Epson
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Best photo printer for creative professionals seeking high-quality, low-cost output.
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is a wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer engineered for creatives, photographers, and designers seeking lab-quality output at a low cost. It utilizes the EcoTank system, significantly reducing ink expenses and waste compared to traditional cartridges. Featuring 6-Color Claria ET Photographic Dye Inks, it delivers exceptional color fidelity and supports borderless prints up to 13" x 19". Professional media handling accommodates thick posterboards, managed easily via the 4.3-inch color touch panel. Versatile connectivity includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and SD card slots for seamless workflow integration.
$549.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 252
Best Printers, Copiers & Fax Machines
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
/ Print, Scan, Copy
Who it's for
- High-volume printers seeking long-term savings on ink costs
- Photography enthusiasts needing professional-grade color accuracy and detail
- Creative hobbyists requiring diverse media and disc printing capabilities
Who should skip it
- Casual users unable to justify the steep upfront investment
- Office workers needing to scan or copy multi-page documents efficiently
- Business professionals prioritizing fast document output speeds
Performance breakdown
Photo Color Fidelity
Six-color ink system produces gallery-grade prints with stunning, accurate color depth.
Operating Cost Efficiency
Supertank technology slashes long-term ink expenses compared to traditional cartridge systems.
Media Versatility
Handles thick posterboard and large-format prints with impressive professional-grade flexibility.
Workflow Integration
Seamless connectivity via SD card and wireless options streamlines creative project management.
Printing Speed
Prioritizes high-resolution output quality over rapid, high-volume document production speeds.
Interface Usability
Intuitive touch panel makes navigating complex print settings feel simple and modern.
Key Specs
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Print Resolution
5760 x 1440 dpi
Scan Resolution
1200 x 4800 dpi (Native)
Print Speed
16 ppm Black & White, 12 ppm Color
Ink System
EcoTank Photo with 6-Color Claria ET Dye Inks
Connectivity
Wireless, Ethernet, USB, SD Card
Media Handling
Straight-through feeder for media up to 1.3mm thick
Display
4.3 inch Touch Panel Display
Features
- Ultra-low-cost printing via refillable ink tanks
- Lab-quality photo printing with 6-color ink system
- Borderless printing capability up to 13" x 19"
- Versatile media handling for thick stock
- Intuitive 4.3-inch full-color touch panel
- Comprehensive connectivity including Ethernet and Wi-Fi
- High-resolution scanning for detailed images
- Reduces cartridge waste for eco-conscious users
What customers say
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 earns high praise, especially for its revolutionary ink system, which delivers exceptional long-term value. Users celebrate the freedom from costly cartridges and the remarkably low cost per print. Photo hobbyists consistently report superior output quality, noting vibrant, detailed images comparable to professional lab results thanks to the six-color ink setup. While the initial investment is substantial, the massive ink capacity provides significant relief and savings over time. Setup is generally easy, and the design is appreciated. Despite minor critiques regarding speed and screen size, the consensus is that this printer offers unparalleled quality and operational savings for serious users.
Know before you buy
The ET-8500 uses a 6-color ink system specifically designed for high-fidelity photography, rather than the standard 4-color setup found in office printers. It also features a refillable tank system that eliminates the need for traditional ink cartridges, significantly lowering your cost per print.
Yes, it includes a straight-through media feeder designed to accommodate specialty paper and cardstock up to 1.3mm thick. This makes it a great choice for designers and artists who need to print on heavier, professional-grade media.
Yes, it features a built-in SD card slot. You can view and select your photos directly on the 4.3-inch color touch panel, allowing you to print high-quality images without needing to transfer them to a computer first.
While it is capable of printing documents at 16 ppm for black and white, it is primarily optimized for photo and creative output. If your primary need is high-speed office document printing, you may find other dedicated laser or office-focused inkjet models more efficient.
The ET-8500 supports borderless printing for various sizes up to 13" x 19". This is ideal for creating professional-grade photo enlargements or large-format design proofs.
The ink tanks are transparent, allowing you to visually monitor levels at a glance. The printer also provides status updates via the touch panel, and because it uses a tank system, you simply refill the reservoirs with bottled ink when levels run low.
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