By Robin Owens 17 days ago, Printers
Using the best large format photo printer, you can print A3 + posters or panoramic pictures without the photo lab services. Large format photo printers are useful if you work in the studio and want to print for commercial purposes, for sale, demonstration or exhibition.
If you are a landscape photographer or a digital artist, then a roll printer will allow you to display panoramas of almost any length.
Large format photography printing deals with large graphic files: from portraits to posters, vinyl signs or technical drawings of real estate, maps for CAD or GIS. Therefore, the best large format printers have multi-cartridge ink systems and can quickly print images more than 13 inches wide.
Advanced features include embedded processors and print servers, vacuum feeders and auto-cutter, color LCD monitors, and multi-channel wireless connection.
Max Format: 13 × 19 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 44 inches| Max Resolution: 5760 × 1440 dpi | Number of inks: 6 | Print speed: 4” × 6” photo in around 27 sec
⊕ Excellent resolution, duplex printing
⊕ Nozzle clogging technology
⊕ Compact with 2.4” color LCD screen
⊕ Wireless, mobile borderless printing
⊕ Widescreen option
⊖ Not found
This entry-level A3 + printer is well worth the money if you are a photography enthusiast and are looking for inexpensive and compact large format printing device. XP-15000 has a 50-sheet feeder for photo paper/canvas and 200 sheets with automatic duplex printing.
This best large format printer for photographers has a wide range of ink colors for HD color printing, including a new series of red and gray.
A large LCD screen for adjusting parameters and a set of mobile printing applications allow you to take advantage of the wireless capabilities of this best Epson printer for home use.
Max Format: 17 × 22 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 529 inches| Max Resolution: 2880 × 1440 dpi | Number of inks: 11 | Print speed: 8” × 10” prints in around 1.5 mins
⊕ High-tech printing
⊕ Auto switch from media to roll
⊕ Mechanized and manual cutters
⊕ 11 ink + purple
⊖ Bulky, requires original ink
⊖ Few connectivity interfaces
Epson SureColor SC-P5000 is a print award winner. This is a 17-inch model with an expanded pack of ink. It is called the best wide format photo printer, which can cope with any tasks that business sets: panoramic prints, A2 + posters, poster boards, packaging, and marketing materials.
The P5000 is capable of delivering exceptional print quality and color accuracy. This Epson photo printer can reproduce 99% of the Pantone color scheme with a solid coating, thanks to the integrated color calibration sensor.
Max Format: 17 × 22 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 23.4 inches| Max Resolution: 2400 × 1200 dpi | Number of inks: 12 | Print speed: A2 in around 3 min 35 sec
⊕ 12 separate inks
⊕ 3 clear color LCD
⊕ Impressive borderless print quality
⊕ Anti-clog and skew technology
⊖ Speed and resolution could be better
⊖ Without roll printing support
This multi-format photo model prints from 6x4 a glossy photo to a matte A2 borderless poster. It uses the FINE combination with a wide print head, a 12-color set of durable LUCIA Pro pigment-based inks with 4 monochrome inks and a color optimizer for clarity and saturation, and an advanced L-COA Pro image processing engine.
This best large photo printer has a double-sided vacuum feeder to prevent skewing and an ink clogging system so it prints faster without quality loss.
Max Format: 24 × 74.7 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 150ft | Max Resolution: 1200 × 1200 dpi | Number of inks: 4 | Print speed: D/A1 in around 45 sec
⊕ Universal printer and plotter
⊕ Roll printing, automatic cutter
⊕ Supports lots of formats and materials
⊕ Inexpensive to use
⊖ Resolution and durability could be better
⊖ Border printing, 4 ink colors only
This model can print both sheets up to 24 inches wide and rolls in full color. This device is one of the smallest in its class. It offers ease of use thanks to the 4.3-inch touch screen.
This best photo printer has a card reader. It is also a wireless printer and plotter with the advantage of mobile printing. There is a standard set of CMYK cartridges that can be easily replaced. The advantage of the HP DesignJet T120 is not only its versatility but also its cost.
Max Format: 24 × 63 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 59.1 ft | Max Resolution: 2400 × 1200 dpi | Number of inks: 12 | Print speed: A1 in around 58 sec
⊕ Stunning print quality and accuracy
⊕ Double roll support
⊕ 3.5 LCD touch panel, internal memory
⊕ Auto switch rolls/ink
⊖ Expensive, heavy, cumbersome
If sheet size is important to you, then this Canon wide format printer is what you need. It can print pictures up to 24 inches wide. This advanced device uses Canon FINE technology, a 27-touch print head and 12-color pigmented LUCIA PRO ink with ChromaOptimizer to achieve perfect quality.
It has an integrated color densitometer with 3-color LEDs and a capacitor lens to maintain maximum productivity in a very wide print range. This large format photo printer has other important features such as the maximum ink efficiency system and the L-COA Pro high-speed image processing engine.
Max Format: 64 × 80 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 590.6inches | Max Resolution: 2400 × 1200 dpi | Number of inks: 10 | Print speed: 16” × 20” prints in around 1 min 47 sec
⊕ Huge size and number of prints
⊕ Amazing quality and speed
⊕ Roll borderless printing
⊕ Built-in 320GB print server
⊖ Expensive, huge, requires installation
⊖ Few connectivity options
This Epson product is one of the best large format printers. It is designed specifically for gigantic prints with a diagonal of up to 64 inches: from rolls and photographs of exhibition quality to posters, signs, and banners. This printer was created to work in difficult conditions of mini-laboratories and photo studios.
Print quality is excellent thanks to the Epson Ultra Chrome Pro two-tone pigment ink. It works through the Precision Core Micro 10-channel print head. Its structure reduces vibration, as well as provides more accurate droplets and ink placement.
Max Format: 24 × 36 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 300 ft | Max Resolution: 2400 × 1200 dpi | Number of inks: 12 | Print speed: A1/D in around 3 min 48 sec
⊕ Full coverage of ISO and SWOP gamut
⊕ Roll printing, borderless
⊕ 80 GB internal hard drive
⊕ Calibration of the printer and display
⊖ Expensive and bulky
⊖ HP supplies only
This is one of the best large format printers as it’s professional and fast. Using it, you can get 22 x 34-inch high-resolution prints in two minutes in the high-speed printing mode using a combination of HP pigment-based 12-color printing technologies, Quad-black Ink and Gloss Enhancer.
An optical drop detector prevents nozzle clogging and material consumption. HP Designjet Z3200 supports more than 50 types of HP paper, from photo paper for artwork to coated and graphic materials.
Max Format: 36 × 74.7 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 150 ft | Max Resolution: 2400 × 1200 dpi | Number of inks: 4 | Print speed: A1/D in around 25 sec
⊕ Fast print speed
⊕ Auto feed and sheet cutting, roll printing
⊕ Wireless, touch control panel
⊕ Mobile printing, Wi-Fi Direct
⊖ Only 4 ink colors
⊖ Only original supplies
This reliable 36-inch compact printer is a great investment for architects, engineers and construction specialists. DesignJet T730 is a large-format roll inkjet thermal printer from HP that can provide prints up to 36 inches wide with satisfactory color reproduction.
This large format photography printing device is easy-to-use due to the front touch control panel in the form of a smartphone screen where you can easily find the necessary settings. You can save time and over-expenditure of materials with convenient auto-feed and auto cut functions.
Max Format: 14 × 19 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 26.6 inches | Max Resolution: 4800 × 2400 dpi | Number of inks: 10 | Print speed: A3+ in around 3 min 35 sec
⊕ 10 individual pigments
⊕ Universal creative software
⊕ Printing on discs
⊕ Long-lasting prints
⊖ Only original ink
⊖ Doesn’t support roll printing
This is one of the best large format photo printer variants that comes with My Image Garden software for the fast creation of banners, collages and calendars. The printing quality is excellent. The device uses 10 pigment-based ink cartridges, one of which is a transparent layer of Chroma.
This printer is compatible with a wide range of paper, including glossy, matte, museum engraving, and various art materials. It can print on CD, DVD and Blue-ray discs too.
Max Format: 44 × 66 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 100 ft| Max Resolution: 2400 × 1200 dpi | Number of inks: 9 | Print speed: D in around 1 min 12 sec
⊕ Exceptional color control
⊕ Excellent speed and accuracy
⊕ Auto feed and cut of rolls and sheets
⊕ Touch screen, 500 GB disk
⊖ Bulky, expensive, requires installation
⊖ Only original cartridges
This is a new level in large-format printers that can process prints of up to 44 inches. The printer is equipped with a touch screen, 500 GB hard drive, automatic feed of roll and cut, and a set of 9 ink colors with the printheads technology and HP Pixel Control. Its goal is to ensure high-quality printing and clarity in color and details.
This is one of the best large format photo printer types as it provides a speed of 185 square feet per hour, which is higher than many competitors offer. It also provides both wired and wireless printing, the latter is done through a secure connection.
Max Format: 13 × 19 inches | Maximum Printable Length: 19 inches | Max Resolution: 9600 × 2400 dpi | Number of inks: 6 | Print speed: 4”x 6” photo in around 36 sec
⊕ Decent print resolution and color reproduction
⊕ Auto paper feed, wireless
⊕ Mobile printing, borderless
⊕ Low cost of prints
⊖ Without roll and Ethernet support
⊖ Inexpensive plastic case
Canon can design great photo printers and Pixma iP8720 is the best large format photo printer for a home photographer on a budget.
It holds up to 120 sheets of plain paper and 20 sheets of thick photo paper. There is space for CD or DVD tray on the front panel. This printer is compatible with cameras via PictBridge or smartphones via Wi-Fi.
Image | Name | Features | |
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Epson Expression XP-15000
OUR CHOICE |
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HP Designjet T120
BEST PLOTTER |
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HP Designjet T730
PRO-GRADE PRINT |
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Canon PIXMA PRO-10
CRAFTING |
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Canon Pixma iP8720
BUDGET |
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The large-format printer for portrait photography on your desk will be different from an industrial vinyl printer that requires installation and maintenance personnel. Except for the input materials and the print scale, all large-format printers have a similar set of technical characteristics.
Print resolution refers to the maximum number of dots per inch (dpi) horizontally and vertically. The higher the DPI, the better the print quality. Inkjet printers can print with a minimum resolution of 2400 × 1200 dpi in color for graphics.
Printing speed is important for a continuous production process. To print multi-page documents, it’s better to focus on ppm – the number of pages per minute. The more pages, the faster the print is. For printing photos, a standard supported format is indicated (for example, 13” × 19”) and the time of printing in seconds – the less, the faster.
The amount of ink will determine the color reproduction of the original image and ongoing operating costs. 6 individual pigment-based inks with 2 shades of black for monochrome printing will be enough for high-quality and durable printing.
Paper processing includes everything from the size and thickness of different types of paper to the standard and additional capacity of the input and output trays.
It is good if a large format printer is equipped with an input and output trays of at least 100 sheets and a special tray for photo paper. Many models include advanced functions, such as tabloid printing, vinyl printing, double printing (preferably single pass) and auto document feeders.
Connection via USB is really universal, and many people seek autonomy without a PC. Workgroup printers support network printing using an Ethernet cable. For greater mobility, many models support wireless printing using Wi-Fi with built-in print servers and cloud or mobile printing, printing from memory cards or cameras directly.
The processor and memory are important for buffering large graphic print files and intelligent image processing, especially at high resolutions.
The functionality will cover your needs for large-format printing and help save on some additional stages of photo printing. You might consider using multifunction printers that can send and receive faxes and emails, as well as scan photos.
The maximum print size varies depending on the specific model, but it is commonly in the range of 24 to 64 inches in width and can extend even further with specialized printers.
Large format photo printers commonly use pigment-based inks or dye-based inks. Pigment-based inks are known for their longevity, color vibrancy, and resistance to fading, making them popular for professional and archival prints. Dye-based inks, on the other hand, are known for producing vibrant and vivid colors, making them suitable for high-quality prints and graphics.
To achieve optimal results, it is important to ensure accurate grayscale reproduction, proper tonal range, and smooth transitions between shades of gray. Calibrating the printer, using dedicated black-and-white ink sets, and selecting the appropriate media can help achieve superior black-and-white prints with rich tonal depth and detail.