Canon PRO 300 vs Epson P700: Which Printer is Best?

Choosing the right professional photo printer is a critical decision. Both the Canon PRO-300 and the Epson P700 are top contenders, but they serve different needs. If you prioritize stunning black and white prints and want to avoid ink clogging issues, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is the superior choice. Its dedicated nozzles for matte and photo black inks and user-replaceable printhead make it a more reliable and efficient workhorse for serious photographers.

Why Do I Recommend The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300?

After extensive comparison, I recommend the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 for most photographers, especially those who value reliability and superior black and white output. Here are the key reasons why it stands out.

• No Black Ink Switching: The Canon PRO-300 has dedicated nozzles for both Matte Black and Photo Black inks. This is a massive workflow advantage. In contrast, the Epson P700 uses a shared channel for these two inks, forcing you to waste time and ink every time you switch between matte and glossy paper types.
• User-Replaceable Printhead: One of the biggest long-term concerns for inkjet printer owners is a clogged printhead. The PRO-300 features a user-replaceable printhead. This means if you encounter a severe clog that cleaning cycles can’t fix, you can replace the part yourself. The Epson P700, however, has a fixed printhead, which would require a costly service center repair or even a full printer replacement.
• Superior Black and White Printing: The PRO-300 includes a dedicated gray ink alongside its two black inks. This three-ink monochrome system produces exceptional tonal gradations and neutral black and white prints. While the Epson P700 has an Advanced Black and White mode, the Canon’s dedicated gray ink often gives it an edge in achieving smoother, more detailed monochrome results.
• Enhanced Black Density: Canon’s LUCIA PRO ink set in the PRO-300 includes a Chroma Optimizer. This clear coat is applied over the print to ensure uniform light reflection, which reduces bronzing and enhances black density on glossy papers. The Epson P700 uses its Carbon Black Driver mode to achieve deep blacks, but the PRO-300’s use of a physical Chroma Optimizer often results in a more uniform finish.
• Nozzle Recovery System: The Canon PRO-300 is equipped with a Nozzle Recovery System. It automatically detects and compensates for clogged nozzles by using surrounding nozzles to maintain print quality. This reduces the need for frequent, ink-wasting cleaning cycles. The Epson P700 does not have a comparable automated compensation system, relying instead on standard cleaning cycles.
• Cost-Effective Ink Cartridges: The Canon PFI-300 ink cartridges for the PRO-300 hold 14.4 ml of ink. Comparatively, the Epson T770 cartridges for the P700 are larger at 25 ml, but the PRO-300’s efficient ink usage and lack of black ink switching can make it more economical in the long run for users who frequently print on different paper types.
• Skew Correction Technology: The PRO-300 features automatic Skew Correction, ensuring that paper is fed straight every time. This is particularly useful for thick fine art media and prevents misaligned prints and wasted paper. The Epson P700 relies on the user to align paper correctly, which can be less reliable.
• Intuitive Software Workflow: Canon’s Professional Print & Layout (PPL) software is praised for its user-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with Photoshop and Lightroom. It simplifies the printing process with an easy-to-understand layout and robust controls. While Epson Print Layout is also capable, many users find PPL to be more intuitive for achieving predictable, high-quality results.

Side By Side Comparison Chart: Canon PRO 300 vs Epson P700

Feature	Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300	Epson SureColor P700
Ink System	9 LUCIA PRO pigment inks + Chroma Optimizer	10 UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks
Black Ink Switching	No (dedicated nozzles)	Yes (shared channel for PK/MK)
Printhead	User-replaceable	Fixed
Black Inks	Photo Black, Matte Black, Gray	Photo Black, Matte Black, Gray, Light Gray
Specialty Ink	Chroma Optimizer	Violet
Ink Cartridge Size	14.4 ml	25 ml
Display	3.0-inch color LCD (Not a touchscreen)	4.3-inch color touchscreen
Roll Paper Support	No	Yes (spindle-less, built-in)
Max Print Length	39 inches (panorama)	129 inches (roll paper)
Dimensions (Closed)	25.2″ x 15″ x 7.9″	20.3″ x 14.5″ x 7.3″
Weight	31.6 lbs (14.3 kg)	35 lbs (15.8 kg)
Nozzle Technology	Nozzle Recovery System	Standard MicroPiezo AMC printhead

What Common Features Can Canon PRO-300 and Epson P700 Do?

Both the Canon PRO-300 and Epson P700 are exceptional 13-inch professional photo printers. They share many high-end features designed for photographers and artists. These common capabilities ensure you can produce gallery-quality prints regardless of which model you choose.

One of the most important shared traits is the use of pigment-based ink systems. Unlike dye-based inks found in standard office printers, pigment inks are made of microscopic solid particles suspended in a liquid. These particles sit on the surface of the paper rather than soaking into it. This results in prints with superior archival quality. Both Canon and Epson claim print permanence of hundreds of years under proper display conditions, making them ideal for fine art sales and gallery exhibitions.

Both printers offer a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi for Canon and 5760 x 1440 dpi for Epson. These high resolutions allow for incredibly detailed and sharp prints. You can capture the finest textures and sharpest lines in your photographs. This level of detail is crucial for creating professional-grade output. It ensures your final print is a true representation of your digital file.

Wireless and wired connectivity options are standard on both models. You can connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. This flexibility allows you to place the printer anywhere in your studio or office. You are not tethered to your computer. Both also support mobile printing. You can easily print directly from your smartphone or tablet using their respective apps. This is convenient for quick proofs or on-the-go printing needs.

For media handling, both the PRO-300 and P700 accommodate a wide range of paper types and sizes up to 13 x 19 inches. They feature both a top-loading auto sheet feeder and a separate rear manual feed tray. This manual tray is designed for thicker, fine-art papers and board media. This versatility means you are not limited to standard photo papers. You can experiment with various textures and finishes to achieve your creative vision.

Common Features of Canon PRO-300 and Epson P700

Feature	Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300	Epson SureColor P700
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet
Ink Type	Pigment-based	Pigment-based
Maximum Print Width	13 inches	13 inches
Maximum Resolution	4800 x 2400 dpi	5760 x 1440 dpi
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Mobile Printing	Yes	Yes
Paper Handling	Top Auto Feeder, Rear Manual Feeder	Top Auto Feeder, Front Manual Feeder
Borderless Printing	Yes	Yes
CD/DVD Printing	Yes (via multi-purpose tray)	Yes (via dedicated tray)
Professional Software	Canon Professional Print & Layout	Epson Print Layout

A Detailed Comparison Of the Canon PRO 300 vs Epson P700

Print Quality & Color Gamut

The Canon PRO-300 utilizes a 9-color LUCIA PRO ink system plus a Chroma Optimizer. This setup is engineered for an expanded color gamut and excellent color accuracy. The addition of the Chroma Optimizer is a key feature for glossy prints. It creates a smooth, uniform surface that reduces bronzing and deepens blacks. This results in prints that look consistent from any viewing angle. For black and white printing, its dedicated Photo Black, Matte Black, and Gray inks produce stunningly neutral prints with smooth tonal transitions, making it a favorite for monochrome specialists.

On the other hand, the Epson P700 boasts a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink set that includes a Violet ink. The addition of Violet expands the color gamut, particularly in the blue and purple ranges. This allows for more accurate reproduction of deep blue skies and vibrant purple hues. The P700 also features an all-new Carbon Black Driver mode, which dramatically increases Dmax (black density) on glossy papers, delivering some of the deepest blacks available from a desktop printer. Both printers produce exceptional color prints, but the P700’s violet ink gives it a slight edge in certain color ranges, while the PRO-300’s Chroma Optimizer provides a more uniform gloss finish.

Ink System and Costs

The Canon PRO-300’s ink system avoids the dreaded black ink switch. It has separate, dedicated nozzles for both Matte Black and Photo Black inks. This is a significant time and money saver for anyone who frequently prints on both matte and glossy papers. The PFI-300 ink cartridges hold 14.4 ml of ink. While smaller than Epson’s cartridges, the efficiency of the PRO-300, particularly by not purging ink during black ink swaps, can lead to lower long-term running costs for many users.

In contrast, the Epson P700 requires a black ink switch when moving between paper types. Although this process is now automated and faster than on older models, it still consumes a notable amount of ink with each switch. The P700 uses larger 25 ml cartridges. This means fewer cartridge changes if you stick to one paper type. However, a significant portion of the “starter” inks included with the P700 is consumed during the initial printer setup, leaving you with less ink for actual printing than you might expect.

User Experience and Design

The Canon PRO-300 is slightly larger and heavier but feels robustly built. It features a bright 3.0-inch color LCD screen that is easy to navigate using physical buttons. The menu system is straightforward, allowing users to check ink levels and printer status at a glance. Canon’s Professional Print & Layout software is also highly regarded for its intuitive workflow, making it simple to get predictable, high-quality prints directly from editing software like Photoshop.

The Epson P700 is more compact, making it a better fit for smaller workspaces. A standout feature is its large 4.3-inch color touchscreen, which offers a modern, smartphone-like user experience. The screen can be customized and even displays a preview of the image before printing. The P700 also includes an interior LED light, which lets you see your print as it emerges. These thoughtful design touches enhance the overall user experience, making the printer feel more modern and user-friendly.

Media Handling

Both printers handle a wide variety of media, but with some key differences. The Canon PRO-300 can print panoramic images up to 39 inches long, which is great for landscape photographers. It features a top auto-feed tray and a rear manual feed for thicker fine art papers. Its Skew Correction feature automatically ensures paper is fed straight, reducing errors and wasted media, which is a valuable feature for expensive papers.

The Epson P700 offers more advanced media flexibility. It has a built-in, spindle-less roll paper adapter, allowing for panoramic prints up to 129 inches long. This is a significant advantage for artists who want to create extra-long prints or print multiple images on a single roll. Its front-loading manual feed path is designed for fine art papers and rigid media up to 1.5mm thick. While it lacks an automatic skew correction system, its superior roll paper support makes it the winner for media versatility.

Conclusion

So, Canon PRO-300 vs Epson P700: which is best? The decision depends on your priorities. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is the clear winner for photographers who value reliability and efficient workflow. Its user-replaceable printhead provides peace of mind, and the lack of black ink switching saves significant time and money. With its outstanding black and white performance, it is the ideal choice for fine art photographers. It is a true workhorse designed for consistent, professional output.

FAQs

1. Which printer is better for black and white photos?
   The Canon PRO-300 is generally considered superior for black and white printing. Its three dedicated monochrome inks (Photo Black, Matte Black, and Gray) produce exceptionally smooth tonal gradations and neutral prints.
2. Do I have to switch black inks on these printers?
   You do not have to switch black inks on the Canon PRO-300, as it has dedicated nozzles for both matte and photo black. The Epson P700 requires an automated ink switch, which consumes a small amount of ink and time.
3. What happens if the printhead gets clogged?
   The Canon PRO-300 has a user-replaceable printhead, which you can purchase and install yourself. The Epson P700 has a fixed printhead, which would require sending the printer to a service center for a costly repair if a severe clog occurs.
4. Which printer has cheaper ink?
   The Epson P700 has larger ink cartridges (25 ml vs 14.4 ml), but the Canon PRO-300 can be more economical over time. This is because it doesn’t waste ink switching between black inks, a common task for photographers using different paper types.
5. Can both printers handle thick fine art paper?
   Yes, both printers have manual feed paths designed for thick fine art media. The Canon PRO-300 uses a rear feed, while the Epson P700 uses a front feed. The Canon also features an automatic Skew Correction system to help feed paper straight.
6. Which printer is better for panoramic prints?
   The Epson P700 is better for panoramic prints due to its built-in roll paper support, allowing prints up to 129 inches long. The Canon PRO-300 supports custom-sized panoramic prints from cut sheets up to 39 inches long but does not support roll paper.
7. Which printer is more compact?
   The Epson P700 is about 23% smaller than its predecessor and more compact than the Canon PRO-300. Its smaller footprint makes it a better choice for studios or offices with limited space.
8. What is the difference between Chroma Optimizer and Violet ink?
   Canon’s Chroma Optimizer is a clear coat that levels the ink droplet height on glossy paper for uniform light reflection and reduced bronzing. Epson’s Violet ink expands the color gamut, allowing for more accurate reproduction of deep blues and purples.