This was extremely helpful in helping me set up my 8550 step by step and with none of that flashy, zoomy nonsense that seems to blight UA-cam videos these days. Thank you for straight forward videos.
Thank you so very much for all your assistance in this video, I would never in a million years have been able to set my “Printer” up, with out the visual, I now feel like Einstein 😊😊
Glad it helped! If you've not seen it, the main [written] review has links to all my 8550 related articles/videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
After reading several of Keith's reviews and articles I replaced my 15 years old printer with an Epson ET-8550. I was anxious whether this printer would accept my antique Lightroom 6 and Photoshop CS6 (WIN 10). These days you never know whether some creative engineers had "improved" the technique with some fancy gadget so you need to buy everything new to be compatible. This video was very helpful in contrast to the pictograms (called user guide) that came with the printer. Unfortunately I was unable to use the power cable of the old printer. To protect from power surge the printer was connected to a UPS (uninterrupted power supply). The old cable had a standard 3-pin connector while the new printer requires a proprietary 2-pin connector. The printhead alignment process needs a very good eyesight or a magnifying glass to check all the various very small signs printed on 6 pages. So far the printer works well.
Thanks - glad it was of help If you've not seen it, the best links to all my 8550 stuff is via the main [written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Excellent - If you've not seen it, do check the main [written] review as well - far more info there www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Glad to help. If you've not seen it, do see my main [written] review for links to everything I've done about this printer www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Good morning Keith. Just for your information, and in case anybody else makes the same idiotic mistake I made. I performed a power clean, it used up slightly more ink but filled the tanks etc..
A bit long in explanation, but thorough. I cannot believe the initial way this printer was manhandled by you when taking off the tapes, not being one of the most robust on the market, when I got my first one the lower tray was broken on the unsprung hinge, so the replacement was treated by me with kid gloves. However the video does what it says and shows how to get it up and running. Well Done.
Thank god for this video.. I wasn't expecting difficulty just removing the shipping protection! Quite a few of the trays are super stiff.. I would never push them that hard without having seen you do it in the vid! Few notes for others: o The 'instructions' & app seem all very complicated, but you don't really need them... just use the printer display and this video. o After the printer initialises, it sucks a chunk of ink into the printer.. I then went and filled the tanks back up with the leftover ink in the bottles (the exact amount left).. I thought this seemed logical, but there was some sort of warning on the printer about doing it.. o I would avoid the Print Head adjustment step.. the printer recommends it, but it was quite confusing, and there wasn't much info I could find online to help.. its quite possible you could make it slightly worse. o Epson Print Layout is free from the Epson site, seems only valid for images (photos), perhaps you could still use it for making booklets/documents if you saved everything as a jpeg or tiff, but maybe just use the normal adobe software.. I'm going to experiment with this.
Glad it helped! I don't have the printer here any more, but I'd suggest checking the main [written] review - this has links to all my 8550 articles and videos: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thank you so much for your amazing informational videos. You have helped me so much with this printer. I just purchased it and I can't wait to follow your advice. Thank you for being so in depth and educational! (I'm also impressed with the automatic catch tray extension motor....:D)
Glad it's of help, If you've not seen it, all my 8550 articles/videos are linked from the main [written] review at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thanks - the full one will be a few weeks (I have to spend some time away) but I will be doing some examples of print types in the mean-time. The printer is supported by the very useful Epson Print Layout software, an from my profiling looks very good on some papers.
Great video, the only reason I haven’t bought any Epson photo tank printers is because of the poor longevity of the ink. The print permanence testing performed by some labs have shown that prints made with the ink from ink bottles last for a far shorter amount of time compared to the dye or pigment ink cartridges. I sell most of my prints, so the longevity is important in my case.
I read in the new info or on the website Epson 552 ink photos should last 79 years without fading (keep photo out of the sun as you know). I am a new owner of a White ET-Epson 8550. Never owned a Epson, so far I like the simplicity of adding the ink, but I don't like the complexity of the printing connections to a phone or a Mac and/or the many epson apps? Seems like Canon was a lot easier to connect through WIFI to Apple. The Canon printer was bought quite awhile ago, the ink dried up or something else happened, bought new ink for Canon, wasting countless hours cleaning or whatever losing, the awful printer/ink will go in trash, wasted who knows how much on ink. Hope, the Epson fairs better than the Canon ink cartridges. Bought the Epson for Photo printing and printing whatever. Look forward to printing 13x19 photos, I am excited !
The coloration and density is a perfect match to the XP-15K. I think whatever testing applies to the XP-15K, it will very likely be the same for this. I believe for cost reasons, Epson has very strong motivation to make all current dye inks according to the same formula. Note that for CMY, it also perfectly matches to the vast majority of Ecotank models, such as those using 502, 512, and 522. The PB also perfectly matches the 522 for the ET-77xx.
I want to know how to set up the printer settings in Åhotoshop. Do you have a video for that? I would be very grateful since it does not come naturally for me. There are lots of profiles and I have no idea how to chose the correct ones. Thanks for all your informative videos.
It's just the same as any printer. Try installing Epson Print Layout [EPL] ? This can be called directly from photoshop See the main [written] review - the videos are generally supplements to the proper review ;-) www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ The review also links to all 8550 related articles/videos I don't really do specific step by step guides - they need to be too specific to work well, since for example, I've not used a windows PC this century...
Ok, so just printed my first A4 photo by right clicking the mouse on the photo and then clicking on the "Print" in the list in the top group of options. But I thought I should perhaps be using the Epson software for doing the prints. The sunset shows the blue sky in the print is quite a bit darker than on the screen where it is much brighter. On some of your videos you mention "profiles" for the photo paper being used but I am not quite sure what to do there. At the moment I have no Epson paper to see how that goes but have some Canon, Kodak and HP and some A4 from RIHAC who supplied me with the CISS for my old Canon PIXMA Pro 9000. Yes, I fitted the CISS to the PIXMA Pro 9000 and then the Print Head partially malfunctioned so I sent away for a "Brand New" Print Head which wouldn't work at all! So I informed the seller on EBay who is looking into it.
Have a read of the actual [written] review - this cover profiling and all the ones I've produced. The videos are supplements to the written stuff www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I find my 8550 prints poorly for busy areas of nature photography. For example area of grass or busy petals of a flower (such as a thistle) detail is missing to point the image looks out of focus - but only in the very busy region, for a example a butterfly sitting on the thistle flower is crisp but the petals are blury. I am using high quality paper with a print profile. Any advice welcome.
Thanks much for your video. Although I could definitely set up the printer without help, it was indeed helpful to follow along and know I was doing it right :-) Now to watch the other videos...
@@KeithCooper I did look at the written review. Excellent. Thanks :-) I would love to see an in depth tutorial of the printer dialog settings and what each one does. For example, I kept looking for the thick paper option and finally realized you don't get that option unless you're using the Rear Paper Feed Slot. You've done so much already, I hesitate to ask. Still, it would be interesting, me thinks :-)
@@suzannegmirek1520 Thanks - I do mention this when asking for kit to look at ;-) The 8550 is due to go back soon, so I'm not sure what I can manage on new info...
Salut, j'ai eu un probleme avec le mien. lorsque l'ancre devait migré vers les tetes d'impressions la machine s'est mie en pause et depuis l'ecran n'affiche rien
Been waiting for this :D Really hope you get the opportunity at your convenience in the future to compare to the Canon G550/G650. I'm sure many will be awaiting your conclusion before spending the money :D
Thanks - it will be a while until I've the full review, since there's a lot of prints to make! Probably not the Canon though, since it's only A4 and apart from anything else I don't have stocks of A4 paper to test with.
Thanks as always Keith….nice , clear and to the point video which I watched a little while ago prior to setting up my new 8550. I did choose to use the link to my iPad by scanning the code on screen. It was all very clear and easy to follow. I am just wondering if setting up the alignment was a great idea given I have an eye 👁 test on Friday…..🤷🏼♂️🙄😂 but the prints I’ve just compared with my previous Canon Pro100s look great 👌🏻
Glad to help - those alignment tests can be tricky. I use a big magnifying glass, and still the results are not always obvious ;-) Still best to do them though.
I have the same printer (because of your videos ;-) and 2 years later, the display says: "Paper jam" - even though there is no paper inside. What could be the error? This error message appears right at the start and the printer doesn't print. I have already disconnected it from the power supply and cleaned all the rollers...
This usually indicates an issue with one of the sensors, so a good blast of air has sometimes dislodged paper dust and the like. The other option I've tried from the control panel is to reset the printer to factory settings [all except network] Also switch the printer off, unplug for 10 mins, remove the maintenance tank and switch on without the tank present - this should flag an error and sometimes when replaced, all just works... Thats about all I know of for this printer though...
Just bought mine yesterday and doing the setting up now in Perth, Western Australia. Printer software. People say, don't use the CD that comes with the printer but instead go online and download the software there. Well I managed to find the Epson Australia page for the ET-8850 but it is absolutely impossible to know what to down load from all the many options on there. So I will be using the enclosed CD for now. Any ideas please for downloading from online? And none of the pages looked like anything you were showing. Also, for the prints for the printhead alignment etc where you have to choose one of 6 or 7 options it is extremely hard to choose which one is the one required.
Go to Epson.sn - enter the model number and follow the instructions Yes some images may well look different - all my installs are on Macs, but Epson.sn is the route for any install. Also - videos are stuck as made [a while ago in this case], with no opportunity for updates etc My main et-8550 [written] review is updated. www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Ah, one of the bits I dislike about making videos as opposed to my written articles - once published you can't add notes or update them... They are shipping clamps for the output tray. They are only relevant for initial [empty] shipping, since once you've put ink into the printer, it needs moving with care - there is a small catch which locks the print head.
Hi Keith, your reviews have been super helpful thank you. I have bought the Epson 8550 and trying to connect my iPad to it… do you advise using the app “Epson Smart Panel” or is their software on the Epson website that is appropriate? Can’t find clear instructions online. Thanks
Thanks - see the main written review for more detail about the 'smart panel'. www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ To print from such devices, I'd suggest Epson Print Layout. Just one proviso - colour management is effectively broken on iPads and any mobile devices. - you will be able to print, but take good or predictable results as much due to luck more than skill ;-)
Chances are you won't see this. Did you ever do the 6 sheet printer alignment? Mine won't do perfectly straight line or the one with no gap. I would really appreciate it if you had any video on this. Thank you sir.
It's covered in the main review, but not in any detail [I don't have the printer here any more] I noticed that the process was easier with sheets of matt photo paper, but it is something I think could be improved...
Have you removed all the internal packing - also make sure the head locking is clear - see my main [written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ If all else fails and it's a new printer, call Epson
Great videos Keith. I own an Epson 8550 on Mac. Is it better to print USB or Airprint for fine art photos ? Does it really change anything to datas transfered ?
Thanks Essentially, AirPrint is of no use whatsoever for printing of any quality ;-) Wireless is fine - just make sure you don't end up with the AirPrint version of the driver installed. Read the actual written review for far more detail www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Just got the printer. prints nicely but I cannot save settings in Lightroom on my Macbook Pro. Have to pick rear tray, glossy paper and best quality every single time. Also dont' see a choice for color management by Lightroom.
Have you accidentally installed the airprint driver? Test with Epson Print Layout See the notes on this in my main written stuff www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper It's possible. I will have to go through a learning process as I am not familiar with Apple printing. But I am super happy with the printer. Prints come out great. They look like what I have on the computer and adjusting in Lightroom works in predictable ways, totally unlike cheap printers I have used in the past.
@@KeithCooper Thanks so much, it was on Airprint. I found your video on this problem. I removed printer, redownloaded Mac 14.x and in Add Printer it said Use EPSON ET-8550 Series. But that installed Airprint driver 3.0 again. Next time I went to Select Software and picked EPSON ET-8550 Series and this time it installed correct driver 13.05. I now see that is what the instructions say but I think it's bad programming to use the same name for different things. Thanks again, I will be watching all your videos on this printer!
This should not happen - I've seen it once on a printer that had been damaged in transit. If it occurred with a new printer and Epson paper, I'd want it replacing.
@@KeithCooper just using some A4 gloss that I had already, but epson paper is arriving Thursday, so will see what it is like then. Thanks for the reply Keith.
Hi Kieth Wish I had watched your set up video first. I made a bad mistake I think. I loaded the inks before plugging in the printer. All I can get on the screen is what language? I cannot get the printer or the screen to do anything. Help!
Hi Keith, I love your helpful videos. However I seem to have installed airprint. I have a Mac running Catalina and I basically didn't seem to be given choices on how to install the software. Downloaded the EPSONprinter.pkg file double clicked on the pkg and then it just went through it automatically without giving me any choices. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do?
Have a read of the actual review - my videos are usually supplements to the 'proper' reviews ;-) www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
hello Keith, how does Epson Smart Panel app work with the printer? I bought "continental Europe version" L8180 and the app was not able to find the printer in the LAN. So I do not know if the error is on my site (bad network settings) or the printer (or app). Could you please also briefly compare this printer and the old Epson L8xx line or L1800 (6-ink dye-based printers)? Thank you.
I've never seen an L1800, so can't say - I have rarely looked at dye ink printers in the past. My reviews over the years have tended to concentrate on larger desktop and large format printers. I was able to connect to the printer quite easily with the app with my iPhone SE20 - that's with the printer and my phone on the same wireless network. It seems to do all sorts of things... :-) I'll cover it in the (written) review - If I'm honest it feels a bit of a gimmick to me, but I rarely ever have a mobile phone with me. Well that's not entirely true I just used it to switch the printer off in the kitchen to save me getting up and walking over there... :-)
These L8xx use an older formula that is similar, but not identical to the Artisan and Stylus Photo series. They will achieve very fine gradation of colors, even using older generation print heads capable of 3pl and perform extremely well on inkjet-coated papers. I'm gonna guess that since the new photo printers all have 1.5pl capability at higher speed than older printers, they no longer use LC and LM channels, but instead are more focused reasonably good performance on a greater variety paper types and overall gamut, thus the extra channels are now PK and LK.
Just purchased ET-8550 brand new. Went through the setup steps. Did all the suggested calibrations and the firmware update. Did the first test photo print on Epson Glossy photo paper fed through the rear tray (to avoid bending). I am very disappointed. I see the dreaded streaks and lack of details in the print. I may have to do the alignment calibration again. My worry is that during the calibration for several of the alignment settings I had to choose 7 - the extreme value on the 1-7 scale with 4 being the default. In the current state of the output this printer is NOT suited for printing photos. *** CORRECTION: The previous print has been done in the default "standard" quality (I am printing through Lightroom and adjusting printer settings through Lightroom interface to Epson). Once I changed the quality to "best" or "high" the streaks went away. Strangely when I tried printing again, the "best" quality was no longer available as an option. Hopefully, this helps someone.
Hi Keith, you’re videos are fantastic, so informative, thank you for taking the time to do them, not many printer reviews are non-biased and explain technical stuff so eloquently. I purchased an Epson 8550 to replace an inkjet Canon Pixma TS8150 that guzzled ink. I was hoping the Epson Ecotank was a more cost effective option despite the initial outlay! So far I have only printed the printer alignment print outs required for setting up the Epson printer and 2 documents. Unbelievably, the ink tanks have already gone down to the next notch. Rather concerned! in the Epson info it says the ink tanks can produce up to 3000 colour images. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated when you get chance. Thank you.
Thanks! Ink is used for initial priming - the bottles have spare ink to top up after initial setup. Ongoing, I've found the levels hardly move... The '3000' is from marketing - be careful to read the associated provisos over size and print type. As a rule I advise not taking most printer marketing too seriously ;-) It won't be wrong, just you need to read all of the fine print (if you can find it)
About 15-20ml ea. channel is needed to prime the lines and fill the damper. There should be enough ink remaining in the bottle to almost top things off after priming. A full bottle set of 420 ml runs abut $60 USD (around $0.15/ml) which is about 5-10x less than just about anything that comes in cartridges. Coming from the XP-15000, it doesn't seem like the 8550 uses any more ink even when taking into consideration the XP-15000 carts are 15ml and the 8500 ink reserve (in the lower visible tanks) is about 50ml.
HELP!! I have this printer and I set it up using the app. I cannot for the life of me find any way of now getting the software for my laptop (my dvd drive no longer works so I can't use that). I've installed all the drivers etc but all that seems to do is put files on my desktop, there's no interface. Ive tried searching for Epson print programs and all Im getting is a windows program from 2013 for windows 8! I am tearing my hair out here, can you shed any light on how on earth I finish the installation so I can print from my laptop? Thanks
Sorry - I've not use a windows PC for 20+ years, so my knowledge is rusty to say the least - hopefully someone here can help? Or you could ask at the printing forum at dpreview.com
Hi Keith, perhaps you could help. I have a new Epson ET 8500. On my printer options, I have no options for color adjustments. Do I need to download further functionality from Epson and what would that be. I'm getting desperate as I need to reproduce my artwork for a gallery. Very grateful for any tips.
Colour adjustment should be done in whatever software you use for editing image - the printer driver should ideally never be used to make any adjustments beyond setting the correct ICC profile. I used 'Epson Print Layout' for some printing with the 8550 (no idea if 8500 is supported) - it's free software from Epson. It does have some adjustments, but really is not for image editing. See my main [written] review of the 8550 for lots more info (and some videos) www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi there, I know they are both two very different printer but which one would you recommend for business: the canon pro 200 or epson et-8500? I have been looking at both and I am not sure which one will have the best quality. I am looking at printing mainly photos. Any help would be great!
Ah, I never make recommendations between brands Im afraid - the answer is different for every person and almost always 'it depends' ;-) The larger ink carts of the 8550 will work out cheaper if you print enough. However, that key word 'business' is the important one - it means nothing or a vast deal to the process ;-)
Great vid, thank you so much for sharing Mr Keith. It is a phenomenal printer; however, I am continuing to experience the same problem when printing both clear and white sticker paper,.. the I guess "black pigment?" continues to shade after printing. Would you have any particular vid where you address that issue? Thanks again and cheers from Alberta Canada!!!!
Not sure what you actually mean here? See the main [written] review for an index of all my 8550 articles/videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi Keith, After watching your videos I decided to get an Epson 8550 Very happy with it After filling up the tanks, each bottle had ink left in them. Do you know if I could fill it up again at any time or do I have to wait till it goes to the low level mark Your videos are great!!! Thank you
Thanks You can fill at any time, but ideally you need to fill to the top mark. This is discussed in the main [written] article www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-ecotank-et-8550-printer-setup/ On thing I'd note, if you've not seen them - my written articles almost always have more detail than the videos, since they can be updated/corrected/edited over time.
Could just be a newer Mac than I'm using. I'm not sure though - this was recorded some time ago. See the notes in the main [written] review at www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper yeah. Its a new mac. Im not sure why its not showing the printer options tab. Irritating. Im hating mac atm. Wish i had went with windows
Hi Keith, I wonder if you can help me, my et 8550 keeps jamming the paper, it feeds the paper 1/4 way and then jams it, I have opened the whole printer and cleaned it but I don't know why it keeps jamming, could be rollers but not sure
@@KeithCooper sadly its just past warranty, the printer keeps getting stuck, it could be the roller, do you anywhere i can get the parts for this printer, thanks for your help
Thanks for the setup video, easy to follow. Have one question for you. I can only buy one printer, my preferences are either the Epson et 15000 or the Epson et 8550. I mostly want this type printer for family photos and crafts. No real need for a fax. Which printer do you think would be best. Thanks
From a quality and ink cost POV, the 8550 is an easy winner - neither has any 'fax' facility AFAIK ;-) Both are capable of good results with suitable care. The pigment black ink may also be better for 'craft' purposes - not my area of expertise I'm afraid
I cannot see why not - it's just a normal photo printer. Note that I don't ever use Lightroom - so if you're still concerned, ask somewhere like the printing forum at DPReview.com
Hey Keith, great videos. I have learned a great deal from you. I am have a bit of a problem. When printing on thicker paper, which goes through the rear feeder, I am noticing slight “grooves” that looks like maybe the feeder rollers. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Thanks. I've heard of this on occasions, but I've not seen it with the printer I tested [which went back to Epson] I'd suggest asking on the printing forum at DPReview.com ?
Hello Keith, you made a comment that the the printer driver should not read 8550 series-AirPrint, yet after a few tries of downloading the Printer software Combo package or the driver by itself, they both load the driver that reads Version 3.0 with kind ET-8550 Series-AirPrint. I am running Mac OS Ventura 13.1. Have you been able to install a driver that strictly reads ET-8550 Series clear of the AirPrint kind? printing with Lightroom has various issues with page layout configurations
Sorry - I don't have the printer here any more to test. Did you see the discussion about this in the main written 8550 review? www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith for the prompt reply. I did read the article. Unfortunately the driver released on October 22 does not result with same kind version you show in the article. It may be that the version you downloaded back when is different than the one available today for the MAC OS release I am using. Regards
Can i restore factory settings? I got trigger happy and initiallised printer before adding ink. I want to go therough the process again but i cant seem to find a way
@@palmondos No - completely different. The initialisation process is a one-off There is an option to tell the printer that a tank has been topped up, but as to if this works without a proper initialisation, I've no idea.
Just set mine up tonight, filled the ink, let it charge, just spitting out blank pages! I don't know but think the ink needs another charge but can't figure out how to do it?
The primary reason that I bought this printer was to save money on ink and still get high quality photo prints since I'm a amateur photographer. For those reason's this printer works very well. However without the same software/driver package that's available on Win10, the Win11 solution of using Win11 drivers and the absolutely terrible Win scanner app in comparison to Epson's win 10 scanner utility. You would think by now Epson would have their own win11 scanner utility. Is there another win11 scanner program that anybody has found that has more options than the win app? Specifically, being able to save in pdf format.
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith for the quick reply. I have now downloaded the trial of Vuescan. From your review "The included Epson Scan software is quite competent, ". I guess that's my main gripe. On Win 10 the Epson Scan 2 software can be used but on Win 11 its not available. If Vuesacn a 2 man operation can figure it out for Win11, I feel Epson not supplying a Win 11 version of Scan 2 and telling customers to use the Microsoft scan app is a cop out.
I've used VS for many years now with all sorts of scanners. Glad it works with your system - I've not used a win PC this century, so my 'PC' knowledge is a bit rusty ;-)
The printer can indeed be set up on its own - you'll need to go to epson.sn and check the details. That said - I've never used an ipad to print other than to show it's technically possible - like phones, proper colour management is absent.
It depends - but the 8550 has the mixed ink set, which would swing it for me - not that much difference - very few people would ever notice... Both good and more usually limited by user skill/ability than printer capability (yes I do include myself ;-) )
They are have an identical ink set with the exception that XP-15K has dye red, while the ET-85xx has MK. The MK helps get deeper blacks on plain paper and matte uncoated paper. The MK also make smaller fonts darker and more legible on plain paper. The dye red on the 15K helps extend the red gamut on plain paper and matte uncoated paper. The extra red doesn't seem to have any discernible difference other paper types.
Sorry, you'll have to wait for the review in a few weeks - this is only the setup ;-) As to the P700 - very different printers, this is more like the XP-15000 in many respects. See my dye vs pigment ink video for a fair indication of the likely differences.
@@KeithCooper Thanks Sir. I’m from Mumbai, India and planning to get this one for printing photos at home and documents printing etc. In India the same model is called Epson L8180.
I have the ET-7700. After watching your output tray coming out of its own accord, I feel like the poor relation. :( You have to pull mine out manually, even though there is a toothed track on the output tray. When I first set it up, I remember thinking that Epson should have staggered the ink ports so that all the bottles could be loaded at the same time. They seem to naturally stop feeding once the tanks are full. I also wish they had used a moisture sensor to detect a full waste ink tank rather than have an accursed chip on it so they can stiff you every time they want you to buy another waste ink tank. You should be able to put something absorbent, like a tampon etc., in the tray and change it when the sensor detects it is full. I've been looking for a chip resetter for those waste ink cartridges, but so far no luck.
You can actually load most EcoTanks two at a time. Since the 85xx ports are fairly close, you will need to skip two ports instead of one: For example fill position 1 and 4, then position 2 and 5, then position 3 and 6.
@@charlesingalz3561 That's a good idea. I'll need to try that the next time I'm filling up.
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Received my ET-8550 printer tonight and when going through the setup, I'm stuck (probably being plain stupid) at the step where it tells you to load 6 sheets of A4 paper. I did and after the first paper came out, I see two "columns" on the paper named #1 and #2 with 6 rows under each named 1-6. I'm then asked to "Select the pattern that shows no gap or dark line" but not really sure how to proceed when they all look the same on the paper. They all look fine with no gaps nor any dark lines. Looking at the control panel of the printer, it says #1 and I see how I can choose between 1-6 using a plus and minus key on the touchscreen where it's set to '3' by default. I thought to myself, good thing I can watch Keith's setup video but sure enough...you skipped exactly this step in your video 😂 Would be super happy if you could enlighten me how to complete this part of the setup. I've been trying to find other videos showing this step, but so far to no avail. Many thanks in advance and thanks again for your excellent content! Can't wait to watch more of your videos and start enjoying my new printer 🙂
The calibration pattern can be difficult to decide on readings. I repeated it with basic photo paper, where it was just about possible to decide on differences (the print is sharper) It's a step that I tend to leave for later. I used lustre paper when recently setting up a P700
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@@KeithCooper I ended up just picking what was suggested (nr 3) and the next tests were easier. So all good now when it comes to the printer head alignment I hope. Now I have another issue instead...the printer keeps telling me I'm out of paper in tray 1 even when I'm not. I'm trying to print a 10x15 photo and I've loaded maybe 5-6 sheets of glossy paper in tray 1. Still I keep getting this message. I've tried following the suggestions to check the position of the paper etc but still the same thing. Not sure if I'm missing something obvious or if I received a faulty printer out of the box. Will do more testing later on, need to get some sleep now 😴
Is this the front paper tray? I found it very problematic for some photo papers
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Yes, it's tray 1. I was just on the phone with Epson support and they said it sounds like a hardware fault and recommend I have the printer replaced. However, when you say you had issues as well, maybe it's a more general issue with this model?
If Epson offer a replacement - take it The feed has caused issues with some people's printers - that said I only tend to hear of people's problems, not when everything just works! The front feed trays for photos are very much what I'd put in the 'consumer features' category. It's for plain paper and thin photo paper The paper I wanted to use was just too high quality for them - worked absolutely fine via the back
Ah, it's not mine to put different inks into ;-) - no idea I'm afraid However, this is not a type of printing I have experience of (I test stuff for mainly photographic use)
Realy interesting printer.... But in France it's realy expensive compare to US... 850€(1000$) vs 600€ (700$)... SP 700 cost 750€ (900$)... And Canon pro 200 "only" 500€
Ah, I only see prices in £ (not $) - one reason I never include pricing info in my reviews, since I've no idea what things cost in foreign countries - it does seem to vary a lot though...
@@KeithCooper thanks for reply. I look Price on official retailler or constructor website. Canon printers seems to have the same Price everywhere ... But not Epson 🙄
AirPrint - iPhones, iPads and Mac stuff. If you accidentally install the AirPrint driver, you find loads of settings vanish. It's a standard warning in any Mac printer install - I only use Macs here, so you get it mentioned ;-)
One may spend more time removing the blue tape, then adding the ink to the new printer. Adding the ink was too easy, how long have we been buying cartridges when a cheaper/easy way to add ink, too long. Thanks for the late arrival of common sense, hope they enjoyed big profits from cartridges ( I hate the cartridges because COST, leaks, or the end of the ink, then the alert pops up when you need to print something important). I had no printer for 6 months, I was dreading the purchase. I spent to much, but OfficeMax paid the tax's when she offered me $30 over Chat, I asked for $57.50 off equalling the tax in Texas. My new way to save money is chat during business hours. Cost was $699 in the USA for the ET-8550.
Hi Keith, I have been waiting for this test all week, which is still not the real test .-) My concerns are the same as the others with some additional details: 1. How will these inks behave when printing digital negatives on Pictorico transparencies? 2. Of course, I am interested in photographic printing and its expected longevity to understand whether I can sell prints or not. 3. I am also interested in the quality of printing in B&W. 4. I would like to see how much cheaper this printer can be used with this ink versus the other ink cartridges and when it will be break even point since for a "home" printer it is not cheap. 5. Lastly; if this ink proves to be of poor performance or poor longevity, can another better quality Epson ink be used without damaging the printer? I thank you for this test. Looking forward to the rest of the analysis. Best regards.
Don't hold your breath - it will be a couple of weeks at least for the actual review. 1 No idea - I've never seen or used any of this media 2 I'm trying to get some info 3 Yes ...will be looked at ;-) 4 Not an area I can address - my test printer usage is very atypical and rarely ever supplies good data for such analysis 5 Definitely not one I can address - it's not my printer! The official answer will almost certainly be no
Yes - I've simply never seen it here. If a supplier wants to send some then fine, but it's not the sort of stuff I'd buy a box of for anything of my own.
This was extremely helpful in helping me set up my 8550 step by step and with none of that flashy, zoomy nonsense that seems to blight UA-cam videos these days. Thank you for straight forward videos.
Thanks - that is what they are there for
Glad it helped!
What a guy! The best tech reviewer on the internet. What he does not know about printers, paper and printing is not worth knowing.
Thanks :-)
Thank you so very much for all your assistance in this video, I would never in a million years have been able to set my “Printer” up, with out the visual, I now feel like Einstein 😊😊
Glad it helped!
If you've not seen it, the main [written] review has links to all my 8550 related articles/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper thank you I will indeed look at the main written review as I can only print an A4 sheet on plain paper but I will get there I hope
After reading several of Keith's reviews and articles I replaced my 15 years old printer with an Epson ET-8550. I was anxious whether this printer would accept my antique Lightroom 6 and Photoshop CS6 (WIN 10). These days you never know whether some creative engineers had "improved" the technique with some fancy gadget so you need to buy everything new to be compatible.
This video was very helpful in contrast to the pictograms (called user guide) that came with the printer.
Unfortunately I was unable to use the power cable of the old printer. To protect from power surge the printer was connected to a UPS (uninterrupted power supply). The old cable had a standard 3-pin connector while the new printer requires a proprietary 2-pin connector.
The printhead alignment process needs a very good eyesight or a magnifying glass to check all the various very small signs printed on 6 pages.
So far the printer works well.
Excellent - yes I've asked Epson about the usability of the alignment process - I need two pairs of glasses for it!
Aloha from Hawaii. Thank you for all your videos on this printer! I purchased the ET-8550 and have to say the setup was the easiest ever!!!!!
Thanks - glad it was of help
If you've not seen it, the best links to all my 8550 stuff is via the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
My ET-8550 will be delivered this week. Thank you for such a great in depth video. Will have it ready when I set up my printer. Thanks again
Excellent - If you've not seen it, do check the main [written] review as well - far more info there
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thanks for taking time out to cover this set up. Much appreciated and excellent attention to detail as always.
Thanks - this is why I ask for unopened printers when they are sent for testing, if possible.
@@KeithCooper ...I've just bought one Keith, so when the table arrives for it I will be following your video step by step. Thanks again.
Excellent stuff. Appreciate all the help.
Glad to help!
Thank you for making this video Keith. I bought one a few days ago and it has helped me enormously.
Glad it helped
Just grabbed one open box for around 515. I'll consult this as a guide. Now to donate my Pro10...
Glad to help.
If you've not seen it, do see my main [written] review for links to everything I've done about this printer
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Followed your setup video step by step as I set up my own that I got today. Very helpful. Thank you.
Glad it helped
The CONSTERNATION in your discovery of more tape in the paper feed was apparent. ;)
Yes, they keep finding new places to hide it with each new printer ;-)
Great printer, love the Ecotank series. Saves on huge ink cartridge costs. Printer quality is really good.
Yes, better than the average 'consumer' level photo printer
Top man, Keith. Informative and honest.
Thanks!
Thank you for this, Keith. You are just wonderful. Love all your information!
Thanks for watching!
Good morning Keith. Just for your information, and in case anybody else makes the same idiotic mistake I made. I performed a power clean, it used up slightly more ink but filled the tanks etc..
Thanks for posting this!
A bit long in explanation, but thorough. I cannot believe the initial way this printer was manhandled by you when taking off the tapes, not being one of the most robust on the market, when I got my first one the lower tray was broken on the unsprung hinge, so the replacement was treated by me with kid gloves. However the video does what it says and shows how to get it up and running. Well Done.
Thanks - these supplement my written articles, which go into the real detail ;-)
Are you a rival?
@@24279706 What do you mean??
Ink tanks+Multifunction+Grey ink………..my dream is coming true. Now let’s see if it prints acceptable B/W photos 🤞🏻
Excellent. Great Help. Thank you
Glad it helped!
There is much more info in the main review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thank god for this video.. I wasn't expecting difficulty just removing the shipping protection! Quite a few of the trays are super stiff.. I would never push them that hard without having seen you do it in the vid!
Few notes for others:
o The 'instructions' & app seem all very complicated, but you don't really need them... just use the printer display and this video.
o After the printer initialises, it sucks a chunk of ink into the printer.. I then went and filled the tanks back up with the leftover ink in the bottles (the exact amount left).. I thought this seemed logical, but there was some sort of warning on the printer about doing it..
o I would avoid the Print Head adjustment step.. the printer recommends it, but it was quite confusing, and there wasn't much info I could find online to help.. its quite possible you could make it slightly worse.
o Epson Print Layout is free from the Epson site, seems only valid for images (photos), perhaps you could still use it for making booklets/documents if you saved everything as a jpeg or tiff, but maybe just use the normal adobe software.. I'm going to experiment with this.
Glad it helped!
I don't have the printer here any more, but I'd suggest checking the main [written] review - this has links to all my 8550 articles and videos:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thank you so much for your amazing informational videos. You have helped me so much with this printer. I just purchased it and I can't wait to follow your advice. Thank you for being so in depth and educational! (I'm also impressed with the automatic catch tray extension motor....:D)
Glad it's of help,
If you've not seen it, all my 8550 articles/videos are linked from the main [written] review at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Looking forward to reviews! I've had my eye on this one
Thanks - the full one will be a few weeks (I have to spend some time away) but I will be doing some examples of print types in the mean-time. The printer is supported by the very useful Epson Print Layout software, an from my profiling looks very good on some papers.
Muchas gracias
Great set-up Keith thanks.
Thanks!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thank you! Your video helped a lot!
Glad it helped!
If you've not seen it do check the main written review for a lot more info
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Great video, the only reason I haven’t bought any Epson photo tank printers is because of the poor longevity of the ink. The print permanence testing performed by some labs have shown that prints made with the ink from ink bottles last for a far shorter amount of time compared to the dye or pigment ink cartridges. I sell most of my prints, so the longevity is important in my case.
That's very true - I don't tend to get printers for long enough to do such testing. I will see what info I can get though.
I read in the new info or on the website Epson 552 ink photos should last 79 years without fading (keep photo out of the sun as you know). I am a new owner of a White ET-Epson 8550. Never owned a Epson, so far I like the simplicity of adding the ink, but I don't like the complexity of the printing connections to a phone or a Mac and/or the many epson apps? Seems like Canon was a lot easier to connect through WIFI to Apple. The Canon printer was bought quite awhile ago, the ink dried up or something else happened, bought new ink for Canon, wasting countless hours cleaning or whatever losing, the awful printer/ink will go in trash, wasted who knows how much on ink. Hope, the Epson fairs better than the Canon ink cartridges. Bought the Epson for Photo printing and printing whatever. Look forward to printing 13x19 photos, I am excited !
The coloration and density is a perfect match to the XP-15K. I think whatever testing applies to the XP-15K, it will very likely be the same for this. I believe for cost reasons, Epson has very strong motivation to make all current dye inks according to the same formula. Note that for CMY, it also perfectly matches to the vast majority of Ecotank models, such as those using 502, 512, and 522. The PB also perfectly matches the 522 for the ET-77xx.
HI ..... KC LOVING YOUR REVIEWS you keep poping up on the tube will have a look at the.. nrth lite site thanks Mark from down under
Excellent - that's appreciated!
Thanks
Tack!
Thanks!
I want to know how to set up the printer settings in Åhotoshop. Do you have a video for that? I would be very grateful since it does not come naturally for me. There are lots of profiles and I have no idea how to chose the correct ones.
Thanks for all your informative videos.
It's just the same as any printer. Try installing Epson Print Layout [EPL] ? This can be called directly from photoshop
See the main [written] review - the videos are generally supplements to the proper review ;-)
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
The review also links to all 8550 related articles/videos
I don't really do specific step by step guides - they need to be too specific to work well, since for example, I've not used a windows PC this century...
Thank you
Glad it was of interest!
Yes .Because in Thailand not Model ET-8550.
Thank you sir
Thanks
Ok, so just printed my first A4 photo by right clicking the mouse on the photo and then clicking on the "Print" in the list in the top group of options.
But I thought I should perhaps be using the Epson software for doing the prints.
The sunset shows the blue sky in the print is quite a bit darker than on the screen where it is much brighter.
On some of your videos you mention "profiles" for the photo paper being used but I am not quite sure what to do there.
At the moment I have no Epson paper to see how that goes but have some Canon, Kodak and HP and some A4 from RIHAC who supplied me with the CISS for my old Canon PIXMA Pro 9000.
Yes, I fitted the CISS to the PIXMA Pro 9000 and then the Print Head partially malfunctioned so I sent away for a "Brand New" Print Head which wouldn't work at all! So I informed the seller on EBay who is looking into it.
Have a read of the actual [written] review - this cover profiling and all the ones I've produced.
The videos are supplements to the written stuff
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I find my 8550 prints poorly for busy areas of nature photography. For example area of grass or busy petals of a flower (such as a thistle) detail is missing to point the image looks out of focus - but only in the very busy region, for a example a butterfly sitting on the thistle flower is crisp but the petals are blury. I am using high quality paper with a print profile. Any advice welcome.
My feeling is that is likely an editing and printer settings issue, not a printer one
Nothing I've seen in my testing reflects that in any way
Thanks much for your video. Although I could definitely set up the printer without help, it was indeed helpful to follow along and know I was doing it right :-) Now to watch the other videos...
Glad it helped!
Do have a look at the written review/articles as well, since I can generally include more detail in them.
@@KeithCooper I did look at the written review. Excellent. Thanks :-) I would love to see an in depth tutorial of the printer dialog settings and what each one does. For example, I kept looking for the thick paper option and finally realized you don't get that option unless you're using the Rear Paper Feed Slot. You've done so much already, I hesitate to ask. Still, it would be interesting, me thinks :-)
@@KeithCooper PS, I bought the ET-8550 because of your videos and received it yesterday. You should get a commission from Epson :-)
@@suzannegmirek1520 Thanks - I do mention this when asking for kit to look at ;-)
The 8550 is due to go back soon, so I'm not sure what I can manage on new info...
Now that it has been a year since this printer came out , is there a newer version of it in 2022 ?
It's a printer, not a mobile phone!
Printer models (or at least the better ones) can easily be current for 4-5 years
@@KeithCooper thank you Keith
Salut, j'ai eu un probleme avec le mien.
lorsque l'ancre devait migré vers les tetes d'impressions la machine s'est mie en pause et depuis l'ecran n'affiche rien
Sorry - I don't speak French very well?
Really helpful video … details are A++
Thanks - glad it was helpful!
@@KeithCooper i was looking for a good printer since many days after watching you video i got what i was looking for and just now I ordered et8550 …
Hope it works well for you. I do have some ICC profiles for it I did for the review (see the list in the video notes)
Been waiting for this :D Really hope you get the opportunity at your convenience in the future to compare to the Canon G550/G650. I'm sure many will be awaiting your conclusion before spending the money :D
Thanks - it will be a while until I've the full review, since there's a lot of prints to make!
Probably not the Canon though, since it's only A4 and apart from anything else I don't have stocks of A4 paper to test with.
Thanks as always Keith….nice , clear and to the point video which I watched a little while ago prior to setting up my new 8550. I did choose to use the link to my iPad by scanning the code on screen. It was all very clear and easy to follow. I am just wondering if setting up the alignment was a great idea given I have an eye 👁 test on Friday…..🤷🏼♂️🙄😂 but the prints I’ve just compared with my previous Canon Pro100s look great 👌🏻
Glad to help - those alignment tests can be tricky. I use a big magnifying glass, and still the results are not always obvious ;-) Still best to do them though.
I have the same printer (because of your videos ;-) and 2 years later, the display says: "Paper jam" - even though there is no paper inside. What could be the error? This error message appears right at the start and the printer doesn't print. I have already disconnected it from the power supply and cleaned all the rollers...
This usually indicates an issue with one of the sensors, so a good blast of air has sometimes dislodged paper dust and the like.
The other option I've tried from the control panel is to reset the printer to factory settings [all except network]
Also switch the printer off, unplug for 10 mins, remove the maintenance tank and switch on without the tank present - this should flag an error and sometimes when replaced, all just works...
Thats about all I know of for this printer though...
Just bought mine yesterday and doing the setting up now in Perth, Western Australia.
Printer software. People say, don't use the CD that comes with the printer but instead go online and download the software there.
Well I managed to find the Epson Australia page for the ET-8850 but it is absolutely impossible to know what to down load from all the many options on there.
So I will be using the enclosed CD for now. Any ideas please for downloading from online?
And none of the pages looked like anything you were showing.
Also, for the prints for the printhead alignment etc where you have to choose one of 6 or 7 options it is extremely hard to choose which one is the one required.
Go to Epson.sn - enter the model number and follow the instructions
Yes some images may well look different - all my installs are on Macs, but Epson.sn is the route for any install. Also - videos are stuck as made [a while ago in this case], with no opportunity for updates etc
My main et-8550 [written] review is updated.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I came here to figure out what those bright yellow things are, and I don't think I'm any wiser :D
Ah, one of the bits I dislike about making videos as opposed to my written articles - once published you can't add notes or update them...
They are shipping clamps for the output tray. They are only relevant for initial [empty] shipping, since once you've put ink into the printer, it needs moving with care - there is a small catch which locks the print head.
Hi Keith, your reviews have been super helpful thank you. I have bought the Epson 8550 and trying to connect my iPad to it… do you advise using the app “Epson Smart Panel” or is their software on the Epson website that is appropriate? Can’t find clear instructions online. Thanks
Thanks - see the main written review for more detail about the 'smart panel'.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
To print from such devices, I'd suggest Epson Print Layout.
Just one proviso - colour management is effectively broken on iPads and any mobile devices. - you will be able to print, but take good or predictable results as much due to luck more than skill ;-)
@@KeithCooper thank you. I will have a look into that and perhaps should send our images to the desktop for fine printing instead. Thanks again
Yes - the EPL software works well on both, see the info in the review about profiles.
Chances are you won't see this. Did you ever do the 6 sheet printer alignment? Mine won't do perfectly straight line or the one with no gap. I would really appreciate it if you had any video on this. Thank you sir.
It's covered in the main review, but not in any detail [I don't have the printer here any more]
I noticed that the process was easier with sheets of matt photo paper, but it is something I think could be improved...
My printer will not stop telling me to remove all packing. Can you please help,
Have you removed all the internal packing - also make sure the head locking is clear - see my main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
If all else fails and it's a new printer, call Epson
Great videos Keith. I own an Epson 8550 on Mac. Is it better to print USB or Airprint for fine art photos ? Does it really change anything to datas transfered ?
Thanks
Essentially, AirPrint is of no use whatsoever for printing of any quality ;-)
Wireless is fine - just make sure you don't end up with the AirPrint version of the driver installed.
Read the actual written review for far more detail
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Just got the printer. prints nicely but I cannot save settings in Lightroom on my Macbook Pro. Have to pick rear tray, glossy paper and best quality every single time. Also dont' see a choice for color management by Lightroom.
Have you accidentally installed the airprint driver?
Test with Epson Print Layout
See the notes on this in my main written stuff
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper It's possible. I will have to go through a learning process as I am not familiar with Apple printing.
But I am super happy with the printer. Prints come out great. They look like what I have on the computer and adjusting in Lightroom works in predictable ways, totally unlike cheap printers I have used in the past.
@@KeithCooper Thanks so much, it was on Airprint. I found your video on this problem.
I removed printer, redownloaded Mac 14.x and in Add Printer it said Use EPSON ET-8550 Series. But that installed Airprint driver 3.0 again. Next time I went to Select Software and picked EPSON ET-8550 Series and this time it installed correct driver 13.05.
I now see that is what the instructions say but I think it's bad programming to use the same name for different things.
Thanks again, I will be watching all your videos on this printer!
Maybe I’m being over critical, but I can see lines on the paper where it has been drawn through the printer.
This should not happen - I've seen it once on a printer that had been damaged in transit. If it occurred with a new printer and Epson paper, I'd want it replacing.
@@KeithCooper just using some A4 gloss that I had already, but epson paper is arriving Thursday, so will see what it is like then. Thanks for the reply Keith.
@@KeithCooper The epson paper arrived today and happy to say there are no issues with lines on it. Thanks
Hi Kieth Wish I had watched your set up video first. I made a bad mistake I think. I loaded the inks before plugging in the printer. All I can get on the screen is what language? I cannot get the printer or the screen to do anything. Help!
Sorry, I've no idea
You'll need to contact Epson over this
Hi Keith, I love your helpful videos. However I seem to have installed airprint. I have a Mac running Catalina and I basically didn't seem to be given choices on how to install the software. Downloaded the EPSONprinter.pkg file double clicked on the pkg and then it just went through it automatically without giving me any choices. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do?
Have a read of the actual review - my videos are usually supplements to the 'proper' reviews ;-)
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
hello Keith, how does Epson Smart Panel app work with the printer? I bought "continental Europe version" L8180 and the app was not able to find the printer in the LAN. So I do not know if the error is on my site (bad network settings) or the printer (or app).
Could you please also briefly compare this printer and the old Epson L8xx line or L1800 (6-ink dye-based printers)?
Thank you.
I've never seen an L1800, so can't say - I have rarely looked at dye ink printers in the past. My reviews over the years have tended to concentrate on larger desktop and large format printers.
I was able to connect to the printer quite easily with the app with my iPhone SE20 - that's with the printer and my phone on the same wireless network. It seems to do all sorts of things... :-)
I'll cover it in the (written) review - If I'm honest it feels a bit of a gimmick to me, but I rarely ever have a mobile phone with me. Well that's not entirely true I just used it to switch the printer off in the kitchen to save me getting up and walking over there... :-)
These L8xx use an older formula that is similar, but not identical to the Artisan and Stylus Photo series. They will achieve very fine gradation of colors, even using older generation print heads capable of 3pl and perform extremely well on inkjet-coated papers. I'm gonna guess that since the new photo printers all have 1.5pl capability at higher speed than older printers, they no longer use LC and LM channels, but instead are more focused reasonably good performance on a greater variety paper types and overall gamut, thus the extra channels are now PK and LK.
Just got one of these, did you ever find out what the yellow pieces were for?
Shipping clamps IIRC - never seen them used though. For normal transportation just use the carriage lock
Just purchased ET-8550 brand new. Went through the setup steps. Did all the suggested calibrations and the firmware update. Did the first test photo print on Epson Glossy photo paper fed through the rear tray (to avoid bending). I am very disappointed.
I see the dreaded streaks and lack of details in the print. I may have to do the alignment calibration again. My worry is that during the calibration for several of the alignment settings I had to choose 7 - the extreme value on the 1-7 scale with 4 being the default. In the current state of the output this printer is NOT suited for printing photos.
*** CORRECTION: The previous print has been done in the default "standard" quality (I am printing through Lightroom and adjusting printer settings through Lightroom interface to Epson). Once I changed the quality to "best" or "high" the streaks went away. Strangely when I tried printing again, the "best" quality was no longer available as an option. Hopefully, this helps someone.
Test your printer with a known good test image and Epson Print Layout?
Lightroom introduces too many variables for reliable testing of a new printer
Hi Keith, you’re videos are fantastic, so informative, thank you for taking the time to do them, not many printer reviews are non-biased and explain technical stuff so eloquently.
I purchased an Epson 8550 to replace an inkjet Canon Pixma TS8150 that guzzled ink. I was hoping the Epson Ecotank was a more cost effective option despite the initial outlay!
So far I have only printed the printer alignment print outs required for setting up the Epson printer and 2 documents.
Unbelievably, the ink tanks have already gone down to the next notch. Rather concerned! in the Epson info it says the ink tanks can produce up to 3000 colour images. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated when you get chance. Thank you.
Thanks!
Ink is used for initial priming - the bottles have spare ink to top up after initial setup.
Ongoing, I've found the levels hardly move...
The '3000' is from marketing - be careful to read the associated provisos over size and print type. As a rule I advise not taking most printer marketing too seriously ;-) It won't be wrong, just you need to read all of the fine print (if you can find it)
About 15-20ml ea. channel is needed to prime the lines and fill the damper. There should be enough ink remaining in the bottle to almost top things off after priming. A full bottle set of 420 ml runs abut $60 USD (around $0.15/ml) which is about 5-10x less than just about anything that comes in cartridges. Coming from the XP-15000, it doesn't seem like the 8550 uses any more ink even when taking into consideration the XP-15000 carts are 15ml and the 8500 ink reserve (in the lower visible tanks) is about 50ml.
HELP!! I have this printer and I set it up using the app. I cannot for the life of me find any way of now getting the software for my laptop (my dvd drive no longer works so I can't use that). I've installed all the drivers etc but all that seems to do is put files on my desktop, there's no interface. Ive tried searching for Epson print programs and all Im getting is a windows program from 2013 for windows 8! I am tearing my hair out here, can you shed any light on how on earth I finish the installation so I can print from my laptop? Thanks
Sorry - I've not use a windows PC for 20+ years, so my knowledge is rusty to say the least - hopefully someone here can help? Or you could ask at the printing forum at dpreview.com
Hi Keith, perhaps you could help. I have a new Epson ET 8500. On my printer options, I have no options for color adjustments. Do I need to download further functionality from Epson and what would that be. I'm getting desperate as I need to reproduce my artwork for a gallery. Very grateful for any tips.
Colour adjustment should be done in whatever software you use for editing image - the printer driver should ideally never be used to make any adjustments beyond setting the correct ICC profile.
I used 'Epson Print Layout' for some printing with the 8550 (no idea if 8500 is supported) - it's free software from Epson. It does have some adjustments, but really is not for image editing.
See my main [written] review of the 8550 for lots more info (and some videos)
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi there, I know they are both two very different printer but which one would you recommend for business: the canon pro 200 or epson et-8500? I have been looking at both and I am not sure which one will have the best quality. I am looking at printing mainly photos. Any help would be great!
Ah, I never make recommendations between brands Im afraid - the answer is different for every person and almost always 'it depends' ;-)
The larger ink carts of the 8550 will work out cheaper if you print enough.
However, that key word 'business' is the important one - it means nothing or a vast deal to the process ;-)
Great vid, thank you so much for sharing Mr Keith. It is a phenomenal printer; however, I am continuing to experience the same problem when printing both clear and white sticker paper,.. the I guess "black pigment?" continues to shade after printing. Would you have any particular vid where you address that issue? Thanks again and cheers from Alberta Canada!!!!
Not sure what you actually mean here?
See the main [written] review for an index of all my 8550 articles/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
If the ink does not dry, it's a sure indicator of a paper not suitable for the printer.
I've only seen this with cheap paper...
Hi Keith, After watching your videos I decided to get an Epson 8550 Very happy with it After filling up the tanks, each bottle had ink left in them. Do you know if I could fill it up again at any time or do I have to wait till it goes to the low level mark Your videos are great!!! Thank you
Thanks
You can fill at any time, but ideally you need to fill to the top mark.
This is discussed in the main [written] article
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-ecotank-et-8550-printer-setup/
On thing I'd note, if you've not seen them - my written articles almost always have more detail than the videos, since they can be updated/corrected/edited over time.
Why dont the options tab show up on my macbook pro under printer options?
Could just be a newer Mac than I'm using. I'm not sure though - this was recorded some time ago. See the notes in the main [written] review at
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper yeah. Its a new mac. Im not sure why its not showing the printer options tab. Irritating. Im hating mac atm. Wish i had went with windows
Now that's something I've not wished for 20 years :-)
No win on the lottery this weekend, so no chance of any new Macs here any time soon...
can i use pigment ink instead of the dye in this printer?
Not if you want a warranty...
Hi Keith, I wonder if you can help me, my et 8550 keeps jamming the paper, it feeds the paper 1/4 way and then jams it, I have opened the whole printer and cleaned it but I don't know why it keeps jamming, could be rollers but not sure
Unfortunately I don't know (my 8550 went back to Epson).
I assume it's past warranty?
One place I'd ask is at
www.printerknowledge.com
@@KeithCooper sadly its just past warranty, the printer keeps getting stuck, it could be the roller, do you anywhere i can get the parts for this printer, thanks for your help
No idea about parts - once again, I'd ask at printerknowledge
@@KeithCooper ok thank you i appreciate your help
Does the tray come out when you press output tray it does it only close the tray?
both open and close
Thanks for this keith....let us know how it is on a thick photo paper....stay safe.
Thanks - I've quite a range of papers to try - that and poster board through the back
Thanks for the setup video, easy to follow. Have one question for you. I can only buy one printer, my preferences are either the Epson et 15000 or the Epson et 8550. I mostly want this type printer for family photos and crafts. No real need for a fax. Which printer do you think would be best. Thanks
From a quality and ink cost POV, the 8550 is an easy winner - neither has any 'fax' facility AFAIK ;-)
Both are capable of good results with suitable care.
The pigment black ink may also be better for 'craft' purposes - not my area of expertise I'm afraid
Is it compatible with Lightroom Classic?
I cannot see why not - it's just a normal photo printer.
Note that I don't ever use Lightroom - so if you're still concerned, ask somewhere like the printing forum at DPReview.com
Hey Keith, great videos. I have learned a great deal from you. I am have a bit of a problem. When printing on thicker paper, which goes through the rear feeder, I am noticing slight “grooves” that looks like maybe the feeder rollers. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Thanks. I've heard of this on occasions, but I've not seen it with the printer I tested [which went back to Epson]
I'd suggest asking on the printing forum at DPReview.com ?
Hello Keith, you made a comment that the the printer driver should not read 8550 series-AirPrint, yet after a few tries of downloading the Printer software Combo package or the driver by itself, they both load the driver that reads Version 3.0 with kind ET-8550 Series-AirPrint. I am running Mac OS Ventura 13.1. Have you been able to install a driver that strictly reads ET-8550 Series clear of the AirPrint kind? printing with Lightroom has various issues with page layout configurations
Sorry - I don't have the printer here any more to test.
Did you see the discussion about this in the main written 8550 review?
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith for the prompt reply. I did read the article. Unfortunately the driver released on October 22 does not result with same kind version you show in the article. It may be that the version you downloaded back when is different than the one available today for the MAC OS release I am using. Regards
I'd suggest searching/asking on the print forum at DPReview.com - I'm sure I've seen this discussed there. The 8550 I reviewed went back to Epson...
Can you use the printer ink for transfer to iron on shirt without using sublimation ink?
There are special transfer papers available, but I've never tried them at all I'm afraid. Look for
"epson t-shirt transfer paper"
Hi Keith I finally got my printer and I'm trying to set it up right now. Is it supposed to be powered on when you put the ink in? Thank you
yes- follow the instructions on the screen ;-)
Can i restore factory settings? I got trigger happy and initiallised printer before adding ink. I want to go therough the process again but i cant seem to find a way
Sorry - I know of no way of setting the printer to a 'new' condition. This is one I'd ask Epson about...
@@KeithCooper thanks for the reply, would you know if the initialization process and power cleaning process are virtually the same thing?
@@palmondos No - completely different. The initialisation process is a one-off
There is an option to tell the printer that a tank has been topped up, but as to if this works without a proper initialisation, I've no idea.
I did the same! Wonder if you found a solution? Thank you
Could you please tell me if the 8550 can scan 12”x12”?
no, I don't think it can (see the scanning part of my actual [written] 8550 review)
I don't have one here any more to test
How could you do a "reset"?
see other reply
Keith, how do I find your articles? Thanks so much!
Always linked in the video notes..
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Just set mine up tonight, filled the ink, let it charge, just spitting out blank pages! I don't know but think the ink needs another charge but can't figure out how to do it?
That sounds faulty - contact Epson or where you got the printer?
Although rare, it's quite possible to get a faulty printer out of the box.
Did you tell it the inks were full? I recall this was needed as part of the process.
@@KeithCooper yes I did, it’s going back and I am getting a replacement
The primary reason that I bought this printer was to save money on ink and still get high quality photo prints since I'm a amateur photographer. For those reason's this printer works very well. However without the same software/driver package that's available on Win10, the Win11 solution of using Win11 drivers and the absolutely terrible Win scanner app in comparison to Epson's win 10 scanner utility. You would think by now Epson would have their own win11 scanner utility.
Is there another win11 scanner program that anybody has found that has more options than the win app? Specifically, being able to save in pdf format.
Vuescan - Mac and PC
See my review for a section about scanning artwork.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith for the quick reply. I have now downloaded the trial of Vuescan. From your review "The included Epson Scan software is quite competent, ". I guess that's my main gripe. On Win 10 the Epson Scan 2 software can be used but on Win 11 its not available. If Vuesacn a 2 man operation can figure it out for Win11, I feel Epson not supplying a Win 11 version of Scan 2 and telling customers to use the Microsoft scan app is a cop out.
I've used VS for many years now with all sorts of scanners.
Glad it works with your system - I've not used a win PC this century, so my 'PC' knowledge is a bit rusty ;-)
Do I need a laptop for the setup or can I use an ipad?
The printer can indeed be set up on its own - you'll need to go to epson.sn and check the details.
That said - I've never used an ipad to print other than to show it's technically possible - like phones, proper colour management is absent.
@@KeithCooper thank you! Appreciate the response
My printer won’t charge the ink?
Then contact Epson or the seller...
Hi Keith, what do you think is better print quality between ET-8550 and XP-15000. Thank you.
It depends - but the 8550 has the mixed ink set, which would swing it for me - not that much difference - very few people would ever notice...
Both good and more usually limited by user skill/ability than printer capability (yes I do include myself ;-) )
@@KeithCooper Thank you Keith :)
They are have an identical ink set with the exception that XP-15K has dye red, while the ET-85xx has MK. The MK helps get deeper blacks on plain paper and matte uncoated paper. The MK also make smaller fonts darker and more legible on plain paper. The dye red on the 15K helps extend the red gamut on plain paper and matte uncoated paper. The extra red doesn't seem to have any discernible difference other paper types.
How did the prints come out? And in comparison to the P700?
Sorry, you'll have to wait for the review in a few weeks - this is only the setup ;-)
As to the P700 - very different printers, this is more like the XP-15000 in many respects. See my dye vs pigment ink video for a fair indication of the likely differences.
Hi ! That’s so much for these informative videos.
Does this printer has Auto Duplex document printing ?
Yes, for plain paper - I'll include more 'office' stuff like this in the actual (written) review.
Thanks*
@@KeithCooper Thanks Sir.
I’m from Mumbai, India and planning to get this one for printing photos at home and documents printing etc. In India the same model is called Epson L8180.
I have the ET-7700. After watching your output tray coming out of its own accord, I feel like the poor relation. :( You have to pull mine out manually, even though there is a toothed track on the output tray.
When I first set it up, I remember thinking that Epson should have staggered the ink ports so that all the bottles could be loaded at the same time. They seem to naturally stop feeding once the tanks are full. I also wish they had used a moisture sensor to detect a full waste ink tank rather than have an accursed chip on it so they can stiff you every time they want you to buy another waste ink tank. You should be able to put something absorbent, like a tampon etc., in the tray and change it when the sensor detects it is full. I've been looking for a chip resetter for those waste ink cartridges, but so far no luck.
You can actually load most EcoTanks two at a time. Since the 85xx ports are fairly close, you will need to skip two ports instead of one: For example fill position 1 and 4, then position 2 and 5, then position 3 and 6.
@@charlesingalz3561 That's a good idea. I'll need to try that the next time I'm filling up.
Received my ET-8550 printer tonight and when going through the setup, I'm stuck (probably being plain stupid) at the step where it tells you to load 6 sheets of A4 paper. I did and after the first paper came out, I see two "columns" on the paper named #1 and #2 with 6 rows under each named 1-6. I'm then asked to "Select the pattern that shows no gap or dark line" but not really sure how to proceed when they all look the same on the paper. They all look fine with no gaps nor any dark lines. Looking at the control panel of the printer, it says #1 and I see how I can choose between 1-6 using a plus and minus key on the touchscreen where it's set to '3' by default. I thought to myself, good thing I can watch Keith's setup video but sure enough...you skipped exactly this step in your video 😂
Would be super happy if you could enlighten me how to complete this part of the setup. I've been trying to find other videos showing this step, but so far to no avail.
Many thanks in advance and thanks again for your excellent content! Can't wait to watch more of your videos and start enjoying my new printer 🙂
The calibration pattern can be difficult to decide on readings.
I repeated it with basic photo paper, where it was just about possible to decide on differences (the print is sharper)
It's a step that I tend to leave for later. I used lustre paper when recently setting up a P700
@@KeithCooper I ended up just picking what was suggested (nr 3) and the next tests were easier. So all good now when it comes to the printer head alignment I hope.
Now I have another issue instead...the printer keeps telling me I'm out of paper in tray 1 even when I'm not. I'm trying to print a 10x15 photo and I've loaded maybe 5-6 sheets of glossy paper in tray 1. Still I keep getting this message. I've tried following the suggestions to check the position of the paper etc but still the same thing. Not sure if I'm missing something obvious or if I received a faulty printer out of the box. Will do more testing later on, need to get some sleep now 😴
Is this the front paper tray? I found it very problematic for some photo papers
Yes, it's tray 1. I was just on the phone with Epson support and they said it sounds like a hardware fault and recommend I have the printer replaced. However, when you say you had issues as well, maybe it's a more general issue with this model?
If Epson offer a replacement - take it
The feed has caused issues with some people's printers - that said I only tend to hear of people's problems, not when everything just works!
The front feed trays for photos are very much what I'd put in the 'consumer features' category. It's for plain paper and thin photo paper
The paper I wanted to use was just too high quality for them - worked absolutely fine via the back
5:19 I see no purpose of them yellow plastic things ?
Just more packing stuff to keep parts in place during shipping...
I bought this printer and I am really happy with it. Does somebody know what the admin password is for this printer?
Check the manual?- if set, i believe it's the printer serial number
@@KeithCooper I did check the Manual but good not find it. Its indeed the serial number. Thanks a lot!!
Ok could this be used for sublimation???
Ah, it's not mine to put different inks into ;-) - no idea I'm afraid
However, this is not a type of printing I have experience of (I test stuff for mainly photographic use)
Epson does have the surecolor f170 for dye sublimation but it only takes papers up to 8.5" x 47.2"
Epson L 8185 सादी कार्ड छप सकता है कि नही
What is an L8185? Also, I only speak English...
Realy interesting printer.... But in France it's realy expensive compare to US... 850€(1000$) vs 600€ (700$)... SP 700 cost 750€ (900$)... And Canon pro 200 "only" 500€
Ah, I only see prices in £ (not $)
- one reason I never include pricing info in my reviews, since I've no idea what things cost in foreign countries - it does seem to vary a lot though...
@@KeithCooper thanks for reply. I look Price on official retailler or constructor website. Canon printers seems to have the same Price everywhere ... But not Epson 🙄
What does the air print mean ?
AirPrint - iPhones, iPads and Mac stuff. If you accidentally install the AirPrint driver, you find loads of settings vanish. It's a standard warning in any Mac printer install - I only use Macs here, so you get it mentioned ;-)
Thanks. Good to know
How “ archival” are these Claria inks?
No idea at the moment. I will see what I can find for when I do the review
Epson only bought all the blue tape because Canon beat them to the red tape 😋😊
Yes, both seem very fond of it...
One may spend more time removing the blue tape, then adding the ink to the new printer. Adding the ink was too easy, how long have we been buying cartridges when a cheaper/easy way to add ink, too long. Thanks for the late arrival of common sense, hope they enjoyed big profits from cartridges ( I hate the cartridges because COST, leaks, or the end of the ink, then the alert pops up when you need to print something important). I had no printer for 6 months, I was dreading the purchase. I spent to much, but OfficeMax paid the tax's when she offered me $30 over Chat, I asked for $57.50 off equalling the tax in Texas. My new way to save money is chat during business hours. Cost was $699 in the USA for the ET-8550.
Hi Keith, I have been waiting for this test all week, which is still not the real test .-) My concerns are the same as the others with some additional details:
1. How will these inks behave when printing digital negatives on Pictorico transparencies?
2. Of course, I am interested in photographic printing and its expected longevity to understand whether I can sell prints or not.
3. I am also interested in the quality of printing in B&W.
4. I would like to see how much cheaper this printer can be used with this ink versus the other ink cartridges and when it will be break even point since for a "home" printer it is not cheap.
5. Lastly; if this ink proves to be of poor performance or poor longevity, can another better quality Epson ink be used without damaging the printer?
I thank you for this test. Looking forward to the rest of the analysis. Best regards.
Don't hold your breath - it will be a couple of weeks at least for the actual review.
1 No idea - I've never seen or used any of this media
2 I'm trying to get some info
3 Yes ...will be looked at ;-)
4 Not an area I can address - my test printer usage is very atypical and rarely ever supplies good data for such analysis
5 Definitely not one I can address - it's not my printer! The official answer will almost certainly be no
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith. Maybe someone can contribute some information to point 1. here in the comments.
Yes - I've simply never seen it here. If a supplier wants to send some then fine, but it's not the sort of stuff I'd buy a box of for anything of my own.
@@KeithCooper Thanks .-)
The printer is printing but no ink is coming out🤔
Then it is either broken, or not set up correctly - if a new printer - call Epson
what was the problem? mine is doing the same
@@chrishouston2578 Just set mine up today, printing blank pages too
@@dubsbhoy needs to go back
same just got mine set it up and only color is printing no black :(