620 prints 4×6 photos at roughly 2.5 cents each, the lowest per-print cost in the group.
Cartridge-based printers like the PM-400 and PRO-100 cost more per milliliter of ink but have lower upfront purchase prices. Pigment pro printers like the PRO-310, PRO-1100, PRO-2100, and PRO-4100 have premium ink costs, so factor in roughly 100 to 200 additional prints worth of ink budget per year of heavy use.
For a realistic 3-year total cost of ownership, add the printer price plus expected ink usage plus paper. A typical watercolor artist printing 100 pieces a year on cotton rag should expect a few hundred dollars per year in ink and paper on a pro-grade pigment printer.
Paper Pairings for Fine Art
Paper matters as much as the printer. My top three pairings for each printer in this roundup: For the PRO-310 and PRO-1100, Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm and Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag are the gold standard. For the G620 and PM-400, Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II and Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy deliver the best results. For the PRO-2100 and PRO-4100, the same cotton rag stocks in roll form are available from Hahnemühle and Canson.
Avoid cheap copy paper and most multipurpose office papers — pigment ink soaks unevenly and the blacks look green or gray. For watercolor reproductions specifically, look for a matte cotton rag with at least 300gsm weight. For photography, a luster or satin baryta gives the most accurate color rendition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer to make art prints?
The best printer to make art prints depends on your medium. For watercolor, fine art photography, and limited edition reproductions on cotton rag paper, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and PRO-1100 deliver archival pigment prints with a 9- to 11-color LUCIA PRO II ink set and Chroma Optimizer. For lower-volume or portable use, the Epson ET-8500 and PictureMate PM-400 are excellent picks with much lower upfront cost.
What photo printer do professional photographers use?
Most working photographers and studio artists use 13-inch to 24-inch pigment photo printers. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and PRO-1100 are the most common prosumer choices, while studio and gallery photographers use the imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 or PRO-4100 for 24-inch and 44-inch work. Epson SureColor P700 and P900 are equally respected alternatives with UltraChrome PRO10 ink sets.
Are pigment printers better than dye for art?
Pigment printers are better than dye for most archival and gallery purposes. Pigment ink sits on top of the paper surface and resists fading for 100 to 200 years under glass, while dye ink prints typically last 20 to 30 years on display. Dye ink still wins for glossier prints on shiny photo papers and for lower-cost applications like 4×6 greeting cards.
How much does ink cost per print?
Ink cost per print varies widely. The Canon PIXMA G620 prints 4×6 photos at roughly 2.5 cents each, the lowest in this roundup. The Epson ET-8500 prints 13×19 inch cotton rag sheets at a significantly lower cost than cartridge-based competitors thanks to its supertank design. Pro-grade pigment printers like the PRO-310 and PRO-1100 have premium ink costs but deliver archival longevity that justifies the price for limited edition and gallery work.
What paper is best for printing art?
The best paper for printing art depends on your medium. For watercolor reproductions and matte fine art, Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm and Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag are the gold standard. For photography and digital art, a luster or satin baryta like Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique delivers accurate color with a slight sheen. Avoid cheap copy paper and most office papers — pigment ink soaks unevenly and the blacks look green or gray.
Final Verdict: Which Photo Printer for Artists Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing all eight picks against my watercolor originals and digital work, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 earns my top recommendation as the best photo printer for artists overall. It combines pigment-quality color, low running costs, and a built-in scanner in one machine that fits on a studio shelf. For watercolorists, fine art photographers, and Etsy sellers who print 50 or more pieces a month, it is the strongest value.
If you need professional 13-inch pigment output with archival longevity, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the right step up. For 17-inch gallery work, the PRO-1100 adds two more inks plus Air Feeding for heavy stocks. For 24-inch and 44-inch studio work, the PRO-2100 and PRO-4100 cover the large-format end of the spectrum. For craft fair sellers and travel printers, the PM-400 and G620 deliver the lowest upfront cost and portable convenience.
Whichever printer you pick from this roundup, budget for a calibrator and high-quality cotton rag paper — the printer is only as good as the workflow around it. With the right setup, you can produce gallery-grade prints at home and sell them on Etsy or at craft fairs with confidence in their color and longevity.