Ever found yourself wrestling with a stunning landscape photo or a meticulously crafted architectural rendering, only to be disappointed when your standard printer chops off vital details? You’re not alone! Many creatives, from passionate hobbyists to seasoned professionals, hit that wall when they need larger-than-letter prints with impeccable quality and accuracy. That’s where a wide-format printer steps in to bridge the gap, turning your visions into tangible masterpieces.
Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, though, with countless options boasting different features and price points. Fear not! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of the best 17 inch printers, providing honest reviews, key buying considerations, and everything you need to make an informed decision. Get ready to unlock a new level of printing potential and bring your biggest ideas to life!
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Why Go Big? Exploring the World of 17-Inch Printing
Ever felt limited by the standard 8.5×11 inch paper? Like your creative vision deserves a grander stage? Well, you’re not alone! Many photographers, graphic designers, and artists are turning to larger format printing, and that’s where 17-inch printers come in. These powerhouses unlock a whole new realm of possibilities, letting you produce stunning prints with incredible detail and impact. Think gallery-worthy photos, eye-catching posters, and intricate architectural plans – all from the comfort of your home or studio.
Choosing the right printer can feel overwhelming, though. There’s a lot to consider, from ink types and print resolution to connectivity options and, of course, price. Did you know that the large format printer market is projected to reach over $11 billion by 2028? That highlights just how many people are embracing bigger, bolder prints! The sheer variety of options available today is proof.
But don’t worry, we’re here to be your friendly guide. We’ll break down the key features to look for and introduce you to some of the best 17 inch printers currently on the market. We’ll explore models suited for different needs and budgets, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your unique workflow.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to explore the world of large format printing, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Get ready to unleash your creative potential with the best 17 inch printers and bring your biggest ideas to life!
Best 17 Inch Printers – Reviews
Epson SureColor P800
The Epson SureColor P800 is a fantastic option for photographers and artists looking for professional-quality prints up to 17 inches wide. This printer boasts exceptional color accuracy and detail, thanks to its UltraChrome HD ink set. You can expect smooth gradients, deep blacks, and vibrant colors that truly bring your images to life. The P800 handles a wide variety of media types, including fine art papers and canvas, making it a versatile tool for creative expression.
While the SureColor P800 delivers stunning image quality, it’s important to consider that it’s geared toward serious photographers. The ink cartridges can be a bit pricey, and it requires a bit of a learning curve to fully master all its settings. But if color accuracy and archival quality are your top priorities, this printer is well worth the investment.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a powerhouse printer that delivers exceptional results. With its 12-ink LUCIA PRO pigment ink system, you’ll get prints with incredibly rich colors, deep blacks, and a wide color gamut. This printer excels at producing gallery-quality prints with smooth tonal gradations and outstanding detail. Plus, its anti-clogging technology ensures consistent and reliable performance.
The PRO-1000 is definitely a premium printer, and the initial investment is significant. It’s also a large and heavy machine, so you’ll need to have dedicated space for it. But, if you’re a professional photographer or artist who demands the very best in print quality and reliability, the PRO-1000 is a top contender.
Epson SureColor P900
The Epson SureColor P900 offers a streamlined design and impressive performance for photographers and creatives. This printer uses a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink set that delivers exceptional color accuracy and a wide color gamut. You’ll love the rich, vibrant prints with smooth gradients and deep blacks. It also supports a variety of media types, from fine art papers to roll paper, giving you plenty of creative freedom.
The P900 is relatively compact compared to other 17-inch printers, making it a good option for smaller studios or home offices. One thing to note is that the ink cartridges are relatively small, so you may find yourself replacing them more frequently, especially with heavy use. Overall, the P900 is a great balance of performance, size, and features.
Canon Pixma Pro-10
For those seeking near-professional quality without the premium price tag, the Canon Pixma Pro-10 is a worthy contender. This printer utilizes a 10-ink pigment-based system, delivering impressive color accuracy and detail for photo prints. It produces vibrant colors, smooth gradients, and sharp text, making it versatile for both photos and documents. Its ability to handle a variety of paper types makes it suitable for various creative projects.
While not quite reaching the level of the Pro-1000 in terms of color gamut and overall print quality, the Pro-10 offers a compelling value proposition. Its ease of use and competitive price point make it an excellent choice for serious amateur photographers and graphic designers looking to elevate their print output without breaking the bank. However, its print speeds can be slightly slower compared to higher-end models.
HP DesignJet T210
While primarily marketed for technical documents and architectural drawings, the HP DesignJet T210 can also produce impressive photo and poster prints up to 24 inches wide. This printer utilizes dye-based inks to deliver vibrant colors and sharp lines, making it suitable for creating eye-catching displays and marketing materials. The T210’s intuitive interface and wireless connectivity make it easy to use and share among multiple users.
Although not specifically designed for professional photography, the DesignJet T210 provides a cost-effective solution for printing large-format graphics and posters. It’s a great option for businesses or individuals who need to create large-scale prints for presentations, events, or point-of-sale displays. Keep in mind that its color accuracy and archival quality may not be on par with dedicated photo printers, but it’s still a versatile and budget-friendly choice.
Why Invest in a 17-Inch Printer?
Think about those moments you want to capture perfectly: the stunning landscape from your vacation, the beautiful portrait of your family, or the detailed architectural drawing you’ve been working on. A standard 8.5×11 inch print simply can’t do justice to the scale and intricacy of these visuals. That’s where a 17-inch printer steps in, offering you the ability to print larger formats, revealing details and nuances that would otherwise be lost. Imagine proudly displaying a large, vibrant print of your child’s artwork, perfectly showcasing their creativity, rather than a small, underwhelming reproduction.
For creative professionals, the advantages are even more significant. Photographers, designers, and artists can produce gallery-quality prints in-house, saving on outsourcing costs and maintaining complete control over the final product. Picture this: a photographer immediately printing and proofing large format images at a wedding, instantly providing clients with tangible memories. Architects and engineers can print detailed plans and renderings, ensuring accurate communication and a professional presentation. A 17-inch printer is an investment that empowers creative professionals to showcase their work with impact and precision.
Beyond the size advantage, the best 17-inch printers are often equipped with advanced color management systems and high-resolution printing capabilities. This translates to accurate color reproduction, sharp details, and stunning clarity, ensuring your prints look their absolute best. Forget about frustrating color discrepancies between your screen and your prints. With a high-quality 17-inch printer, what you see is truly what you get, allowing you to consistently produce professional-grade results.
Ultimately, a 17-inch printer isn’t just about printing bigger; it’s about unlocking new possibilities for creativity, professional presentation, and preserving precious memories. It’s about bringing your vision to life in a way that a standard printer simply can’t match. Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer or a seasoned professional, a 17-inch printer can be a valuable tool for expressing your creativity and sharing your work with the world.
Understanding Different Ink Types and Their Impact
Ever wondered why some prints last for generations while others fade within a few years? The answer often lies in the type of ink used. Dye-based inks are vibrant and affordable, perfect for everyday photos and documents you might display briefly. Think of printing out vacation photos for a scrapbook you’ll share with friends – dye inks will make those memories pop! However, if you’re printing artwork you intend to sell or display for years, you’ll likely want something more archival.
Pigment-based inks are the champion of longevity. The pigment particles are larger and less likely to fade when exposed to light or ozone. Imagine you’re a professional photographer selling prints at a gallery. You need to ensure those images will maintain their color and detail for the long haul, so pigment inks are a must-have. They offer a richer, deeper color gamut, which is vital for accurately reproducing your artistic vision.
Then, there are specialized inks like sublimation inks used for transferring images onto fabrics or other materials. Let’s say you want to personalize T-shirts for a family reunion. Sublimation inks are heated and become a gas, permanently embedding the image into the fabric. This creates a durable and vibrant design that won’t crack or peel, unlike iron-on transfers.
Finally, consider the finish and resistance to environmental factors. Some inks are designed to be waterproof or smudge-resistant, which is crucial for documents or photos that might be handled frequently or exposed to moisture. Think of printing architectural plans that need to withstand being carried around on a construction site. You’ll want an ink that can handle the wear and tear!
Paper Choices: Matching Media to Your Mission
Paper is just paper, right? Wrong! The type of paper you choose drastically affects the final look and feel of your printed projects. Consider glossy paper for vibrant photos that need to pop. Imagine you’re creating a portfolio of your best photography to impress potential clients. Glossy paper will make those images shine and highlight their sharpness and color.
Matte paper, on the other hand, is ideal for projects where you want a softer, more natural look. Think about printing wedding invitations or art prints where you want a subtle texture and avoid harsh reflections. Matte paper gives your project a sophisticated and elegant feel.
Then you have specialty papers like canvas or fine art paper. Let’s say you’re an artist looking to reproduce your paintings as giclée prints. Canvas or fine art paper will provide the texture and weight that best mimics the original artwork, making the reproduction look authentic and high-quality.
Don’t forget about paper weight! Thicker paper feels more luxurious and is less prone to tearing. Think of printing business cards. A heavier paper stock gives a more professional and durable impression than flimsy, thin paper. Matching the paper to the project elevates the final product from simple printout to something truly special.
Color Management and Calibration: Ensuring Accurate Output
Ever printed a photo that looked great on your screen but came out completely different on paper? That’s where color management comes in. This involves calibrating your monitor and printer to ensure accurate color reproduction. Think of it like tuning a musical instrument – you need to adjust things so everything is in harmony.
Calibration devices like colorimeters and spectrophotometers measure the colors displayed on your screen and compare them to a known standard. Imagine you’re a graphic designer working on a branding project for a client. You need to make sure the colors in the logo and marketing materials are consistent across all platforms, from digital displays to printed brochures.
Printer profiles are created after calibration to compensate for the specific characteristics of your printer and ink. Let’s say you’re printing a series of posters for a local event. Each printer might have slightly different color tendencies, so creating a custom profile for each printer ensures the posters all look consistent and eye-catching.
Software tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom have built-in color management features to help you fine-tune your images for printing. Imagine you’re preparing a photo book for your family. You can use these tools to adjust the colors, contrast, and brightness of each photo to ensure they look their best when printed. Accurate color management is vital for achieving professional-looking prints that truly reflect your vision.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Keeping Your Printer Running Smoothly
Just like a car, your 17-inch printer needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes cleaning print heads, replacing ink cartridges, and updating printer drivers. Think of it as preventive care to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Print head cleaning is especially important to prevent clogged nozzles, which can cause banding or missing colors in your prints. Imagine you’re printing a large format photograph and notice streaks or lines running through the image. Cleaning the print heads can often resolve this issue and restore the print quality.
Regularly replacing ink cartridges ensures your printer always has fresh ink and prevents dried ink from damaging the print heads. Let’s say you’re printing a batch of marketing flyers for your business. Running out of ink mid-print can be frustrating and time-consuming, so it’s always a good idea to keep spare cartridges on hand.
Finally, keep your printer drivers updated to ensure compatibility with your operating system and software. Imagine you’ve upgraded your computer to the latest version of Windows or macOS. Outdated printer drivers can cause printing errors or even prevent your printer from working at all. Staying up-to-date with drivers ensures everything runs seamlessly. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your 17-inch printer in top condition.
Choosing Your Dream: A Guide to the Best 17 Inch Printers
Hey there, fellow creatives and detail-oriented professionals! Looking for a printer that can handle those large-format projects? You’ve come to the right place. Diving into the world of 17-inch printers can feel a bit overwhelming. These aren’t your standard home office machines; they’re powerhouses designed for photographers, graphic designers, architects, and anyone else who needs to print stunning, large-scale images and documents.
Choosing the perfect 17-inch printer is a significant investment, so it’s crucial to make an informed decision. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, helping you find the best 17 inch printers for your specific needs and budget. Think of me as your friendly guide, here to help you navigate the techy terrain and emerge victorious with the ideal printer in tow. Let’s get started!
Print Quality: Seeing is Believing
Let’s face it, the whole point of getting a 17-inch printer is to achieve exceptional print quality. You’re not just printing documents; you’re creating art, showcasing your photography, or presenting detailed architectural plans. Therefore, resolution is king (or queen!). Look for printers with high DPI (dots per inch) specifications, as this indicates the level of detail the printer can reproduce. Higher DPI means sharper images, smoother gradients, and more accurate color representation.
Beyond DPI, consider the printer’s ink technology. Pigment-based inks are generally more archival and resistant to fading, making them ideal for prints that need to last. Dye-based inks, on the other hand, often offer a wider color gamut and can produce more vibrant results, but they might not be as fade-resistant. Think about the types of projects you’ll be working on and choose a printer with ink technology that aligns with your needs. You will quickly understand how quality truly sets apart the best 17 inch printers.
Ink System: A Colorful Consideration
Speaking of ink, let’s talk about ink systems. Different printers use different numbers of ink cartridges, and the type of ink used can significantly impact the final print. Some printers use a standard CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) ink system, which is perfectly fine for many applications. However, if you’re looking for the most accurate and vibrant color reproduction, consider a printer with additional ink cartridges, such as light cyan, light magenta, gray, or even violet.
Printers with more ink cartridges can produce smoother tonal transitions and a wider color gamut, resulting in more realistic and visually appealing prints. Also, think about the cost of ink cartridges. Some printers might be cheaper upfront, but their ink cartridges can be quite expensive, especially if they are a unique proprietary blend, so it’s important to research and compare ink prices before making a purchase. Finding a balance between print quality, ink performance, and cost is key to long-term satisfaction.
Paper Handling: Size Matters (and So Does Weight)
Since you’re investing in a 17-inch printer, paper handling is crucial. Not all printers can handle the same types of paper, and you’ll want to ensure your chosen printer can accommodate the media you plan to use most often. This includes everything from glossy photo paper and matte art paper to canvas and fine art media. Check the printer’s specifications to see what types and weights of paper it supports.
Pay attention to the paper feeding mechanism as well. Some printers have dedicated roll paper feeders, which are ideal for printing large banners or continuous images. Others have straight paper paths, which can help prevent paper jams when using thicker or more delicate media. It’s also wise to consider the maximum printable area. The advertised 17-inch dimension might not be the actual printable width due to margins required by the printer.
Connectivity: Staying Connected in a Wireless World
In today’s world, connectivity is king (or queen!). You’ll want a printer that can easily connect to your computer, network, and mobile devices. Look for printers that offer a variety of connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to print wirelessly from anywhere in your home or office, while Ethernet provides a more stable and reliable connection for networked environments.
Also, consider whether the printer supports mobile printing. Many modern printers offer mobile apps or support for printing from cloud services like Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint. This can be incredibly convenient for printing documents and images directly from your smartphone or tablet. The best 17 inch printers usually offer several connectivity options to suit different workflows.
Speed and Volume: How Fast and How Much?
How quickly do you need your prints? Print speed is an important factor to consider, especially if you’ll be printing large volumes of documents or images. Printer speeds are typically measured in pages per minute (PPM) for text documents and images per minute (IPM) for graphics. However, these are just estimates, and actual print speeds can vary depending on the complexity of the print job and the quality settings used.
Think about your typical printing volume as well. If you only print occasionally, a slower printer might be perfectly adequate. But if you print frequently or need to produce large quantities of prints quickly, you’ll want to invest in a faster printer with a high duty cycle. A high duty cycle indicates the maximum number of pages the printer is designed to print per month.
Size and Footprint: Make Room for Your Masterpiece
While we’re talking about 17-inch printers, let’s address the elephant in the room: size! These printers are not small, and they require a decent amount of space. Before you buy, make sure you have enough room to accommodate the printer comfortably, including space for accessing the paper trays and performing maintenance.
Consider the overall footprint of the printer and how it will fit into your workspace. Also, think about the weight of the printer. Some 17-inch printers can be quite heavy, so you’ll want to make sure your table or stand can support the weight. Finding the perfect balance between printing capability and physical practicality is key to making the right choice.
Cost and Budget: Balancing Dreams with Dollars
Finally, let’s talk about the budget. 17-inch printers are a significant investment, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Consider not only the upfront cost of the printer but also the ongoing costs of ink, paper, and maintenance. Some printers might be cheaper upfront, but their ink cartridges can be quite expensive, especially if they are a unique proprietary blend.
Research and compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. Also, look for printers that offer features like automatic duplex printing, which can help you save on paper costs. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of extended warranties or service contracts. Finding the best 17 inch printers also requires a bit of financial planning and making sure you factor in long-term cost considerations.
FAQ
What exactly *is* a 17-inch printer, and why would I need one?
Think of a 17-inch printer as your gateway to larger-format printing! It refers to the maximum width of paper that the printer can handle, which in this case is 17 inches. This opens up a world of possibilities beyond standard letter-sized documents. You can print stunning posters, impressive art prints, detailed architectural plans, or even panoramic photos without having to tile multiple pages together.
Essentially, if you’re involved in any field where visual impact and larger sizes matter – photography, graphic design, architecture, fine art, or even just creating eye-catching displays – a 17-inch printer can be a game-changer. It allows for more detail, larger visual elements, and a more professional presentation of your work. It gives you a broader canvas to express your creativity or showcase your professional work.
Are 17-inch printers really that much more expensive to operate than standard printers?
You’re right to be mindful of running costs! Yes, generally, 17-inch printers do have a higher initial price tag and can be more expensive to operate than your average desktop printer. This is primarily due to larger ink cartridges, more complex mechanisms, and the higher cost of specialized paper. However, it’s not as scary as it might seem!
The good news is that many modern 17-inch printers are designed with efficiency in mind. They often feature individual ink cartridges, so you only replace the color that’s actually empty. Plus, some models offer high-yield cartridges that can significantly reduce your per-print costs. It is best to research ink prices of the printers you’re interested in, and compare it to how much printing you anticipate doing.
How difficult is it to learn to use a 17-inch printer, especially if I’m used to simpler models?
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a printing wizard! While 17-inch printers have more features and options than basic home printers, most modern models are designed to be user-friendly. The interfaces are usually intuitive, and many come with helpful software and tutorials to guide you through the process.
It might take a little time to familiarize yourself with the different paper settings, color management options, and printing modes, but it’s a manageable learning curve. Think of it like upgrading to a new camera – there are more features to explore, but the core principles are the same. Plus, the amazing results you’ll achieve will definitely make the learning process worthwhile!
What kind of paper should I use with a 17-inch printer? Are there any limitations?
Paper choice is absolutely key for getting the best results from your 17-inch printer! The type of paper you use will depend on what you’re printing. For photos, you’ll want to explore glossy, semi-gloss, or matte photo papers. For art prints, consider archival fine art papers with different textures and weights.
It’s crucial to check your printer’s specifications to see what paper weights and types it supports. Exceeding the recommended weight could cause jams or damage to the printer. Also, be sure to select the correct paper type in your printer settings to ensure proper ink application and color accuracy. Experimenting with different papers is half the fun of owning a larger format printer!
What resolution should I use when printing on a 17-inch printer?
To get the best quality prints from your 17-inch printer, resolution is key. As a general rule, you should aim for a resolution of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) for photographs and detailed images. This ensures that your prints are sharp and crisp, with minimal pixelation.
However, the optimal resolution can also depend on the viewing distance. If your print is going to be viewed from afar (like a large poster), you might be able to get away with a slightly lower resolution. It’s always a good idea to do a test print at different resolutions to see what looks best for your specific image and viewing conditions.
What about color management? Is it complicated to get accurate colors with a 17-inch printer?
Color management can seem a bit daunting, but it’s essential for achieving accurate and consistent colors in your prints. The good news is that modern 17-inch printers often come with built-in color calibration tools or support ICC profiles, which are designed to help you achieve accurate color reproduction.
Basically, these tools help ensure that the colors you see on your monitor are accurately translated to the printed page. It might involve using a colorimeter to measure your monitor’s color output and creating a custom profile. Don’t worry, there are plenty of online resources and tutorials to guide you through the process. A little bit of effort in color management can make a huge difference in the quality of your prints!
How long can I expect a 17-inch printer to last, and what kind of maintenance is involved?
A good quality 17-inch printer is an investment, so longevity is a valid concern. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect a well-built 17-inch printer to last for several years. The lifespan will obviously depend on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain it, but generally, you should see years of great use.
Regular maintenance involves things like cleaning the print heads (often done automatically by the printer), using high-quality inks, and storing the printer in a clean and dust-free environment. Also, it’s wise to perform nozzle checks regularly to ensure all the print head nozzles are working properly. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance will help extend the life of your printer and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this journey through the world of 17-inch printers has sparked some ideas and clarified what you need to bring your visions to life! Remember, finding the best 17 inch printers isn’t about chasing perfection, it’s about finding the perfect tool to empower your creative process. Think about those gallery-worthy prints, those stunning presentations, the sheer joy of holding a physical representation of your hard work. It’s all within reach.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to take the leap! Don’t be afraid to explore, compare, and ultimately trust your gut. The perfect printer is waiting to become your partner in creativity, ready to transform your digital dreams into tangible reality. Go out there and make some magic happen!