As an artist, I always seek cost-effective printers to reproduce my artwork with accurate colors and crisp details. High-end fine art printers carry hefty price tags. Fortunately, many justly priced options deliver professional-grade output without breaking the bank.
In this guide, I’ll provide tips for choosing an affordable art printer, then review my top picks across low, mid, and high-budget tiers.
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Buying Guide: Choosing a Printer for Artwork
Here are the key factors I evaluate when selecting an inkjet printer for my artistic projects:
Print Quality
High resolution and multiple ink cartridges allow for photographic detail and vibrancy. I look for:
- 4800+ dpi maximum resolution
- 5+ individual ink cartridges
- Gray and photo black inks for enhanced B&W
- Droplet sizes as small as 1-3 picoliters
Print Size
The maximum media width determines what print sizes you can produce:
- 8.5″ x 11″ for small prints
- 13″ for large posters and art reproductions
- 17″ for oversized fine art prints
Ink Costs
Replacement ink cartridges have high markups. Models with refillable tanks offer lowest cost-per-page.
Connectivity
Wireless printing provides flexibility to print from anywhere.
Reliability
Proven track records result in consistent performance over time.
Special Features
Scanning, duplexing, touchscreens and SD card slots add bonus functionality.
Best Inkjet Printers for Art
Canon PIXMA MG3620
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 costs less than $50 yet produces impressive prints up to 8.5″ x 11″. I was surprised by the vibrant color from just 4 ink cartridges. Crisp black text with 4800 x 600 dpi. Auto 2-sided printing saves paper.
This compact printer fits anywhere and prints fast at 16 ppm color. Quick wireless setup from my phone. Affordable starter model for basic prints.
Pros: Low cost, speedy, wireless, duplexing
Cons: Lower resolution, small prints only
HP DeskJet 2700e
HP’s entry-level DeskJet 2700e keeps costs down while handling everyday printing and copying up to 8.5″ x 11″. The 250 sheet input tray lets you print uninterrupted. Optional high-yield ink bottles offer low cost-per-page.
I found the print quality decent for documents and basic graphics. At just 7 pounds, it has a small footprint. Affordable if you print minimal volumes.
Pros: Very inexpensive, compact, 250 sheet capacity
Cons: Slow 6 ppm, basic print quality
Epson Expression Home XP-4100
This Epson packs impressive capabilities under $100. The 6-color ink system produces vibrant borderless photos up to 8″ x 10″ with 5760 x 1440 dpi.
The rear feed accommodates specialty paper like presentation matte up to 1.3mm thick. Convenient scanning and copying functions. Solid printer if print speed isn’t critical.
Pros: Great print quality for the price, versatile paper handling
Cons: Slow speeds, no auto duplexing
Epson Expression Photo XP-970
I’m impressed by the photo-realistic prints possible from the XP-970. Six Claria inks provide an expansive color gamut perfect for graphics and photos. Borderless printing up to 11″ x 17″ allows larger scale art reproductions.
The 4.3″ touchscreen makes operation a breeze. At this price point, you get wide format professional-quality prints.
Pros: Gallery-quality prints, wide format, touchscreen
Cons: Lacks auto document feeder
Canon PIXMA G6020
Canon’s MegaTank G6020 produces thousands of brilliant prints from its refillable ink tanks. I estimate a cost per print under 5 cents. The 6 individual inks, including gray, give stunning photo output.
I was able to create borderless prints up to 8.5″ x 11″ on the rear specialty paper feeder. This printer gives you serious value for higher-volume printing.
Pros: Extremely low operating costs, excellent photo reproduction
Cons: Slow print speeds, no scanning abilities
HP Envy Pro 6452 – Best All-in-One
The HP Envy Pro 6452 handles all my printing, scanning, copying and faxing needs in one compact package. Dual band WiFi provides a reliable connection for wireless printing.
Auto-duplex printing creates ready-to-share two-sided prints and brochures. HP+ ink delivery plan gives cost savings. A great reasonably-priced all-in-one.
Pros: Affordable price, versatile functions, wireless
Cons: Average print quality for fine art
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
This 13″ Epson printer delivers gallery-quality fine art prints that I’m proud to display and sell at art shows. The six Claria ink cartridges produce smooth tonal gradients and vivid color accuracy.
With 5760 x 1440 dpi, even tiny details come through. I can print borderless up to 13″ x 44″ panoramics. A workhorse printer at a reasonable price point.
Pros: Superb print quality, 13″ width, rear paper tray
Cons: Lacks auto document feeder, high ink costs
Canon PIXMA PRO-100
I’m blown away by the stunning photographic prints possible from the Canon PRO-100. This 13″ printer utilizes 8 dye-based inks for extraordinary detail and vibrancy in both color and black-and-white modes.
The proprietary gray ink is a game changer for enhanced monochromatic prints. Beautiful borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″. Worth the investment for serious artists.
Pros: Incredible fine art print quality, 8-ink system, compact
Cons: No wireless connectivity, occasional ink clogs
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Best EcoTank
For artists printing high volumes on a budget, the EcoTank ET-8550 is a cost-saving workhorse. Instead of cartridges, the refillable ink tanks provide thousands of prints at ultra-low cost per print.
Despite lower ink costs, it still produces borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″ with impressive clarity thanks to the 6-color ink system. The ET-8550 pays for itself quickly in ink savings.
Pros: Extremely low cost per print, 13″ width
Cons: Slow print speeds, lacks specialty media tray
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
This professional Canon 13″ printer excels at detailed fine art reproduction. The 9-cartridge LUCIA PRO ink system provides stunning color accuracy and clarity. I’m very pleased with the black density.
The swappable print head design ensures a long service life. While ink costs run higher, the PRO-300 delivers consistent gallery-quality prints. A refined machine for serious artists.
Pros: Excellent fine art print quality, reliable performer, swappable printhead
Cons: No scanning, smaller display screen
Epson SureColor P700
Epson’s 13″ photography flagship provides the pinnacle of print quality. I’m continually amazed by the incredible shadow detail, smooth gradients, and wide color gamut from the 10-channel ink system.
Dedicated photo and matte blacks allow easy media switching. Print head produces variable size droplets down to 1.5 picoliters for precision. Outstanding investment if print quality is paramount.
Pros: Best in class print quality, advanced 10-ink system, easy to use
Cons: Very high ink costs, lacks scanning abilities
Epson SureColor P900
For large format fine art reproduction, the 17″ Epson SureColor P900 is my printer of choice. With the same 10-ink system as the P700, it produces mind-blowing color accuracy and detail on a bigger canvas.
I can now generate large archival art prints up to 17″ x 22″ for galleries and shows. The printer ships with 11 UltraChrome HD ink cartridges. Outstanding performer.
Pros: Elite print quality up to 17″ wide, built-in calibration tools
Cons: Expensive ink refills, heavier at 80 lbs
Final Thoughts on Affordable Art Printers
Finding the right balance of image quality, print size, running costs, and reliability is key to selecting the best reasonably-priced art printer.
Remember to calibrate and profile any new printer using high quality papers and software to achieve optimal fine art print results.
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