8 Best Large Format Printers for Photographers | Reviews & Buying Guide

Large Format Printers for Photographers are specialized printers, also known as plotters, designed for high-quality photo printing. Commonly used by architects, photographers, and graphic designers, these printers support larger print sizes, offer higher resolution, and use advanced ink systems tailored for producing vibrant, detailed images. They aid photographers in achieving superior color accuracy, sharp resolution, and the ability to print on various types of photo paper, including fine art and glossy media. This guide presents the top large-format printers, highlighting their unique features, specifications, and suitability for professional photography.

Listed below are the best large format printers for photographers for 2024:

• Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-300 Wide Format Printer: Best Overall: The Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a compact yet powerful professional inkjet printer, ideal for photographers seeking high-quality photo prints. It supports various sheet sizes, including custom inputs, and uses nine color inks to produce a wide color gamut. The new matte black ink enhances black density on fine art paper, while the Chroma Optimizer ensures smoother, more vivid photos on glossy and semi-gloss papers. Priced at $899 (€840, £715), it features the L-COA PRO image processing engine for effortless large image data processing. ArchitectureLab notes its ease of use, fast printing, and space-saving design, though it mentions the limited availability of photo black ink.
• HP DesignJet T210 Printer: Best for Architects and Designers: The HP DesignJet T210 Printer, priced at $699 (€653, £556), is a reliable large format plotter for architects and designers. It offers accurate and crisp lines on large sheets or rolls, featuring a modern design with up to 30% recycled plastic. HP Bright Office Inks provides up to 31% more line accuracy and 65% more color gamut. ArchitectureLab highlights its efficient printing and superior connectivity via Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi, though it lacks an included stand.
• Epson WorkForce Pro Wide-Format Printer: Best Productivity: Priced at $299 (€279, £238), the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 is an affordable wide-format printer suitable for office use. It offers fast printing speeds of 25 black or 12 ISO color ppm, thanks to PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology. The DURABrite Ultra pigment inks ensure excellent color accuracy and photo quality on various sheet sizes. ArchitectureLab mentions its fast print speed, large capacity sheet tray, and multipurpose usage while noting that setup can be confusing.

1. Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-300 Wide Format Printer – Best Overall

Are you looking forward to buying one of the best wide-format printers? If yes, check out this compact yet powerful professional inkjet printer from Canon that makes printing photographs a breeze. It supports various sheet sizes, including custom inputs, so you’ll never need to use another printer again. 

First of all, let’s talk a bit about the inks, as this printer uses nine color inks to produce a wide gamut for better photos. The PRO-300 system includes a new matte black ink which enhances the black density while printing on media like fine art paper. Plus, the Chroma Optimizer prevents irregular reflection from providing smoother and more vivid photos on glossy and semi-gloss papers. 

What’s more, this printer is designed to have an easy-to-use printing system that allows you to print photos quite easily. The L-COA PRO image processing engine makes this task even easier as it’s able to process large image data effortlessly. 

This PRO-300 model even supports the Canon Professional Print and Layout (PPL) tool that works well with popular image editing software. So, you can easily adjust settings or formats for all photos, even if you are an amateur photographer or designer.  

No doubt, this is the printer of choice for professional photographers due to its amazing print quality. However, our only gripe is the low availability of photo black ink on the market. To be on the safer side, we recommend stocking the ink, especially if you’re going to use the printer frequently. 

2. HP DesignJet Large Format Printer – Best For Architects And Designers

First of all, let’s start with the HP DesignJet T210 Printer, which has been a trusted device for architects and designers for a long time. It’s a large format plotter that lets you render accurate and crisp lines on large sheets or rolls without worrying about missed spots. So, let’s check out its features. 

The foremost aspect that attracted us has to be the modern design. This printer is the right choice for those looking to be more eco-conscious as HP tries to use up to 30% recycled plastic during manufacturing. 

What really makes this a worthwhile printer is the high-efficiency printing that produces error-free lines, thanks to the use of HP Bright Office Inks. Along with 31% more line accuracy, the inks provide up to 65% more gamut for better color printing, making the printer quite versatile. And the best part is that this printer requires almost 95% less ink for maintenance compared to other models. 

Another thing we would like to mention is the superior connectivity of this printer made possible by the Gigabit Ethernet and the latest Wi-Fi. You can simply use the HP Smart app to share files with the printer from anywhere using your smartphone, computer, or tablet.  

Overall, this is one of the best large-format plotters currently available on the market. But we would have liked it even better if HP had included a stand to accommodate its fairly large body. So, you will need to make ample space on a table to fit the 40-inch footprint of this printer. 

3. Epson WorkForce Pro Wide-Format Printer – Best Productivity

Many people shy away from purchasing wide format printers due to the hefty price. But, that won’t be an issue with this Epson All-in-one printer as it has been priced quite affordably. It’s also a great entry-level wide format printer to have in the office for the versatility of copying and printing documents. 

The first thing we want to highlight in this printer is its fast printing speed of 25 black or 12 ISO color ppm. It’s due to the PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology, which lets the printer start without needing to warm up. So, there’s practically no wait time, and the first page comes out within seconds of sending it to print. 

Another feature we really liked was the quality of photos printed by this Epson WorkForce printer, as it’s comparable to the high-end models. The color accuracy of DURABrite Ultra pigment inks and dot placement is excellent for printing clear photos on varied sheet sizes. 

Moreover, this printer has a 4.3-inch color touch display and an easy-to-navigate control panel for trouble-free operation. The Smart Panel App lets you wirelessly operate the print commands right from your phone for easy printing.  

Overall, we really like the performance and affordability of this wide-format printer. But, we do think that setting it up can be a bit confusing for those who will be using a heavy-duty printer for the first time. It even takes a while to establish a wireless connection for proper hassle-free printing. 

4. Canon ImagePROGRAF TA-20 Large Format Printer

Are you planning to open a business that requires high-volume printing? If so, this large format printer from Canon might become your next best friend due to its high performance and excellent printing quality. The brand especially suggests the printer for offices and small businesses to leverage their printing needs due to its flexible design. 

Compared to some of the other printers we have checked, this one stood out for its ink utilization and accuracy. The 55 ml ink tanks hold enough ink to last several printing sessions. Moreover, the printer is programmed to consume less ink when printing on smaller media. The Canon LUCIA TD ink used in it produces exceptional color representations to match the actual photos. 

Besides, its innovative imaging technology lets you achieve custom borderless printing on rolls up to 24 inches with precision to waste less paper. 

This is also one of the most user-friendly large-format printers we have seen on the market, as it eliminates the need for complicated control. It has a 3-inch color touchscreen interface with proper on-screen visibility to control the settings without much hassle.  

One of the first things we noticed about this printer was that it’s pretty heavy. Even though it has a compact body, moving this printer between locations can be a problem. So, if you’re planning to get this printer, clear out a permanent space to avoid needing to move it any further. 

5. HP OfficeJet Pro Wide Format All-in-One Printer

Those with a small office often think that they will never be able to reap the benefits of wide-format printing. However, this all-in-one wide format printer from HP comes as an excellent option with its business-ready design. It’s also pretty compact, so you wouldn’t need to make additional space to accommodate the printer in your office. 

At times, you may not be looking for the fanciest printers found in professional studios. This all-in-one HP wide format printer comes with most of the practical features you need to print quality photos and color documents. It can even process two-sided scanning to copy and print documents in no time. 

However, what we liked the most was its ability to print on varied paper sizes. This printer supports printing on papers up to 11 inches by 17 inches which is decent for small to medium posters and marketing materials. 

Other than that, we also liked the paper capacity of this printer as it has two input trays, each holding up to 250 sheets. So, you can print several documents or photos at once without worrying about running out of media.  

To be honest, we really like the excellent output quality of this all-in-one wide format printer. But, we did find it to be a bit more expensive than other similar models available on the market. The prices add up even more when considering the regular ink cost required for printing hundreds of photos or documents. 

6. Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Photographic Printer

Next up, we have another Canon Imageprograf printer that has revolutionized the market with its highest-quality printing. It’s especially recommended for professional photographers who want to invest a bit more to get improved color reproduction. At the same time, the printer maintains a fast printing speed, unlike many other large-format printers. 

When it comes to printing photographs, most people settle for whatever a printer offers as they can’t expect the results to be at par with photos from digital cameras. We are happy to say that the print quality of this Canon Imageprograf photographic printer comes pretty close, thanks to its Lucia Pro ink system made up of twelve printer cartridges. 

You can really see the difference in the black and shadow areas due to the wide color gamut. The special black inks help get a crisp and properly graded image, while the added Chroma Optimizer reduces too much light reflection even on glossy photo paper. That’s why this printer is also recommended for producing monochrome prints. 

Another notable feature is the anti-clogging technology which delivers ink through a tubular delivery system. This helps speed up printing by detecting any clog in the nozzles and replacing it with a backup.  

We want to clarify that the price may not be a drawback for everyone based on the expectations they have from a large format printer. But, this Canon printer is certainly not suitable for those who don’t require a professional quality printer. Plus, the twelve ink cartridges add up to the regular maintenance cost. 

7. Epson Expression Photo XP-970 All-In-One Photo Printer 

Epson has been the primary brand of choice for many people when it comes to printers. This Epson Expression Photo all-in-one printer specializes in photo printing and everyday document printing to provide it with versatility. If you’re tired of always running to the print shop, this is the perfect printer for your home office. 

First of all, what stood out about this printer was its professional print quality. Unlike many other printers with a similar budget, this printer runs without clogs, even when printing larger photos. The Claria Photo HD inks provide a smooth finish with proper gradations and represent accurate skin tones. 

This device has been built for convenience, so you won’t have much trouble operating it even if you’re new to using large-format printers. Besides, the large touch screen and wireless printing options make the process effortless. 

One more key feature we would like to talk about is the efficient scanning capacity of this printer. The fold-over scan lid is quite helpful in holding down the document without needing to apply any pressure, leading to uniform scans.  

While going through the reviews for this printer, a common complaint we came across had to do with the high ink consumption. It’s especially faced by those who frequently need to print large photos. So, you may need to think about the high ink requirement and its cost before purchasing this printer. 

8. Epson Expression Photo HD Wide Format Printer 

Are you looking for a wide-format printer with a compact design that easily fits your small office? If yes, check out this printer from Epson that uses the best quality Epson inks to print ultra HD quality photos. And even after having a fairly large footprint, it weighs just 18.7 pounds. 

Look no more if you’ve been searching for the best wide format printer, as this Epson Expression device comes with most features you expect from a printer. It can print borderless photos up to 13 inches by 19 inches without damaging the Ultra HD quality. Plus, the printer deals with thicker or artist-quality paper pretty well and prints without creating creases or uneven lines. 

The brilliance of the photos comes from the Claria Photo HD Inks to achieve the wide color gamut. This printer utilizes newly launched gray and red ink colors, which help to enhance the prints. We especially like the gray ink as it improves the highlights and shadows in monochrome prints.  

One of the only things that could have been better about this print is the setup instructions. You may need to read through them several times and even watch some videos before figuring out how to complete the setup. We recommend contacting the customer support of a brand if you get too confused during the process. 

Best Large Format Printers Comparison Table

Large Format Printer Buying Guide

Choosing a large format printer can be a challenging task, as there are many factors to consider. A large format printer allows you to create high-quality prints with larger dimensions than a standard desktop printer.

There are several types of large format printers on the market, including photo printers and format printers. When choosing a large format printer, it is important to consider print quality, print speed, media compatibility, ease of use, maintenance requirements, and cost.

A. Print Quality

Print quality is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a large-format printer. It is crucial to ensure that the printer produces high-quality prints with accurate colors, sharp resolution, and long-lasting prints.

1. Resolution

The resolution of the printer is measured in DPI (dots per inch). A higher DPI value means that the print will have more detail and will look sharper. A large format printer should have a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 dpi, which is suitable for most applications.

2. Color accuracy

Color accuracy is important when printing images and other graphics. A large format printer should have an accurate color gamut that can produce the correct shades and tones of the image. It’s important to check the printer’s color accuracy specifications before purchasing.

3. Print longevity

Print longevity refers to how long the print will last without fading or yellowing. The longevity of the print depends on the type of ink used and the paper quality. A large format printer should use pigment-based inks that have a long lifespan and are resistant to fading and yellowing.

B. Print Speed

Print speed is another important factor to consider when choosing a large-format printer. It is important to know how many pages per minute the printer can produce, as this will determine how long it will take to complete a print job. Faster printers are more efficient and can save time, especially for large print jobs.

C. Media Compatibility

Media compatibility is important when choosing a large format printer, as not all printers can handle all types of media. Some printers can only handle roll paper, while others can handle various types of media, such as canvas, vinyl, and photo paper. It’s important to choose a printer that is compatible with the type of media you want to use.

D. Ease of use

Ease of use is another important factor to consider when choosing a large-format printer. A printer that is easy to use and set up will save you time and hassle. The printer should also be easy to maintain, with clear instructions on how to replace ink cartridges and perform other maintenance tasks.

E. Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance requirements are also important when choosing a large-format printer. The printer should have low maintenance requirements, with easily accessible parts and clear instructions for performing maintenance tasks. The cost of ink and consumables should also be considered, as this can add up over time.

F. Ink Cost and Availability

One of the aspects often overlooked by buyers is the ink that goes into the printer. Most manufacturers fit new printers with trial ink cartridges that won’t last long. So, you’ll invariably need to get a full refill to use when the previous one gets over. 

Note that most printers use inks made by the brand for that specific model or series. There’s no way you can use third-party ink as it will void the warranty and may even damage the printer. 

Whenever you’re buying a printer, make sure to check the cost of ink cartridges produced by the same manufacturer. If you’re getting a heavy-duty printer, then the ink costs are going to be considerably higher. 

Moreover, the ink costs may vary based on the frequency of use. If you use a printer daily to print color-heavy and large documents or photos, the ink will get consumed quickly. The good thing is that most brands specify the average number of pages that can be printed with a single full refill. 

G. Cost

Cost is another important factor to consider when choosing a large-format printer. The initial investment for a large format printer can be substantial, so it’s important to consider the long-term costs, including the cost of ink and consumables. Printers also have varying costs for ink cartridges, with some printers being more expensive to maintain than others. It’s important to choose a printer that fits within your budget and provides good value for the cost.

What can you print using a large format printer?

People are often in a dilemma about what is the actual use of a large or wide format printer. It’s often used by professionals like architects or designers who need to print on large media. However, these large printers can be used for varied purposes as they can print on both small and large media. 

Nevertheless, the most common use includes creating posters, architectural blueprints, maps, banners, and large borderless photos. Most compact large format printers will let you print on a media with a width of 13 inches to 24 inches. 

Why do some photographers prefer large or wide format printers?

While thinking about printing photos, we mainly consider the small or medium images that go in our albums. But, that might not be true for all instances, as some photographers like to take extensive pictures, which can only be justified by large format printing. This form of printing also allows borderless photo printing without compromising the proportions of the actual composition. 

Other than that, professional photographers may prefer large format printers due to their capability of printing on different types of paper, including thick fine art paper or glossy paper. Another point to highlight is the high image quality provided by these prints due to the advanced technology and the use of varied ink cartridges. 

Lastly, we also found that large format printers are often tweaked to have better software and interfaces that work well with the design platforms used by professional photographers. 

Well, that’s everything we have to tell you about choosing the best large-format printers available on the market right now. We hope that our suggestions will help you pick the right printer to get high-quality photo prints. 

Among our recommendations, we will suggest the HP DesignJet large format printer to the architects and designers looking for a premium device that produces error-free lines with efficient color accuracy. It’s also an eco-friendly initiative by HP as the printer has up to 30% recycled plastic in its body. 

In comparison, the Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-300 wide format printer is the perfect choice for those looking to print photographs of varied sizes. You can also safely pick any other product mentioned in our list as they are just as efficient, if not more.