Epson P700 vs Canon PRO-300: Which Printer Is Best?

Choosing the right photo printer is a major decision. You want gallery-quality prints from your desktop. Both the Epson P700 and Canon PRO-300 are top contenders. However, after extensive review, I recommend the Epson SureColor P700. Its advanced ink technology and superior media handling give it a slight edge. This review will show you why the P700 is a fantastic choice for professional photographers and serious hobbyists.

Why Do I Recommend The Epson SureColor P700?

When comparing the Epson P700 vs Canon PRO-300, several key differences emerge. These differences are why I suggest the Epson P700 for most users. Here’s a breakdown of the features and benefits that set it apart.

• Epson SureColor P700 uses an all-new UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink set. This includes a Violet ink cartridge. This addition significantly expands the color gamut. It produces exceptionally vibrant blues and purples. In contrast, the Canon PRO-300 uses a LUCIA PRO ink set with Red ink. While excellent, it doesn’t match the P700’s violet range.
• The Epson P700 features a dedicated channel for both Photo Black and Matte Black inks. This means you never have to switch inks when changing paper types. Conversely, the Canon PRO-300 requires a cleaning cycle to switch between black inks. This process wastes time and a small amount of expensive ink.
• A key feature of the Epson P700 is its Carbon Black Driver Technology. This mode dramatically increases black density on glossy papers. It achieves a Dmax that is best-in-class. This results in deeper, richer blacks and better contrast. While the Canon PRO-300 produces excellent blacks, the P700’s technology gives it an advantage for glossy prints.
• The Epson P700 offers roll media support as a standard feature. This allows for panorama printing and printing on canvas rolls. This is a significant benefit for artists and photographers who want to create large prints. On the other hand, the Canon PRO-300 does not support roll paper. It is limited to cut-sheet media.
• The Epson P700 has a modern 4.3″ customizable color touchscreen. This makes navigation and printer operation incredibly intuitive and convenient. In comparison, the Canon PRO-300 has a smaller 3.0″ non-touch color LCD. It is functional but feels less modern and user-friendly.
• Epson’s print permanence ratings for the P700 are industry-leading. Prints are rated to last up to 200 years for color and 400 years for black-and-white. This offers peace of mind for archival purposes. Canon’s prints are also long-lasting, but Epson’s quoted longevity is currently higher.
• The ink cartridges for the Epson P700 hold 25ml of ink. This is a larger capacity than the Canon PRO-300’s 14.4ml cartridges. This means fewer cartridge changes and potentially a lower cost per milliliter of ink, although initial set costs are similar.

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

Feature	Epson P700	Canon PRO-300
Ink System	10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment	9-color + Chroma Optimizer LUCIA PRO pigment
Special Ink Color	Violet	Red
Black Ink Switching	No switching needed (dedicated channels)	Automatic switching (purges ink)
Black Density Tech	Carbon Black Driver Mode	Standard
Roll Paper Support	Yes (standard)	No
Screen	4.3″ Customizable Color Touchscreen	3.0″ Color LCD (non-touch)
Ink Cartridge Size	25 ml	14.4 ml
Compactness	23% smaller than previous generation	Slightly larger and heavier
Print Permanence	Up to 200 years (color), 400 years (B&W)	Excellent, but not specified to the same degree

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

Despite their differences, the Epson P700 and Canon PRO-300 share many high-end features. These features ensure that both printers deliver professional, gallery-quality results. They are designed for photographers who demand precision, color accuracy, and versatility. Understanding these commonalities can help you appreciate the professional level of both machines.

One of the most important shared features is the use of pigment-based inks. Both printers utilize advanced pigment ink sets. Unlike dye-based inks, pigment inks offer superior longevity and resistance to fading. This makes them ideal for creating archival prints that will last for generations. Whether you are selling your prints or displaying them in a gallery, this feature is non-negotiable. Both the UltraChrome PRO10 and LUCIA PRO ink systems deliver outstanding color fidelity and durability on a wide range of media.

Both the Epson P700 and Canon PRO-300 offer excellent wireless connectivity. They support Wi-Fi, allowing you to print from your computer, smartphone, or tablet without physical cables. This flexibility is crucial in a modern studio environment. You can place the printer wherever it is most convenient. You are not tethered to your desk. Both printers also support Ethernet for a stable, wired network connection if preferred. This robust connectivity ensures a seamless workflow.

Advanced media handling is another hallmark of these professional printers. Both can handle a wide variety of paper types and thicknesses. They accommodate fine art papers, glossy photo papers, and even thick cardstock up to 1.5mm for the P700. This versatility allows you to experiment with different textures and finishes. You can match the paper perfectly to the mood of your photograph. Both have top-loading and rear-feed trays for thick, straight-path printing.

Finally, both printers come with powerful software to streamline your printing process. Epson offers the Epson Print Layout software. Canon provides its Professional Print & Layout (PPL) software. These applications integrate with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. They provide a user-friendly interface for managing print settings. You can control color profiles, layouts, and other advanced options with ease. This ensures your final print matches your creative vision exactly as you see it on your calibrated monitor.

Common Features of Epson P700 vs Canon PRO-300

Feature	Epson P700	Canon PRO-300
Ink Type	Pigment-based	Pigment-based
Print Resolution	5760 x 1440 dpi	4800 x 2400 dpi
Maximum Print Size	13″ x 19″ (Sheet), 13″ x 129″ (Roll)	13″ x 19″ (Sheet), 13″ x 39″ (Panorama)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 3.0	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Thick Media Support	Yes, via rear feed	Yes, via manual feed
CD/DVD Printing	Yes	Yes
Bundled Software	Epson Print Layout	Canon Professional Print & Layout
Borderless Printing	Yes, on various sizes	Yes, on various sizes

A Detailed Comparison Of the Epson P700 vs Canon PRO-300

Ink System and Color Gamut

The Epson P700 uses a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink set. This system is notable for its inclusion of a Violet ink. This expands the blue and purple color gamut significantly. Photographers shooting landscapes or floral scenes will notice the difference. The colors are richer and more accurate than what many other printers can produce. The wide gamut helps create stunningly vibrant prints that pop off the page.

The Canon PRO-300 features a 9-color LUCIA PRO ink system plus a Chroma Optimizer. The special color in this set is Red, which enhances the red and orange spectrum. This is great for portraiture, as it can render skin tones with incredible accuracy and warmth. The Chroma Optimizer is a clear coat. It levels the ink surface on glossy paper. This reduces bronzing and enhances black density for a uniform finish.

Black and White Printing

The Epson P700 excels at black and white printing. It features a dedicated Advanced Black and White Photo Mode. This gives photographers precise control over toning and neutral grays. Paired with its three gray inks and the Carbon Black mode for glossy paper, it produces deep, neutral blacks. The Dmax is exceptional. This means your monochrome prints will have incredible depth and contrast.

The Canon PRO-300 is also a strong performer for black and white prints. It uses Matte Black, Photo Black, and Gray inks to produce smooth gradations. The result is detailed prints with minimal color casting. The Skew Correction technology ensures straight paper feeding. This is vital for achieving perfect borders on monochrome prints. While very good, it doesn’t quite match the P700’s class-leading black density on glossy media.

User Experience and Design

Epson designed the P700 with a focus on modern user experience. Its large 4.3-inch color touchscreen is a major highlight. It’s customizable, responsive, and easy to navigate. It even has an interior LED light to let you see your print as it emerges. The printer is also 23% smaller than its predecessor. This compact design is a welcome feature in any home studio or office where space is at a premium.

The Canon PRO-300, while slightly larger, is also well-designed. It features a 3-inch color LCD. This screen is not a touchscreen, which can feel a bit dated. Navigation is handled with physical buttons next to the screen. Setup is straightforward, with clear on-screen instructions. The PRO-300 also includes a Nozzle Recovery System. It automatically detects and compensates for clogged nozzles. This can save time and prevent failed prints.

Media Handling and Versatility

This is where the Epson P700 truly pulls ahead. It comes with a built-in roll paper adapter as a standard feature. This allows photographers to easily create panoramic prints up to 129 inches long. It also supports printing on a variety of canvas rolls. This opens up creative possibilities for artists. The front-loading path for thick fine art media up to 1.5mm is also very robust and reliable.

The Canon PRO-300 handles cut-sheet media very well. It supports custom panorama prints up to 39 inches long. However, it completely lacks roll paper support. This is a significant limitation for photographers who want to create extra-long prints. Its manual rear feed handles thick fine art paper effectively. For most standard print jobs, it performs excellently. But it cannot match the P7t00’s overall media versatility.

Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price for both printers is similar. They are a significant investment for any photographer. However, the long-term cost of ink is a crucial factor to consider. The Epson P700 uses 25ml ink cartridges. The Canon PRO-300 uses smaller 14.4ml cartridges. This means you will likely replace the Canon’s cartridges more frequently.

While Epson’s cartridges are more expensive individually, the cost per milliliter of ink is generally lower. More importantly, the Epson P700 does not waste ink by switching between Photo and Matte black inks. The Canon PRO-300 purges a small amount of ink during this process. Over time, this wasted ink can add up, making the Epson P700 a more economical choice in the long run. Both printers come with “starter” cartridges that contain less ink than full replacements.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Epson SureColor P700 and the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is tough. Both are outstanding printers that deliver professional-quality results. However, the Epson P700 is my top recommendation. Its dedicated black ink channels save time and money. The standard roll paper support offers greater creative freedom. The larger ink cartridges and modern touchscreen provide a better user experience. These features make it a more versatile and economical choice for photographers looking to produce their own gallery-quality prints.

FAQs

1. Which printer is better for black and white photos?
   Both printers produce excellent black and white prints. However, the Epson P700 has a slight edge. Its Advanced Black and White Mode and Carbon Black technology deliver deeper blacks and more neutral tones, especially on glossy paper.
2. Is the ink cost cheaper for the Epson P700 or Canon PRO-300?
   The Epson P700’s ink cartridges are larger (25ml vs 14.4ml). This often results in a lower cost per milliliter. The P700 also doesn’t waste ink switching black cartridges. This makes it more economical over the long term, despite a higher upfront cost for a full set of inks.
3. Can the Canon PRO-300 print on canvas?
   The Canon PRO-300 can print on cut-sheet canvas media. However, it does not support printing on canvas rolls. If you plan to print frequently on rolled canvas, the Epson P700 is the better choice as it includes a roll adapter.
4. What is the main benefit of the Epson P700’s Violet ink?
   The Violet ink in the Epson P700 expands its color gamut. It allows for more accurate and vibrant reproduction of deep blues and purples. This is particularly beneficial for landscape, astrophotography, and floral photography where these colors are prominent.
5. How important is the touchscreen on the Epson P700?
   The 4.3″ touchscreen on the Epson P700 makes the printer much easier to use. It simplifies navigating menus, checking ink levels, and changing settings. While not essential, it provides a much more modern and user-friendly experience compared to the Canon’s button-operated LCD.
6. Do I need to worry about print head clogging?
   Both printers have technologies to combat clogging. The Canon PRO-300 features a Nozzle Recovery System. The Epson P700 has a MicroPiezo AMC printhead designed for consistency. Regular use is the best way to prevent clogs on any inkjet printer.
7. Which printer is smaller?
   The Epson P700 is noticeably more compact. Epson states it is 23% smaller than its previous generation model. If you have limited space in your studio or office, the smaller footprint of the P700 is a significant advantage.
8. Can I use third-party paper with these printers?
   Yes, both printers work well with a wide range of third-party papers. You can download and install ICC profiles from paper manufacturers like Hahnemühle or Moab. This ensures accurate color reproduction on your paper of choice for both the Epson and Canon printers.