Epson SureColor P900 Printer Review exceptional quality and performance for professionals

Description

First Impressions and Design

The Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer immediately stands out with its sleek and compact design, which is 23 percent smaller than the previous generation. As someone who values space efficiency in a cluttered workspace, this was a huge plus for me. Its black finish gives it a professional, understated look, and the inclusion of a 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen makes navigating through settings intuitive and straightforward. The interior LED light is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to monitor print progress even in dimly lit environments. The printer fits perfectly on a standard desk, and I found its build quality to feel sturdy and premium.

While the design is impressive, the setup process was equally smooth. The wireless connectivity made it simple to link to my devices, and the printer’s compatibility with both iOS and other smart devices was seamless. For someone like me, who often switches between a phone, tablet, and laptop, this flexibility saved me so much hassle.

Unparalleled Image Quality

Testing the print quality was where this printer truly shined. The UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet produced an exceptionally wide color gamut, bringing out vibrant, rich colors in every print. I experimented with everything from photos to graphic designs, and the results were consistently jaw-dropping. The dedicated nozzles for both Photo and Matte Black inks meant I didn’t have to deal with the tedious ink-switching process common in other printers. This feature alone made the experience more efficient, especially when working on projects that required different types of media.

One thing worth mentioning is the Carbon Black Driver Technology, which dramatically boosts black density on glossy papers. I noticed this particularly when printing high-contrast black-and-white images—the depth and detail were on another level. Whether I was printing a family portrait or a professional-grade landscape shot, the printer delivered results that looked straight out of a professional studio.

Excellent Media Handling

What impressed me further was the versatility in media handling. The printer supports both rolls and sheet media up to 1.5 mm thick, meaning I could print on a variety of materials, including Epson Professional and Signature Worthy papers as well as third-party media. This opens up a world of creative possibilities, especially for artists and designers who like to experiment with textures and finishes. I tested it with thick cardstock and even some textured art paper, and the results were flawless.

The process of loading media was straightforward, thanks to the well-thought-out design. Despite the compact size, it didn’t feel cramped or difficult to manage thicker materials. However, I did notice that handling roll media required a bit of practice to master. If you’re new to this, you might need a few tries to get it right.

Positives

• UltraChrome PRO10 Ink delivers vibrant and accurate color reproduction.
• Dedicated nozzles for Photo and Matte Black inks eliminate the need for switching.
• The compact design is ideal for small spaces.
• Carbon Black Driver Technology enhances black density for stunning monochrome prints.
• Supports various media types, including rolls and thicker sheets.

Drawbacks

• The roll media handling can be tricky for beginners.
• Exclusive use of Epson cartridges may limit flexibility for some users.
• While the wireless setup was easy, the initial firmware update took a bit longer than I expected.

Longevity and Print Durability

One of the most surprising aspects of this printer is its industry-leading print permanence. Prints created with this device are tested to last up to 200 years in color and 400 years in black-and-white. Although I obviously can’t verify this claim firsthand, it’s reassuring to know that the prints will maintain their quality for generations. This feature makes it especially appealing for photographers and artists who want archival-quality prints.

Competing Products

Compared to other printers in its class, such as the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 and the HP DesignJet T210, the Epson SureColor P900 holds its own remarkably well. The Canon offers competitive color accuracy but lacks the dedicated nozzles for black inks, which can make switching between photo and matte paper more cumbersome. On the other hand, while the HP DesignJet is more affordable, it doesn’t quite match the print permanence or black density offered by Epson.

What sets the Epson apart is its Carbon Black Driver Technology and its ability to handle a wide range of media types with ease. That said, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need the archival quality, the HP might be worth considering.

Smart Spending

From a value perspective, this printer offers a lot for its price point. The image quality, durability, and versatility make it an excellent investment for professionals and hobbyists alike. While it might not be the most inexpensive option, the features it brings to the table, such as no photo and matte black ink switching and long-lasting prints, justify the cost. If quality and reliability matter more to you than upfront savings, this is a printer worth considering.

After testing it extensively, I can confidently say this printer is more than capable of meeting the demands of professionals, while also being user-friendly enough for hobbyists. Whether you’re printing family photos, professional art, or detailed graphic designs, the results speak for themselves.