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Best large-format printers for photographers

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 IPF PRO-1100

SKU: 6856C006

Bring your images to life with an astonishing A2 desktop printer

Print in stunning quality with the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 A2 desktop printer…

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

EPSON SureColor SC-P9500 Spectro - 44in C11CH13301A3

SKU: C11CH13301A3

The Epson SureColor SC-P9500 Spectro Printer 44-inch printer offers high-quality, precise prints for professional applications.

HP DesignJet T630 36-in Printer 5HB11A

SKU: 5HB11A

Compact and fast, the HP DesignJet T630 36-in is the world’s smallest wide-format printer—ideal for high-quality A1 prints in seconds.

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.

Written by Perfect Colours Team

The Perfect Colours team brings 25+ years of specialist expertise in large format print technology, serving customers across the UK since 1999.


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We're here to help. Whether you're looking to get started with a large format printer or you've been in the industry for years, our team of qualified specialists are always happy to lend a hand. Give us a call on 0845 680 9000.

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