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Epson ET 8550 printer review. Functionality, features and print quality of the 13" A3+ EcoTank model
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- Опубліковано 14 сер 2024
- Keith Cooper's full review of the Epson ET-8550 EcoTank printer. The 13"/A3+ six ink printer includes both pigment and dye based black inks which are filled from 70ml bottles of ink.
The review looks at printer features and the different ways it can be used for printing. Both colour and black and white prints are shown including details about colour management and optimal paper selection for print quality.
A full written review with far more detail is available at:
www.northlight-...
It includes links to all of my ET-8550 articles and videos.
Video index
00:00 Start
01:24 The Ink system
04:24 Shipping the printer
05:13 Maintenance cart
05:48 The mix of inks
09:07 Paper loading and handling
10:02 Front paper trays
12:26 Rear direct feed path
13:50 Printer display and controls
15:18 Control via a phone app
17:12 Home printer functions
18:20 Printer connectivity
19:12 Memory stick and card use
20:20 Colour management for the 8550
22:04 Using Epson Print Layout software
22:43 The importance of a test print
24:48 Profiles for your papers
26:08 Black and White printing
28:14 Media choices for black and white
31:15 Special media - board
31:39 Special media - canvas
32:52 Long prints
33:27 Scanning artwork
36:38 Choosing the right paper
39:38 Art paper differences - colour
42:16 Art paper differences - B&W
43:47 Papers for your prints
44:34 Overall impressions
There are several other supporting videos about using the ET-8550 in the Epson printer reviews/information playlist.
For setting up the printer see:
www.northlight-...
For printer test images see:
www.northlight-...
Papers tested: specific profiles are available [for non commercial use] by emailing Keith at Northlight Images
HP Artist Matte Canvas 380
Hahnemuhle Smooth Fine Art 265
Hahnemuhle Water Color 210
Canson Rag Photographique 310
Fotospeed Platinum Cotton 305
Fotospeed Etching 285
Epson CPN
Epson HPB
Epson TPP
Epson PGPP
Epson Premium Lustre
Pinnacle Lustre 300
Pinnacle Matte 230
PermaJet Titanium Lustre 280
PermaJet Double sided Lustre 295
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My articles and videos are always free to access.
Any help with running this channel is gratefully received.
If you'd like to make a small donation, I have a Kofi page:
"Buy me a coffee" ko-fi.com/keit...
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I also have some affiliate links which earn me a commission if used.
US Amazon photo/print gear: amzn.to/3l9vJC6
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovid...
Adorama: www.adorama.co...
For the 25+ icc printer paper profiles I've created for this printer, contact me via Northlight Images [ www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ ]
If you'd like to make a small donation, I have a Kofi page: "Buy me a coffee" ko-fi.com/keithcooper
Honestly Keith, this has been the best explanation on a printer, I have ever watched. We are in Rutland, so not far from you. Thank you for your very in-depth knowledge. Our new Epson 8550 arrived today. So you were so helpful for us. Also, all the info on paper... I never knew it was so important before watching your video. Thanks.
Excellent - if you've not seen it do check the main [written] review - this also links to all related articles/videos
Unlike videos it can also be edited/corrected/updated over time ;-)
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Love this! No wasted time on flashy cameramovements or silly edits. Learned a lot. Thank you.
Thanks!
And no music either ;-)
I picked up the model below this, the 8500, and I love it. I wanted to be able to print greeting cards, crafting projects for my Silhouette and Cricut, photos, and small posters for my fitness classes and it does exactly what I want it to do. Your videos have been extremely helpful!
Thanks - glad they were of help
Thanks for your comment. Can I ask, please, which card stock has worked best for you with this printer?
This is like a training camp on printing. It is worth a lots of money. Very grateful and feel lucky I landed on this. Thank you very much. But the model come in India is epson L8180 which is the same I guess. 👍👍👍👍 I learned a lot. Thanks
Glad it helped - I believe it is indeed the same basic printer.
In India there are limited A3+ printers with Wi-Fi
I am looking to choose between cannon pixma ix6870 and a this Epson L8180.
Any recommendations
@@ishandhar2851 Sorry - never seen that Canon...
Thank you very much for your time Keith. Many thanks indeed!
Thanks - glad it was of interest
When you see these A3 printers on the Epson site and see them in real life on UA-cam, you realize that they are really huge and take up space. Good review, thank you for your videos.
Thanks!
Perhaps I'm biased, but the 8550 is not big! ;-)
Hi Keith! Just picked up a hard-to-find Epson ET-8550, and have found your UA-cam channel and website incredibly helpful in getting up to speed with it. Thanks for all your insight and helpful tips, and keep up the good work! I have a P600 also, so the new one is a bit of an adjustment, but it undoubtedly will be cheaper to use for much of my daily printing. Of course the P600, which has been my workhorse, still produces higher quality output with it's 9-ink set than the very capable ET-8550 can with it's 6-inks. I do love the double-sided printing from the ET-8550 also, and that I can renew consumables easily without having to re-order pricey cartridges. The supertabloid capabilites of the ET-8550 also matches the P600, which is another reason I bought it. Thanks again for all you do here!
Thanks - glad it is of help!
Hi Kieth, I feel like I’ve come a bit late to the party. I just got a Epson ET 8550. After I broke my canon probably by putting cheap ink in. Anyway I follow the rules with this Epson and want to say thank you to you for your time and effort you put in to teaching people like me the folly of cutting corners. I bought absent paper and permit yet paper that has proper profiles all made up and the results are magnificent. I’ve bought the property by Epso anyway I follow the rules with this Epson and want to say thank you to you for your time and effort you put in to teaching people like me the fully of cutting corners. I bought Epson paper and Perma jet paper that has proper profiles all made up and the results are magnificent. I’ve bought the proper epson ink so they shouldn’t be any issues of the thing drawing up or blocking. I’m using it every day just two or three prints today and like you said about black and white it is absolutely fantastic and I’m looking forward to trying out different papers. I liked what you said about not having too many papers and I think that’s very wise so at the moment I’m just sticking with a few to get the hang of things but also when I used epson papers and permajej yet there were no track marks down the paper. When I use the paper unbranded even though it was the same grams there were track marks or pinwheel marks same thing
Glad it's been helpful and you're getting on well...
Reviews don't come much better than this.
I take my hat off to you sir.
Thanks very much - If you've not seen them, do check the linked [written] articles as well since with the written ones I get the chance to add updates, corrections and more subtle technical info.
Superb as usual Keith. Your channel is a fantastic resource for printing at home. I've just ordered one of these and I'm waiting for it to be back in stock.
Excellent - thanks.
If you've not seen it, do check the main [written] review for the 8550 as well - much more detail.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Great to see movement in this direction for photo printing. Bought my teacher dtr-in-law an earlier version of this a few years ago because of the ink costs. I doubt there will be much of an upgrade to this for sometime, so probably the best we'll see for a while. For those selling prints in the "fine art" market, worrying about 200-year life may have some validity. For most of us, I seriously doubt that 25-35 years is a concern.
Thanks - I sometimes think people worry too much about longevity. I emphasise it when I sell prints (with pigment inks) but that is as much a marketing choice ;-)
Who knows, maybe the Epson ink in this model will age well in 30 years like fine wine :) We'l have to wait and see.
Thank you Keith for your thorough review. I just purchased this printer and I am learning to print. I am an astrophotographer and this is a new challenge. Your reviews have been invaluable.
Thanks - with the right papers you can get some excellent result from it.
Hi Keith - I really enjoy your videos. I finally purchased and unboxed my ET-8550. It's fabulous, and while I spent a day and a half making setting tweaks and performing various paper experiments, I got a workflow to produce decent looking prints. I also got that Epson scanner after seeing your video as well. Good stuff! Hope you are well. A wave hello from 'across the pond' - Alfred.
Thanks for that - glad to help
If you've not seen it, the main [written] review has more info, including all the papers I profiled and info about media type selection.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thank you, Keith!
What a brilliant review! I will now buy one of these printers for small format 'commercial' jobs then see how far I can push it with custom profiles and my fine art media stocks! This is the type of review that makes Northlight the legends of digital colour control and high fidelity printing knowledge! Thanks heaps Kieth! Regards, David Myers, DIGITAL MASTERS Australasia.
Thanks - that's much appreciated!
Another great video Keith. Thank you! I just got the 8500 version. Got fed up with my Canon pixma and look forward to checking out the Epson machine.
Thanks do check the main [written] reviews at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
The printers are almost identical and the reviews cover slightly different aspects.
Remember that my videos are always supplementary to any written stuff ;-)
I read people still try to decide between one printer or the other. I too believe a printer is as good as the user settings and profiles. If I may summarize this excellent review, the source of the image is important, the choice of paper connected to the right printer-profile. A good reproduction is almost an art, maybe the printer has less influence than some here believe. A top-professional scanner, paper, and printer all have to be set up correctly.
I love your eye for detail and perfection, it took me back to my old day-job, thanks. ;-)
Thanks - much appreciated.
Thanks once again Keith for the excellent and thorough review. I think if Canon doesn't respond with an equivalent size using the refillable tanks, then this will be my printer of choice as it suits my photographic and domestic needs. As an annoying bonus, I've learnt about Vuescan - just after I acquired an old A3 scanner which I subsequently sent for recycling because I couldn't get the drivers to work. Doh!
Thanks very much. It's a very capable printer.
Sorry about that scanner! I still have one that has a SCSI interface with a SCSI->firewire adapter (on a Mac Pro that has FW port)
Hi Keith, I'm joining the choir here to lavish you with praise! You're reviews are so in depth and to the point. Like several of the other commenter's I'm looking for a printer to make BW art prints, primarily and I'd love your opinion. My hand is hovering over the purchase button for this printer, because it's so much more afforable. I don't mind that the ink longevity would be twenty to thirty years, my prices will reflect it.
Thanks!
If you've not seen it, have a look at the B&W section of the main [written] review - I have lots more detail in the written stuff than I can fit in the videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
In particular note the importance of paper choice and how paper media settings affect the inks used when printing.
Thank you very much for the review. I'm an amateur photographer and I've been using a Canon Pixma G3411, which was OK until I recently switched to a Mac 🙂 I've been wanting to get a better photo printer, ideally with an integrated scanner because I do occasionally need to scan a document and it seems like the Epson ET-8550 is an excellent choice. However, I noticed that the smaller ET-8500 (sold locally as L8160) was on sale for 450 Euros (this includes 500 10cm x 15cm sheets of Epson Photo Paper Glossy), which felt like a deal too good to pass and I don't remember needing to print photos larger than an A4.
I've always found the printing part of photography a bit confusing so thank you very much for all the articles and videos, they are very helpful!
Glad to have helped!
If you ever need them, I've all the profiles created for the review [listed in the written review] available. I believe they are valid for both sizes of printer.
Thanks for all your efforts reviewing this printer Keith 👍
Thanks - Just the web site to fix now so I can finish the written stuff
Gosh! No idea the functions of this printer. Incredibly useful information. The paper information was extremely useful--again no idea about the differences. Seeing it printed on canvas gave me some great craft ideas. Re: construction paper--it's a heavier stock paper, in US 65-80 pound and scrapbooking uses heavier stock paper also. In my opinion either of these papers will work in the rear feeder tray but will most likely jam if use the front paper tray. I'll be viewing more of your videos.
Thanks
For links to all my related articles/videos see the main [written] reviews at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I love this style of review. I come away with a new awareness of a topic that I have given little thought to in the past and also a great review of a product that builds of the reviews expert knowledge base.
Thanks!
Thank you Keith, for answering my question concerning the ET8550 printer if it can be used for fabric printing.
Glad it was of help
wow. amazing video. i say video instead of review, because you taught me as much or more about ink and paper as the printer.
Thanks - that is always one of the aims of my reviews. The videos are still relatively new to me and complement the detailed written ones I've done for over 10 years on the Northlight Images site
Yes! I agree. I learned so much and was able to get the results I wanted from my old $40 pixma printer (but now really still want the et8550 😂)
Just picked one of these up, and this video has been brilliantly helpful, thanks Keith!
Glad it was helpful!
If you've not seen it, there is much more detail and links in the main detailed [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thankyoy very much Keith. I'm looking forward to seeing all your Videos on Epsom printer, as I will be useing it daily in my Art Studio .
😁
Glad they are of help!
After printing out the manual, found the answer, have to use windows print app and change feed there. So simple once you find how. Thanks for splendid videos.
Thanks for posting this
great photo of the Leicester john Lewis. I noticed the building to the right is still yet to be built. I was part of the management team that built it. many of days i stood on that bridge to take progress pictures for the build diary lol Great video, cheers
Thanks - I did some interior photography for the then unbuilt Wulcomb building later on.
I’ll need to get the profiles sorted and the test on various papers. Your review was most helpful. Many thanks. Bruce A
Thanks - Do check the main [written] review as well, if you've not seen it? It has more detail, and links to all my 8550 related articles/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thanks for the great review. I picked up the 8500 for a 430€ deal and I'm happy about it.
Enjoy it!
What a great review! After watching this I now have the printer in my shopping cart 🛒
Glad to help
There is a lot more info [and profiles] at
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi Keith! I read that people have had success with using pigment inks in this printer, instead of the pigment/dye combo that the printer comes with. They said that the print head and mechanisms support this because it's designed to use both ink types anyway. I was considering buying this printer and only using pigment inks from the start. Have you ever experimented with this? Any thoughts or tips?
Not something I can test - it needs a 'disposable' printer to experiment on...
Also mine are mostly loans from Epson/Canon so I can't just put some random ink in them.
And... [this should not be under appreciated] I'm not allowed to live in a printer warehouse ;-)
Thank you for your Epson ET-8550 videos! I just bought this printer and set it up with your help! 😊
Glad I could help - have fun!
I have the et-7750 and it works fine, I’m waiting for a 10 inks eco tank printer. Needless to say that the eco tank concept is very good, I’m enjoying printing thanks to the low cost of ink.
I suspect you are going to have a long wait...
I don't think that Epson will make ever such a printer... It will destroy all his Profesional printers. The only ECOTANK with 6 colors (5 colors and 1 photo black) is Epson L1800 A3+, and L850 A4.
Great review, thanks for sharing. It looks like you have had this printer for a couple years now, any issues with head clogs?
Thanks, but I'm afraid It was a loan from Epson, so it went back after a while.
I couldn't afford to buy printers for such testing - but more importantly I'm not allowed to live in a printer warehouse ;-)
However, I've not heard of any issues in this respect, but of course, that's not a proper survey!
Was thinking of buying one of these watched your video love it well put together most definitely buying one now , just what I was looking for. Thank you for you prestation well put together.
Thanks
If you've not seen it, there is a lot more info in the main [written] review at
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Fantastic. So glad I came across this video having just purchased Et8550. Easy to follow and full of very useful info. ManyThanks. Bruce A
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Keith for all the great information here. I really love how the cardstock came out. I also see the black and white photos came out well too. Very excited to get this printer. Thank you so much.
Thanks - I've another one about cards I'll post tomorrow
Hello again! I ended up buying the Epson ET 8550. Strangely the Epson Photo + printing software doesn’t give me any option to adjust the printing colour levels in photo edit like it should… do you know why this might be and how to fix it? Do you have a recommendation for using a different printing software perhaps? I use Apple Mac. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks
Ah I don't ever use that software - the better software is Epson Print Layout, but that definitely has no print adjustment features [on purpose - the printer driver is not the place to do edits]
For basic stuff, try Apple Photos - for more, look at Affinity Photo [I can't suggest much though since I've used Photoshop for 25+ years ;-) ]
Also, check the main written review - far more in it than any of my videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper ah okay that’s helpful information. Thanks!
Hi Keith, you are obviously knowledgeable about printers. I have been searching for weeks for a replacement for my Canon PIXMA 610, a 3 in 1 for home use. As an 83 year old man, I am not highly technical. I don't need to print to A3, but can you advise me as to the best printer in your opinion that I should consider.. I have looked at all the major manufactures, and somewhat confused bu the contradictions between professional reviewers and actual users. I realise that no printer is perfect, I am just trying to narrow it down. I like the way you seem to respond to all the questions. Many thanks Terry Davis
I'm afraid I review or use very few of that sort of printer. My real experience is with dedicated photo printers of A3+ and above.
There are quite a range of smaller printers in the all-in-one category, and from my perspective they are all pretty much the same - now, that's obviously not true, but more reflects that I just don't know them well enough to know whether one is better than the other. I give no more than a cursory glance at things like duplexing, document feeders, speed or other office functions.
Sorry not to be of much help there...
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith. Sorry to have troubled you
No trouble - I do keep tabs of some printers like this, but they tend to be the larger ones like ET-8550 I cover in this video. I'm definitely looking at printers from the POV of a photographer ;-)
Thank you for the guidance. Your overview helped me install my new printer. Many thanks!
Glad it helped!
Evening Keith, first of all I love your eviews and all the detail you provide and profiles you had provided Thank you. I am looking at a new Epson Photo printer, I currently have a Epson Stylus 1400 and it has served me well. But it's time for me to upgrade and I prefer to stay with a dye ink printer, so that rules out the P700. How would you compare the print quality of the ET-8550 and the Epson XP-15000. I like the cost saving of the tank printer but I'm concerned about the limited color palate compared to the XP. Just from a pure print quality stand point which do you see as being better. I do a lot of landscapes, buildings and some wildlife photography. I occasional do a black and white but not very often at all. The ET-8550 is a new technology which I wouldn't mid exploring but I am more interested in the best prints I can make. My preferred papers are Luster, semi-gloss and gloss in that order. Thank you so much for your excellent reviews. Take care and god Bless
Thanks
Any colour differences are in an area which most people would never notice.
For Lustre/Gloss the ET-18100 is perhaps even more of an interesting option?
See the main written reviews for actual details
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-18100-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-xp-15000-printer-review/
Thank you Keith,
Had for couple of weeks now and I like it,
Prints 315gsm and all my various greeting cards.
Excellent - glad it was of interest
We have this printer at my local library and no one can get it to print vibrant colors on any paper except glossy photo. I hope I can learn what we're doing wrong!
See the actual review - also try printing from EPL with profiles
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
It will not print vibrant colours on plain paper
The media type [setting] selected makes a big difference as to how prints come out
Hope that helps
Hi Keith! Thank you so much for all your efforts here. I am looking to start my own business and have been looking at this printer for quite a while without really knowing if it was any good for me and watching your video had given me such an insight! So thank you.
I was wondering, as someone who has very basic computer skills, if once the profiles (which I assume are specific printer settings?) have been set up, you dont have to set them up again and you can just select which one you want, from then on?
Thabks again!
Keeda 😊
Thanks
The profiles refer to an individual paper - they are part of the printer setting when printing from software which supports them.
My best printing solution is always the free Epson Print Layout [EPL] - I include it in a lot of demos
This allows for use of profiles [if desired] - it's Mac and PC.
However, if you've not seen it, do check the main [written] review - my videos are just supplements.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thank you. I don't 100% understand 😅 but I am going to watch all of your videos on this printer and I really liked the look you got with the Hahnmenuhle paper. So may purchase the profile after I've tried out the Epsom ones first. Thank again! Take care 😊
thanks, this is really helpful. I like your straightforward delivery, you know so much!
Thanks for that - appreciated.
Great video. I purchased an ET-8550, though I notice what appear to be roller grooves in my prints. Using both PermaJet and Hahnemuhle A3+ papers.., bummer, but otherwise good. Just sayin'
Thanks - If you see the marks on an Epson paper, I'd get on to Epson about it. I know of one person who got a replacement after this.
@@KeithCooper Thank you for that, Keith, appreciate it, and might have to do that, given the printer is quite new. I haven't used it that much to be honest, until the last few days, but did some further tests last night. I’ve been using the PermaJet FB Mono Gloss Baryta 320 gsm and the Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta 315 gsm, both A3+. The rear tray (top) that puts 4 roller grooves on the prints, and on some A4. Using manual feed (back) the prints come out perfectly fine. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this, but worth putting out there I guess.
Thank you very much Mr. Cooper! A very through review that provides a fair assessment of the ET-8550 with good suggestions for optimum printing results. I think, with effort, this appears to be an excellent "creative" tool with over-all good quality and lots of output possibilities... and very reasonably priced ink!
Thanks - Glad it was helpful
Thanks for this video Keith. Like a few folks below, I’m mulling the 8550 and P900. The eco ink makes me want to go 8550 as this will be my first venture into printing primarily for my own pleasure but maybe selling the odd framed print. Then again, the P900 is better quality and has A2 possible… and I’ve already got an office scanner/printer… aaarrrggghhh! Looking at ink costs, set of bottles for 8550 is £80 and a set for P900 is over £300.
Thanks - the 8550 is a good way into printing good photos, but for me, the odd A2 print makes all the difference ;-)
@@KeithCooper yeah, I want that P900. 😳
hello master, could you tell me if it is possible to remove a fold from the photographic paper, and if there is a way to do it, thank you.
Depends on the paper, but for most photo papers it's not possible.
@@KeithCooper OK thank you...
Keith, thanks for such an informative video. This makes a lot of sense. I am amateur photographer who would like to print my photos using a printer that will give me options for papers and color management styles. This model seems to fit my budget and it's functionality. I am always wanting to learn how to do things and your video series for this printer will be a great resource for learning about ICC and color management.
Glad it was helpful!
Since I don't duplicate a lot of stuff in videos for similar printers, I'd also suggest checking the main [written] review for this printer
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
My written reviews link to all related videos - see here for my printer related items
www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/
[I've been writing articles for nearly 20 years - videos for only 2 yrs]
@@KeithCooper Thanks for your response. I will check out the written review. You are a wealth of information and inspiration about photography and printing. I was told that I need to print my photos for inspiration, which I need from time to time.
Thanks Keith, I have read that ink pads needs replacing on Epson ECO printers and need to be returned to Epson to replace ink pads and the printer software updated. Would that be after a certain number of prints been printed?
Did you read this in any Epson documentation? I don't know, but will ask
Such a wealth of knowledge to tap into here, great work sir!
Thanks - I've one more short 8550 video before it goes back to Epson (being swapped for a P700)
Let me ask this? If your budget was $750…. Does it satisfy? What from Canon do you consider comparable? Or Epson? If you stretched that budget capping at
$750 - what currency? I'm in the UK ;-) However, to be fair, I never cover prices for kit, since they vary so much in different countries.
It is a good printer and expands the options available. At the moment I do not know of any equivalent form Canon.
Very wise not to trust a video - It's always better to see sample prints if you are confident that they were produced optimally ;-)
What would I get? - none of the above. Currently I have a 17" Epson P5000 upstairs in the print room - I used to have a 44" Canon iPF8300 for my very big prints (such as the 47 foot canvas)
You definitely talked me out of trying this. 😊 which, believe me, is a gain for me in avoided frustration and waste, if a loss for Epson.
Ah, that's good... As you can tell, I don't sell printers ;-)
Thank you very much for this explanation. Very enlightening!
Thanks - if you've not seen it, there is more info in the main written review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Oh, thanks. Ok, I will check it out. Greetings from Mexico ✌
Hi Keith, your 'setting up the ET 8550 out of the box' video was fantastic, thank you so much. . Wondering if you could please make a video showing how to clean the rollers etc? - or do you know of a reliable guide already online? (I can't seem to find anything). My Et8550 disappointingly began having paper feeding issues after a very short time (it's only a month or two 'old'). repeated 'paper out' or paper jam' messgaes. I use 220gsm agfaphoto matt inkjet paper here in melbourne australia. I'm wondering if the thickness of the paper has caused the issue although it appears to be within the range recommended. The front feeder began having issues, so I started using the rear feeder which went well for a time, but now it has stopped accepting paper, too. This is a very new printer - and was a big consideration for me to purchase it because of it's expense. I wasn't aware I'd need to be manually cleaning parts at all - this sort of thing is not my forte. The printer has now stopped accepting even normal paper. I make a living from selling prints of my seascape paintings. my old Xp-860 worked for years without needing to be cleaned.
If it's that new - a call to Epson is what I'd do - it should not need any cleaning already.
Just make sure that when they ask, it's an Epson paper [or plain paper] that you should mention you are getting 'issues' with ;-) Not to give them excuses...
hello I finally bought the printer! (the time to save) I printed via my iPad in CMYK using the epson smart application and I find that the colors are a bit bland, however the RGB one is very successful! while the profile of my drawing is in cmyk… do you have any advice before printing? I use on iPad and I don't have a computer thank you very much
My only advice would be that using CMYK is rarely a good idea for print, unless you are doing commercial print work and know [and understand] exactly why CMYK should be used.
Also, iPhones/iPads are generally not what you'd choose for print of any quality - you may be able to get images looking OK for some uses, but if you ever need better, a 'real' computer is invariably needed.
Also, create images in RGB - CMYK has no use whatsoever for most people! ;-)
I have a video explaining this a bit more if it helps?
ua-cam.com/video/wX3ZcAiLg-4/v-deo.html
Hello Keith, First of all thank you for your clear videos. Wonderful to look at and educational. I really like the 'it dependants' in answer to a lot of questions, and it's so true. a request for advice from me, I have been taking photographs for some time and now want to print the photos myself. What I photograph most is (military) aircraft and birds. An A3(+) printer seemed like a nice option. Personal preference goes more towards a semi-gloss paper in general. When printing myself I need a printer and I am thinking of the Epson ET8550 or the Canon pro 200. I was wondering if the hybrid ink set of the 8550 is a step too far for a beginner, or is it the case that you Still have to learn so it doesn't matter? Very curious about your thoughts on this and hope it doesn't depend on too many things.
The benefit of the 8550 is the cost of inks, which for getting into printing, takes away [or at least lessens] an impediment to experimentation.
If you've not seen it, do have a look at the main 8550 written review - it pulls together all my 8550 info
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
it would be great if you do video how to set it up. download software. how to add to mabook and PC and different places.
issues that could have. I have this printer and come up to issue that it doesn't read my SD card.
There is much more detail in the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
It also links to all my 8550 related articles and videos
No Win PC specific stuff though - I've not used one for many years.
my comment was cut short... kindly offer your POV on which of the two (8550 or P900) you think would work better. I am a new (small) business owner (art prints from my original soft pastels) and cost effectivity as well as eco-friendliness are important to me.
The 900 is 17" and uses pigment inks
They are very different printers for very different markets
Eco friendliness is mostly marketing hokum I'm afraid - not really much difference in the amount of plastic used.
If you are selling a quality product then pigment inks are IMHO essential. I'd not want to buy a good print and know that the colours might fade in 30-50 years. It all depends on where in the market you want to position your products. See some of my photography business videos for more about selling prints?
The 8550 prints look fine - I'd have them on my wall but not sell them.
See my just published main (written) 8550 review for more
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hope that's of some help!
@@KeithCooper thanks so much Keith for such a speedy reply!
I read your review, very detailed, thank you.
Yes would love to watch more of your videos on printing, which ones do you recommend, keeping in mind that I am a painter...
I confess that I am torn... it sounds like the 900 is the way to go if I want to sell a quality print, which I do. That opens another point... do you know if pictures taken with my iPhone are good enough or do I need to purchase a scanner? I have quite a bit of experience with photo editing and taking pictures with my iPhone... I am happy with the quality (online and small prints from a shop), the prints would be on the smaller side, up to A3 but mostly A4. I work professionally with soft pastels and even with a sealer there is dust so a scanner doesn't sound too appealing to me.
My own feeling is that there is not a phone made suitable for art reproduction - but then I'm a working commercial photographer so I would say that :-)
However, with good lighting and a support of some sort you could take multiple phone photos and stitch them for the detail. Art repro is a notoriously difficult and technical area to do well.
The 8850 video about scanning for making a card would be relevant - I'm hoping to have the written version next week. I always put the real detail into the written articles ;-)
It all comes down to the quality level and cost you are happy with...
@@KeithCooper thanks a lot Keith for the fast reply! given that art repro is quite difficult I am thinking of making my life just a bit easier and going with the P900. And get a digital camera (love my iPhone but upon doing some research perhaps it is not the best idea...) what do you think of the Sony A6000 mirrorless digital Camera? (purpose is to shoot my soft pastels for fine art prints =)
@@nataliealarcon9021 Can't help with the camera I'm afraid - I've never used a Sony
The 900 will produce prints on good paper which you can sell as 'archival - they will last.
The key to good art repro is lighting, especially if there are textures involved
Thanks Keith for all the testing of this unit you've been doing for so many weeks. Very important tips and fixes to get good results. Very promising this printer. I'm about to buy it. I'm only missing one piece in this puzzle; see the print of a digital negative on transparent film .-) even if it is on video or on the website. But I have hope... ,-)
Yes it will appear in due course - the web site is somewhat broken at the moment, which delays everything ;-)
@@KeithCooper :-D Can´t wait.
i feel like you are the only person who can answer my question. - is there a waterproof ink for this printer?? i am a watercolor artist looking to make my line art digitally and then paint over it sometimes with heavy washes of water. inking traditional works (india ink) but again for editing i want that part in digital. - thank you or anyone who can point me in the right direction
There is nothing from Epson - You will need to put any such inks into a brand new uninitialised printer [goodbye warranty]
For third party inks, look for pigment ink sets - however, even they are likely to need an inkjet compatible paper.
There may be other inks which would go in the printer, but unless you are doing your own colour management and profiling, results are unpredictable.
People have put all sorts of inks through this printer, but the chances of killing the printer stone dead in days/weeks are not insignificant.
My testing of this is limited - Most printers i get are loans, so manufacturers are unlikely to appreciate printers returned with some unknown colour goop in them ;-)
@@KeithCooper would you be willing to buy a sheet of arches watercolour paper 300gsm-640gsm and print with this printers ink and then spray it with water for me? the only epson ink ive found tested by watercolour artists used dura brite ink and I have no idea if I can find that for this printer, and like you said that could kill the printer and I dont want to be out 1k$. it has everything I want in a printer other than I need to know if it prints waterproof on watercolour paper. - also thank you for your quick reply I feel so hopeless in my search for a printer.
Ah - I don't have this printer here.
Most of my testing is of printers loaned by manufacturers - I could not afford, nor be allowed to live in a printer warehouse.
Hey Keith.
I'm stuck deciding between the EPSON ET-8550 and the EPSON XP-15000. Which would you recommend? I don't do document printing and I do a lot of prints for graphic design, photography, and video game box art design. So I need something that will give me good large format and smaller format prints. I think I'm leaning towards the XP-15000 as it has the ability to print directly to discs (which is something I'd like to experiment with so I don't have to pay people to do it for me when I need it done), but the ET-8550 has the refillable ink tanks which is cheaper in the long-run and less wasteful than buying ink cartridges.
I'm just concerned about quality as my current printer keeps giving me print errors and the colors are dull. So I need a replacement as soon as possible because running to Staples and local print shops is running my expenses up sky high.
Thanks!
Ah - I never do recommendations ;-)
For myself, I'd pick the 8550 every time, but that's for what I need...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
It prints discs BTW
Dull colours are usually about media choice and suitable colour management - rarely the printer
Hi again, Keith. Do you intend doing a detailed review of the scanner part of this unit? I did see your art card video, but there is no information on the scanner's performance with transparencies. I have quite a few monochrome and colour 120 format images I'd like to scan. I'd even attempt some 35mm slides if the machine was up to the task.
I've not finished the written version of the scanning video (we had web site issues) but hope to have it done within a couple of weeks. It will have more technical info but is still aimed more at basic scanning.
However the scanner is very much a consumer one - it does not handle transparencies or film, so I'm not going to be specifically covering it in any video or article.
Hi from Sweden 👋
To begin with, wow what a great and detailed review, I've learned SO MUCH more from this excellent video than just about the printer. I know now that I have to invest in this printer for my decalshop, as an all around printer, not just to do decals/stickers but a lot of other stuff to 👍🏻
I have to check out all your other videos as I'm sure I'll learn a lot of new stuff and get new ideas from them!
Btw, do you know about any desktop sized eco-solvent printers for newstarters that NOT costs like a new car or apartment? 😅
Thanks Keith, keep up the good reviews and take care!
Thanks
Do check the main [written] review as well - it links to everything related to the 8550 I've done: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I've not tested any eco-solvent printers - they are generally too big and cover a sort of printing I just don't do.
thanks for the thorough review! did you encounter lines on the prints? some people said this was a particularity of this model, no matter how much one tunes/adjusts/cleans it.
What sort of lines? I did see some photos of one which made long faint grooves in the surface of a soft paper. This was returned to Epson as faulty
Greetings, really useful information, thank you very much. I do all my photo editing on my ipad pro using lightroom for Ipad. Will this work for printing from the ipad? will your icc profiles work in lightroom for Ipad?
Thanks
Give up on any hope for printing of any reliability/quality/consistency from a tablet - there simply is no useful or functional colour management in this respect. If you get good prints, consider luck having a significant part in it...
If you print from Epson Print Layout, you'll have some slight control - with Epson media.
Sorry, but to print _well_ you need a proper computer...
I just got this printer, but I'm having extremely bad paper feed issues. Cassette 2 paper feeds of regular plain paper.
When using the rear flat manual feeder even if I push the paper in the LCD states there's a jam, but then proceeds to bring the paper through while still indicating a jam.
Always have such bad luck with printers!
If it's a new printer - contact Epson. I had one of the review samples from Epson damaged in transit, by the couriers.
@@KeithCooper Thanks. I'm not the first owner and don't have proof of purchase so can't claim a warranty. Bought it since it had a power issue, which I fixed but wasn't expecting a jamming issue.
I took a gamble on it when buying as it was the only printer I could find anywhere that could print on the thick media that I really needed and couldn't afford to buy a new one.
Aesthetically it's perfect, not a scratch on it and only 200 prints in the counter. Just don't see why this should happen.
Thanks, this video is very helpfull. I bought this printer not long ago and this is helping to get ( hopefully) good prints on the different papers.
Glad to help
If you've not seen it, check the full [written] review. It links to all related 8500/8550 info/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Wow keith! That you for providing us eith this information!
Glad it's of interest!
Sir I would like to know Your opinion on pigment inks; why so many change the stock ink on this printer with pigment ones? Will the photo quality of the printout stay the same, or will there be downsides? THank You !
Tricky one... I've no idea - I wouldn't personally use such inks.
It's potentially asking for trouble and breaks any warranty.
I've never come across anyone doing it?
Really nice and just right detailed video!
Thanks - there's more info in my main [written] review if you need it.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi Keith, wow you are thorough, I want to use my printer for limited edition prints up to A3 of the work I have done. Could you advise if you think this is the best for that purpose or do you know of another that would be better suited. Budget approx £700 any thoughts would be so appreciated
thanks you
Thanks ;-) Personally, although good, this isn't a printer for limited editions...
I'd want a full pigment ink printer like the P700
Of course, you won't get the cheaper inks of an ink-tank printer - it's a business and marketing choice in that respect.
See my main [written] reviews for far more details ;-)
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p700-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thankyou so, so much, really appreciated, and such a quick response. On the flip side of this we also need a good solid printer that does have the ability to print A3 but this is for everyday use and for photo renditions plus the ability to print general A4, so good but not to the level and ink expense of the P700, YOU HAVE BEEN SO HELPFUL
TIA
Then the 8550 fits those more general requirements
Hello , Sr can you please help I dont know that configurstion for windows use to print A3 matte , normal give me bad images any idea also ink look like is not add it to the paper 😢
See here
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I do find the the idea that Epson, atleast to the us market, says it's for "creatives", fits what this printer and the smaller et-8500 is.
Yes, the marketing angle does vary somewhat - it's definitely a step above the average 'consumer' product IMHO.
I hope paper companies start producing profiles, since they are key to good results.
Hey Keith. Thank you for the video. I hve a question, do you think if I print a logo on a sticker that has black and other dark colours will it print properly? I mean crisp finish? I use a G7020 and it doesn’t quite print he way it should be.
This all depends on the media - some inks just don't work with some media (I've a video showing this)
I don't know what a G7020 is like, but many 'stickers' print very poorly if they are not specified for inkjet use
Hello Keith
Thanks for showing how the printer workshop.
I am looking for photopaper there is A3 + wide and up til 2 meter Long.
Where did Hou buy tour papper and what brand is it
I live en Denmark
Best
Flemming
Epson & Fotospeed
Definitely looking out for this printer now. My eyes are scouring every online each day to get it at msrp
Best of luck...
help needed i have a Epson Ecotank 8550 for photo printing and printing my own greeting cards {not card stock} and have noticed that the rollers are leaving indents on my photo paper (no ink, indents as if the roller is pressing too hard on the paper when passing through).can i fix this problem or is it going to happen on every gloss sheet? the paper is 260gsm
I didn't see this when testing, but I've heard of it as an issue with some people's printers.
If it does it on an Epson paper, then I've know people get replacements from Epson
Thank you so much for this review. This put the Epson Ecotank 8500 (as I'm not interested in A3) at the top of my list. I had been eyeing the Epson Ecotank 7700 for a while, but the 8500 has quite some things I'd prefer over the 7700. Thanks for all the amazing info on choosing the right paper, I will definitely look into this more as it's both fascinating and useful. Thanks again!
Glad it was of some help
Hello, can you telle me if there is a big difference of print quality between this printer ant the Epson P900 ? Thank you.
'Big' ?? Depends on a lot of things - paper choice and profiling for example. Two different ink sets.
Yes there are differences but not necessarily obvious to many.
It's possible to get better results from a 900, but like an expensive or 'better' camera, it really helps to have the skills to use it ;-)
Thanks so much for your great review and information… it is priceless! I was curious if the setting for printing unidirectional for improved printing quality in the printer settings is worth the additional print time compared to bi- directional. Thanks in advance
Thanks - it does show for the finest detail
Hi! Great video! I'm still in the process of deciding whether to get this printer or not. I'm a small artist who specialises in realistic pencil portraits, however, I've been struggling finding Epson paper online, their website doesn't have much. Where do you buy all of yours? Also, what kind of paper would you recommend for pencil drawings to produce prints? :))
UK paper sources I use:
Paper Spectrum
FotoSpeed
PermaJet
Probably a smooth fine art paper... See the actual [written] review for more detail.
You Sir are amazing reviewer. I wish others would learn from you. Thank you for the review I was eyeing this printer and after. your review I am going to get it. Thank you.
Thanks - glad it was of real help for you!
Thank you so much for your shared review! You give very helpful information. A question- if one of the inks tanks is empty, will the printer continue with the other inks, or will it not work at all?
It will stop working if it thinks the channel is empty
Whilst it's possible to fool it, this would IMHO be a most unwise thing to do.
It's particularly bad for Canon printers, but Epsons don't appreciate it either
@@KeithCooper thank you very much for your honest reply.
Keith, this is a wonderful set of reviews for the 8550. I have enjoyed and learned from each. Based on the information you provided, I am really close to taking the dive and purchasing one. However, I recently stumbled upon the Canon Pixma G620 (G650/550) and was wondering if you have plans to reveiw it. If so I may wait. I would love to see the two juxtaposed prior to a purchasing one over the other. Thanks again.
Thanks
The Canon is A4 so unlikely to be one I'd look at (I'd note too that I also never do comparisons between brands)
Wow great review. Didn't have this on my list. How would you compare the pros and cons to the older 6 ink system from the XP-15000 with only 1 black and no pigment? Especially for bigger prints on not so glossy paper and bw prints?
Does this mean this is the future of dye based printing, because Canon is doing this for a while now in the consumer pixma line (previously 5 colors with one pigment black, now 6 colors). So is the old 6 dye based system from epson with lighter cyan and magenta dead?
Thanks
Have a look at the actual _written_ reviews of both for more info - I don't ever do direct comparisons though.
I'd pick it over the cheaper xp-15000 if it came to a direct choice and the extra cost wasn't an issue (but obviously both are far too small from my personal POV ;-)
@@KeithCooper ok thanks, will have a look at the article. But when comparing the color system with now a gray and a pigment based black instead of the light cyan and magenta. Will I lose any advantages when going with the ET-8500 without the 2 colors? I really don't know how to chose, because for this price you can also get a SCP700 or Pixma Pro200. This is a lot of money though. So hard. I feel like losing image quality trading for printing text quality. Hope the bw photos gain quality with a separate pigment ink.
At this level of printer, any 'quality differences' in effective gamut are swamped by media choices and profile quality. All the minor ink differences are as much marketing as anything someone would spot in a print.
The single black pigment is only used at one media setting for photos (VFA) and makes no difference for any other paper type - i.e. it's then a 5 colour dye based printer.
For B&W, the pigment black makes a difference only on the VFA setting. The grey can help make up for the lack of diluted colours (the 'light' inks)
That said if B&W matters, then dyes are not your first choice (see the P700 review and the B&W printing article) The P700 should more realistically be compared to the PRO-300 in this instance.
If you've any specific questions - email me at Northlight. It's easier to answer than in these comments?
@@KeithCooper you are the best! Thank you. I will contact you. Love the channel. Binging all the videos 😅
you are excellent at this thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Glad it was helpful!
If you have not seen it, do check the main written review for more info
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Is there a difference between the Epson ET-8550 and the L8180? since at least here in Mexico the ET-8550 costs 900 dollars and the L8180 costs 1500 dollars. I'm going to buy one of those two but the drastic price difference makes me doubt which one since visually they look the same
I don't know for sure - Epson operates a worldwide model number obfuscation policy for some products ;-)
I suspect it reflects where the printers have originally come from.
I'd suggest asking on the printing forum at DPReview.com - I don't actually know much about non-UK markets.
@@KeithCooper Thank you, I have already made a post on the site that you recommended, now I will wait to see if someone can answer the question.
in my place, India its the opposite situation. we have the black L8180 available in most stores, but one white ET 8550 for double the price.
How does this compare to the Canon PRO 200? Mainly for printing photographs of various sizes on semi-glossy photo paper. Print quality and longevity of the prints. Thank you sir!
broadly similar - obviously with cheaper inks
That said, I don't usually do comparisons between brands - see the full written reviews for each one
www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/
Hi Keith. Great review! Question. I'm a scrapbooker and got this printer to be able to print 12 x 12 digital papers. What type of paper would you recommend for this type of printing? Thank you!
Thanks
However... I'm afraid I've no idea what scrapbooking actually is or what it involves...
Or, for that matter, what a 'digital paper' is?
The only papers I test are for photos/art - see the range listed in the main [written] review at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Note though that for best results, any paper must be meant for inkjet printing.
I'd suggest contacting a specialist paper supplier [depends where you are...]
Did you find the paper to use?
The most detailed review on the internet, thank very much Keith. for the back feed, would it be more suitable for panoramic images as you can have it up to 2 meters laying flat on a surface. that way you won't have to worry about it curling up if you do it from the top? Thanks.
Thanks.
Yes, the rear feed is worth experimenting with for this - it all depends on the space you've got
@@KeithCooper I have brought this printer 2 days ago largely thanks to your reviews and had amazing results using it! The prints were on Epson paper as I want to play safe from the beginning. The amount of ink comes with it means I can use it generosity and regularly. I want to explore other paper types from hu for some of the landscape photos for personal wall deco. Can you point me to the direction where I can download the custom profiles? I tried to find it in your website but its been very slow with occasional timeout.
@@passby8070 The profiles are only available (for specific papers) on direct request (email me at Northlight Images)
The ones available are listed in the video notes and the main written review. I can't put them up for download for licensing reasons.
Unfortunately the web site is still having problems and looks as if I need to do some major work on it :-(
YT deletes comments with URLs in them - I have a profile for that paper
Thank you for this video, it helped me to see how the printer works. I watched many of your videos and they are all really simple and helping but I would like to know how long the prints last? I know it has to do with the paper and with the location of the framed print but can they last 10 years or 5 or 2 years?
In good conditions probably over a hundred years - but obviously no-one accurately knows...
With a good paper, archival mounting and away from sunlight I'd be surprised if it wasn't over 25 yrs
hi , just wondering if you can help or advise me , i have an epson et 7750 and the ok , down and back buttons on the control panel have stopped working , i have filled the tanks but have no way of accessing the tank reset in the menus, i have read about the service adjustment software you can get so you can access these functions via the pc , do you have any experience of this or can advise me? i have tested the buttons on the control panel and they are not faulty, just wondering what to do next. thanks
Sorry, not a printer I've ever tested. I've also not used a win pc for many years...
I'd ask here
www.printerknowledge.com
@@KeithCooper thanks for quick reply❤️
Love your content Keith!. I'm an artist working with soft pastels and will open my online shop soon. I will offer fine art prints of my original paintings and am debating between the 8550 and P900.
Hi Natalie, which printer did you get?
Hi Keith
I feel guilty to ask you this but Have you or anyone tried to use generic ink bottles for this printer yet ? Are they the same quality ? Here is Australia they are half the price of genuine ones
Thank you
Ah - something I never touch. Partly because the printers I get are on loan and partly because such inks mean I'd have to re-make all my colour profiles.
Would I use them for 'office' printing - maybe
Would I use them for photos - never
@@KeithCooper thank you Keith , I just bought this printer on Sunday Mainly for family photos, very happy with the quality, I’ll stick with genuine ink.
Thank you Mr. Cooper for sharing your knowledge here on your channel. I'm new to the channel and I was excited about the Epson ET8550 printer for allowing both card and canvas printing. Unfortunately I can't find this printer for sale anymore. Are there other "EcoTank" printers that print on A3+ and on card and canvas? Hope you can be able to help me in this search. Thank you very much. Alex
The 8550 does have a different model name in some regions - check the specs on different Epson sites - it is very much a current model.
I've not tested any other Epson 'tank' printers - they are somewhat more at the consumer/office end of the product range. I will possibly look at some in due course, but my interests are generally at the [larger] higher quality end of inkjet printing
@@KeithCooper Thank you very much Mr Cooper. They happen to have the same name here in Portugal, but unfortunately they are all sold out. I've browsed several internet pages looking for them and all over the site they are sold out. I was just fascinated by the print quality, the fact that print in A3+ and the icing on the cake is the fact that it can print thicker materials on a flat surface. Superb! Anyway, thank you very much for your reply. Big hug
thank you for this review Keith
Thanks - glad it was of interest