What To Know
- The Epson ET-8550 features a rear paper tray with a capacity of up to 150 sheets of plain paper or 30 sheets of photo paper.
- It has a rear paper tray with a capacity of up to 250 sheets of plain paper or 50 sheets of photo paper.
- While the initial cost of the cartridges may be higher than the ET-8550’s ink tanks, the P700 offers a wider range of ink options, including archival-quality inks for long-lasting prints.
The Epson ET-8550 and P700 are two highly regarded inkjet printers that cater to different printing needs. Whether you’re a professional photographer, graphic designer, or home user, understanding the key differences between these printers is crucial for making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifications, features, and performance aspects of both printers, enabling you to determine which one aligns best with your unique requirements.
Print Technology
The Epson ET-8550 utilizes PrecisionCore MicroTFP print technology, delivering sharp, precise prints with a resolution of up to 4800 x 2400 dpi. It employs a 6-color ink system that includes photo black and light black inks for enhanced color reproduction and smooth tonal transitions.
The Epson P700, on the other hand, boasts Epson‘s PrecisionCore TFP printhead technology. It offers a higher resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi and a 9-color ink system that includes light magenta, light cyan, and gray inks. This advanced ink configuration enables exceptional color accuracy and vibrant, lifelike prints.
Connectivity and Features
The Epson ET-8550 provides versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet. It also features a built-in 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen for easy navigation and control. Additionally, it supports remote printing from smartphones and tablets using the Epson Connect app.
The Epson P700 offers similar connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet. It has a larger 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen and supports Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print. Furthermore, it includes a built-in spectrophotometer for accurate color calibration.
Paper Handling
The Epson ET-8550 features a rear paper tray with a capacity of up to 150 sheets of plain paper or 30 sheets of photo paper. It also has a front specialty tray for printing on CDs, DVDs, and other thick media.
The Epson P700 offers a more robust paper handling system. It has a rear paper tray with a capacity of up to 250 sheets of plain paper or 50 sheets of photo paper. Additionally, it has a side specialty tray for printing on envelopes and thick media.
Ink System and Costs
The Epson ET-8550 utilizes refillable ink tanks, which offer a significant cost savings compared to traditional cartridges. It comes with a set of Claria ET Premium inks that produce high-quality prints with vivid colors and deep blacks.
The Epson P700 uses individual ink cartridges. While the initial cost of the cartridges may be higher than the ET-8550’s ink tanks, the P700 offers a wider range of ink options, including archival-quality inks for long-lasting prints.
Print Speed and Quality
The Epson ET-8550 offers fast print speeds of up to 15 ppm for black and 11 ppm for color. It produces high-quality prints with accurate colors and sharp details, making it suitable for everyday printing tasks and occasional photo printing.
The Epson P700 excels in print quality and is designed for professional photographers and graphic designers. It offers slower print speeds of up to 13 ppm for black and 7.5 ppm for color, but delivers exceptional color accuracy and detail, making it ideal for fine art printing and high-quality photo reproduction.
Verdict
The Epson ET-8550 is an excellent choice for home users and small businesses looking for a cost-effective and versatile inkjet printer. Its refillable ink tanks, fast print speeds, and user-friendly features make it a great option for everyday printing tasks, occasional photo printing, and document scanning.
The Epson P700 is the superior choice for professional photographers, graphic designers, and artists who demand the highest print quality and color accuracy. Its advanced 9-color ink system, spectrophotometer, and robust paper handling capabilities make it ideal for fine art printing, photo reproduction, and high-volume printing tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which printer is better for photo printing?
The Epson P700 is the better choice for photo printing due to its higher resolution, 9-color ink system, and spectrophotometer for accurate color calibration.
2. Which printer has lower running costs?
The Epson ET-8550 has lower running costs thanks to its refillable ink tanks.
3. Which printer is more compact?
The Epson ET-8550 is more compact and takes up less space than the Epson P700.
4. Which printer has a larger paper capacity?
The Epson P700 has a larger paper capacity, with a rear paper tray that can hold up to 250 sheets of plain paper.
5. Which printer supports wireless printing?
Both the Epson ET-8550 and P700 support wireless printing via Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.
