Epson SureColor P700 review
The same ink, head and no-switching design as its bigger sibling, in the size most photographers actually print.
A 13-inch pigment photo printer with UltraChrome PRO10 ink including violet, dedicated nozzles for photo and matte black, a 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC head and Carbon Black Driver mode.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ink | UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet |
| Black ink | Dedicated nozzles for photo and matte black, no switching required |
| Printhead | 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC |
| Black density | Carbon Black Driver mode for increased Dmax on glossy paper |
| Mobile | Prints colour-managed files directly from iOS devices |
| Media width | 13 inches |
Specifications above come from Epson's published specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- Identical ink technology to the 17-inch P900, so print quality is not what you give up by buying the smaller machine.
- No black ink switching, which saves both ink and several minutes every time you change between gloss and matte paper.
- Violet in the ink set extends the gamut into blues and purples, where photo printers traditionally fell short.
- Carbon Black Driver mode raises maximum black density on gloss, which is what gives a print its depth.
- It fits a desk, which is the reason most photographers choose 13 inches even when they can afford 17.
Where it falls short
- A3+ is the ceiling. If you intend to sell or exhibit at A2, buy the bigger machine now rather than owning two sets of inks later.
- Ten cartridges in a desktop printer, and one empty cartridge stops the job.
- Pigment printers need regular use. Left idle, cleaning cycles consume ink you never see on paper.
- Fine art paper is where most of the cost and most of the quality live, and it is easy to underbudget. Our photo paper versus plain paper comparison shows why cheap paper wastes a good printer.
- It is a slow and expensive way to print documents. Keep a laser for that, and read our photo printer versus all-in-one comparison before trying to consolidate.
What owners report
Owner reports repeatedly describe the P700 as the sensible purchase: the same output as the P900 at the size most people print, for several hundred dollars less. The no-switching black design is the feature people mention most, exactly as it is on the larger model.
The consistent complaint is ink cost for infrequent printers, driven by cleaning cycles rather than by printing. Owners who print regularly do not raise it, which is the clearest indicator of who should own one.
Who it suits
- Photographers printing portfolios and sale prints at A3+.
- Anyone switching regularly between glossy and matte papers.
- Desk-bound setups where 17 inches will not fit.
Who should skip it
- Anyone selling framed work at A2, who should buy the P900.
- Occasional printers, for whom a lab costs less and involves no upkeep.
- Document and office printing.
Alternatives worth considering
Identical ink and head technology at 17 inches, for A2 output. Buy it only if you actually print at A2, because it is a size upgrade rather than a quality one.
Check price on AmazonA 9-colour pigment set plus chroma optimizer, with anti-clogging and skew correction that helps with thick fine art papers. The chroma optimizer evens out gloss differential, which is the Canon's strongest argument.
Check price on AmazonCartridge-free photo printing up to 13 inches wide, plus scanning and copying, with ink bottles instead of cartridges. Less permanence and less gamut than professional pigment, and a fraction of the cost per print.
Check price on AmazonCommon questions
P700 or P900: what is the difference?
Width, and very little else that matters. Both use UltraChrome PRO10 ink with violet, the same 10-channel head and the same dedicated photo and matte black nozzles. The P900 handles 17-inch media for A2 output; the P700 stops at 13 inches. If you do not print A2, the P700 gives you the same prints for less.
What is Carbon Black Driver mode?
An Epson driver mode that increases maximum black density on glossy paper, raising Dmax. In practice it means deeper blacks in a print rather than the slightly open shadows that pigment on gloss can otherwise produce, which matters most in black and white work.
Is pigment ink better than dye?
For longevity, clearly. Pigment resists fading far better, which is why prints intended for sale or exhibition use it. Dye produces slightly more saturated colour on gloss and costs less to run. If somebody is paying for the print, pigment is the standard.
How often do I need to print to avoid clogs?
Every week or two is a good habit. Pigment printers run automatic cleaning cycles that consume ink, and the less often you print, the greater the share of your ink that goes into maintenance rather than onto paper. Occasional printers are usually better served by a lab.
Can I use it for documents too?
You can, and it is a slow and expensive way to print a letter. Photo printers are optimised for image quality on coated media, not for speed or cost on plain paper. A cheap mono laser alongside it costs less than the ink you would waste.
Keep reading
- Photo printer vs all-in-one
- Photo paper vs plain paper
- Best photo printers
- Epson SureColor P900 review
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 review
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.