Epson P700 vs P900: Which Printer is Your Best Choice?

Choosing the right photo printer feels like a monumental task. When comparing the Epson P700 vs P900, both offer exceptional quality. However, for most artists and photographers, the Epson P900 is the superior investment. It supports larger print formats, which opens up more creative possibilities. It also has a more robust build for professional use. This review will break down exactly why the P900 is the better long-term choice for serious creators.

Why Do I Recommend The Epson P900?

After a thorough review of both models, I recommend the Epson P900 for photographers and artists who need versatility and professional-grade performance. Here’s a breakdown of the features and benefits that make it stand out against its smaller counterpart, the P700.

• Larger Print Size for Greater Impact: The Epson P900 supports a maximum print width of 17 inches. This is a significant advantage over the P700, which is limited to 13 inches. This larger format allows you to create more impactful gallery-ready prints, posters, and detailed proofs without being constrained by size.
• More Substantial Ink Cartridges: The P900 uses larger 50 ml ink cartridges. In contrast, the P700 uses smaller 25 ml cartridges. While the upfront cost for P900 ink is higher, the larger capacity can lead to fewer interruptions and potentially a better cost-per-print on larger projects, making it more efficient for high-volume work.
• Advanced Roll Media Handling: While the P700 has a built-in spindle-free roll holder, the Epson P900 features an optional, more robust roll media adapter that supports both 2″ and 3″ core rolls. This makes it better suited for serious panoramic printing and handling a wider variety of professional roll papers.
• Built for Professional Studios: The P900 is physically larger and heavier. This larger footprint contributes to its stability, especially when handling wide-format media. It’s designed to be a workhorse in a studio environment. Conversely, the P700’s more compact, lighter design is better for smaller spaces but might feel less substantial.
• Higher Price Reflects Greater Capability: The Epson P900 comes with a higher price tag. This reflects its larger format capabilities and more robust design. For professionals selling their work, the ability to produce larger prints often justifies the initial investment, as it opens up new revenue streams that the P700 cannot access.
• Ideal for Exhibition and Sale: If your goal is to sell your prints or display them in galleries, the 17-inch width of the P900 is a standard for professional exhibitions. While the P700 produces stunning quality, its 13-inch limit can be a restriction for artists aiming for larger, more commanding pieces.
• Physical Presence and Stability: The Epson P900’s dimensions (35.6″ x 24.2″ x 20.5″) and weight (49.3 lbs) give it a stable and durable feel. The Epson P700 is more compact (25.4″ x 19.6″ x 13.5″) and lighter (37.7 lbs), which is great for portability but less ideal for a dedicated, high-output studio setting.

Side By Side Comparison Chart: Epson P700 vs P900

Feature	Epson P700	Epson P900
Maximum Print Width	13 inches	17 inches
Ink Cartridge Size	25 ml	50 ml
Roll Media Support	Built-in, spindle-free (2″ core)	Optional adapter (2″ and 3″ cores)
Dimensions (WxDxH)	25.4″ x 19.6″ x 13.5″	35.6″ x 24.2″ x 20.5″
Weight	37.7 lbs	49.3 lbs
Price	~$728	~$1,289
Best For	Hobbyists, small studios	Professional photographers, artists

What Common Features Can the Epson P700 vs P900 Do?

Despite their differences in size and price, the Epson P700 and P900 are built on the same core technology. This means they share many outstanding features that guarantee professional-grade results, regardless of which model you choose. These shared capabilities are what make Epson’s SureColor line a top choice for serious creatives.

Both printers utilize the groundbreaking 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead. This advanced technology is designed for incredible accuracy and consistency. It ensures that every print, from the first to the last, has the same level of detail and color fidelity. You won’t have to worry about variations in quality, which is crucial for professional work. The printhead delivers ink droplets with remarkable precision, resulting in sharp, clear images every time.

The UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink system is another shared highlight. This 10-color ink set, which includes a Violet ink, produces an exceptionally wide color gamut. This means your prints will have vibrant, rich, and true-to-life colors. One of the most user-friendly features of this system is the inclusion of dedicated nozzles for both Photo Black and Matte Black inks. This eliminates the need for ink switching when you change paper types, saving you time, ink, and frustration. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in workflow efficiency.

For photographers specializing in black and white prints, the Carbon Black Driver Technology is a game-changer. This mode dramatically increases the Dmax (maximum black density), creating the deepest, richest blacks possible on glossy papers. This feature, available on both the P700 and P900, provides unparalleled contrast and depth, making monochrome images pop with stunning clarity. It gives you the power to produce black and white prints that rival traditional darkroom results.

Both printers also feature a modern and intuitive 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen. This interface makes navigating menus, checking ink levels, and managing print jobs simple and straightforward. Combined with wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), you can easily print from your computer or smart devices. The Epson P700 and P900 also include an interior LED light, allowing you to see your print as it emerges, which is a satisfying and practical touch.

Common Features of Epson P700 vs P900

Feature	Epson P700	Epson P900
Printing Technology	10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead	10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead
Ink System	UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet	UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet
Black Ink Switching	No (dedicated nozzles)	No (dedicated nozzles)
Maximum Resolution	5760 x 1440 dpi	5760 x 1440 dpi
Black Density Tech	Carbon Black Driver Technology	Carbon Black Driver Technology
User Interface	4.3″ Customizable Touchscreen	4.3″ Customizable Touchscreen
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 3.0	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 3.0
Mobile Printing	Epson Print Layout for iOS, AirPrint	Epson Print Layout for iOS, AirPrint
Print Permanence	Up to 200 years (color), 400 years (B&W)	Up to 200 years (color), 400 years (B&W)

A Detailed Comparison Of the Epson P700 vs P900

Print Size and Media Handling

The most significant difference between these two printers is the maximum print size. The Epson P700 is designed for prints up to 13 inches wide. This is perfect for standard photo sizes, portfolio work, and smaller fine art prints. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who are just starting to sell their work or have limited studio space. The P700 also includes a built-in roll paper unit, making it easy to create panoramic prints without purchasing an extra accessory.

In contrast, the Epson P900 takes it a step further by supporting media up to 17 inches wide. This capability opens the door to creating larger, gallery-ready prints that command more attention and often a higher price. While its roll media adapter is an optional purchase, it is more robust, handling both 2-inch and 3-inch core rolls. This makes the P900 a more versatile machine for artists who want to experiment with different formats and media types, including thick fine art paper up to 1.5mm.

Ink System and Cost

Both the Epson P700 and P900 use the same high-quality UltraChrome PRO10 ink set. However, they differ in cartridge size. The P700 uses 25 ml cartridges, which are smaller and less expensive to replace individually. This can be appealing for users who print less frequently or are on a tighter budget. The lower initial cost for a full set of inks makes it more accessible.

The Epson P900, on the other hand, is equipped with larger 50 ml ink cartridges. Although the upfront cost for a full set of inks is higher, the cost per milliliter of ink is typically lower. This makes the P900 more economical in the long run for photographers and artists who print in higher volumes. Fewer cartridge changes also mean a more efficient and uninterrupted workflow, which is crucial when working on large projects or fulfilling customer orders.

Design, Size, and Footprint

The design of these printers reflects their intended use. The Epson P700 is impressively compact for a professional photo printer, measuring about 23% smaller than its predecessor. With a weight of 37.7 pounds, it can comfortably fit on a sturdy desktop in a home office or small studio. Its sleek, modern design is unobtrusive and functional.

The Epson P900 is a larger and heavier machine, weighing in at 49.3 pounds. Its increased size is necessary to accommodate the wider 17-inch print path and larger ink cartridges. This printer is built to be a permanent fixture in a professional studio. Its solid construction provides the stability needed for precise, large-format printing. If you have the space, the P900’s robust build quality inspires confidence for long-term, heavy use.

Price and Value Proposition

When considering the Epson P700 vs P900, price is a major factor. The Epson P700 is the more affordable option, with a retail price of around $728. This makes it an excellent entry point for serious hobbyists or emerging professionals who want to produce their own high-quality prints without a massive initial investment. It delivers professional-level quality in a more budget-friendly package.

The Epson P900 comes with a higher price tag of approximately $1,289. This price difference is justified by its ability to create larger prints, which can be sold for a higher price, offering a greater return on investment for professional artists. For those who need the flexibility of the 17-inch format and plan to print regularly, the P900 represents a better long-term value. It’s an investment in growing your creative business.

Conclusion

So, Epson P700 vs P900: which is right for you? If you are a hobbyist or an artist with limited space and a focus on smaller prints (up to 13 inches), the Epson P700 is an outstanding choice. It offers the same incredible print quality and color technology as its larger sibling at a more accessible price point.

However, for professional photographers and artists who want to create and sell large-format prints, the Epson P900 is the clear winner. Its 17-inch printing capability, larger ink tanks, and robust build make it a true studio workhorse. The ability to produce larger prints is a significant advantage in the fine art market. The initial investment is higher, but the P900’s versatility and efficiency will pay for themselves over time.

FAQs

1. Is the print quality identical between the Epson P700 and P900?
   Yes, the print quality is identical. Both printers use the same 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead and UltraChrome PRO10 ink set. This means they both produce a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, delivering the same outstanding color gamut, detail, and black density.
2. Can the Epson P700 handle roll paper?
   Yes, the Epson P700 comes with a standard, spindle-free roll media support. This allows you to easily print panoramas and custom-length photos on 13-inch wide roll paper. This is a key advantage for the P700, as the roll adapter for the P900 is an optional purchase.
3. Do both printers have dedicated black ink channels?
   Yes, both the Epson P700 and P900 feature dedicated nozzles for Photo Black and Matte Black inks. This is a major convenience, as it eliminates the need for a time-consuming and ink-wasting black ink switch when you change between glossy and matte paper types.
4. What is the main benefit of the P900’s larger ink cartridges?
   The Epson P900 uses 50 ml cartridges, while the P700 uses 25 ml cartridges. The primary benefit of the larger cartridges is a lower cost per milliliter of ink and the convenience of fewer cartridge changes. This is ideal for users who print in high volumes.
5. How much smaller is the Epson P700 compared to the P900?
   The Epson P700 is significantly more compact. It is about 23% smaller than its previous generation and has a much smaller footprint than the P900. If you have limited desk or studio space, the P700 is the more practical option.
6. Which printer is better for a professional photographer selling prints?
   For a professional selling prints, the Epson P900 is generally the better choice. Its ability to print up to 17 inches wide opens up more commercial opportunities, as larger prints often command higher prices. It’s a more versatile machine for a growing business.
7. Do I need to buy a separate roll adapter for the Epson P900?
   Yes, the roll media adapter for the Epson P900 is an optional accessory that must be purchased separately. Unlike the P700, which has built-in roll support, you will need this adapter to print on roll paper with the P900.
8. Are there any differences in connectivity between the P700 and P900?
   No, the connectivity options are the same for both printers. They each offer robust connection choices, including high-speed USB 3.0, Ethernet for a stable network connection, and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for convenient wireless printing.