Head to head
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 vs Canon PIXMA PRO-200 (2027)
Head-to-head: Epson ET-8550 versus Canon PRO-200 on ink economics, colour character, black-and-white and A3-plus workflows.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
A 13-inch EcoTank photo printer with six inks and bottle-cheap colour.
- Technology: 6-colour inkjet, Micro Piezo, 5760 x 1440 dpi optimised
- Max print size: 13 x 19 in borderless (A3-plus)
Canon PIXMA PRO-200
An 8-colour A3-plus dye inkjet for vibrant gallery and illustration prints.
- Technology: 8-colour dye inkjet, FINE head, 4800 x 2400 dpi
- Max print size: 13 x 19 in (A3-plus), custom to 13 x 39 in
Our recommendation
Buy the ET-8550 for ink economics, black-and-white strength and all-in-one utility. Buy the PRO-200 for maximum glossy colour vibrancy and Canon's print-layout software. High-volume printers save real money with Epson; colour exhibitionists glow with Canon.
Ink systems and running cost
The Epson's six bottle-fed inks, including a photo grey, make ink cost per A3-plus print almost negligible. The Canon's eight CLI-65 dye cartridges deliver more colour channels at cartridge prices. Over hundreds of large prints, the Epson's economics are not close - they are a rout.
Colour and monochrome character
The PRO-200's eight colours produce the more saturated, glossy pop that travel and illustration work loves. The ET-8550's grey ink gives it the monochrome edge: smoother neutral gradients without colour casts. Choose by your portfolio's centre of gravity.
Machine scope
The Epson is a full all-in-one with scanning and copying on a touchscreen; the Canon is a focused single-function printer with superior paper-path feedback on its LCD. Studios may prefer the Canon's focus; home offices will exploit the Epson's breadth.
Choose Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 if…
- You print large and often, so ink cost dominates
- Black-and-white printing matters to your work
- You also need scanning and copying
Choose Canon PIXMA PRO-200 if…
- Saturated glossy colour is your signature
- You print exhibition colour at A3-plus
- You already run Canon's print software workflow
Questions, answered
Which is better for beginners to large printing?
The ET-8550, because cheap ink forgives the test prints every beginner needs. Learning on cartridge ink teaches caution instead of craft.
Do either use pigment ink?
Both use dye-based photo inks in these configurations (the Epson adds pigment black for documents). For pigment fine-art longevity, look to dedicated pigment lines beyond this pair.
What paper should I start with?
The makers' own premium glossy and luster papers with their ICC profiles. Master one paper completely before collecting paper types.