For combined photo and document printing, dedicated photo printers like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 deliver superior image quality and color accuracy for photos while handling documents adequately. For users needing frequent document output alongside occasional photos, tank-based inkjets (Epson EcoTank or Canon MegaTank) offer far lower running costs than cartridge models. Traditional cartridge inkjets suffer from high ink costs, clogging when used infrequently, and poor owner satisfaction per Consumer Reports. Laser printers excel at documents but produce inferior photos. Top picks prioritize hands-on tested models from PCMag, RTINGS, and Wirecutter for quality, cost, and reliability.
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Frank's pick
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
★★★★☆4.5/5$899
Why 4.5/5: Strong, consistent praise across our credible sources. Main caveat reviewers raised: High upfront cost and relatively expensive individual ink tanks compared to tank systems.
Top dedicated photo printer for serious enthusiasts needing gallery-quality output alongside document capability. RTINGS and PCMag hands-on tests confirm best-in-class color accuracy and detail. Excellent if photo quality is priority over all-in-one convenience and you print enough to justify the cost; tank models are better for very high volume mixed use.
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Buyer's guide
How to choose
Decide your primary use: heavy photo printing favors pigment-ink dedicated models (Canon PRO or Epson SureColor series) with 8-12 ink colors for gamut and longevity; mixed frequent documents + occasional photos favors EcoTank/MegaTank ink tank all-in-ones for low cost-per-page. Evaluate long-term ink efficiency (tank systems win), photo paper support up to 13x19", borderless capability, and scanning needs. Test print quality on glossy vs matte papers yourself if possible. Factor in infrequent-use reliability—laser or tank models avoid cartridge drying issues.
Common pitfalls
Buying the cheapest cartridge inkjet under $150: initial low price is offset by extremely high ink costs and frequent clogs after weeks of inactivity, leading to low owner satisfaction in Consumer Reports surveys.
Ignoring total cost of ownership: a $100 printer can cost hundreds more in ink over 2-3 years than a higher-priced tank model; calculate cost-per-photo and cost-per-page before purchase.
Choosing a laser printer for any color photo work: while excellent and low-maintenance for monochrome documents, they cannot match inkjet color vibrancy, detail, or glossy output.
Marketing to ignore
'Revolutionary' or 'next-generation' ink technology claims: most consumer inkjets still suffer from the same clogging and high cartridge replacement costs highlighted by CHOICE and Consumer Reports.
High advertised page yields or 'low cost per print': these are often based on unrealistic ISO test patterns with low coverage; real photo printing consumes ink much faster.
Wireless/app features as primary selling point: setup headaches, unreliable connections, and firmware updates causing new problems are common community complaints; prioritize print quality and ink system first.
Products compared
Prices were last checked 2026-06-26 and can change — confirm the current price at the retailer before buying.
C
#1
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
Canon
$899
★★★★☆4.5/5
Best for Photo enthusiasts printing 13x19" images and occasional documents
Why 4.5/5: Strong, consistent praise across our credible sources. Main caveat reviewers raised: High upfront cost and relatively expensive individual ink tanks compared to tank systems.
🔧Model
PRO-310
📅Released
2021
📦Availability
Available at major retailers
Top dedicated photo printer for serious enthusiasts needing gallery-quality output alongside document capability. RTINGS and PCMag hands-on tests confirm best-in-class color accuracy and detail. Excellent if photo quality is priority over all-in-one convenience and you print enough to justify the cost; tank models are better for very high volume mixed use.
Pros
Produces amazingly detailed photos with outstanding color accuracy according to RTINGS hands-on testing
12-color pigment LUCIA PRO ink system delivers wide color gamut and excellent archival longevity for pro-grade prints
Handles up to 13x19" borderless prints suitable for both enthusiast photos and larger documents
Cons
High upfront cost and relatively expensive individual ink tanks compared to tank systems
Not an all-in-one; lacks built-in scanner/copier for document workflows
Best for Home users printing frequent photos plus documents on a budget for ink
Why 4.5/5: Strong, consistent praise across our credible sources. Main caveat reviewers raised: Dye-based inks have slightly less archival longevity than pigment inks on some papers.
🔧Model
ET-8500
📅Released
2021
📦Availability
Widely available
Best balanced choice for combined high-volume photos and everyday documents. RTINGS names it the top home printer for beautiful vibrant photos while EcoTank keeps running costs very low. Strong PCMag hands-on recommendation for home use; avoids the ink replacement frustration common with cartridge models.
Pros
Supertank system provides extremely low cost-per-print for both photos and documents per PCMag and RTINGS testing
Beautiful vibrant photo prints with 6-color dye ink; best home photo printer in RTINGS 2026 tests
All-in-one design includes scanner, copier, and fax for complete document workflow
Cons
Dye-based inks have slightly less archival longevity than pigment inks on some papers
Larger footprint than compact document-focused models
Best for Professional or serious amateur photographers prioritizing maximum print quality
Why 4.5/5: Strong, consistent praise across our credible sources. Main caveat reviewers raised: Very expensive purchase price over $1100.
🔧Model
PRO-1100
📅Released
2020
📦Availability
Available at Amazon
PCMag's top pro-grade recommendation for users who demand the absolute best photo quality. Hands-on testing confirms outstanding performance. Overkill and expensive for casual document use; choose only if you regularly print exhibition-quality large photos. Not ideal for high-volume everyday documents.
Pros
Named Best Overall Pro-Grade Photo Printer by PCMag with Editors' Choice award
Outstanding 4.5/5 rating for professional-level photo quality and 12-color pigment ink performance
Excellent for large-format photo prints up to 17" wide with accurate colors
Cons
Very expensive purchase price over $1100
High ongoing ink costs compared to tank-based alternatives; no scanner
Best for Home users wanting dedicated photo quality without tank system size
Why 4/5: Well-reviewed overall, with only minor trade-offs. Main caveat reviewers raised: Uses cartridges so higher long-term ink costs than EcoTank models.
🔧Model
XP-8800
📦Availability
Check current retailers
Solid PCMag-recommended home photo printer that also handles documents well. Good for moderate use where tank systems are not required. Hands-on testing supports its photo capabilities but expect higher ink spend over time versus EcoTank alternatives; avoid if you print very infrequently.
Pros
Recommended by PCMag specifically as the best photo printer for home use
Strong photo print quality with 6-color Claria Photo HD inks and support for various media
All-in-one functionality including scan, copy, and wireless printing
Cons
Uses cartridges so higher long-term ink costs than EcoTank models
Can experience clogging during infrequent use, a common inkjet issue per Consumer Reports
Analyzed 31 recent non-stale sources (2025-2026) including hands-on expert testing from PCMag (score=90), RTINGS (multiple category reviews), Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, CHOICE, and community forums like DPReview. Prioritized [hands-on] and [expert-domain] sources over listicles and affiliate videos. Focused on models with multiple corroborating expert reviews for photo quality, ink economics, and mixed-use reliability. Omitted stale pre-2025 data and unverified marketplace brands.
