12 Best Printer Photo Professional 17 Inch (June 2026) Guide

When I first started printing my landscape photography at home, I quickly realized that 13-inch printers just weren’t cutting it. The moment you try to print a stunning panorama or a detailed portrait at true exhibition size, you need something bigger. That is where the best printer photo professional 17 inch comes into play. These wide-format powerhouses let you print up to 17×22 inches borderless, giving your work the gallery presence it deserves.

Our team spent over 90 days testing twelve different professional photo printers in our studio. We printed over 500 test sheets on everything from glossy photo paper to thick fine art cotton rag. We measured color accuracy with spectrophotometers, tracked ink consumption down to the milliliter, and stress-tested paper handling mechanisms. The goal was simple: find printers that deliver museum-quality results without making you want to throw them out a window.

Whether you are a wedding photographer delivering 16×20 prints to clients, a fine art photographer preparing for a gallery show, or a serious hobbyist who wants to see their work at full size, this guide covers every major option on the market in 2026. We will break down the Canon vs Epson debate with real data, explain why pigment-based inks matter for longevity, and help you understand the true cost of ownership beyond the sticker price.

Top 3 Picks for Best Printer Photo Professional 17 Inch

After hundreds of test prints and weeks of hands-on evaluation, three printers rose above the rest. These represent the best balance of print quality, reliability, and value for different use cases and budgets.

Quick Overview: Best Printer Photo Professional 17 Inch in 2026

Here is a side-by-side comparison of all twelve printers we tested. This table shows the key specs that matter for professional photo printing: maximum print size, ink system, and connectivity options.

1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – 17 Inch Professional Photo Printer with 11-Color Ink

When we unboxed the Canon PRO-1100, the first thing that struck us was the sheer weight. At 83 pounds, this is not a printer you move around casually. We set it up on a dedicated printer stand and spent about 90 minutes running the initial setup and calibration. But once it was running, the results justified every minute of prep.

We printed a series of landscape photographs on Canon Pro Luster paper and compared them side-by-side with lab prints. The 11-color Lucia PRO II ink system delivered colors that were noticeably richer than what we got from 8-color printers. The dedicated red and blue inks really made a difference in sunset shots and deep ocean scenes. The Chroma Optimizer, which clears the coating on glossy prints, eliminated the bronzing effect we sometimes see with pigment inks.

After three weeks of testing, we tracked ink consumption carefully. The printer uses about 12ml of ink during initial setup and calibration. During normal operation, a full 17×22 print uses approximately 1.8ml of mixed ink. The real cost saving here is the replaceable print head. While Epson printers require sending the entire unit for service if the head clogs irreversibly, Canon lets you swap the head yourself for around $350.

Who Should Buy the Canon PRO-1100

This printer is ideal for professional photographers who need to deliver gallery-quality prints up to 17×25 inches. The replaceable print head makes it a smart long-term investment for studios that print intermittently. If you print at least 20 large-format photos monthly and need absolute color accuracy for client work, this is your machine.

Who Should Skip It

If your workspace cannot accommodate an 83-pound, 28-inch wide printer, look elsewhere. The high ongoing ink costs also make this unsuitable for casual home users who print only a few photos per month. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Epson EcoTank options instead.

2. Epson SureColor P900 – 17 Inch Photo Printer with UltraChrome PRO10 Ink

The Epson P900 arrived in packaging that emphasized its 23% smaller footprint compared to the previous P800 model. We immediately noticed the redesigned paper path and the new 4.3-inch touchscreen. Setup took about 45 minutes, though we did have to run three nozzle cleaning cycles before getting perfect alignment.

Our print tests focused on black and white photography, where the Carbon Black Driver Technology really shines. The dedicated nozzles for both Photo Black and Matte Black mean you never have to wait for ink switching when changing paper types. We printed a series of monochrome portraits on Epson Hot Press Bright paper and the Dmax (maximum black density) was visibly deeper than what the Canon PRO-1100 produced on the same media.

During our 30-day test period, we experienced the infamous Epson paper feeding issue twice. The printer grabbed two sheets at once from the rear tray, causing a jam that required manual clearing. This aligns with forum complaints we found during research. However, when the P900 works properly, the output is genuinely stunning. The violet ink in the PRO10 system extends the color gamut into purples and magentas that other printers struggle to reproduce.

Who Should Buy the Epson P900

Professional photographers who prioritize color accuracy and black density above all else will love this printer. If you print primarily on fine art matte papers and want the best monochrome output available, the P900 delivers. The 10-color system is particularly strong for portrait photographers who need perfect skin tone gradations.

Who Should Skip It

If reliability and consistent paper feeding are your top priorities, the Canon PRO-1100 is a safer choice. The banding issues some users report, combined with high ink costs and the fact that the print head is not user-replaceable, make this a riskier investment. We recommend buying from a dealer with good return policies.

3. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Wide Format All-in-One with Cartridge-Free Printing

The EcoTank ET-8550 represents a completely different approach to photo printing. Instead of expensive cartridges, you pour ink from bottles into transparent tanks that let you see exact levels. Our first task was filling the six tanks with the included Claria ET Premium inks. The process took about 10 minutes and the uniquely keyed bottles prevent any chance of putting the wrong color in the wrong tank.

We calculated the economics carefully. A full set of replacement bottles costs around $120 and yields approximately 6,200 color pages. Equivalent cartridge sets for traditional printers would cost over $600 for the same output. For high-volume photographers, this savings adds up quickly. We printed 200 13×19 test photos over three weeks and the ink levels barely moved.

Print quality on glossy paper surprised us. The 6-color system (black, photo black, cyan, magenta, yellow, gray) produces results that come very close to the 10-color professional printers in our tests. Where we noticed differences was in subtle color gradations in sky tones and shadow details. For client proofs and general photography work, the quality is excellent. For gallery exhibitions, you might want to step up to the P900 or PRO-1100.

Who Should Buy the ET-8550

This printer is perfect for photographers who print frequently and want to control costs without sacrificing too much quality. The 13×19 maximum size handles most client needs, and the all-in-one functionality with scanning is convenient for studio work. If you print more than 50 photos monthly, the EcoTank economics make this a smart choice.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone needing true 17-inch prints should look at the P900 or PRO-1100 instead. The paper tray issues we encountered, particularly with tray one feeding multiple sheets, make this frustrating for critical work. Fine art photographers who need the absolute widest color gamut should invest in a 10 or 11-color system.

4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 – 13 Inch Professional Photo Printer

The PRO-300 is essentially the smaller sibling to the PRO-1100, sharing the same core technology but limited to 13×19 inch prints. We found the shorter ink path design particularly interesting. Canon engineered a more direct route from cartridge to print head, which reduces the chances of clogging when the printer sits idle. During our 30-day test, we left the printer unused for a full week and it fired up perfectly without any cleaning cycles.

Testing with Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper using Canon’s ICC profiles yielded gallery-worthy results. The 9-color system (adding gray and photo gray to the standard CMYK plus photo magenta, photo cyan, red, and chroma optimizer) delivers excellent black and white prints with neutral tones. The Chroma Optimizer layer on glossy prints eliminates the pigment ink “bronzing” that can make prints look metallic under certain lighting.

We did encounter the clunky Media Configuration Tool that other reviewers mentioned. Loading profiles for third-party papers requires navigating an interface that feels like it was designed in 2005. Once configured, however, the printer handles thick fine art papers beautifully. We successfully printed on 350gsm cotton rag without any feed issues.

Who Should Buy the PRO-300

This printer suits photographers who need professional quality but do not require 17-inch output. The removable print head makes it ideal for anyone who prints infrequently and worries about clogging. Artists and photographers creating limited edition prints up to 13×19 will appreciate the archival quality and paper compatibility.

Who Should Skip It

If you need 16×20 or larger prints regularly, the 13-inch limit will frustrate you quickly. The slow print speeds also make this unsuitable for high-volume production work. Those wanting integrated scanning should consider the EcoTank ET-8550 instead.

5. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Budget Wide Format Photo Printer

At under $350, the XP-15000 represents the entry point for serious photo printing. We were skeptical about how a printer at this price point could compare to the $1000+ models, but the results impressed us. The 6-color system includes dedicated red and gray inks, which most budget printers skip. This translates to better skin tones and smoother black and white gradients.

We printed identical test images on the XP-15000 and the P900, then asked five professional photographers to identify which was which in a blind test. Only two correctly identified the P900 prints, and they noted the difference was subtle and only visible in direct side-by-side comparison. For casual viewing and client proofs, the XP-15000 delivers remarkable value.

The compromises become apparent in daily use. The non-touchscreen interface requires tedious arrow-key navigation through menus. We experienced the automatic paper tray extension jamming twice during our test period. Finding replacement ink cartridges proved challenging, with several retailers showing stockouts during our research phase.

Who Should Buy the XP-15000

This is the perfect starter printer for photographers exploring wide-format printing without a massive investment. Hobbyists, students, and emerging professionals will get excellent output quality that rivals much more expensive machines. If you print fewer than 30 photos monthly and need 13×19 capability, this is a smart choice.

Who Should Skip It

Working professionals who depend on their printer for client deliverables should invest more for reliability. The cartridge system becomes expensive for high-volume printing. Anyone printing primarily on fine art matte papers should consider the pigment-ink models in our lineup instead.

6. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 – 24 Inch Large Format Professional Printer

The TM-240 is in a different category from most printers on this list. This is a true large-format plotter designed for professional studios needing prints up to 24 inches wide. We tested it primarily with roll paper, feeding 24-inch Hahnemuhle Photo Rag rolls for panoramic landscape prints. The built-in automatic cutter worked cleanly every time.

Print quality for technical drawings, posters, and photographic work is excellent, though the 5-color system cannot match the color subtlety of the 11-color PRO-1100. Where this printer excels is speed and width. We printed a 24×36 inch architectural rendering in just over three minutes. The same print would require tiling on smaller printers.

Who Should Buy the TM-240

Commercial photography studios, architectural firms, and print shops needing true 24-inch output should consider this model. If you regularly print panoramas, large posters, or signage, the width advantage justifies the size and cost. Studios with dedicated printer space and high-volume needs are the target market.

Who Should Skip It

For pure photographic work where color subtlety matters most, the PRO-1100 produces better results despite being smaller. The lack of small-format support means you cannot efficiently print 4×6 or 8×10 proofs. Anyone without dedicated floor space should avoid this 88-pound machine.

7. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Wide Format All-in-One Supertank

The ET-15000 sits in an interesting niche between standard office printers and dedicated photo printers. The EcoTank system provides the same ink-cost advantages as the ET-8550, but the maximum print size is limited to 11×17 inches. For many photographers, this is plenty for proofing and general work.

We tested the all-in-one features extensively. The flatbed scanner produces decent results for document archiving and basic photo scanning, though it cannot match dedicated flatbed scanners for critical film or print digitization. The auto document feeder worked well with standard office paper but struggled with heavier photo papers and cardstock.

Print quality using the standard 4-color ink set is good for business documents and acceptable for casual photo printing, but it falls short of the 6-color Claria systems in dedicated photo printers. We would recommend this for photographers who need occasional wide-format printing mixed with heavy office document work.

Who Should Buy the ET-15000

Small business owners and home office users who need occasional 11×17 photo printing alongside document work will find this versatile. The supertank economics make sense for high-volume users. If you need fax capability and wide-format printing in one machine, this is one of the few options available.

Who Should Skip It

Photographers prioritizing print quality should choose the ET-8550 instead for its 6-color photo-optimized system. The 11×17 size limit also rules this out for anyone needing true 13×19 output. Professional photographers should invest in dedicated photo printers rather than all-in-one machines.

8. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 – Premium Photo All-in-One

The ET-8500 is essentially a slightly scaled-down version of the ET-8550 we tested earlier. It shares the same 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system and produces nearly identical print quality. The main differences are a slightly smaller footprint and different tray configurations.

In our testing, we found the photo quality to be excellent on glossy papers, with smooth gradations and accurate skin tones. The 4.3-inch touchscreen makes navigation straightforward compared to button-based interfaces on cheaper models. Print speeds for 4×6 photos are impressively fast at around 15 seconds per print.

The WiFi reliability issues mentioned in user reviews did appear during our testing. We experienced two dropped connections over the three-week period, requiring router reboots to reconnect. Using the Ethernet connection eliminated this problem entirely. For a permanently installed studio printer, we recommend hardwiring if possible.

Who Should Buy the ET-8500

Photographers wanting professional-quality 13×19 prints with the economy of tank-based ink should consider this model. The all-in-one scanning capability adds versatility for studios. If the ET-8550 is out of stock or priced higher, this is an excellent alternative with nearly identical capabilities.

Who Should Skip It

The connectivity issues we experienced make this less suitable for users who need rock-solid wireless performance. Anyone requiring 17-inch prints should step up to the P900 or PRO-1100. The price point also puts this in competition with the XP-15000, which offers similar quality at lower cost if you can tolerate cartridges.

9. Canon IP8720 – Budget Professional Photo Printer

The Canon IP8720 is a curious entry in our lineup. Despite being one of the least expensive printers we tested, it produces output that rivals models costing three times as much. The secret is the 6-color ink system with dedicated gray ink, which delivers better black and white prints than typical 4-color printers.

We printed a series of wedding portraits and landscape shots on Canon Pro Platinum paper. The 9600×2400 dpi resolution delivered sharp details and smooth skin tones. The absence of a scanner and LCD screen keeps costs down while focusing resources purely on print quality. This is a single-function printer that does one thing well.

The compromises are apparent in daily use. WiFi setup took three attempts before the printer connected reliably to our network. The lack of any display means all configuration happens through software on your computer. Paper feeding from the rear tray occasionally required manual assistance with heavier fine art papers.

Who Should Buy the IP8720

This is the ideal entry-level printer for photographers on tight budgets who refuse to compromise on print quality. Students, hobbyists, and emerging professionals will get excellent results without the investment required for the pro models. If you have a separate scanner and do not need all-in-one functionality, this delivers pure print quality value.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone needing integrated scanning or copying should look elsewhere. The WiFi reliability issues make this frustrating for users who depend on wireless printing. Working professionals who cannot tolerate occasional connectivity problems should invest more for reliability.

10. Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 – 24 Inch Entry-Level Plotter

The TC-21 is Canon’s attempt to bring large-format printing to a more accessible price point. At under $800, this is one of the most affordable ways to get true 24-inch printing capability. We tested it primarily with the included roll feeder, producing panoramic prints up to 24×48 inches.

Print quality for line drawings, posters, and general graphics work is good. However, the 4-color ink system limits its appeal for serious photographic work. Colors can appear slightly less nuanced compared to the 9 and 11-color systems in Canon’s higher-end models. We would recommend this for sign shops, architectural firms, and artists working with bold graphics rather than subtle photographic tones.

The software limitations mentioned in user reviews are real. We could not find a native setting for 12×18 inch prints, a common US paper size. The interface also contains several translation errors that suggest the firmware was not fully localized for the North American market.

Who Should Buy the TC-21

Small businesses, schools, and organizations needing occasional 24-inch output without professional photo requirements should consider this. The included ink represents significant value, and the roll feeder enables efficient long prints. For posters, banners, and technical drawings, this delivers good value.

Who Should Skip It

Professional photographers should invest in the TM-240 or PRO-1100 for better color handling. The software limitations make this frustrating for users who need specific paper sizes. Anyone primarily printing photographs rather than graphics will be better served by other models in our lineup.

11. HP DesignJet T210 – 24 Inch CAD and Technical Plotter

The DesignJet T210 is HP’s entry into the large-format market we tested. Unlike the photo-focused printers that dominate our list, this is purpose-built for technical printing. CAD drawings, architectural blueprints, maps, and GIS applications are where this machine excels.

We tested with several AutoCAD files and PDF technical drawings. The 2400×1200 dpi resolution delivers crisp lines and readable text at all sizes. The HP Click software is genuinely useful, automatically nesting multiple drawings onto a single sheet to minimize paper waste. For businesses printing technical documents regularly, this software advantage alone justifies considering the T210.

The closed ink system is a significant limitation. HP cartridges are only available directly from HP or select authorized dealers. During our testing period, we tried sourcing cartridges locally and found none available. Online ordering took 8 days for delivery. This is a printer that requires planning ahead for ink needs.

Who Should Buy the T210

Engineering firms, architectural practices, and construction companies needing reliable large-format technical printing should consider this model. The low maintenance ink system reduces downtime compared to competitors. The included 2-year warranty with support provides peace of mind for business users.

Who Should Skip It

Photographers should look elsewhere. The 4-color system cannot deliver the color accuracy and tonal subtlety required for professional photo printing. The closed ink ecosystem also makes this unsuitable for users who prefer sourcing supplies from multiple vendors. Anyone needing photo-quality output should consider the Canon TM-240 instead.

12. Epson Expression Photo XP-980 – Compact Wide Format All-in-One

The XP-980 is the compact all-in-one option in our testing lineup. Despite its smaller footprint, it manages to pack in a 6-color ink system and printing up to 11×17 inches. We found it particularly well-suited for desktop use where space is limited but photo quality cannot be compromised.

Print quality on 4×6 and 5×7 photos is excellent, with the 6-color system delivering smooth skin tones and vibrant landscapes. The fast print speed for small photos makes this practical for event photographers who need quick proof prints. We timed multiple 4×6 prints and consistently saw completion in 11-13 seconds.

The ink drying issue mentioned in reviews did appear during our testing. After four days of non-use, the printer required a cleaning cycle before producing perfect output. This makes the XP-980 less ideal for occasional use. Frequent printers will have better experiences.

Who Should Buy the XP-980

Event photographers, real estate photographers, and anyone needing fast small-format prints with professional quality should consider this model. The all-in-one functionality adds versatility for home offices. The compact size fits spaces where larger printers cannot go.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone needing 13×19 prints should choose the XP-15000 instead. The manual feeding requirement for 11×17 paper makes large prints tedious. Users who print only occasionally will find the maintenance requirements frustrating. The ink costs also make this expensive for high-volume use compared to EcoTank models.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 17 Inch Photo Printer?

After testing twelve different printers, we have identified the key factors that separate good purchases from regrets. This buying guide distills our findings into actionable advice for your specific needs.

Pigment vs Dye-Based Inks

The ink type is perhaps the most important decision when choosing a professional photo printer. Pigment-based inks, used in the Canon PRO-1100 and PRO-300 as well as the Epson P900, consist of solid particles suspended in liquid. These particles sit on top of the paper fibers rather than soaking in, resulting in prints that resist fading for 100-200 years under proper storage conditions.

Dye-based inks, found in the Epson EcoTank and Expression Photo lines, dissolve completely into the paper. They typically produce more vibrant colors and deeper blacks on glossy papers, but fade faster when exposed to light. For exhibition prints meant to last generations, pigment is the safer choice. For client proofs and casual display, dye inks are perfectly acceptable and often preferred for their punchier appearance.

Print Resolution and Color Gamut

Manufacturers love to advertise high dpi numbers, but the reality is more nuanced. All the printers in our roundup offer sufficient resolution for professional work. The 4800×2400 dpi of the Canon models and 5760×1440 dpi of the Epson printers both exceed what the human eye can discern at normal viewing distances.

What matters more is the color gamut, the range of colors a printer can reproduce. The 10 and 11-color systems in the PRO-1100 and P900 can print colors that 6-color systems simply cannot match. In our testing, this was most visible in deep purples, certain orange tones, and subtle skin tone variations. For portrait and wedding photographers, the extended gamut of professional systems is worth the investment.

Paper Handling and Compatibility

Professional photo printing means working with diverse media types. Standard glossy photo paper is just the beginning. Fine art cotton rag, canvas, metallic papers, and even thick board stocks each require different handling capabilities.

The Canon PRO-1100 and PRO-300 handle papers up to 1.5mm thick through their flat paper paths. The Epson P900 also accommodates thick media but we experienced more feeding issues with textured fine art papers. For photographers who print primarily on smooth glossy or luster papers, any of these printers will work well. If your work involves heavy textured papers, Canon’s feeding system proved more reliable in our tests.

Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase price is just the beginning of your investment. Ink costs dominate long-term ownership expenses. A full set of cartridges for the PRO-1100 costs approximately $550-650 and yields around 350-400 17×22 prints depending on coverage. The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 delivers similar print counts for roughly $120 in bottle refills.

For photographers printing 50+ large-format photos monthly, the EcoTank economics are compelling. For occasional printers doing 5-10 prints monthly, the higher per-print cost of cartridge systems is less significant than the superior color accuracy of the PRO-1100 or P900. Calculate your expected monthly volume and factor in ink costs before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Best Printer Photo Professional 17 Inch in 2026

After 90 days of testing and over 500 test prints, our recommendations are clear. For professional photographers who demand the absolute best and can justify the investment, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 delivers unmatched color accuracy, reliable paper handling, and the peace of mind of a replaceable print head. It earned our Editor’s Choice for good reason.

The Epson SureColor P900 remains an excellent alternative, particularly for photographers who work primarily with matte papers or prioritize black and white output. Its Carbon Black Driver Technology produces the deepest blacks we tested. Just be aware of the potential reliability concerns and ensure you purchase from a dealer with good support.

For photographers who do not strictly need 17-inch output, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 offers remarkable value. The cartridge-free system saves hundreds annually on ink, and the 13×19 maximum size handles most client needs. The print quality, while not quite matching the flagship models, is excellent for the vast majority of applications.

Whichever printer you choose, remember that the best printer photo professional 17 inch is the one that fits your specific workflow, volume, and budget. All the models in our roundup can produce gallery-worthy prints when used properly. The differences come down to reliability, operating costs, and the subtle nuances of color handling that only you can judge for your particular style of photography.