Best large-format printers for photographers
Why large-format printing matters for photographers
Large-format printers are a cornerstone of professional photography. Whether you are producing gallery prints, client portfolios, exhibition pieces, or commercial artwork, large-format printing delivers stunning detail, accurate colour, and powerful visual impact. At Perfect Colours we help photographers find the right printer that matches their workflow, budget and output goals.
In this guide you will learn why large-format printing is essential, what features matter most, and our top three picks from Epson, Canon and HP for photographers who want the best quality prints every time.
The role of large-format printing in photography
Large-format printing allows photographers to present their work at sizes that showcase depth and detail impossible to achieve with standard printers. The best large-format printers combine high resolution, wide colour gamut, consistent ink performance and reliable media handling.
What photographers need in a large-format printer
When choosing a large-format photo printer consider:
A) High resolution and colour accuracy
Choose printers with very high dpi, wide colour gamuts, and precise calibration to ensure large format prints stay sharp and match what you see on screen.
B) Advanced ink technology
Pigment based ink systems are ideal for fine art and photography, offering superior longevity, fade resistance, and consistent colour reproduction.
C) Media flexibility and connectivity
The printer should connect easily to your devices and support a wide range of media, including glossy, matte, canvas, and fine art papers.
D) Professional workflow integration
Seamless compatibility with tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom helps maintain colour profiles and print consistency.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
Best for smaller studio and portrait photographers
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 remains one of the top choices for photographers who want professional-grade colour accuracy and deep blacks in large prints without moving into heavyweight commercial machines. It uses Canon’s LUCIA PRO ink system and prints up to A2/17 inch size with excellent colour fidelity.
Why photographers love it
- Great balance of quality, size and price
- 12-ink system for vibrant, accurate colour
- Ideal for portfolios, exhibition pieces and studio work
Epson SureColor SC-P9500
Best for pro studios and exhibition prints
This Epson SureColor SC-P9500 is one of the most capable large-format photo printers available today if you need true gallery quality, wide colour gamut and professional output up to large widths. Designed with advanced pigment inks and calibration tools, it’s ideal for studios printing fine art photography, museum-quality work and high-end client projects.
Why photographers love it
- Ultra-wide colour gamut with premium pigment inks
- Excellent detail and smooth tonal transitions
- Built for high-end photographic and fine-art output
HP DesignJet T630 24-in Printer
HP DesignJet T630 24-in Printer
Best versatile large-format option for workshop use
This HP DesignJet T630 is a highly capable ~24-inch wide format printer ideal for photographers who want flexibility between photo work, posters and graphics while still retaining strong print quality. It’s a lighter-weight roll-fed printer that fits studio environments well and offers straightforward connectivity. HP’s DesignJet family also includes larger and more advanced models if you need even bigger output later.
Why photographers love it
- Roll media support up to 24 inches
- Reliable performance with solid print quality
- Good balance of price and capability
How Canon compares to other large-format brands
While Epson and HP both offer capable large-format printers, they are often geared towards mixed-use environments such as CAD, graphics, or technical plotting.
Canon imagePROGRAF printers are purpose-built for photographic and fine art output, making them the preferred choice for photographers who want:
- More accurate colour matching
- Better tonal control
- Stronger photographic ink performance
- Reliable long-term consistency
Ready to upgrade your photo printing?
If you are looking to invest in a professional large-format printer for photography, Canon imagePROGRAF is our clear recommendation.
Get in touch with Perfect Colours today to discuss the right Canon solution for your studio and start producing gallery-quality prints in-house.