Canon IP8720 & Pro 200

[ChadMichael]

I want to start printing my work in my home studio, instead of making trips to the photo store. For professional delivery I don’t plan on switching from WHCC or Bay Photo, so this will likely be mostly used for personal use with the occasional print sales at the local summer market. I have researched as much as possible on the IP8720 and the Pro 200. I understand some of the technical differences between the two, and have searched for and read articles and threads here, but I have yet to see anyone really discuss how these two printers match up against each other. Essentially how much of an image quality difference is there between the two, and is the IP8720 capable of producing quality prints that I could sell in a retail setting?

 

[Gesture]

Many discussions on here. I already have a Pro 100. If it went bad (hasn't in MANY years of ownership), I'd probably get the iP8720 for less ink to keep in stock as I don't sell prints. That said, the Pro 200 is likely a more robust printer given its price point.

I would only suggest that if you sell dye ink prints for money that you use only OEM ink and that you include some kind of care "reminder" with the print.

I still consider pigment ink printing most appropriate for sales, but the Canon OEM dye inks do get good marks. I'd run some real-world trials before selling.

One advantage of Pro-200. It is compatible with Canon's Professional Print & Layout Software, the iP8720 is not.

My biggest issue with Canon is the scarcity of on-printer display. At least, the Pro 200 has some display. This is one area where Epson excels Canon. I also don't believe either printer has a user-replaceable waste ink tank. Something to check. Other than that, at this level, the Canon printers are solid and produce excellent image quality.

The bottom: there are few dye or pigment ink printers in this 13" size. They all produce excellent images. I would stay away from the Epson XP-15000. It takes tiny ink carts and was build for compactness, not robustness.

13" printers that I know of:

Canon iP8720. Dye

Canon Pro 200. Dye

Canon Pro 300 Pigment

Epson ET-8550 Hybrid, but essentially dye

Epson XP-15000. Dye

Epson P700 Pigment

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[BobKnDP]

I can't make a recommendation based on experience.

You may find this interesting: How many inks do you really need for inkjet photo and art prints (youtube.com)

(I'm not a fan of many YouTube videos, but some don't waste a lot of time. Cooper is good.)

Pigment printers are recommended over dye for print longevity. (Both Canon printers are dye based.) However, I believe that even dye prints last longer than traditional photo prints.

The inks for both printers are Chromalife 100+, Canon's best for longevity of dye prints.

 

[Gesture]

Thanks. One of Keith's best videos.

Practically, I've found that just adding grey makes a big difference in quality, including for black and white prints.

 

[ChadMichael]

I keep reading so much positive about the Pro 200. I’d go 300, but I think 900 is a bit much for mostly personal use.

is getting the IP8720, a bunch of extra ink, and some nice paper worth missing out on the Canon software the Pro200 is compatible with? (Initial cost)


I do make B&W images and I’ve read that the IP8720 is not as strong as the Pro 200 with B&W. How much of that is legitimate performance deficit vs overly critical reviewer nitpicking?

 

[Gesture]

Depends on paper and how much of a nitpicker you are. You have to be willing to order a custom profile for the paper you use most often. There are three variables that impact profiling: the printer; the ink set and the paper.

Dye inks also tend to have more metamerism than pigment inks.

But I think the iP8720 is a good place to start a printing journey if you use OEM ink.

 

[ChadMichael]

I was planning to use canon ink and red river paper with their profiles. Likely 68lb ultra satin, polar luster, and the cheaper 26lb matte inkjet