For years, I’ve been caught in the same frustrating cycle. As a passionate photographer, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing a digital image transform into a tangible, gallery-worthy print. But this joy has always been tempered by a constant, nagging anxiety: the dreaded low ink warning. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been halfway through a critical A3 print job, only to have my printer grind to a halt, demanding another set of eye-wateringly expensive cartridges. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a creative roadblock. The high cost of ink often forced me to ration my printing, to second-guess whether a photo was “worthy” of being printed, stifling experimentation. I longed for a solution that offered uncompromising quality without the punitive running costs, a machine that would empower creativity rather than penalise it. The search for this “holy grail” of photo printing led me directly to the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer.
- 6-COLOUR INK SYSTEM - The Epson Claria ET Premium inks produce high-quality, long-lasting photos up to A3+ size as well as outstanding black and white photos with the new grey ink, The pigment black...
- SAVE TIME and MONEY - This economical printer allows you to print up to 2,300 high-quality photos with one set of ink bottles, The bottles and tanks are designed for ease of use, meaning no hassle or...
What to Consider Before Buying an Inkjet Photo Printer
An inkjet photo printer is more than just an office peripheral; it’s a key solution for transforming digital memories and artistic visions into physical reality. For photographers, graphic designers, and serious crafters, it’s the final, critical step in the creative process. The main benefit is the ability to produce high-resolution, colour-accurate prints on a variety of media, from glossy photo paper to thick fine-art canvases and cardstock, right from your desktop. This control over the final output is something that third-party printing services can never fully replicate.
The ideal customer for a high-end photo printer like this is someone who prints frequently and demands superior quality. This includes professional and amateur photographers creating portfolios or prints for sale, artists producing limited edition giclée prints, and crafters making high-quality stickers, cards, and custom projects. It might not be suitable for those who only need to print occasional documents or a handful of holiday snaps a year. For basic home office tasks, a more affordable all-in-one would be a more sensible investment. If your workflow is purely document-based, a laser printer might even be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: High-performance printers, especially those capable of A3+ printing, are not small. The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer measures 52.3 cm in width, but you need significant clearance. As one user noted, with the trays extended, it needs nearly a meter of depth (990mm) and about 160mm of space at the back for the rear paper feed. Always measure your intended space carefully, accounting for full operational clearance.
- Performance & Print Quality: Look beyond simple pages-per-minute (PPM) figures, which often refer to draft-quality documents. For photo printing, the key metrics are maximum print resolution (measured in DPI, or dots per inch) and the ink system. A higher DPI (like this model’s 5760 x 1400) allows for finer detail. The number and type of inks are paramount; a 6-colour system, like the Claria ET Premium inks used here, provides a wider colour gamut and smoother tonal transitions than a standard 4-colour system, with the dedicated grey ink being a game-changer for neutral black and white prints.
- Media Handling & Versatility: Your creative ambitions shouldn’t be limited by your printer. Check for multiple paper paths. The ET-8550 features front trays for standard A4 and photo-sized paper, a rear A3+ tray for specialty media, and a straight paper feed for thick media up to 1.3 mm. The ability to print borderless and directly onto CDs/DVDs adds another layer of professional finish.
- Ease of Use & Long-Term Costs: A printer should be a tool, not a challenge. Look for intuitive controls like a large colour touchscreen and seamless connectivity via Wi-Fi and mobile apps. The biggest long-term factor is the cost of ink. This is where the EcoTank system shines. While the initial printer cost is high, the replacement ink bottles offer a dramatically lower cost-per-print compared to traditional cartridges, saving thousands of pounds over the printer’s lifespan.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Wide range of features
- More for you in it! original HP 2-pack ink cartridges
- CANON INK: Value Pack includes black & colour inks & 50 sheets of Glossy Photo Paper - genuine Canon Ink provides consistent quality prints 100% of the time
First Impressions: A Premium Build for a Premium Price
Unboxing the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer is an event in itself. The unit is substantial, weighing in at just over 11kg, and its sleek black chassis feels solid and well-constructed. This isn’t a flimsy, budget printer; it feels like a serious piece of creative equipment. Setup is guided almost entirely by the Epson Smart Panel app, which you download via a QR code. As confirmed by numerous users, this mobile-first approach is surprisingly seamless. One reviewer, who had never set up a printer before, found it “quick & easy” using just their phone.
The star of the initial setup is, without a doubt, filling the ink tanks. Epson has perfected this process. The ink bottles have keyed nozzles, making it impossible to fill the wrong tank, and they stop automatically when the tank is full. We experienced zero spills or mess, a clean and oddly satisfying procedure. The large 10.9cm colour touchscreen is bright, responsive, and makes navigating the initialisation and Wi-Fi connection straightforward. The motorised output tray that extends automatically when you start a print job is a premium touch that adds to the overall high-end experience.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional 6-colour print quality, especially for B&W photos with grey ink.
- Incredibly low running costs thanks to the high-capacity EcoTank system.
- Highly versatile media handling, including A3+, thick cardstock, and CDs/DVDs.
- Modern, flexible connectivity with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a comprehensive mobile app.
Potential Drawbacks
- High initial purchase price can be a barrier for casual users.
- Some user reports of out-of-the-box issues like streaking or roller marks, suggesting potential quality control variance.
A Deep Dive into the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer’s Performance
After weeks of rigorous testing, putting the ET-8550 through its paces with everything from standard documents to panoramic fine-art prints, we have a comprehensive picture of its capabilities. This printer is a formidable tool for creatives, but it’s essential to understand its strengths and nuances to get the most out of the investment.
The EcoTank Revolution and a Seamless Setup
The setup process truly sets the tone for the user experience. After removing a considerable amount of protective blue tape, the physical setup is minimal. The real work happens on your smartphone. The Epson Smart Panel app holds your hand through every step, from connecting to your Wi-Fi network to the most critical part: filling and priming the ink system. Each of the six 70ml Claria ET Premium ink bottles is designed for a single, clean pour. You simply uncap a bottle, flip it upside down over the corresponding colour-coded tank, and let gravity do the work. It’s a foolproof system that completely eliminates the mess and fuss of syringes or other refill methods. After filling, the printer begins its initialisation process, which takes about 10-15 minutes as it primes the print head by drawing ink from the tanks. While we found the on-screen instructions clear, one user noted the manual’s explanation of this priming cycle was a bit vague, so our advice is to trust the app and let the machine do its thing. The entire process, from unboxing to printing the first test page, took us under 30 minutes and was genuinely enjoyable.
Exquisite Print Quality: The 6-Colour Advantage
This is where the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer truly justifies its price tag. The results are, in a word, stunning. Using the 6-colour Claria ET Premium ink set, which includes cyan, magenta, yellow, black, photo black, and grey, the printer produces images with incredible depth, vibrancy, and accuracy. We tested it on various papers, from Epson’s own Premium Glossy Photo Paper to third-party matte and lustre papers. On glossy media, colours pop with a vividness that rivals professional lab prints. The transitions between tones are buttery smooth, with no noticeable banding or stepping, even in challenging gradients like sunsets or blue skies. One user rightly pointed out that using high-quality paper is essential: “The picture does not do the print justice! The colour is amazing and the quality is sub par to none!”
Where the ET-8550 pulls away from the competition is in its black and white printing. The inclusion of a dedicated grey ink is a complete game-changer. It allows the printer to create truly neutral monochrome prints with deep blacks, brilliant whites, and incredibly subtle gradations in between, completely free of the colour casts (usually green or magenta) that plague 4-colour printers. For portrait and fine-art photographers, this feature alone is worth the price of admission. While the vast majority of our prints were flawless, it’s worth noting a few isolated user reports of issues like streaking or roller marks. This seems to be a quality control lottery, as our test unit produced impeccable results, but it’s a reminder to test the printer thoroughly upon arrival.
Versatility in Media Handling: A Crafter’s Dream Machine
A great photo printer needs to be a media chameleon, and the ET-8550 is exceptionally adaptable. It’s equipped with three main paper input sources, giving it tremendous flexibility. The front has two cassettes: a lower one for up to 100 sheets of A4 plain paper and an upper one dedicated to smaller photo media like 4×6″ or 5×7″. This is perfect for everyday use. For serious work, the rear paper feed is the star. It handles single sheets up to A3+ size, which is a significant step up from standard A3, allowing for larger prints with borders for framing. This rear feed is designed for thicker, specialty media. We successfully fed 300gsm matte cardstock and heavy fine-art paper through it without a single jam. For the ultimate in versatility, there’s a third, direct straight-through paper path. This allows you to print on media up to 1.3mm thick and, remarkably, on panoramic rolls up to 2 metres long. This opens up incredible creative possibilities for panoramic landscapes or custom banners. We also tested the included tray for printing directly onto printable CDs and DVDs, a feature that works flawlessly and adds a professional touch to any media project. This level of media flexibility makes the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer an ideal all-in-one solution for a home studio or crafting business. You can explore all its creative printing features here.
Connectivity, Control, and the True Cost of Printing
The printer offers a full suite of modern connectivity options. We primarily used it over Wi-Fi, and the connection was stable and reliable throughout our testing, a sentiment echoed by users who praised its wireless performance. For those who prefer a hardwired connection, an Ethernet port is also available. The Epson Smart Panel App is surprisingly powerful, allowing you to not just print, but also scan, copy, check ink levels, and run maintenance cycles directly from your phone or tablet. The 10.9cm touchscreen on the printer itself is equally capable, providing clear menus and direct printing from an inserted SD card or USB flash drive.
Finally, we must address the economics. The initial outlay for the ET-8550 is significant. However, the EcoTank system fundamentally changes the long-term cost equation. Epson claims a single set of ink bottles can print up to 2,300 high-quality photos. While this will vary wildly based on print size and image density, our own testing showed ink levels barely moving after dozens of A4 and A3 prints. One user noted that after 90 mixed A4 pages at best quality, their ink levels still showed as full. Another user expressed disappointment, feeling the “2 years’ worth of ink” claim was misleading after printing just a few dozen full-colour posters. The truth lies somewhere in the middle: if you print heavily saturated, large-format images daily, you will use ink faster. But compared to the cost of standard cartridges, the savings are undeniable and can run into the thousands over the printer’s life, transforming it from an expensive purchase into a shrewd long-term investment.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its core functions. One user summed it up perfectly: “Quality of the colour and black and white (no colour cast!) prints. So far only A4, but A3 will be printed soon. I also like the very large dye reservoirs.” Another praised the user-friendliness, stating, “I was seriously impressed setting up the printer, it has to be the easiest printer I have ever set up.” The cost savings are a frequently cited highlight for those upgrading from cartridge-based models.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. A recurring theme among negative reviews points to issues with brand new units. One frustrated user reported, “Absolute nightmare…The streaks kept appear. I was cleaning the nozzle and print head several times.” Another received a replacement unit that also had problems, including roller marks on every print and a “horrendous noise.” These experiences, while seemingly in the minority, suggest that quality control can be inconsistent, and buyers should be prepared to test their machine thoroughly and utilize the warranty if necessary. Other minor gripes include its slow speed for high-quality A3 prints and some users feeling the advertised ink longevity is optimistic for heavy use cases.
How Does the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer Compare?
The ET-8550 operates in a premium category, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other options in the market, especially for those with different budgets and needs.
1. Canon TS705
- TS705
The Canon TS705 is a much more compact and affordable A4 photo printer. It uses a 5-individual-ink cartridge system, which provides very good photo quality for its price point. It’s a great choice for a hobbyist who wants to print high-quality photos up to A4 size but doesn’t have the space, budget, or print volume to justify the ET-8550. While its running costs will be significantly higher per-page than the EcoTank, its low initial purchase price makes it more accessible. You’ll be sacrificing the A3+ capability, the superior 6-colour system, and the incredible ink economy, but gaining a smaller footprint and a lower entry cost.
2. Canon PIXMA TR4750i Wireless Office Printer
- NEVER RUN LOW ON INK: Subscribe to PIXMA Print Plan for automatic ink delivery to your door before you run out, with different tariffs tailored to your usage.
- SMART PRINTER OPERATION: Control Canon printer functions from your smart devices with Wi-Fi and the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint (iOS), and Mopria (Android); easily switch to Wireless Direct when you're...
The Canon PIXMA TR4750i is designed more for the home office than the photo studio. Its key features are productivity-oriented, such as the 20-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for easy scanning and copying of multi-page documents. While it can print photos, its 4-colour system cannot compete with the nuance, colour gamut, and black-and-white neutrality of the Epson’s 6-colour setup. This printer is the better choice if your primary need is printing, scanning, and copying documents, with occasional photo printing as a secondary function. For anyone serious about photo quality, the ET-8550 is in a completely different league.
3. Epson WorkForce WF-2930DWF Wireless Inkjet Printer
- COMPACT AND STYLISH - With its sleek and refined form, it’s easy to integrate this space-saving, multifunction model into any home office
- EASY TO USE - Easy navigation with its intuitive user interface and LCD screen, speed through tasks using the 30-page ADF for multi-page scanning, copying and faxing with minimal effort
The Epson WorkForce WF-2930DWF is another budget-friendly, office-focused all-in-one. Like the Canon PIXMA, it prioritizes document features like an ADF and auto-duplexing for A4 paper. It uses standard, and relatively expensive, ink cartridges. While it bears the Epson brand, its purpose is fundamentally different from the ET-8550. This is a machine for reports, homework, and web pages. It is not designed for high-fidelity photo reproduction. Choosing between these two comes down entirely to your primary use case: office productivity (WF-2930DWF) versus creative, high-quality photo and art printing (ET-8550).
Our Final Verdict: A Game-Changer for Serious Creators
After extensive hands-on testing, it’s clear that the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer is a triumph. It successfully bridges the gap between high-end professional printers and more accessible consumer models. The initial investment is substantial, and it’s not the right machine for a casual user who prints a few documents a month. However, for its target audience—serious amateur photographers, artists, designers, and high-end crafters—it is a game-changing piece of equipment. The combination of sublime 6-colour print quality, outstanding media versatility up to A3+, and the revolutionary long-term savings of the EcoTank system creates a value proposition that is hard to beat.
It liberates you from the financial anxiety of expensive cartridges, encouraging you to print more, experiment freely, and bring your best creative work to life. While the potential for out-of-the-box hardware issues is a slight concern, the vast majority of users, including us, have experienced a machine that simply delivers on its promises. If you are serious about printing and have been waiting for a machine that pairs quality with economy, your wait is over.
If you’ve decided the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer is the right fit for your creative studio, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API