What’s the Best Large-Format Printer for Photographers?

Are you looking for the perfect printer to bring your photos to life? Do you want to know the best large-format printer for photographers? We get it: large prints are a must for photographers like you. Whether printing for portfolios, exhibitions, or professional sales, a reliable large-format printer can turn your digital images into stunning works of art.

With many available choices, picking the right printer can be a challenge. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best large-format printers for photographers.

Large Format Printers: the Best Choice for Photography

Large-format models can handle larger media sizes, making them ideal for gallery exhibits, client presentations, or high-impact displays. They offer advanced colour accuracy, deep tonal range, and the ability to print on various materials, like fine art paper and canvas.

For photographers, these printers ensure images are translated into physical prints that maintain the original vision, enhancing the impact and professionalism of their craft.

So, what’s the best printer for large photos? Here are some of our top picks:

1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 combines professional-grade performance with design details like its signature ‘red line,’ a nod to Canon’s L-series lenses. With 12 pigment-based Lucia Pro ink cartridges, it delivers deep blacks and exceptional tonal richness. It’s one of the best large-format pigment-based photo printers for photographers seeking top-notch vibrancy and precision in prints.

Its Chroma Optimiser enhances glossy prints by reducing bronzing and gloss inconsistencies, but its true strength lies in matte and fine art media, where colour and monochrome output excel. The printer handles A2 prints up to 17×22 inches and panoramic images up to 1.2 metres long, though the lack of a roll-feeder means custom lengths must be prepared manually.

Key Features:

• Print Size: Prints up to 17 inches wide, suitable for larger images
• Ink System: 12-colour LUCIA PRO ink system, including a Chroma Optimiser for smooth transitions and impressive colour depth
• Resolution: 2400 x 1200 dpi, which captures even the finest details
• Media Compatibility: Handles various media types, including fine art, glossy, and matte papers

2. Epson SureColor SC-P900

This Epson printer is an excellent choice for photographers and artists looking for high-quality large-format prints. It can produce stunning 17-inch prints and features a 10-colour UltraChrome PRO10 pigment-based system, including multiple black and grey tones. Its 4.3-inch touchscreen simplifies operation, and the optional roll feed adapter adds flexibility for panoramic and non-standard projects.

Beyond its exceptional print quality, the SC-P900 offers practical features like dual input trays for various media and a flat transport system for thicker materials. While the initial ink setup is an investment, its ink economy is competitive for a pigment-based printer. Compact yet powerful, the SC-P900 delivers gallery-worthy results.

Key Features:

• Print Size: Up to 17 inches wide, ideal for medium to large prints
• Ink System: 10-colour UltraChrome PRO10 inks, expanding the colour gamut
• Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi, providing crisp, detailed images
• Media Compatibility: Compatible with roll paper, poster board, and thick media

3. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300

This large-format Canon printer improves on its predecessor, the PRO-10, with a 10-pigment ink system. It uses Lucia Pro inks for vibrant colours and includes both photo and matte black inks for great results on glossy and matte media. The Chroma Optimiser cartridge gives glossy prints a smooth, professional finish.

Its dual black ink channels eliminate the need to swap inks, saving time and reducing waste. In testing, the PRO-300 impressed with vibrant, accurate colour prints and detailed black-and-white output, free from unwanted colour casts. This precision makes it an excellent choice for photographers seeking high-quality, consistent results.

Key Features:

• Print Size: Supports prints up to A3+ (13 x 19 inches)
• Ink System: 10-pigment Lucia Pro inks with photo and matte black, red, grey, and Chroma Optimizer for smooth gloss
• Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi for crisp details
• Media Compatibility: Compatible with glossy, matte, fine art papers, and thick media, with automatic black ink switching

4. Epson SureColor P7570

The Epson SureColor P7570 is a professional 24-inch large-format printer ideal for photographers, fine art printers, and graphic designers. Its 12-colour UltraChrome PRO12 ink system provides a broad colour gamut and exceptional black-and-white gradation with dedicated matte and photo black inks.

Powered by PrecisionCore MicroTFP technology, this wide-format printer from Epson combines speed and precision for high-volume workflows and supports various media types. A 4.3-inch touchscreen and advanced colour management tools make it user-friendly and perfect for producing gallery-quality prints.

Key Features:

• Print Size: Up to 24 inches wide, perfect for medium to large projects
• Ink System: 12-colour UltraChrome PRO12 with matte and photo black for smooth transitions
• Resolution: Delivers sharp details at 2400 x 1200 dpi
• Media: Supports photo paper, canvas, fine art, and specialty materials

5. HP DesignJet Z9+

The HP DesignJet Z9+ is built for wide-format printing up to 44 inches, making it ideal for photographers, graphic designers, and print shops handling large projects. Its 9-colour ink system, including chromatic red, delivers a broad and accurate colour range, while the built-in spectrophotometer ensures consistent colour calibration across print runs.

This HP printer offers speed without sacrificing quality, optimising image processing for high-volume workflows. Dual roll support with automatic switching boosts efficiency, allowing easy transitions between media types and sizes. Combining precision, versatility, and productivity, the DesignJet Z9+ is a top pick for professionals needing large-scale, gallery-quality prints.

Key Features:

• Print Size: Up to 44 inches wide, perfect for large projects
• Ink System: 9-colour, including chromatic red for rich, accurate colours
• Resolution: Crisp 2400 x 1200 dpi for detailed prints
• Media: Handles roll paper, fine art, photo paper, and heavy media with dual roll switching

Where to Shop for High-Quality Large Format Printers

Not sure which printer is right for you? We’ve got you covered!

At the Printer Repairs Centre, we’re here to help you make the best choice and keep your equipment running smoothly. Whether you’re purchasing a new model or need expert maintenance and repair for your current large-format printer, our team is ready to offer the assistance you need.

Reach out to us today and let us support your photography journey with reliable, high-quality printing solutions.