Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Photo Printers

Canon Pixma PRO-200S vs Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Canon Pixma PRO-200S comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about dye-based print quality seekers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Canon Pixma PRO-200S
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Photo Printers
Canon Pixma PRO-200S
4 sources2 derived$589.99as of Jul 31

The Canon Pixma PRO-200S is a 13-inch wide photo and fine art inkjet sitting between enthusiast and professional use, running Canon's ChromaLife dye-based ink system. Reviewers noted the eight-color inkset hits maximum color gamut and black density, with fade resistance rated past 20 years. It prints up to 13" x 39", and the build is sturdy with accessories included. The S revision adds improved Wi-Fi security protocols, but reviewers found no significant print quality difference from the original PRO-200. Professional photographers and artists who want high-quality dye-based printing are the fit.

Strengths
  • Eight-color ChromaLife dye-based ink system offers maximum color gamut, black density, and media compatibility
  • 13-inch wide printing capability supports sizes up to 13" x 39" banners
  • Dye inks show remarkable fade resistance, expected to last 20+ years under ideal display conditions
Watch-outs
  • Canon's manual gives no paper weight or thickness guidance for each feed path
  • Wi-Fi connectivity improvements in PRO-200S version are limited to security protocol updates
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Ranked #4 in Best Photo Printers
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
3 sources1 derived$599.99as of Jul 31

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 aims at amateur photographers who want quality prints without paying for them in ink. Imaging Resource's Jeremy Gray credited its efficiency and ink savings, putting the cost reduction at up to 80% against professional printers. PCMag's William Harrel liked the wireless capabilities and the user-friendly touchscreen. Reviewers were clear it doesn't match the quality of Epson's SureColor pro-level printers. Home users who print frequently will be well served; anyone chasing studio-quality results won't.

Strengths
  • Uses 6-color refillable ink tanks including Claria ET photographic dye inks for high-quality photo printing
  • Prints up to 13 x 19 borderless with resolution up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi
  • Supports mobile and wireless printing including Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Amazon Alexa
Watch-outs
  • Not suitable for professional-level photo printing quality
  • Requires 10-minute initialization process after refilling ink tanks

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Canon Pixma PRO-200S

The Canon Pixma PRO-200S surpasses the Epson EcoTank models in terms of color gamut and fade resistance with its ChromaLife dye-based ink system, but it lacks the wide-format capabilities of the Canon imagePrograf PRO-1100. Compared to the Epson SureColor P900, it offers a more affordable option with similar dye-based ink technology but without the professional pigment inks and archival longevity.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

Unlike the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, which offers higher print quality and more connectivity options, the ET-8550 focuses on affordability and ease of use with its 6-color refillable tanks. Compared to the SureColor P900, it lacks the professional-grade pigment inks and archival longevity, but provides a more budget-friendly entry point for home users. The ET-8550's 4.3-inch touchscreen sets it apart from the basic ET-2980, which only offers a 3-inch LCD display.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCanon Pixma PRO-200SEpson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Max Print Size13" x 39"13 x 19
Ink SystemChromaLife dye-based 8-color6-color refillable
ConnectivityWi-FiUSB, WiFi Direct, Ethernet
Weight32 lb24.5 lb
Printer TypeWide-Format Inkjet PrinterInkJet (Ink Tank)
Print Speedapprox. 1 m 30s for 11"x14" color photo15 seconds for 4" x 6" photo in Draft Mode
Print Resolution4800 x 2400 dpi5,760 x 1,440 dpi
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