Amazon's Best Price Yet on Epson's 13" Photo Printer: Is the ET-8550 Worth It?

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 6-color photo printer is now available on Amazon at its lowest price ever following a 33% discount from its MSRP of $749.99. This all-in-one photo printer offers impressive 13" x 19" print capabilities with support for both glossy and fine art papers up to 1.3 mm thick, making it a compelling option for photography enthusiasts and small studios looking to produce large-format prints without breaking the bank.

What Makes the ET-8550 Stand Out

The ET-8550 uses Epson's 6-color Claria ET photographic dye inks, which include cyan, magenta, yellow, plus black, photo black, and gray inks. This expanded color gamut allows for smoother color gradations in both color and black-and-white prints at resolutions up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi. The additional gray ink is particularly noteworthy for photographers who demand subtle tonal transitions in monochrome work.

Beyond printing, the ET-8550 functions as a versatile all-in-one device with an 8.5" x 14" flatbed scanner capable of 4,800 dpi, 48-bit color scanning to SD cards or computers. It also handles color and black-and-white copying, making it a practical choice for creative professionals who need multiple functions in a single device.

The EcoTank Advantage

Epson's EcoTank system uses high-capacity ink bottles rather than traditional cartridges, significantly reducing the cost per page. This is especially valuable for users who print frequently or in large volumes. The initial investment in the printer is offset over time through dramatically lower ink costs compared to cartridge-based systems.

Print Longevity Considerations

However, there's an important trade-off to consider. The ET-8550 uses dye-based inks, which offer vibrant colors but less longevity than pigment-based alternatives. According to Wilhelm Imaging Research, unframed ET-8550 dye ink prints last approximately 26-28 years under simulated light exposure. In comparison, unframed prints from Epson's SureColor P700, which uses more expensive pigment inks, can last over 62 years.

This longevity difference matters significantly for professional photographers, artists selling prints, or anyone creating archival-quality work. For casual users, family photographers, or those who primarily share digital copies, the ET-8550's performance and cost savings may be more than sufficient.

Alternative for Serious Photographers

For those prioritizing print longevity over operating costs, the Epson SureColor P700 represents a professional-grade alternative. While more expensive to purchase and operate, it uses pigment inks that deliver superior archival properties and water resistance. The P700 is better suited for gallery displays, commercial applications, or anyone requiring maximum print permanence.

Bottom Line

The ET-8550's current price represents an excellent value for its feature set, particularly for users who appreciate the EcoTank system's cost advantages and don't require the extended longevity of pigment inks. The 13" x 19" capability, 6-color printing system, and all-in-one functionality make it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts and creative professionals working within a budget.

The discounted price is available for a limited time on Amazon, though availability may be restricted and prices can change. For those who print infrequently or don't need large-format capabilities, this sale might not justify the investment, but for active photographers and creators, it's worth serious consideration.