Epson Expression XP-15000 review professional wide-format printer for stunning photo quality prints

Description

Compact Design with a Professional Feel

I’ve been using the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, and its ultra-compact design immediately caught my attention. It’s 30% smaller than its predecessor, making it perfect for my cramped workspace. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on wide-format printing capabilities, accommodating borderless prints up to 13” x 19”. The sleek black finish adds a professional touch, and I found it fit nicely on my desk without looking bulky. The LCD display is small but functional, offering easy navigation for printing tasks.

Stunning Print Quality

The print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi is nothing short of impressive. I tested this printer with some high-resolution images, and the color accuracy was phenomenal. The 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system, which includes red and gray inks, produced vibrant, true-to-life colors and exceptional black-and-white prints with enhanced depth. Whether I was printing photos for a project or creating custom greeting cards, the results were consistently professional. The borderless printing option was a nice touch, especially for larger photo prints.

Convenient Features for Everyday Use

One of my favorite features is the automatic two-sided printing, which saved me time and paper when I needed to print long documents. The 200-sheet front tray is great for regular paper, while the 50-sheet rear tray handled specialty media like cardstock without any hiccups. I experimented with different paper finishes and sizes, and the printer accommodated everything from 4” x 6” photo paper to 13” x 19” sheets. The setup process was straightforward, thanks to the included CD-ROM and clear instructions, though I did have to connect it to my PC since it supports Ethernet and app control.

Positives

Here are a few key benefits I noticed while testing this printer:

• Ultra-compact size makes it suitable for small spaces.
• Professional-grade photo quality with a wide color gamut.
• Supports various paper sizes and finishes, perfect for creative projects.
• Automatic duplex printing saves time and resources.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed using the printer, there are a few flaws that stood out:

• The printer is designed exclusively for Epson cartridges, meaning third-party inks won’t work, which could increase long-term costs.
• The output sheet capacity of 20 sheets feels a bit limiting for heavy-duty tasks.
• During operation, I noticed the sound pressure level of 49 dB(A), which might be noisy for some users.

Competing Products

Compared to other wide-format photo printers like the Canon PIXMA PRO-100 or the HP ENVY 7855, this printer holds its own in terms of color quality and compact size. The Canon PIXMA PRO-100 offers an 8-color ink system, which might appeal to professional photographers seeking even more color accuracy, but it’s bulkier and lacks the automatic duplex printing feature. On the other hand, the HP ENVY 7855 is more versatile for all-around home use but doesn’t match the Epson XP-15000’s ultra HD photo quality. If your focus is on professional-grade photo printing in a compact form, this Epson printer is a standout choice.

Affordable Quality

I’ve seen similar printers priced higher for less functionality, making this model feel like a smart spending option. The professional photo quality and multiple printing features justify the investment, especially if you frequently work on creative or professional projects. However, the need for genuine Epson cartridges might add to the cost over time, so it’s worth considering your printing volume before purchasing. Despite this, the overall value proposition is hard to ignore for anyone in need of a reliable, high-quality photo printer.

Additional information