Introduction
The Epson PhotoPro P700 stands as a remarkable achievement in printing technology, offering professional-grade photo printing capabilities in a compact, desktop-sized package. This 13-inch wide-format color inkjet printer delivers exceptional color accuracy, versatile media handling, and remarkable print longevity that places it among the top inkjet printers available today. As a professional photographer who has tested numerous printing solutions over the past decade, I was eager to evaluate how the P700 performs in real-world creative environments where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.
What immediately sets the Epson P700 apart from other all-in-one printer options is its dedicated focus on producing gallery-quality output. While many standard paper sizes are supported—from 4×6 inches to 13×19 inches—the true value proposition lies in how this printer handles these formats with extraordinary detail and color fidelity. If you’ve been searching for professional printing capabilities without investing in a large-format commercial printer, the P700 deserves your careful consideration.
Who Is It For?
The Epson PhotoPro P700 is ideally suited for serious photographers, graphic designers, and visual artists who require impeccable print quality but don’t have the space or budget for a large-format professional printer. This printer particularly excels for professionals who:
- Need to produce portfolio-quality photographic prints
- Regularly print fine art reproductions on various standard paper sizes
- Require precise color matching for client approvals
- Sell limited edition prints as part of their business model
- Want to bring professional printing capabilities in-house
The P700 may not be the right choice for users primarily seeking a general-purpose document printer or those who print infrequently. Its professional features and premium ink system are optimized for high-quality output rather than high-volume administrative printing. If you’re looking for an economical all-in-one printer for occasional use, less specialized options would be more cost-effective.
Product Overview & Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Controller Type | iOS |
| Printer Media Size Maximum | 8.5 x 14 inch |
| Power Consumption | 22 Watts |
| Included Components | P700 Printer, Set of initial ink cartridges – Ten high-capacity (Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Gray, Matte Black, Light Gray, Violet), Power cord, User Guide Kit (Printer basics guide, Start Here poster), Accessory box, CD/DVD tray |
| Print Media | Glossy photo paper |
| Scanner Type | Photo |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 120 |
| Max Copy Speed (Black & White) | 1 ppm |
| Display Type | LED |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphones, PC, Laptops |
| Sheet Size | 8×11 |
| Dual-sided Printing | Yes |
| Wattage | 22 watts |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet |
| Ink Color | Violet, Photo Black, Matte Black, plus other colors |
| Resolution | 5760 x 1440 |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Output Sheet Capacity | 120 |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Specific Uses For Product | Professional photography, graphic design, and high-quality print exhibitions |
| UPC | 010343954007 |
| Product Dimensions | 25.4 x 19.6 x 13.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 37.7 pounds |
| ASIN | B0875QSCFW |
| Item Model Number | P700 |
| Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars 164 ratings |
| Best Sellers Rank |
#62,161 in Office Products (See Top 100 in Office Products) #80 in Laser Computer Printers |
| Date First Available | April 21, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Epson |
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
Key Features:
- Professional 10-color pigment ink system
- Dedicated matte and photo black ink channels (no switching)
- 5.0″ color touchscreen with updated interface
- Borderless printing capability
- Front-loading fine art media path
- Prints on roll paper with optional adapter
- Embedded spectrophotometer for color calibration
In-Depth Review
Appearance & Design
The Epson P700 presents a refined, professional aesthetic that balances form and function. Its matte black exterior with subtle textured accents projects a sophisticated appearance that would complement any studio or home office environment. With a significantly reduced footprint compared to previous professional Epson models, the P700 occupies minimal desk space when not in use. The printer’s 5-inch color touchscreen is angled for comfortable viewing and provides intuitive access to all functions.
The physical design incorporates thoughtful details like the auto-extending output tray that deploys automatically when printing begins. When printing on standard paper sizes like letter or A4, the printer maintains a relatively compact profile. However, the unit expands to accommodate larger formats when needed, with clear markings for paper alignment. The paper paths are logically designed with a top-loading sheet feeder for standard paper and a front-loading fine art path for thicker media.
Performance & Features
Where the P700 truly shines is in its exceptional print quality across various standard paper sizes. The 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink system produces a remarkable color gamut with particular strengths in reproducing subtle gradations and shadow details. Unlike many color inkjet printer options on the market, the P700 features dedicated channels for both Photo Black and Matte Black inks, eliminating the time-consuming ink switching process found in earlier models.
Print resolution reaches up to 5760 × 1440 dpi, resulting in extraordinarily detailed output even when examined closely. The printer handles everything from glossy photo papers to fine art media with consistent excellence. Of particular note is the carbon black driver technology that produces exceptional black-and-white prints with neutral tones free from color casts—a significant achievement for a desktop printer.
The newly developed print head design increases precision while reducing maintenance requirements. In my testing across multiple standard paper sizes from 4×6″ to 13×19″, color accuracy was exceptionally consistent, with the embedded spectrophotometer ensuring calibration remains precise over time. Print speeds are reasonable for a quality-focused device, producing an 8×10″ photo in approximately 1 minute 30 seconds in standard quality mode.
User-Friendliness
Epson has made significant improvements to the user experience with the P700. The redesigned interface is substantially more intuitive than previous professional printer models, with a responsive touchscreen that simplifies navigation through printing options. Initial setup is straightforward, with clear on-screen instructions guiding users through the process.
The Epson Professional Printing Software suite provides comprehensive control over output variables, though novice users might find the wealth of options initially overwhelming. Helpfully, the printer also works perfectly with standard print drivers for more straightforward everyday use. Mobile printing capabilities are excellent, with the Epson Smart Panel app providing convenient printing from smartphones and tablets.
One particularly user-friendly feature is the built-in help system that provides troubleshooting guidance and maintenance instructions directly on the touchscreen. Ink replacement is clean and simple with cartridges that snap securely into place without mess or confusion.
Durability & Quality
Built to professional standards, the P700 demonstrates excellent build quality with robust materials used throughout. The printer operates quietly and with minimal vibration, suggesting careful engineering and quality internal components. Moving parts like the paper feed mechanisms and carriage assembly show precise tolerances and smooth operation.
Epson rates the UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks for exceptional print permanence—up to 200 years for color prints and 400 years for black and white when using Epson’s archival papers and storing prints properly. This outstanding longevity makes the P700 suitable for creating artwork intended for sale or long-term display.
The printer’s maintenance systems, including automated nozzle checks and cleaning cycles, help prevent clogs and ensure consistent performance. Throughout extended testing, the printer required minimal maintenance intervention, indicating reliable design and effective self-maintenance systems.
Value for Money
At approximately $799-$899, the Epson P700 represents a significant investment compared to consumer-grade all-in-one printer options. However, when evaluated against comparable professional photo printers or the cost of outsourcing high-quality printing, the value proposition becomes clear. The ability to produce gallery-quality prints on demand provides both creative control and potential cost savings for professionals who print regularly.
Ink costs should be considered in the value assessment. The individual 25ml ink cartridges (approximately $37.99 each) are more expensive than consumer printer inks but offer superior longevity and color stability. The printer’s efficient ink usage and minimal wastage during maintenance cycles help manage ongoing costs effectively.
For professionals selling prints or requiring precise color matching, the P700’s capabilities can quickly justify its purchase price by eliminating outsourcing costs and enabling faster project turnaround times.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional print quality with outstanding color accuracy
- Supports all standard paper sizes up to 13×19 inches
- Dedicated channels for both Photo Black and Matte Black inks
- Compact footprint compared to similar professional printers
- Intuitive touchscreen interface simplifies operation
- Superior black and white printing capabilities
- Excellent print permanence for archival applications
- Versatile media handling including thick fine art papers
- Built-in color calibration tools ensure consistent output
Cons:
- Initial purchase price higher than consumer all-in-one printers
- Premium inks more expensive than standard consumer cartridges
- Not ideal for high-volume document printing
- No scanning or copying capabilities (not a true all-in-one printer)
- Advanced color management features have learning curve for beginners
Alternatives & Comparisons
The most direct competitor to the Epson P700 is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300, another 13-inch professional photo printer. The Canon offers comparable print quality and similar pricing, but with some notable differences:
- The Canon uses a 9-color ink system (versus Epson’s 10-color system)
- Canon’s print head design potentially offers better clog resistance
- Epson provides slightly better grayscale printing performance
- The P700 has a more compact footprint when not in use
- Canon offers slightly faster printing speeds for certain media types
For those requiring a more versatile all-in-one printer that still delivers good photo quality, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 presents an interesting alternative. While not matching the P700’s professional color accuracy, the ET-8550 offers scanning and copying capabilities plus significantly lower operating costs through its refillable ink tank system. However, for critical color work and fine art applications, the P700’s superior color gamut and precision make it the preferred choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum print size the Epson P700 can handle?
The Epson P700 can print on cut sheet media up to 13×19 inches (Super B/A3+). With the optional roll paper adapter, it can also print panoramas up to 13 inches wide by 129 inches long.
Does the P700 require special inks or can I use third-party alternatives?
The printer is designed specifically for Epson’s UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks. While third-party alternatives exist, using them may compromise print quality, longevity, and potentially affect the printer warranty.
How does the P700 handle different standard paper sizes and thicknesses?
The P700 features three paper paths: a top-loading auto-sheet feeder for standard papers up to 13×19 inches, a front fine art path for thicker media up to 1.5mm, and a straight-through path for rigid posterboard. This versatility allows it to handle virtually all standard paper sizes and weights with ease.
Can the Epson P700 be used for commercial printing purposes?
Yes, the P700 is suitable for small-scale commercial printing applications such as limited edition art prints, photography portfolios, and client proofs. Its professional color accuracy and consistency make it appropriate for commercial work requiring precise color reproduction across standard paper sizes.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
The Epson PhotoPro P700 represents an impressive achievement in bringing professional printing capabilities to a compact, accessible format. For photographers, artists, and designers who require exceptional print quality across standard paper sizes without compromising on color accuracy or image permanence, the P700 delivers outstanding performance. While it demands a premium price compared to general-purpose printers, the results justify the investment for creative professionals and serious enthusiasts.
The printer’s thoughtful design, versatile media handling, and intuitive interface make it accessible even for those new to professional printing, while its advanced color management capabilities provide all the tools experienced users require. Its ability to produce gallery-quality output on media ranging from standard photo papers to fine art stocks makes it an extremely versatile creative tool.
After extensive testing across numerous projects and paper types, I can confidently recommend the Epson PhotoPro P700 as one of the top inkjet printers available for professionals who need precision printing capabilities in a desktop format. Whether you’re producing portfolio pieces, limited edition art prints, or critical client proofs, the P700 delivers results that meet professional standards.
Ready to elevate your printing capability with one of the finest color inkjet printers available? Click here to check the latest price on Amazon and see why the Epson PhotoPro P700 has become the printer of choice for photographers and artists who refuse to compromise on quality.
