Epson ET-8550 photo prints. Better basic photo prints. Incl. use of double sided paper photo books
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- Using the Epson ET-8550 EcoTank A3+/13" printer, Keith Cooper looks at basic glossy colour photo printing using an A4 double sided lustre paper and an A6 (~6x4) sized photo paper.
Looking at print examples using the free Epson Print Layout software he shows how the internal paper cassettes are best for lightweight basic photo papers, and how if you want better quality it's important to feed paper via the rear top slot and to use the correct printer ICC profiles for your paper.
The double sided paper shown is from PermaJet in the UK who stock several types
www.permajet.c...
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Keith you are a world of information! I just purchased the ET8550 and you have taught me how to use this printer in every way. I have been watching all your videos they teach me new ways of using my printer. I thank you for taking the time to make these videos in order to teach us to use our printer to the max.
Glad to help!
Thank you! You answered my question about why my 4x6 paper was jamming in the front load tray! Now I’ll experiment with the back feeder.
Glad it helped!
Thanks Keith. I recently discovered your channel in my search for reviews of the ET-8550 which I have just purchased - and so far so good. We also have a Canon 100s which has been a good photo printer for us. Quite apart from learning more about the ET-8550 I’m also learning a lot more about photo printing in general from your videos. You have a wonderful style of presenting. Many thanks.
Thanks - glad it's been of interest!
Thank you Keith for all the great information. Really look forward to your videos on this.
Thanks - glad they are of interest
Thanks for yet another informative video. Looking forward to the full written version.
Working on it later this week!
Nice job, looking forward to the full review.
Thanks
Thanks, very informative! I thought my printer was broken when all small photo papers got jammed in the printer when using the smaller cassette. I’ll simply use the rear feeder for all photo printing.
It seems fine for thin photo paper in both cassettes, but I'd be careful to see just what feeds OK. I've been using the main rear slot for most things though.
Do 6x4 papers feed into the rear feeder okay? Will it take such small paper?
@@Bassbarbie Yes, that is how I print them. If you by “rear feeder” mean the one on top with movable guides for different paper sizes.
@@EuroMartin thank you so much! Yes that is what I meant. I’d forgotten there is the other rear feeder for longer and thicker papers.
Thanks,great work.
Thanks
Keith, I really enjoy your videos. I just purchased an Epson 850 and am still learning how to use it to print photos. Normally I use Affinity Photo 2 to set up the photo. However, when it comes to printing I have very little idea how to set the settings. I have no knowledge of Profiles. I printed a photo of myself and it was so dark and horrible. I thought perhaps it was the settings I used. Can you possibly some idea the settings I could use to print a photo on Epson photo paper. Thank you so much. L
See the main [written] 8550 review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
In particular, try installing and printing from Epson Print Layout, using a known test image.
Essentially, don't start with one of your own pictures - it's what I do whenever I'm testing a new printer.
Many, many thanks Keith as always for all your super helpful content. I was wondering about binding as I've been entertaining the idea of printing and binding my own photo book (for want of a better description). You have more or less answered everything as far as the printing side of things go (with the ET-8550) in this regard. I wonder what you do about binding. Do you send it out to be bound? Have you tried any of the various DIY solutions and products that are out there? I would be really intreasted in a video where you discuss this topic.
I've only ever used the clip type binders - they look fine as long as you plan the layout.
Other than that I simply don't bind stuff - most of my printing is much larger (A2 and above) than in these videos and goes for display
I have wire bound my own using a cinch machine. It is a lot of fun and works well, but you do have to think about the margins carefully as Keith says, and make sure you get the right pages facing the each other. It takes a little planning. I wasn't using this printer but a Canon Pro 1. I used Affinity Photo and set up a template for a left hand page and a right hand page so that the margins remained the same on every page.
Hi Keith, Your videos are all informative, and thanks for taking your time to explain all these. I have a quick question: if you could advise me on choosing the cheapest and best photo printer from the industry, what would you choose? My primary focus is on a small business where I will be printing a lot of 8" x 5" photo frames, 8" x 10" photo frames, 3" x 3" photo magnets, and 2" x 2" photo magnets. In this case, what would you suggest? I need to provide the best quality pictures to my clients. Also, what paper would you suggest to get the best result?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
cheapest/best - pick one ;-)
The 8550 is good, but at the sizes you want, the smaller 8500 may be better
As to paper - no idea, depends entirely on where you are and what's available
See the main [written] 8500 and 8550 reviews
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
and
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thank you so much Keith for your prompt answer. I placed an order for 8550 from Best Buy because they had $200 discount on last night , yesterday was the last day for the offer so I grabbed one
Hey Keith, is there any chance that the printer does "pizza wheels" or leave any impressions on the reverse side of the print when fed through a second time?
Not that I noticed on this particular paper. That might be an issue with thicker papers, but this is the only one I have that is DS. I also gave it a bit longer to dry than shown here...
Hi -- I really appreciate your videos - You helped me once before a few weeks ago. I have couple questions for you on the ET-8550. first, the nice software that you use to control the printer does not seem to be available on OS X (mac). I installed the epson print layout software on my mac, when I run it it says that the printer is not found and to load the drivers. I am using the printer via the wireless connection. Second question, it seems to take almost as long as it does to print a print to load the next sheet of paper and start printing ... just wondering if you have any ideas on those questions - thanks !
EPL does work on Macs - it's what I'm using in the video!
It sounds as if you have accidentally loaded the AirPrint version of the driver [I have a video about this, and it's covered in the main 8550 review [the written one]]
Sound like software issues - fix the driver problem... ;-)
Thank you !! got the driver installed -- next up to get a profile for the paper I use -- @@KeithCooper
working well - I searched your videos for this question -- I want to do 5x7 (and other sizes) borderless - when I select the 5x7 size and bring in a picture that is 5x7 300 dpi - it has the left & top values is .12 and it does not change -- ?? enjoy your coffee !!
@@KeithCooper
@@yourencounter For borderless you need an oversize image - setting an exact size rarely works well. See the main 8550 [written] review
@@KeithCooper got the oversize thing - thanks , jast question - I hope - I am trying to print 9x13 paper, I can't seem to get the full page printed. It is like the portrait & landscape will not coordinate -- do you have a video on that ? thank you !
Ciao Keith, non parlo inglese peccato, ma ho visto i tuoi video complimenti per il lavoro che stai facendo. Ho una domanda, ma et-8550 è adatta anche in studio per foto professionali o accettabili da mettere il cornici o stampe massimo A4. Grazie in anticipo per la risposta
Yes, it can produce good quality prints. It depends a lot on paper choices and ICC profiles.
However, for photos I'd sell, I would want pigment inks. It all depends on the quality level your business sells at?
For cheaper prints it is fine, but not a quick printer.
Hi Keith, I'm a little torn between the Canon Pixma Pro 200, Epson SC-P700 and the ET-8550. I'm a wedding and fashion photographer myself with no printing experience and would like to hopefully offer some prints to my clients in the future (if I can find my creative style as a printer:, and explore enough various photo paper). I like the whole saving the planet aspect with the ET-8550 and other basic home office functions as well. The pro 200 and P700 both seem like great options minus the home office features and added costs of ink cartridges. I would also like to start printing my work from the past decade to showcase and hopefully entice clients to purchase prints. If you were start off with one of these machines today, what would you gravitate towards knowing what you know? Thank you for your time and keep up the great informative videos and articles!
Ok, you're a business, so the planet saving stuff is admirable, but what are you going to say to a couple who's wedding you've photographed 10 years earlier and their prints have faded... You have a sound business reason to be concerned about print permanence. That means pigment inks such as the P700 - pigment inks also let me print black and white in a far more consistent way.
Forget about style and paper choice until you can be truly competent with basic paper types - the style comes from being able to create and print images the way you intend, not the surface of whatever paper is shoved into the printer ;-) Chasing after "a look" is pointless if you've not developed the print skills to know why it's there or not.
However, if I'm handing out glossy bright colourful fashion shots out, then a glossy metallic paper (or ultra-gloss) can give real instant impact - the fact the prints may drift in a few years doesn't matter, so I might well choose dyes.
So if it's prints to show around, the 8550 may be a worthwhile option - prints to sell, it's the P700 - or get a P900 and see what impact a well executed A2 print has on people - but start with smaller paper, and just a few basic sorts!
@@KeithCooper Thank you kindly for your feedback. Much appreciated!
Thank you for your excellent videos. I wish I was as sharp as you.
If you could choose a better printer than the et8500 - I would love to know your choice.
Thanks - lots 'better' but more expensive. So, it all depends... ;-)
Most of my printer reviews pre-date my making videos - especially the larger ones
All on the Northlight Images site (1500+ articles)
www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/
Hi. Still waiting for my Epson L8180 delivery. I've noticed, your desk is moving while printing. Seems it's a huge machine in comparison with my old L3160. Doesn't moving desk influece prints somehow? Cheers from Poland.
No problem as far as I know - I've had printers 5 times the weight of the 8550 on that table with no problem ;-)
In my real office, I have much more solid tables, which don't move. Remember, I do the videos in the corner of our kitchen ;-)
Hi Keith! I’m new to the photo printing world and I’m wanting to make some double sided glossy photo prints but I need 300 gsm (or more) and it looks like the link you provided only goes up to 295. Do you have any recommendations for a4 double sided glossy photo paper? I’ve been digging around all night and can’t seem to find a reliable paper that I trust to buy.
I have an HP Officejet Pro 8035e that I’ve been using the HP premium plus photo paper (5x7, 80 lbs, 300gsm) with but there’s no double sided version so I’m stumped on where to look! I’d appreciate your recommendations.
Apologies for the long comment. I hope you have a wonderful day!
295 is essentially the same as 300gsm but it's thickness that counts. I've only really looked at a few double sided papers, and then only really for clip together albums.
A lot depends on where you are - I only really know UK suppliers...
Also, I don't know that printer at all I'm afraid [Epson and Canon are happy to talk to me - HP... silence]
Permajet and Olmec both do double sided papers. Permajet do a range of them - if you're in the UK.
Hi Keith, thankyou for the information here, i have been looking at a new printer with ink tanks, i have tried to find this answer, it looks like the printer will do automatic double sided printing on A4, but will it automatically do both sides of A3? - we are looking to print on both sides of an A3 sheet, then fold in the middle for a small newsletter :)
No, this printer will only do single sided unless you are printing on A4/letter plain paper.
The double sided is of no use with any paper of any quality.
If you want double sided A3, you need an office printer.
Hi Keith very interesting your videos could you tell me if this ET-8550 is better in print quality for example on an XP950 or XP970? Thank you
? English please?
The 8550 is much nicer to use than the xp960, no surprise there given the size and price differences. See my written reviews of each for more
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-expression-photo-xp-960-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi Keith really enjoyed your video I just wondered you can help me with choice of printer,I’m armature photographer plus some drone pictures also I want to make some photo book and do some prints for framing,not commercial family and friend what you think what printer I should get ? Epson p700 or eco tank et8550 ?
Regards
Rafal
Thanks - I never actually make recommendations I'm afraid
...the answer is always "it depends" ;-)
However, I'd suggest reading the actual written reviews as well - the videos are just overviews
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p700-printer-review/
and
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Note the info on paper types and profiling - if you've any specific questions email me at Northlight?
@@KeithCooper haha it depends yes I know thanks for quick reply I will email you for profile later on when I’m decide on printer thanks again
Hi, I would like to try epson print layout with my ET-7750, but it seams to be compatible with large format printers only. How did you manage to use it? I can’t wait to read the full review of this printer!
I fired up the latest version (1.5.6) on my Mac (which has the printer driver installed) and it found the 8550 on the network.
I don't know for certain what printers are officially supported. However it worked fine with the P700 and XP-15000 (both 13")
It seems to currently have a few issues for the 8550, such as not being able to set custom pages sizes, which is why I used Photoshop for printing the panorama.
Thanks, my et-7750 is only A3, the printers you mention are A3+ and above. Anyway I’il try again.
I had a quick look at the price and this printer definitely doesn't seem to be aimed at people who'd want a one click double-sided photo print so I'm rather curious as to why it's even there...
It's towards the top of the 'consumer' range, but it is most definitely not part of the specific photo printer range.
Such considerations are not based on price (from the Epson POV!)
hi , how do i print multi prints on 1 sheet every time i try it just prints 1 any help please
What software?
Try using Epson Print Layout - EPL is free from Epson, works on PC and Mac
Does this not print automatic 2 sided ? I cant figure out how to do it
It does, but only for plain paper in the front tray
For better papers in the top feed, it's a manual process
How do I do it from the tray ? I have searched for a month and can’t find a video to show me how 😢
On plain paper?
It's a driver setting, when printing - assuming the software you are using supports it
On photo papers - the tray is generally of no use
Using the top feed, take the paper out, let it dry properly and then print on the back
I'd just note that all my more detailed stuff tends to go into the written reviews, not the videos ;-)
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hi Keith. Can I use the ET 8550 for craft too, or it’s expecific only for photographers
Depends entirely on what you mean by 'craft'?
It's such a catchall term...
It’s for cardboard, Stiker
It's all about the media and compatibility with the inks
Cardboard - depends on the cardboard. Cheap, non-inkjet card often looks poor on any inkjet printer.
Stickers (?) - once again need to be made for use with aqueous inkjet inks.
jus got this printer and im having couple issues setting it up, can anyone help ?
See my collected articles/videos about it at
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Thanks yet again Keith,
by the way, the Permajet Link is non-existant,
It does go to the Website "Page not Found"
but I was able to find the Double Sided Media on the
Website.
What Methods do you use for Presenting your Double Sided Prints in Book Form.
I am addicted to my Family History research,
and need ways of presenting Photos, rather than have them just in Folders on the Computer or Phone,
The methods I use for Binding,
are Plastic Comb Binders, or Slide Binders.
Is there another Method that looks nicer ?
Thanks - I'll update that link
I rarely ever store prints in any bound form, but where I do, I use a spring loaded clip binders.
It's not really a topic I've looked at in any depth - but do have some here I could look at.
Hi ,can you print 10 metres photo paper in this printer?
No, the print size limit is just over a metre I believe, see:
ua-cam.com/video/liVKLx4rqN8/v-deo.html
You need to chop off sections of paper and print them at custom page sizes.