Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Photo Printers

Canon Pixma PRO-200S vs Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Canon Pixma PRO-200S comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.4). Canon Pixma PRO-200S is best for: dye-based print quality seekers. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Canon Pixma PRO-200S
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Photo Printers
Canon Pixma PRO-200S
2 sources$474.99as of Oct 11

The Canon Pixma PRO-200S is a 13-inch wide photo and fine art inkjet sitting between enthusiast and professional use, running Canon's ChromaLife dye-based ink system. Reviewers noted the eight-color inkset hits maximum color gamut and black density, with fade resistance rated past 20 years. It prints up to 13" x 39", and the build is sturdy with accessories included. The S revision adds improved Wi-Fi security protocols and, per Digital Camera World, auto-connects to the strongest Wi-Fi signal, but reviewers found no significant print quality difference from the original PRO-200. Professional photographers and artists who want high-quality dye-based printing are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Eight-color ChromaLife dye-based ink system offers maximum color gamut, black density, and media compatibility
  • — 13-inch wide printing capability supports sizes up to 13" x 39" banners
  • — Dye inks show remarkable fade resistance, expected to last 20+ years under ideal display conditions
Watch-outs
  • — Canon's manual gives no paper weight or thickness guidance for each feed path
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Ranked #3 in Best Photo Printers
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
2 sources$666as of Oct 11

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 aims at amateur photographers who want quality prints without paying for them in ink. Imaging Resource's Jeremy Gray credited its efficiency and ink savings, putting the cost reduction at up to 80% against professional printers. PCMag's William Harrel liked the wireless capabilities and the user-friendly touchscreen. Reviewers were clear it doesn't match the quality of Epson's SureColor pro-level printers. Home users who print frequently will be well served; anyone chasing studio-quality results won't.

Strengths
  • — Uses 6-color refillable ink tanks including Claria ET photographic dye inks for high-quality photo printing
  • — Prints up to 13 x 19 borderless with resolution up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi
  • — Supports mobile and wireless printing including Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Amazon Alexa
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for professional-level photo printing quality

How they stack up

Canon Pixma PRO-200S

The Canon Pixma PRO-200S uses an eight-color dye-based ChromaLife ink system, where the Epson SureColor P900 uses 10 pigment-based inks, and it costs less than the P900. It prints 13 inches wide and up to 39 inches long, against a 13 x 19 inch maximum for the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 and a 17 x 22 inch maximum for the P900.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 uses 6-color refillable ink tanks with dye inks, where the Epson SureColor P900 uses 10 pigment-based cartridges, and it costs less than the P900. It is not suited to professional-level photo printing. Its 13 x 19 inch maximum matches the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, which costs less, and both print at up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCanon Pixma PRO-200SEpson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Max Print Size13" x 39"13 x 19
Ink SystemChromaLife dye-based 8-color6-color refillable
ConnectivityWi-FiUSB, WiFi Direct, Ethernet
Weight32 lb24.5 lb
Printer TypeWide-Format Inkjet PrinterInkJet (Ink Tank)
Print Speedapprox. 1 m 30s for 11"x14" color photo15 seconds for 4" x 6" photo in Draft Mode
Print Resolution4800 x 2400 dpi5,760 x 1,440 dpi
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