Using the Epson ET-8550 ecotank printer. Making an A3+ 13"x19" borderless photo print
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- Printing borderless large photos on the Epson ET-8550 printer.
Keith Cooper looks at the basic process for making a large A3+ (13" x 19") large photo print, with the borderless print option.
Includes settings for using the free Epson Print Layout software, which can be used standalone or, as in this example launched from Photoshop.
Also looks at ICC profile choices and using the right setings for borderless printing.
Errata: Looks as if I used the wrong screen shot at one point - the print in the video was produced at the standard setting - the shot shows the settings at 'high' - something I'd used for an earlier version. There is very little difference in print quality in this instance.
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Other than the initial cost, this printer ticks a lot of boxes for me. I'm primarily a Canon Pro 100S user and I'm more than happy with the print quality I get. That said, the ink costs are pretty high, those tiny carts don't last long either. I have experienced the benefits of Epson's cheaper consumer Eco Tank printers and have been very impressed with the running costs in terms of ink usage. This new printer meets not only the cost savings of the Eco Tank system but is a step up from the standard CMYK A4 printers that proceeded it. I hope printer manufacturers head in the direction of refillable tanks moving forward, over the legacy printer carts we've had to endure for years. Ink costs are perhaps the single main reason most folk choose not to print these days.
It is an interesting printer - the two blacks make for good performance on some matte papers. Certainly if you like lustre/gloss colour prints it is very good.
I've a lot more testing to do yet ;-)
@@KeithCooper I'm looking forward to your video on printing onto Poster Board via the rear of the Epson ET-8550. Again, another excellent video Keith, you're fast becoming my go to guy for printer info/reviews. Thank You.
@@craftystudios5417 Thanks - I've several more types of print to include - I'm waiting for answers to a few technical colour management questions from Epson
@@KeithCooper That's cool. I'm new to printing (at this level, anyway). Found your channel when looking for a printer that can print on thick card (300-400gsm) and now thanks to your indepth reviews, now also wanting to get into both photography and bigger prints :-)
Another fantastic and informative video. I learn so much watching Keith Cooper. What a resource for those trying to learn how to get the best prints at home
Thank you
I came across your channel a couple of weeks ago whilst I was researching the p900 (which I subsequently bought), and I've been watching loads of your videos. I'm not a photographer (I bought the p900 for producing prints of my artwork), but I feel that deep down, there might be a printer warehouse supervisor in me! I recently gave away 3 printers and I still have 4 printers demanding space. And there are so many more tempting printers out there! I really enjoy watching the reviews and tests and for some reason find them very soothing. Of course I've learned a lot too. Thanks for all your vids. :)
Thanks for that! If you've not seen it I've often got more detail in the written articles on the Northlight site (I can also update/correct written stuff)
Thank you so much. You sweet demeanor and sincerity is refreshing on RUclips, and appreciated. You are very soothing to listen to. Going to watch more of your videos. Happy day.
Thanks!
I really appreciate these videos. I'm just starting my own art print/clothing side business, and the information on your channel is enormously helpful - thank you!
Glad they are of help!
Really like your videos Keith, thank you for taking the time to make these videos. If I may, I just might suggest one little thing for this particular video that I think will help first time setup users (such as myself). In your video, when you insert the sheet of A3 paper into the slot at the back, it goes in cleanly, you hit print and off you go. However, there is another step that you left out, that had me scratching my head! There is a small blue handle tucked in front of the feed slot at the back that needs to be set to whatever paper size one's using. When it comes straight out of the box, those two adjusting levers are set in the middle (by default)...like I say, I was quite confused...you made it look SO easy! Anyway, thanks again for all your generous work.
Thanks - I don't actually have the printer here any more.
For more see: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Remember that my videos are generally only supplements to my written articles, rarely the other way round! ;-)
@@KeithCooper do you still print a3+ on another printer? I'm still using an epson stylus from 2004 (5,760 x 1,440 DPI, Borderless A4) but thinking about replacing. This is the printer I'm kinda settled on unless you tell me otherwise! ty Keith, well done a+
Hi can this have a roler for large format printing ? for example 13inch x 36inch
No - see my videos about panoramic prints on the ET-8550
You need to cut a length of paper and print using a custom page size
ruclips.net/video/liVKLx4rqN8/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/Hp8v07RKhoA/видео.html
Hi Keith, what version of the MacBook do you have? I have bought the 8550 on your recommendation, and I very much appreciate you and your videos
Thanks - That's a 2010 model MacBook Pro running OSX10.13. It's got photoshop CS6 on it and all my profiling software. It 'just works' for a lot of my actual work [the projector I use it with dates from 2008]
I've much newer kit in my office, but that MBP is very well traveled ;-)
Thank you very much sir. I appreciate you. Would you happen to have a recommendation for a good camera? Mostly for modeling
There are so many - I use quite specialist kit and have only tested a very few camera
I don't photograph people in my commercial work, so genuinely have no idea from what's currently out there@@jjarv222
Thanks Keith for your good advice. I just received my ET-8550 and can't wait to print A3 size. From a new subscriber.
Excellent - check my main (written) review for more detail and all the profiles I've made
I really appreciate all the work you put into these videos Keith! With my 8550 if I don't use the "Expansion" option I also get that fine white line / border on top but I also get one on the left, and with my printer the white lines are slanted getting larger from right to left and wide from top to bottom. As a result it appears that the whole image is printed slanted. This only happens with slightly thicker paper (confirmed with Epson Premium Presentation Matte and Epson Premium Glossy Paper) using the rear / top paper feeder -- It works fine with plain inkjet paper. I've checked all sorts of things (e.g. print nozzle check, alignment checks, thick paper settings, quiet mode settings, that the table is level, the paper is fully inserted, that the paper guides are flush to the paper, etc) and I still don't know why it's happening. I wouldn't be bothered by white line on top but I'm bothered by the slanted image. Others on DPReview and Reddit seem to have this issue as well. Super frustrating!
Yes - I've heard of it but didn't see often. Some papers don't quite feed evenly - this is partly why paper handling is [relatively speaking] the weakest aspect of several Epson printers
Borderless is always a problem with printers - If I really need it I'l use a cutter on a larger sheet or make sure the image is suitably expanded.
I've not seen a printer yet which can accurately print 'just' up to the edge.
@@KeithCooper Hearing from you that most (if not all) printers struggle with printing 'just' up to the edge is helpful and reassuring. Seeing in this video that your A3+ print didn't have the 'slant' issue that I'm having makes me wonder if perhaps I simply have a slightly defective printer. Epson Support offered to replace my printer but I opted to get a replacement from the retailer I purchased it from. I'm just hoping that the replacement doesn't have a 'slanting' issue.
Just what many of us have been waiting for :D
Great - more to come!
A question I hope you can help me with. I have the ET-8550 and within Epson Layout larger paper sizes like A3 and tabloid are not available in the drop down paper size list. When trying to create my own custom sizes it will not allow me to make any widths larger than 8.5. I phoned Epson support and they were no help just saying this printer isn't supported in Epson Layout. Any ideas how to fix? Thanks.
Ah - the Epson service droids need a firmware update... it does work ;-)
This sounds like the driver thinks it's an 8500.
Delete the driver and do a re-install - it does work...
@@KeithCooper actully did this uninstalled my printer apps softwere driver reinstalled and was able to do A3 Super B size thanks for this
i used standard print and then saved an advanced layout and printed right from Photoshop using a print art board of 13.1 x 19.1 - and it all came out perfect
Thank you so much for this! I've been searching for a printer for months and have been searching high and low for a video or review for this printer, I nearly went for the ET-7750 but I will definitely pay the extra price for this one instead now :) I just wish it had more colours like the canon I was looking at but at least the inks will last a lot longer, the colour quality still looks amazing in this video!
Thanks - I'll be doing more examples like this, as well as the main review.
I was going to order the ET-7750 but it's a few years old now so I opted to pay extra for this. The ink is slightly pricier but hopefully the print quality will be worth the difference:)
@@Kam-go3bc It is capable of excellent results, but good paper choice (and ICC profiles) are what make the key difference.
Appreciate your time and effort into these presentations. Well done:-)
Thanks for taking the time to comment
Great advice on comparing fine vs normal printing. I find this true of my cameras as well and seldom select 'super fine'. Standard mode is better in most situations.
Thanks - I'm doing some related testing on the P700 at the moment, and similarly, the highest level settings are not as useful as many might first consider.
@@KeithCooper I'm just getting back into printing and have used my ET 750 to print up some pictures as we use this all the time anyway, and I found the prints came out great. Plus the ink cost is extremely low. But for larger prints I fired up my Canon Pro9000 for 13X19 prints. I thought it wouldn't print as it's been idle for a year and I understand you're suppose to keep running them or they will clog. To my surprise it ran perfectly. If it fails, I'm looking very closely at the ET 8550. But my concern is this: Do they need to be kept running? Or can you print with them after months of being idle and still keep the nozzles clear - or clearable?
Ideally I don't like leaving printers more than a few weeks - the bigger the printer, the more they dislike lack of use. Some of the smaller desktop ones may not have problems with longer periods of disuse, but it can be a lottery ;-)
Just switching on will help - I tend to keep some plain paper with any printer, just to print a nozzle check. Sure it uses some ink, but ink for inkjet printers is a bit like oil for a car engine
Hi Keith - I've got EPL software on my Mac, using the ET-8550 - but there's no option to print A3/A3+ in the menu - there is on the actual printer screen, but not in the software menu - only up to A4. Obviously, same out of Photoshop options - what's missing - do I need to reinstall the software or something? I love my ET-8550, but want to print larger. Thank you! Emma Clinton
I'd suggest deleting the printer [in the system prefs] and re-installing via epson.sn
Follow the instructions very carefully, since I've got it wrong before ;-)
You need to make sure that the airprint version of the driver is not selected by mistake
The printer should then be recognised by EPL
Note the bit about AirPrint here
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Also remember that if you select the wrong feed slot, A3+ won't be possible
@@KeithCooper Hi Keith, thank you - I've gone through all of that, re-installed the printer - checked I'm not an air printer, and confirm not. Still no A3 option - should I reinstall EPL software - I've already restarted computer? Also - quick question - I'm getting a spread of black ink splurged on premium semi gloss, the last one third of the image - could this be my maintenance tank needs sorting - I've done over 600 prints so far. Other prints clean as a whistle. Tried thick paper and longer drying. Thank you!
Ink blobs usually mean internal printer cleaning is needed - usually nothing to do with the maintenance cart
Are you selecting the top feed slot?
@@KeithCooper I'm using the rear feeder, not the rear slot. (Using the one that you pull upward on top of the rear of the printer that slopes back). I've used the maintenance options and cleaned the print heads more than once.
Did you see the video about 8550 cleaning 'under' the printhead?
As to no A3+ I've no idea - I've never seen this, but the printer [and the 8500] have gone back to Epson.
I'd suggest asking on the DPReview print forum [it's still running]
www.dpreview.com/forums/1003
Hi Keith,
I'm confused. I've read that if you print a lot of borderless prints, the ET-8550 needs to be sent back to Epson for cleaning. I want to use photo mounts on my prints so that I can sell them. To keep my costs down I want to use standard sized mounts, rather than custom mounts. So if I use, for example, a 16 inch x 12 inch mount can I print slightly larger than that but not borderless? Or to put my question another way, what is the largest print I can make on the printer without it being borderless?
Well - I've not read that from any reputable source ;-)
It is true that ANY printer will get messy from a lot of borderless printing - that ink has to go somewhere and part of it drifts round inside of the printer. I do have a video covering this and printer cleaning.
The printer takes up to 13" width - so 13"x19" (A3+) can be printed with or without a border. Only some sizes are available borderless - any other size (incl. custom sizes) has a border
See the actual [written] 8550 review for more detail about this
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
it also includes links to all my 8550 related articles/videos
@@KeithCooper Many thanks Keith for your help. Having read plenty of user reviews it seems a fairly common theme is that, if used regularly for borderless printing the printer has to be sent back to Epson for cleaning. One of the people commenting on your ET8550 borderless photo print review states "...you have to return it to Epson to replace the £120 borderless inkpad, add to that 4x service waste ink boxes @ £16 each it soon adds up." I notice that you say you can simply clean it with some kitchen towel. I've never heard of "service waste ink boxes" before!
Yes - unfortunately there is not a desktop printer out there which is meant for heavy borderless use - variations of this occur with many printers. I'd like to know just how many borderless prints caused the pad to need replacing though. Having tested printers for years, I have a deep scepticism towards so called "user reviews" ;-)
I can perhaps see why it's not mentioned, but it deserves to be more widely known that borderless is meant for low volume occasional use, with cheaper consumer level printers (and that is what the 8550 is)
Waste ink tanks are features of higher end printers.
Their usage is just part of printing - cheaper printers just 'lose' the ink in pads inside the printer, until when 'full' the whole printer is essentially defunct.
The 8550 seems only to have one for the cleaning use.
Larger printers such as the P5000 I use have one normal maintenance card, and another for borderless overspray. That said I won't print borderless with the P5000 unless I absolutely have to.
In general, if you want borderless, print on a bigger printer, use larger roll paper and invest in a guillotine... ;-)
@@KeithCooper Many thanks Keith.
Hi, thank you for your review. What about size of the glass? I was wandering if it is possible scanning an A3 or anything bigger than an A4. It is clear to me I can print A3+ but what about the scanner?
Thanks - The scanner aperture is 36cm x 22 cm
Hello Keith, at 3:43, you show that you have selected A3+ as the paper size. When I open the Epson Print Layout V 1.5.8, I don't have A3 as an option. If I try to add an A3 by opening "Manage Custom Size," it does not allow you to input anything larger than 8.5 inches if you choose the rear paper feeder. How did you get A3 into your list?
A3+ is a standard paper size on the 8550?
Not sure why this would be the case - are you selecting the right feed slot?
A question for you Keith; what profile do use for your prints? I use Darktable and I have several options including sRGB and Adobe RGB. Which would you use with the ET-8550?
The choice of working space (A98 or sRGB) is not a 'profile for the prints' it's my 'working space' for editing - the printer profile is the paper icc profile.
So, for my [photography] working space I use A98 [or sometimes ProPhoto]. It helps that I have a good monitor ;-)
The only time I work in sRGB is for some web applications - However, we actually default to sending images to clients in sRGB, unless I know they have the expertise to handle larger colour spaces. I have a few key [innocuous] questions I ask to find out what we're dealing with ;-) ;-)
@@KeithCooper I am not a Photoshop expert of any kind,, does this machine have its own work space,,, I can print from Photoshop,, just not sure what A98 is,, In USA I see our lowest price is $549 Dollars US,,,, 431GBP Good price?
@@xsfeatg The printer does not have a 'work space' - it doesn't actually mean anything in the context of a printer.
A98 is Adobe98 - a colour space you might select when editing an image in Photoshop. The printer profile is selected for the paper/printer combination when you print. See the main written review for more - I'd also suggest looking at the free Epson Print Layout software for printing
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I believe that may be a good price - BUT I don't actually track prices of any of the printers I review...
What kind of paper do you use in the printer? I'm thinking about buying it, and the result looks great. It will be very helpful to know which DIN A3 quality paper to use.
Thank you
See the main written review for all the papers I tested and a discussion about paper choices.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
hi Keith, I watched heaps of your reviews. I eventually got a headache! Not because of you mind you and your great videos, but due to overwhelming choice. So I followed your advice and started off small. Just bought an A4 Canon PIXMA Home All-In-One Printer TS6360 for AUD $120 or about 60 squid. So now i will see how it goes - it even uses pigment inks (for B&W)! So just wanted to say thanks and am now a devoted fan who will work his way up to a2. Cheers, Dave in Sydney Australia.
Glad it was of help - hope you get some fun from the experience!
@@KeithCooper Thanks again Keith!
I just purchased a ET8550, and found my way to your series of videos...Thank you, they are all very informative, but may I ask you for some help. I am trying to print on a 13x19 inch paper...from the top tray with no success. It seems like its working the front tray opens automatically, but then the the display is telling me that I need to remove the rear cover, and install paper feed unit etc etc.... any ideas as to why it won't just print from the top tray?
Check the media settings, also try printing from Epson Print Layout to test things
Read my actual review as well - the videos are just supplements...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thanks for your prompt response. Actually for some reason the problem is resolved. But I will read your reviews anyway as no doubts there will be some future need. Great videos also
Can you do in future videos a comparison between canon pro 300 and this one printing same photos and show differences ? Thanks.
Sorry, I don't ever do comparisons between makes, but there would likely be no significant differences that would show on a video.
You'll have to read the PRO-300 and (when done) ET-8550 reviews. Any differences are likely to come from the more colours and full pigment inks of the PRO-300.
Of course, the ink tanks are much smaller...
Can you put several 8x10 photo papers in the back rear tray, so can print 5 or 10, and leave it to print? Or can it always only do one at a time in rear tray. I had a canon pixma 970, very old,now, and not working…..2009…. But was able to print everything from rear tray…..I do a lot of photos and cards, this does also copy too right?
Thank you for this very informative video.
Jean
I don't know about 8x10 - it's not a paper size I ever see here, but A4 will stack if not too thick.
See the main review and other 8550 videos for different functions - there is one about scanning artwork and making cards
Hello Keith! At 5:15min you talk about the "expansion option" to overlap over the bordersize. Where can I find this? My borderless prints have a small white border on one long side and a mini white border on the short paper side.
It's a driver option and in the EPL software IIRC.
That's on the Mac - things may look a little different on win.
@@KeithCooper found it in EPL!!! Thanks for the really fast answere
@ I have the same issue. Can you be more specific on how to fix this, because I'm new to this. Thanks.
Hey, yes you can activate this in the Epson Print Layout software or activate borderless print in the driver
Another great vid! Your review is so well appreciated. Thanks a lot for sharing sir!!!
Glad it's been of interest - I hope to have the full written review available within the week. It was delayed due to problems with our web site
Hello Keith! Thank you so much for your awesome videos!!! I just got my printer and read somewhere that it is NOT Mac compatible.....However, I heard you say you use a Mac. Do you know what I need to do to get this printer downloaded onto my Mac?
Look at my 8550 setup article/video
I only have Macs here and have not used a PC this century :-)
Oh, and mark wherever you read that about Macs as a useless source of information :-)
Great review I’m looking at getting a new printer and I just watched your review in this and the 15000 what is the difference between the 2 would you recommend one over the other?
Thanks - Huge differences - up front and running costs for example.
Two very different printers that I'd simply not do a comparison between.
Have a read of the actual written reviews as well and see how the functionality matters to you?
Thank you so much for this video. Makes me excited to actually buy a printer again!
Thanks!
Expansion is greyed out for me. I use a Mac and the Epson ET-8550 with Epson Print Layout. In the printer settings on the control panel I can select borderless, but it looks like the setting is overwritten by the Mac. The settings on the Mac for printers I turned the option Remove white borders to ON, but no effect. What do I need to do?
I don't have that printer here any more I'm afraid, but I do recall expansion settings being slightly different if I printed directly from Photoshop for example, as opposed to EPL. It also depended on media size selected.
I'd suggest asking [with full system details] on the printing forum at dpreview.com
Hi Keith. I purchased this printer last week, and I think the quality is excellent. I normally print at the Best setting but will try the the Medium setting.
The A3 one you just printed was that from a Digital camera or negative? looks Excellent.
Thanks - the A3+ image is from a 26MP EOS RP. It's the harbour at Amble, Northumberland
For photos like this I'm seeing very little loss in quality with the faster print setting.
I can't get my ET-8550 to print 13x19. I've change all the settings to say 13x19 on the computer and on the printer, but it just keeps printing a4 instead of Super B. How can I fix this?
I don't know - I don't have the printer here any more
It's usually related to media settings - there is a custom size bug where you need to specify a size fractionally narrower. See the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Printer arrived ! Thank You for all the teachings; after exploring here and there, I discovered that there is a "borderless waste ink Tank" that unlike the other is not serviceable by users. Do You have any clue (or do You have some contacts to discover) the approximate the capacity of this "hidden" tank ? Thank You.
I'm afraid I've no solid info on that - quite a lot I was told...
Remember that lots of borderless printing makes a mess inside any printer - just be sure you really need borderless...
@@KeithCooper thank You....again
Keith, loving your videos. But somewhat confused on expansion. Wanting to purchase ET 8550. Not only for photos, which i like to make my own sizes ( borderless) but also for 12 x 12 printing (borderless). I cannot find any answers if this printer prints borderless of any size I would desire, up to 13 x 19. I'm confused also why it has preset borderless sizes. I had an epson R1800 and it just didn't matter. It printed whatever you wanted borderless. Can you tell me if this printer will print 12 x 12 borderless? Thank you for all your informative videos!
Custom sizes are not supported borderless in any printer [Canon or Epson] I've tested of late.
12x12 [inches I assume?] is not a specified size
See the borderless notes in the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Wow.. you can do this at home now.. for a quite ok price.. amazing! Great video, you just got yourself another subscriber, your other videos looks very interesting as well!
Thanks - Many of the videos are connected with more detailed written articles on the Northlight Images site
Hi Keith, I currently have a Epson 1390 that has stopped working telling @Parts inside your printer are at the end of their service life@. In the past I have used a resetter downloaded but now this doesn't work, making the printer useless. Do you know if the ET-8550 will have the same problem? Have you compared the print quality of the 1390 against the ET-8550?
I've never seen a 1390 I'm afraid.
The 8550 should last longer since it has features like a replaceable maintenance tank. I don't know this for sure though since the 8550 has not been around that long
@@KeithCooper Thanks for the quick reply.
Hi! Thank you for the video. I am a bookbinder and I’m considering buying this print for my projects. I have a laser printer as I mostly bind novels or planners (5-15 a month), but considering adding some colours, maybe magazines or even photo albums, but probably my work will still be 70% just text, 30% graphs and photos.
Is this printer good for that? Will I waste ink or printing books will take too long or make the black runs out super faster?
I haven’t found anyone talking about text printing on this printer. It’s hard to find information online.
Thanks a lot!
I don't really know how the text printing compares with other printers - text is something these printers 'just do' - remember I'm primarily looking at printers for photo/art printing.
As to the inks going down - this is the big benefit for an ink tank printer
Thanks for your video. I just printed out the first photo and I'm really pleased with the quality. The paper costs are a lot cheaper in my country than on usa Amazon.($8 for 20 A3 size papers, 240gsm)
Thanks - Just as well I'm not in the US then :-)
Hello, I've been trying to print on 12x18 paper loaded on the feeder tray, but it does not let me. It keeps saying it "cannot print on paper." Is the size incompatible?
Have you printed using a custom paper size? I didn't think 12x18 is a standard supported size? - not one I've ever come across
See the coverage of printing in the main (written) review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hello great video. Please wich best app you use to print? Thank you
Thanks
I normally print directly from Photoshop, which I use for all my print image editing
An alternative here, for just the printing, would be Epson Print Layout, which I show in the main 8550 review and several videos.
I don't use lightroom at all, and whilst I may use some other software for processing raw camera files, I use photoshop for all the main editing.
Hi Keith, I just bought the 8550 and am trying to decide if I'm going to keep it. For one, mine is in white and I didn't see it in black until I saw yours. In trying to find one in black, I've seen on websites there is a Super EcoTank and an EcoTank one and there is $100 difference, but I can't tell how they differ? Do you know?
Thank you so much for making these videos, they are such a big help.
Epson US only decided to sell the white AFAIK
As to 'super ecotank' I've never heard of this distinction?
Really enjoy your videos Keith. I’ve just purchased, yet to unbox and use whilst I wait for the ink to run out on my Canon Pro100s. I just have a question…..
I will be trying a selection of Fotospeed papers and wonder a) how I obtain the profiles and b) how I actually use them ?
I haven’t tried photoshop but did have a look at Lightroom C as it works with a Loupdeck device that I purchased.
Any help would be appreciated
Fotospeed supply profiles for their papers (see also their usage info)
The papers I tested are listed in the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Great Video Keith,
Has the border-less print, got the pizza wheel indentations, when fed from the top?
No, not on this media. It seems to vary with media and printer.
The printer has now gone back to Epson, so I can't do any new testing.
Hello There! First of all, I'd like to thank you for all the videos! I have this printer, I have this program, but I do not have A3+ paper size in it. If I create it then I don't have the option for borderless printing... How did you do that? I can print from the program without EPL, there in (epson settings for windows) I set this format and I can print without margins, but then I can't use color profiles for paper :(
Lack of paper size is normally doe to the wrong feed slot being selected somehow
Try the EPL software for printing
Can't say anything win specific - I've not used a win PC for over 20 years, but EPL is the same on both Mac and win
@@KeithCooper Oh holly, I'm surprised by such a quick response, thank you very much. Especially when you have such a huge channel with such reach! I think I found the reason, I was printing on Super B before but had white stripes on the sides so I thought it was a different format (xD) but I loaded the paper askew. And I downloaded the software from the American site, so I must have changed the names. Thank you so much for your reply and for the channel!
Quality mate I've not used an ink jet since 2003. I generally use a print lab these days. I am getting keen to print at home though and this ecotank looks like a good option. Liked and subbed mate. Cracking sample photo too very nice,
Thanks for that!
Of all the printers I've tested over the last few years, this is the one that most exceeded my initial assumptions/expectations - especially if you are careful about media choices and profiles.
@@KeithCooper that’s stuff I need to look into as well I like the idea of home printing but as I tried in the past it’s cheaper to get prints at the lab. Things have moved on tho since last time so maybe worth a look
If you've not seen it, do check the main [written] 8550 review as well - lots more info and links to all my 8550 articles/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper awesome mate will Deffo have a nosey o shoot a lot of black and white stuff so keen to see if it will suit my needs I love the idea of ink tanks rather that extortionate cartridges
I’d like to see a comparison between this type ink print and a p700 print. Image -quality details. Thanks for all your efforts.
Not an easy one to do - I don't have a P700/900 here any more.
I'd expect differences on some papers due to the 700/900 being all pigment. So, more consistent (700/900) B&W performance on a wider range of paper types. The dyes of the 8550 will probably give a superior (colour) look on some types of high gloss papers, since the P700/900 pigments can show slight gloss differential.
That said, you'll need to read the articles when I do them, this isn't the sort of stuff that shows in any meaningful way in a video.
Thanks I look forward to the full reviews.
How does borderless print affect the printer itself? Will it need manuel cleaning more often?
Oh yes - lots of borderless printing is a great way to spread ink around the inside of a printer over time. I only use it on other people's printers and for testing...
Keith, thank you for these videos. I have a question,I have the same printer, and I want to print collages photos.
In the printer options, I set it for collage and I picked the one I want, but it always print the whole photo,
Not collage. What I’m doing wrong? I just bought the printer and don’t have experience use it.
I don’t see any options to print borderless photos neither.
Do I have to have PhotoShop in order to have those options?. I will appreciate your response. Thank you!
I've never tried this - I'd suggest looking at some of the free Epson 'creative' software available for the printer, it has lots of stuff like this, but I only really print single images (from Photoshop)
For other print settings, see also my actual written review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thank you! Keith. Blessing to you!
Just found you very interesting have you ever tried something longer than what is specific to this looking to up grade thanks and have get Christmas 😎
Yes - see the main [written] review, which links to all my 8550 articles/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Great videos, quick question though....there is a L8081 and ET-8550...what is the difference? or are they the same printer?
Not sure... Check the specifications on different Epson sites? It's an 8550 here (UK) and in the US - other places I don't know...
yes Kris, it is the same printer, just other numbers for different markets (i dont know why, but other brands like canon on cameras, do the same) I just bought mine here in Chile, it arrives tomorrow and it is the "L8180 ;)
Epson Print Layout never gives me the option to print borderless despite setting it up in the printer settings. Any idea what setting I could have missed? Thanks for another great video!
Unfortunately EPL currently seems to have some glitches with respect to the 8550. I've had to print directly from photoshop in a few of my 8550 videos. Do check the paper sizes and feed settings though - that caught out a few times. That said, it works fine with other Epson printers.
I have asked Epson about this...
Hi Keith, how this printer compares to XP-1500 in terms of B&W prints and overall ink costs? Is it possible for you to make a comparison between these two? If not, what is your feeling about it? Thanks a lot for posting these videos!
B&W is something I'll look at in due course - I've quite a lot of specialised testing to do and will cover it in an article to go along with the main (written) review. Suffice to say you need to choose papers carefully with any printer with dye based inks in its makeup - what is different between the 15000 and 8550 is that if you use the VFA media setting, then both blacks are used and that makes a difference.
Ink cost I can't help with - my printer use is too 'random' for meaningful data ;-) I expect the 8550 will easily cost less in ink use though.
That said, pigment inks still do best for B&W...
Is it possible to put this printer on a shelf that is 40cm / 15.7" deep? I know printer is like 38cm deep but i'm not sure about that back tray that opens under angle?
I don't have one here to measure I'm afraid.
I'd suggest asking on the print forum at DPReview, where someone will have one
www.dpreview.com/forums/1003
@@KeithCooper thank you Keith. I'm just watching your newest video where you recommended Canon P-200. So, in your opinion P-200 is overall better then Epson 8550? Thx.
No - a different printer covering a different market
See each individual review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-200-printer-review/
Whilst the 200 may be the best dye ink printer - that is mainly from a print quality POV - it ignores the PRO-200 small ink carts and lack of other more general purpose features which the 8550 has [which isn't a dye based printer anyway - it has an interesting hybrid inkset].
As a purely dye printer, the 18100 is much cheaper to run than the 200, but has the paper related issues I cover in the review -
'Best'? the answer is almost always 'it depends' ;-)
I rarely make direct recommendations or comparisons - because which features matter is different to every user
@@KeithCooper Thank you for reply. I think i will go with 8550. Btw. here in Europe 8550 is called L8180. I don't know why companies do this mess. It took me some time just to realize that we sell it here under a different name. And for some reason i can not find white one, only black. Strange.
In the US they only sell white... ???
Hi Keith, I'm getting on well with my ET-8550 printer , I love it- apart from one thing- I want to print on 12" x 12” glossy paper but the Epson Print Layout software won't let me set a custom size, it just jumps back to 0.00 each time. Is there a secret I'm missing?
I've heard about this - the printer I have here didn't show the problem.
One fix was to check for firmware updates and make sure the printer is up to date, as well as re-install the printer drier and check that the EPL is the latest version.
@@KeithCooper Thank you, I'll try that and let you know
@@shirleydalgetty2654 hello, i was wondering if you ever figured out how to print 12x12??
Hiii!!! Im really having problems printing letter borderless! Can You help me? I all ready call epson so many times. Im sending the document from illustrator, (it´s a wedding invitation) I have on the border of the document a kind of crosses that let me know where do i need to make te cuts, but when i print the document, this lines dosen´t show up. they are trim by the printing process
Check the expansion settings in the printer driver - this sets the size for borderless printing.
Hello Keith, I have a white line going down the length of my prints. I’ve done nozzle and alignment tests and cleaning cycles. It’s still there, any idea what the problem is? Kind regards Jude
Is it there in nozzle check?
Also try using the 8550 as a photocopier
If it persists you may have a fault
@@KeithCooper hi Keith, I can’t see anything in the nozzle check. I will try photocopying something. Thank you for your advice.
Jude
I have an extensive collection of custom presets defined for my ET-8550 from my Windows 10 desktop computer. How can I export or transfer those presets to my laptop in order to use the same printer? The laptop is on the same network. Thanks if you can help.
Sorry - can't help with that, I've not used a windows PC this century...
I'd suggest asking on the printing forum at dpreview.com
@@KeithCooper Thanks 😊
I'm only getting print half way across the page. It's a brand new printer I've changed the paper size in the preferences and in the computer preference. A3+ and it won't print 13x19 please help
Try printing from the Epson EPL software, see
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I’ve just bought this printer to sell greeting cards. However I keep getting indentation marks from the rollers when using 300gsm glossy paper. How do I fix this as none of your pictures show indent marks from the rollers.
I've heard this as a problem with some printers - contact Epson, I've heard of them replacing printers for this.
However they will ask if it does it on Epson paper - careful what you say, since they (the basic support people - working off scripts) might use 'non-Epson' paper as an excuse...
That was quite good. Helpful. Thank you. My question is will this printer handle 110 lb/297 GSM papers?
Given I printed canvas on it - yes, probably.
However it is about thickness, not weight, since the two do not directly equate
Read the full printer specs in the main [written] review and see the other media I tested it with...
Hello! Can you print 200 or 300gr papers? Moreover, as I can see with a fast online search, it can print 2 meter banner papers. Is that true?
Thank you for the video, amazing review!
Yes to both - see my other 8550 videos
I’m so sad I’m in the US and wanted the black version of this printer but bought the white because that’s the only color I saw available, where did u get yours?
I'm in the UK - we get the black ones here...
Do you have any idea if you can print borderless on anything smaller than A4?
yes, quite a few smaller sizes
See the actual review:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
I’ve downloaded Epson Print Layout but it can’t see my 8550 - it can see my 15000 and 3750 but not this one - do you know how do I add it. I’ve updated drivers, turned everything on and off!
Mac or PC? On the Mac, make sure you have not selected airprint as the driver option
See here
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
On a PC - can't say, I've not used one for decades
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith - didn't see any info anywhere that EPL won't see your printer if you installed the Air Print. Now working successfully. I'm watching your series of videos. Have you used the Photo Papers Direct papers? I have the Satin Pearl and it prints out pretty dull. I don't have the equipment to do ICC profiles - is there another way?
Airprint should never be used for these printers - no idea why it persists, causes no end of problems :-(
The only papers I've tested are listed in the review - profiles on request [email me via the site]
Very nice review, thanks for this. I'm seriously thinking of buying it as my first photographic printer, I'm just concerned about one aspect: what kind of software support I should expect from Epson for such a printer with MacOs? I've bought two Pixma printer in the past and for both Canon stop updating the driver after 3-4 years, and now I must use them with AirPrint (not ideal for photo printing). for this reason I'm also considering the P700/P900 for which I'm expecting a longer support (but maybe it's a wrong assumption)
The 8550 works fine on my Macs, but they are not new ones
Epson seem more committed to keeping printers working (with colour management - airprint doesn't count).
I'd be more concerned about Apple at the moment - breaking lots of ICC profiles in 11
Happy to stick with 10.15 here (unless I win a lottery...)
BTW the videos are generally overviews - see the main [written] reviews/articles for more detail.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Hey Keith I just bought this printer, this is my first one ! I'm quite lost and I have one main issue with th software, I cant change the quality, it is stuck to "standard". Is there a way to unlock the best quality ? If yiu see this, thank you so much for all your videos, they are super helpful and clear.
Try printing via the free Epson Print Layout software
That and be sure to read the main [written] review at:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Available print quality also depends on the media setting
@@KeithCooper thank you for answering, I'll read it !
Hello! I am mainly printing items that need to be photo print quality - digital art prints for homeschooling etc, but also want to print the odd black and white document can I still do that with this?
Yes, the pigment black ink works well on plain paper
Keith, my et-8550 has no borderless option that I see you selected. Am I missing something?
Are you using the same software...
@@KeithCooper yes, Epson Print Layout. I decided to see if I needed to update, even though it was only a few months old, but I did that and now I have borderless! After seeing how you did it made me check everything. You are doing a great service to us who are just getting into printing, even at my age, 88. Thanks Keith. Love seeing my work on paper!
Excellent!
hi when i try nd do this it detects the paper like yours, a menu pops up saying rear paper feeder, i make my choices then i close the menu all like you do, then i select print and it makes a few noises and then tells me to remove the rear cover etc for when using the poster board/rigid feed section, it wont load from the slot that is has detected and the paper is in there waiting and ready to go. any ideas?? thanks
Check your media settings in the driver and also try with Epson Print Layout [if you're not using it]
Could be loads of things...
@@KeithCooper thanks. i had the wrong rear feed source selected, rear paper slot rather than rear paper feed.
Does Epson provide any info on how archival the inks are? You are so thorough in your vids. It's awesome. Appreciate you going over the settings and what they mean.
Thanks. I've seen no official archival data I can point to. They are likely to be similar to the other Claria inks, but I've no detail.
Can these prints from the 8550 be mounted on styrene and hung with out any coating on the print?
Probably - the surface robustness will depend on the paper used...
How many full page A3+ prints can print one bottel set??
Quite a few, but I've no idea how many - my testing is too varied to get any useful info in this respect.
I am looking for a printer to copy my art work. This seems to be the best printer, but I am not certain if and how it will work for my acrylic paintings. Will the printer scan my work and then print or do I photograph the work and send it to my computer, then to the printer. Or do I photograph the work and then ??? I want to print on a high quality paper suitable for posters and/or framing.
I am still living in an analog age.. (my daily driver is a 1963 MGB)
Excellent videos! Liked and subscribed.
See the example [watercolour] in the main [written] 8550 review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
The worst results by far will come from using the printer as a photocopier... ;-)
Depending on the surface texture - scanning or photography may work well, but you absolutely need to adjust files before printing - BTW a phone does not count as photography here! ;-)
It's quite doable, but art repro can be a quite technical area to do well. Printer choice is a small part of the process.
As always thank you
Glad it was of interest
Keith hi great vid. I have slight minor issue i print loads of 11x17 borderless on luster photo paper not very thick at all cuz i sell my art work and im noticing the pad accummlates a lot of ink quickly on the plastic bits it builds up and stains my paper after about 10 prints they say dont use tissue to dab up the ink and it never does this ink pad cleaning it claims cuz the ink is still there on the plastic bits. Any idea wuts goin on or how i can fix this issue ?
Any borderless printing causes overspray which will need additional cleaning if you do much.
I use normal kitchen roll for cleaning after a few prints.
Borderless always causes such issues in printers - better ones have a full vacuum system that draws ink into a second maintenance cart, but not at this consumer level of printer.
Borderless is simply a great way of making a mess inside printers if you are not careful ;-)
hi Keith i found your channel while i was looking for an Epson photo printer fantastic precise informative information thanks for the time to make this video and sharing with us i am looking for a printer to print my drone pictures do you think this is ok or would you have any other info regarding a suitable photo printer please ,
many thanks take care ,clive in nottingham.
Glad it helped!
The 8550 is an economic solution to making prints up to A3+. Do check the main [written] review as well - it contains a lot more detail (and links to all my 8550 articles/videos)
Thank you for your help. You made my day. :)
Thanks
Which is better the L1800 or the ET-8550? in print quality?
The L1800 is not available here AFAIK - Are they not the same printer with a different label?
@@KeithCooper But which of the two machines prints better?
The L1800 is a printer I've not tested, so I cannot say
A superb review Keith, I need this printer, I shoot with a Sony A7R IV so I need a good set-up.
Can I just add a comment about one thing that I can't stop seeing, your desk and bin.
The handles on the drawer look like eyes the bin handle looks like a smiling mouth and the bin lid is a chin, you must have done that on purpose 😄
Anyway great review.
Thanks!
It's a 'butchers trolley' in our kitchen, and the orange 'bin' is a cast iron 'le Creuset' casserole pot.
Look too at the bookshelf - cookery books... Yes, I shoot the videos in the corner of our kitchen :-)
One day my office will be emptied/tidied and I'll do the videos there, but in the mean time ;-)
where can i find this a3+ paper and what brand did you use?
The glossy metallic is from PermaJet
See all the papers I tried [UK] in the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Great Advice.... Thank you
Thanks
Do you recommend this printer for someone whos new to photography? Or should i get something else?
Ah, I never recommend specific printers ;-)
It is a good one though and will make a good general purpose home printer as well.
However, there's a lot to learn for printing well - a lot depends on how you are editing/processing your photos and your experience levels
For a phone or iPad photos it's possibly overkill, but thats not an area of photography I really do.
@@KeithCooper thank you!
Great video! Thanks mate!
Thanks!
I'm unable to open Epson Print Layout from photoshop as in the video, epson layout software says it can't find printer driver, but I know I have the latest driver.Any ideas how to fix?
Ah - it works fine here
...but I'm not using the latest Mac system or Photoshop so I can't offer any specific ideas (and even less if you're using a PC). This is partly why I only cover such stuff in broad detail since I don't have the resources to buy new kit.
However, have you tried opening the standalone version of the software to see if things are actually working? Save the image as a full res TIFF or JPEG and open using the actual Epson EPL software
@@KeithCooper Thank you Keith- yes I've opened as a stand alone and it doesn't find the driver. Epson support says it prob won't work so I just wondered if you had a magic workaround. Epson probably need to update the driver :-)
It was actually installed when I had the P700 and P900 here for a review, on my oldish MacBook Pro.
Apart from a few glitches with custom page sizes, the 8550 just worked. Sorry, but I've nothing new to test it with. I'd suggest asking on the print forum at dpreview.com - maybe someone has used it with newer kit.
Epson seem rather lacklustre in supporting the software - the download links to it on the Epson UK site have been regularly broken.
I try and use it in the videos for people who don't have Photoshop - or even Lightroom (which I dislike greatly).
@@KeithCooper Several hours later, here is the solution, hope it helps others."You add the ET-8550 printer as you would any printer for a Mac, but be sure (and this is important) that you don’t select the AirPrint option. Once this is complete, you can use EPL or print from Lightroom, Photoshop, and other programs by selecting the printer in the “Select printer” box."
Thanks for posting that
I always make a point in all my set-up videos and articles of warning to never accidentally select airprint. It causes all sorts of problems, and now I can add this one to the list!
The airprint driver is a sure-fire way to mess up printing on a Mac :-( It kills any chance of accurate colour management and in Epson's set-up procedures for many printers it specifically warns about it (yet still it's there)
Hi Keith
I tried printing 4x6 photo from my iPhone with and without epson app with every high quality setting that I could find both in printer and the phone but it still doesn’t print as sharp as windows 7 pc right from the stock windows photo viewer app
In windows I simply select best quality and select the right paper (same from phone) and results are night and day in sharpness
It feels the resolution is much higher when printing from pc than the phone or epson phone app
I am printing original photos not converted or anything
Do you know what could be the reason ?
Thank you
Any app you suggest to use from phone ?
Ah, I'm not really the person to ask... ;-)
I'm afraid I'd never consider printing directly from a phone - it's never going to match what you could get printing from a proper image editing application on a computer.
Phones have no properly functional colour management for example, which leaves you starting from a non-optimal point.
I'm afraid I only test this aspect in the review to show it works.
@@KeithCooper all good thanks for sharing , I’ll stick with pc
Hi . How many sheet can it to print with 1 kit ink , more or less 60% cover ink ? Sorry my terryble english. I wil try to pay to your answer . I am so glad you help me
A lot, but I've no idea of a number. I don't test printers in a way which would give any meaningful data.
@@KeithCooper Thanks you. Antonio, Brazil
EXCELLENT VIDEO !!!
Thanks
Hi can I print 12 x 12 with this pribter. Thanks
Should work as a custom page size but NOT borderless
Try printing with EPL
Hi Keith how can I increase the ink or decrease the amount of ink in my Epson 8550 printer?
I don't know about decrease, but increasing is just topping up the ink-tanks... ?
@@KeithCooper thanks for your response
Can this print on inkjet vinyl sticker paper? Also can it print on glossy photo paper?
Vinyl - no [only media specifically for aqueous inkjet]
Glossy photo paper no trouble
Weird question... but can you cut paper to size before printing for custom sizes on this printer?
Yes, but you need to be very precise. In particular the paper needs to be accurately square, since the paper feed relies on the leading edge. A roller cutter will ensure a good clean edge (also important for feeding).
@@KeithCooper Even a roller cutter is off by a 1mm.
Depends on your cutter - I can get quite precise cuts. That said, for practical purposes I'd have to have a pretty good reason to be cutting.
i'm not using the same program as you. I followed your steps and it did not work. please help
Without knowing vastly more on what you did, what you were trying to do and with what software, and what sort of computer, there is little I can say...
See the main [written] review for details
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
This is brilliant 👏
Thanks
omg.. for whatever reason mine is NOT printing the full 13'' I'm doing everything and it keeps printing at 8'' hellppp.. I have Epson EcoTank ET-15000 and it wont allow me to print the full 13" which I need.
Difficult to say - are you printing from the Epson print layout software?
It may need the driver re-installing, but I've never seen this I'm afraid
have you cropped to size with aspect ratio dp1 300
Hi Keith. You mentioned that you'd be producing a written report on this printer. Is it out yet?
I have an L805 six ink Ecotank sourced from Asia. I like printing with it even more than my 44" HP Z3200. :)
The review was delayed with problems on our web sit (now fixed)
It's mentioned in this video's notes:
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
It is a nice and easy printer to use.
Thank you for this review! Have you ever tried printing any vinyl sticker paper water proof on this printer as many artist and designers I know are interested in buying this printer for that reason
Not a media type I've ever come across I'm afraid.
I look at stuff from the POV of a photographer
what are the top 3 printers today for photos under 500 euros?
Not something I can help with I'm afraid - I don't sell printers, and I don't track overseas prices...
However price is, I'd suggest, far too simple a factor in 'best' - depends what you want in a printer.
Define needs first, then see what they cost, then alter needs or budget...
@KeithCooper Okey, do you have any good experience with that kind of printers in that price range you did like? Details and colour accuracy and max 500 pounds new ;)
Sorry no - I've reviewed all the 'better' printers [Canon/Epson] but I've no notion of current prices - I don't sell printers.
See all the reviews noted at www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/
Can I print digital negative with this printer??
Pictorico paper??
Probably... I have a cyanotype kit to look at and a pack of film (not pictorico though) and was going to have a look at it. Not something I'm going to be testing for a good few weeks though - I've the main review and other stuff to finish first.
WARNING!
You can only print just over 4,000 borderless prints before you have to return it to Epson to replace the £120 borderless inkpad, add to that 4x service waste ink boxes @ £16 each it soon adds up. Plus the inconvenience of your printer locking up until you return it to Epson for this replacement borderless inkpad replacement that's something that they don't tell you!
Interesting - where do you get the 4000 figure from (for the 8550 I'm assuming?)