Best Printer for Art Prints
When choosing a printer for making your own art prints, ink cost, paper compatibility, maximum print size, physical footprint, and long term print longevity all matter, especially if you are selling art prints or printing professionally at home.
This comparison focuses on 5 popular printers artists consistently consider for fine art printing. The Epson models I personally have used and tested in real world conditions, and the Canon models are included for comparison using manufacturer data and third party research. This table breaks down the practical differences so you can decide which printer actually fits your studio space, budget, and printing goals.
Tip: Scroll sideways using scroll bar under the table to view the full table.
| Feature | Epson SureColor P900 | Epson EcoTank ET 8550 | Canon imagePROGRAF PRO 1000 | Canon imagePROGRAF PRO 1100 | Canon PIXMA PRO 200 or 200S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink cost per 8 x 10 print (costs as of Dec 2025) | About $0.63 using matte paper (Red River, 2025) | About $0.14 estimated (Epson, 2025). | About $0.72 using luster paper (Red River, 2025) | Independent cost per print testing not yet published. | About $0.59 using luster paper (Red River, 2025) |
| Printer price (MSRP) | $1349 (often less see below) | $749 (often less see below) | $1299 (see below) | $1349 (see below) | $647 (often less see below) |
| Maximum print size | Up to 17 inches wide by any length with roll paper | Up to 13 x 19 inches | Up to 17 x 22 inches | Up to 17 x 25 inches | Up to 13 x 19 inches |
| Paper handling and media support | Supports fine art papers, photo papers, poster board up to 1.5 mm thick, roll paper, and custom ICC profiles | Supports photo and presentation papers including matte, luster, and glossy media with ICC profiles | Supports fine art papers, photo papers, heavy media via manual feed, and custom ICC profiles | Supports fine art papers, photo papers, heavy media via manual feed, improved vacuum paper feed system, and custom ICC profiles | Supports fine art papers, matte, luster, glossy media, and custom ICC profiles |
| Physical size and weight | 24.2 x 14.5 x 7.8 inches, 35.3 pounds | 20.6 x 14.9 x 7.6 inches, 24.3 pounds | 28.5 x 17.2 x 11.3 inches, 71.1 pounds | 28.5 x 17.1 x 11.2 inches, 71 pounds | 25.2 x 15 x 7.9 inches, 32 pounds |
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Print longevity and lightfastness (These are approximations, varies based on paper choice, display conditions, and environmental factors.) |
Pigment ink system.
135 years color display permanence under glass on Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper more details
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Dye ink system.
90 years color display permanence under glass on Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper more details
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Pigment ink system.
49 years color display permanence under glass on Canson Infinity Photo Luster Premium RC, higher on other papers up to approximately 72 years more details
|
Pigment ink system.
200 years according to Canon internal testing estimates. Independent third party longevity testing pending more details
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Dye ink system.
20 years color display permanence under glass on Canon papers, but less on some other papers more details
|
Where to Buy These Printers
Prices change frequently, so I recommend checking current listings below before purchasing.
And just a heads up, the links below are Amazon affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links.
- Epson SureColor P900 https://amzn.to/3KLXuOw
- Epson EcoTank ET 8550 https://amzn.to/4qrlTrt
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO 1000 (phased out for newer model)
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO 1100 https://amzn.to/4qvqqcI
- Canon PIXMA PRO 200S https://amzn.to/49cOquc
Learn More About Making Your Own Art Prints
Watch my free video tutorials on YouTube. Everything you need to know to learn how to make art prints - for free :)