{
  "category": {
    "slug": "photo-printers",
    "name": "Photo Printers",
    "description": "Dedicated photo and instant photo printers; general document printers belong to Printers."
  },
  "url": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/photo-printers",
  "markdown": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/photo-printers.md",
  "updated": "2026-08-19T17:55:29.494Z",
  "productsRanked": 14,
  "summary": "On the stierproducts photo printers board, Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of Epson SureColor P700 (#2, S tier) and Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 (#3, A tier). The board ranks 14 photo printers from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 19 Aug 2026, drawing on 356 outlet citations across the board. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Epson EcoTank ET-2980, Epson XP-15000, Canon SELPHY CP1500, and 2 others.",
  "method": {
    "summary": "Each category is researched in four independent runs, one per lens (expert consensus, value, reliability, community pulse). Every run ranks a board of candidates that deliberately includes products buyers cross-shop but should avoid. Placements score on a ranked ladder (LP), and tiers are derived from LP, so no tier is ever assigned by hand.",
    "url": "https://stierproducts.com/methodology"
  },
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
    "terms": "https://stierproducts.com/license",
    "covers": [
      "text",
      "rankings",
      "tiers",
      "lp",
      "verdicts",
      "pros",
      "cons"
    ],
    "excludes": [
      "images"
    ],
    "imageRights": "Product photographs are not covered: they belong to their respective owners and are reproduced to illustrate the product being reviewed. Do not redistribute them under this licence."
  },
  "tierMeanings": {
    "S": "Exceptional. Finishes top run after run; capped at 3 slots per category.",
    "A": "Excellent. Strongly recommended, beaten only by the very best.",
    "B": "Good. A solid choice with real caveats worth knowing.",
    "C": "Fair. Acceptable in the right situation, outclassed at its price.",
    "D": "Weak. Hard to recommend when better options cost similar money.",
    "F": "Avoid. The evidence points you elsewhere."
  },
  "products": [
    {
      "rank": 1,
      "tier": "S",
      "lp": 996,
      "name": "Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310",
      "brand": "Canon",
      "slug": "canon-imageprograf-pro-310",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/canon-imageprograf-pro-310",
      "verdict": "A strong recommendation from a video review places it high on the list, demonstrating current owner satisfaction.",
      "pros": [
        "Excellent print quality",
        "Versatile media handling",
        "Exceptional color accuracy",
        "Durable construction that lasts for years",
        "Studio-grade color fidelity"
      ],
      "citations": 57,
      "distinctOutlets": 36,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/canon-imageprograf-pro-310.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 2,
      "tier": "S",
      "lp": 870,
      "name": "Epson SureColor P700",
      "brand": "Epson",
      "slug": "epson-surecolor-p700",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/epson-surecolor-p700",
      "verdict": "The community consistently touts this as a top-tier option for quality prints, making it the clear leader.",
      "pros": [
        "High-resolution photo output",
        "Professional-grade color accuracy",
        "Excellent reliability",
        "Low failure rate",
        "Long-term firmware support"
      ],
      "citations": 40,
      "distinctOutlets": 30,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/epson-surecolor-p700.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 3,
      "tier": "A",
      "lp": 667,
      "name": "Epson Expression Photo XP-8800",
      "brand": "Epson",
      "slug": "epson-expression-photo-xp-8800",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/epson-expression-photo-xp-8800",
      "verdict": "Its inclusion is observational, not recommended.",
      "pros": [
        "Durable build",
        "Low-maintenance ink system",
        "Strong long-term support",
        "12-inch wide format",
        "9-color pigment system"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Limited endorsement",
        "No standout features highlighted"
      ],
      "citations": 27,
      "distinctOutlets": 17,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/epson-expression-photo-xp-8800.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 4,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 548,
      "name": "Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850",
      "brand": "Epson",
      "slug": "epson-ecotank-pro-et-5850-photo-printers",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/epson-ecotank-pro-et-5850-photo-printers",
      "verdict": "Long-lasting cartridge system, low running cost and solid support history.",
      "pros": [
        "Long-lasting cartridge system",
        "Low running cost",
        "Solid support history",
        "Ink-tank system",
        "9-color pigment inks"
      ],
      "citations": 25,
      "distinctOutlets": 19,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/epson-ecotank-pro-et-5850-photo-printers.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 5,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 545,
      "name": "Canon PIXMA PRO-200S",
      "brand": "Canon",
      "slug": "canon-pixma-pro-200s",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/canon-pixma-pro-200s",
      "verdict": "Its inclusion in a curated \"best\" list suggests solid performance and value within the community’s current preferences.",
      "pros": [
        "Good color fidelity",
        "Affordable for hobbyists",
        "Budget-friendly",
        "Reliable operation",
        "Ongoing firmware improvements"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Slow print speed",
        "Higher ink cost"
      ],
      "citations": 48,
      "distinctOutlets": 38,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/canon-pixma-pro-200s.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 6,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 501,
      "name": "Canon PIXMA G620",
      "brand": "Canon",
      "slug": "canon-pixma-g620",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/canon-pixma-g620",
      "verdict": "A decent option, but lacks the strong endorsement of the top picks; it's simply listed as available.",
      "pros": [
        "Compact design",
        "Good print speed",
        "Compact size",
        "Reliable operation",
        "Firmware stays current"
      ],
      "citations": 47,
      "distinctOutlets": 38,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/canon-pixma-g620.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 7,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 491,
      "name": "Epson Expression Photo XP-8700",
      "brand": "Epson",
      "slug": "epson-expression-photo-xp-8700",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/epson-expression-photo-xp-8700",
      "verdict": "Good speed and quality but slightly outclassed by the XP-8800 in several key metrics.",
      "pros": [
        "Balanced mix of speed, quality and affordability",
        "Best all-in-one for enthusiasts",
        "Solid build"
      ],
      "citations": 22,
      "distinctOutlets": 14,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/epson-expression-photo-xp-8700.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 8,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 413,
      "name": "Canon PIXMA G650",
      "brand": "Canon",
      "slug": "canon-pixma-g650",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/canon-pixma-g650",
      "verdict": "Slightly higher resolution and better color accuracy than the G620, while maintaining solid build quality.",
      "pros": [
        "Higher DPI",
        "Improved color fidelity",
        "Reliable performance",
        "Affordable",
        "Low running costs"
      ],
      "citations": 16,
      "distinctOutlets": 14,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/canon-pixma-g650.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 9,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 381,
      "name": "Canon Pixma Pro-100",
      "brand": "Canon",
      "slug": "canon-pixma-pro-100",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/canon-pixma-pro-100",
      "verdict": "Not prominently featured in recommendations; less current support.",
      "pros": [
        "A3+ quality",
        "Durable construction",
        "Consistent color accuracy",
        "Long-standing favorite for pro-grade A3+ printing"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "No recent endorsement",
        "Limited mention"
      ],
      "citations": 31,
      "distinctOutlets": 26,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 3
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/canon-pixma-pro-100.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 10,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 338,
      "name": "Epson EcoTank ET-2980",
      "brand": "Epson",
      "slug": "epson-ecotank-et-2980-photo-printers",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/epson-ecotank-et-2980-photo-printers",
      "verdict": "Compact, low-maintenance and with a firmware that stays current for many years.",
      "pros": [
        "Compact size",
        "Low maintenance",
        "Firmware stays current",
        "Low running cost",
        "Large ink capacity"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Smaller footprint",
        "Fewer features compared to larger models",
        "Limited print quality for photos",
        "Durability only average"
      ],
      "citations": 40,
      "distinctOutlets": 30,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 4
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/epson-ecotank-et-2980-photo-printers.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 11,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 279,
      "name": "Epson XP-15000",
      "brand": "Epson",
      "slug": "epson-xp-15000",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/epson-xp-15000",
      "verdict": "Wide-format, durable build and a firmware that stays supported; great for serious hobbyists.",
      "pros": [
        "Wide-format capability",
        "Durable build",
        "Long-term firmware support",
        "Vibrant colors",
        "Sharp detail"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "High price",
        "large size",
        "Steep ink consumption"
      ],
      "citations": 54,
      "distinctOutlets": 37,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 5
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/epson-xp-15000.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 12,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 273,
      "name": "Canon SELPHY CP1500",
      "brand": "Canon",
      "slug": "canon-selphy-cp1500",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/canon-selphy-cp1500",
      "verdict": "A solid choice from a \"best\" list, though not exceptional in any specific area.",
      "pros": [
        "Portable size",
        "Fast photo printing",
        "Reliable instant printing",
        "Solid firmware support",
        "Sharp prints"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Flimsy build quality",
        "limited color depth",
        "Low print detail",
        "Expensive for its size",
        "Limited paper options"
      ],
      "citations": 24,
      "distinctOutlets": 23,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 3,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/canon-selphy-cp1500.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 13,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 162,
      "name": "Polaroid Hi-Print Generation 2",
      "brand": "Polaroid",
      "slug": "polaroid-hi-print-generation-2",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/polaroid-hi-print-generation-2",
      "verdict": "A simple and convenient option, included among the best for its ease of use.",
      "pros": [
        "Instant photo output",
        "User-friendly interface",
        "Portable design",
        "Durable build",
        "Long-term firmware support"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Limited print size",
        "Slower print speed",
        "Mediocre color fidelity",
        "Shorter durability",
        "Low-resolution prints"
      ],
      "citations": 2,
      "distinctOutlets": 2,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 3,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/polaroid-hi-print-generation-2.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 14,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 129,
      "name": "Canon PIXMA TR160",
      "brand": "Canon",
      "slug": "canon-pixma-tr160",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/canon-pixma-tr160",
      "verdict": "No standout qualities highlighted in the community discussion.",
      "pros": [
        "Compact design",
        "Affordable",
        "Fast print speeds",
        "Solid photo quality"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "No notable advantages mentioned",
        "Generic listing",
        "Low print quality",
        "Outdated firmware",
        "Lower print quality than PRO-200S"
      ],
      "citations": 34,
      "distinctOutlets": 32,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 3,
        "ofRuns": 5
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/canon-pixma-tr160.webp"
    }
  ]
}