10 Best 13×19 Photo Printers (May 2026) Expert Guide

After 15 years of running my photography studio, I’ve learned that the final print is where your work truly comes alive. There’s something irreplaceable about holding a gallery-quality 13×19 photograph that no screen can replicate.

Finding the best 13×19 photo printers for photographers has become essential for anyone serious about their craft. Whether you’re building a portfolio, preparing exhibition prints, or selling fine art photography, having control over the printing process gives you complete creative freedom. The right printer transforms your digital files into tangible masterpieces that clients and collectors will treasure for generations.

In this guide, I’ve tested and compared 10 of the top wide-format photo printers available in 2026. Our team spent three months evaluating print quality, color accuracy, ink efficiency, and real-world reliability to help you make the right investment for your photography business or personal projects.

Top 3 Picks for Best 13×19 Photo Printers

Before diving into detailed reviews, here are our top three recommendations based on different needs and budgets. Each of these printers has earned its place through rigorous testing in our studio environment.

Best 13×19 Photo Printers for Photographers in 2026

Here is our complete comparison of all 10 professional photo printers we tested. This table shows the key specifications that matter most for photographers making their decision.

1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – Professional 17-Inch Gallery Printer

When I first unboxed the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, I knew this was a serious piece of equipment. At 83 pounds, it took two of us to position it on the dedicated printer table in our studio. But that weight speaks to the build quality that professional photographers demand.

I spent six weeks testing this printer with various paper types, from standard glossy to heavy fine art cotton rag. The 11-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink system produces colors that simply pop off the page. The dedicated Chroma Optimizer eliminates bronzing on glossy papers, a problem I’ve struggled with on lesser printers.

The replaceable thermal ink head is a feature that sold me on this model. Unlike Epson’s piezo heads that are integrated and expensive to replace, Canon designed this for serviceability. After three years of heavy use on a similar Canon model, I’ve saved thousands in potential repair costs.

Print permanence is rated at over 200 years for color prints and 400 years for black and white when using Canon’s archival papers. For photographers selling fine art prints, that longevity guarantee gives both you and your clients peace of mind.

Who Should Buy the PRO-1100

This printer is ideal for professional photographers running a full-service studio who need 17-inch capability for larger exhibition prints. The initial investment pays off quickly if you’re producing more than 50 large prints monthly.

Wedding photographers selling album prints and fine art landscape photographers will appreciate the color accuracy and deep blacks this system delivers. The 17-inch width also allows for 16×20 prints with borders, a popular size for gallery submissions.

Who Should Skip This Model

If your studio lacks dedicated space or you only print occasionally, the PRO-1100’s maintenance requirements and size will frustrate you. The ink system performs best when used regularly, and the large footprint demands a permanent location.

Budget-conscious photographers should consider the smaller PRO-300 instead. While you lose the 17-inch capability, the print quality is nearly identical for 13×19 output at a significantly lower price point.

2. Epson SureColor P900 – 17-Inch UltraChrome PRO10 Powerhouse

The Epson SureColor P900 represents the pinnacle of Epson’s desktop photo printer engineering. I was immediately impressed by how compact they’ve made a 17-inch printer, fitting easily where my older P800 required significantly more space.

The UltraChrome PRO10 ink system with its dedicated violet cartridge expands the color gamut noticeably when printing saturated landscapes and floral images. During my testing, I compared identical files printed on both the P900 and a competitor’s 8-color system. The difference in purple and blue gradations was immediately visible.

One feature that professional photographers will appreciate is the dedicated nozzles for both Photo Black and Matte Black inks. Unlike older Epson models that required time-consuming ink switching, the P900 keeps both loaded and ready. This saves both time and wasted ink when alternating between glossy exhibition prints and matte fine art papers.

However, I need to mention the elephant in the room. The 3.5-star rating with 29% one-star reviews indicates quality control issues. Some users report banding problems that required multiple cleaning cycles to resolve. My test unit performed flawlessly, but sample variation appears to be a concern.

Who Should Buy the P900

Professional photographers who demand the absolute widest color gamut and already work within Epson’s color management ecosystem will love this printer. The improved software integration with Photoshop and Lightroom streamlines the printing workflow significantly.

If you’re producing prints for museum exhibitions or high-end collectors, the P900’s Carbon Black Driver Technology delivers the deepest, richest blacks on glossy papers that I’ve seen from any desktop printer.

Who Should Skip This Model

Photographers on tight budgets should look elsewhere. The $450+ cost for a full set of replacement cartridges makes this expensive to operate. Combined with the reported reliability concerns, occasional printers may find better value in Canon’s offerings.

If you print infrequently, be aware that Epson printers require regular use to maintain printhead health. Several forum users reported clogged heads after letting the printer sit unused for weeks.

3. Epson SureColor P700 – Compact 13-Inch Professional Printer

The Epson SureColor P700 brings professional-grade 10-color printing to a more manageable 13-inch format. For photographers who don’t need 17-inch output, this compact powerhouse delivers nearly identical image quality to its larger sibling.

I tested the P700 in my secondary studio where space is limited. The 23% smaller footprint compared to the previous P600 makes a real difference on a crowded desk. Yet Epson didn’t compromise on the ink system, using the same UltraChrome PRO10 cartridges as the P900.

The 4.3-inch color touchscreen simplifies operation considerably. Previous models required navigating through cryptic button combinations to access advanced features. Now I can check ink levels, adjust settings, and monitor print progress with a few taps.

Print quality is simply stunning. The addition of the violet ink cartridge expands the color gamut into purples and deep blues that were previously difficult to reproduce accurately. My landscape prints of lavender fields showed noticeably smoother gradations compared to 8-color systems.

Who Should Buy the P700

Professional photographers with limited studio space who still demand the highest print quality will find the P700 ideal. The 13-inch width handles standard A3+ paper beautifully while fitting comfortably in smaller workspaces.

Portrait photographers who primarily output 11×14 and 13×19 prints will appreciate the color accuracy for skin tones. The 10-color system reproduces subtle facial highlights and shadow details that lesser printers simply miss.

Who Should Skip This Model

Be prepared for the ink reality. The initial setup consumes most of the included cartridges during priming. Several users reported spending $300+ on ink immediately after unboxing. If you’re not prepared for this hidden cost, consider the Canon PRO-200S instead.

Photographers who frequently use heavy fine art papers should look at Canon alternatives. The P700’s paper path struggles with stock over 300gsm, often requiring manual feeding that slows production.

4. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Best Value Dye-Based Printer

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S hits a sweet spot that many photographers overlook. While dye-based inks get less attention than pigment systems, this 8-color printer produces results that surprise everyone who sees the output.

During my month-long test, I printed over 200 photographs ranging from 4×6 proofs to full 13×19 exhibition pieces. The dye inks create a vibrancy on glossy and luster papers that pigment inks struggle to match. Colors literally glow on the page.

Speed is another advantage. The PRO-200S prints a bordered A3+ image in just 90 seconds, nearly twice as fast as some competitors. When I’m producing a run of portfolio prints for a client meeting, that speed difference matters.

One pleasant surprise was the ink efficiency. After the initial setup, I found the ink consumption reasonable for the output quality. The 8-cartridge system means you only replace the colors you actually use, unlike older systems that wasted ink cleaning all channels.

Who Should Buy the PRO-200S

This printer is perfect for portrait and wedding photographers who primarily output on glossy and luster papers for client delivery. The dye inks produce skin tones with a warmth and depth that clients consistently prefer over pigment alternatives.

Budget-conscious professionals who need reliable 13×19 output without the premium price of 10+ color systems will appreciate the value. At under $550, this printer delivers 90% of the quality at half the price of flagship models.

Who Should Skip This Model

Photographers selling fine art prints requiring archival longevity should consider pigment-based alternatives. While Canon’s dye inks have improved, they still don’t match the 200-year fade resistance of pigment systems.

If you rely on 11×14 as a standard output size, be warned that Canon controversially removed this preset from the driver. You’ll need to create custom paper sizes, which frustrates some workflow automation.

5. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 – 9-Color Professional Workhorse

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 serves as the younger sibling to the PRO-1100, sharing the same pigment-based ink technology in a more compact 13-inch format. I’ve recommended this printer to dozens of photographer friends over the past few years.

The 9-color pigment ink system plus Chroma Optimizer produces archival-quality prints that resist fading for generations. When I’m selling limited edition prints to collectors, the permanence ratings give both me and my buyers confidence in the investment.

What impressed me most during testing was the reliability. The Nozzle Recovery System automatically detects and compensates for clogged nozzles, a feature that has saved multiple prints during critical deadlines. The Skew Correction ensures paper feeds straight every time.

The included Professional Print and Layout software integrates seamlessly with Photoshop and Lightroom. I can now print directly from my editing software with accurate color profiles, eliminating the guesswork that plagued earlier generations of photo printers.

Who Should Buy the PRO-300

Serious amateur and professional photographers who need pigment ink longevity without the 17-inch format or premium price of the PRO-1100 will find the PRO-300 ideal. It strikes the perfect balance of quality, size, and cost.

Fine art photographers selling archival prints benefit from the pigment ink system. The Chroma Optimizer specifically addresses the bronzing issues that plague some pigment printers on glossy papers.

Who Should Skip This Model

The stock shortage is concerning. With only limited units available, finding replacement ink and service support may become challenging as Canon transitions to newer models. Consider the PRO-200S for immediate availability.

Photographers needing scanning or copying capabilities should look at the Epson XP-980 instead. The PRO-300 is print-only, requiring separate equipment for digitizing artwork or documents.

6. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Budget Wide Format

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 proves that you don’t need to spend a thousand dollars to get professional-quality 13×19 prints. At under $350, this printer delivers surprisingly capable results for photographers starting their printing journey.

The 6-color Claria Photo HD system includes dedicated red and gray inks, expanding the color gamut beyond standard 4-color printers. When I printed a sunset landscape with deep oranges and subtle gray cloud details, the XP-15000 handled the gradients admirably.

The 30% smaller footprint compared to previous Epson wide-format models makes this practical for home studios. I placed it on a standard desk without requiring the dedicated printer stand that larger models demand.

Paper handling is versatile with both front and rear trays. The 200-sheet front capacity handles standard photo paper while the 50-sheet rear tray accepts thicker cardstock and specialty media up to 13×19 inches.

Who Should Buy the XP-15000

Photographers entering the world of large format printing who want quality without a massive investment will love this printer. The price point makes it accessible for hobbyists transitioning to selling their work.

Real estate and architectural photographers who need to produce 11×17 and 13×19 property photos for marketing materials will find the output quality more than adequate for client presentations.

Who Should Skip This Model

High-volume professional studios should invest in more robust printers. The XP-15000 is designed for occasional to moderate use, not daily production of dozens of large prints.

Photographers requiring the absolute best color accuracy for fine art sales may outgrow this printer quickly. While capable, it doesn’t match the color gamut or tonal subtlety of 8+ color professional systems.

7. Canon PIXMA iP8720 – Best for Black and White Photography

The Canon PIXMA iP8720 has been a secret weapon in my studio for black and white photography. The dedicated gray ink cartridge makes a noticeable difference when printing monochrome images compared to standard 4 or 5-color systems.

At 9600×2400 dpi, this printer offers the highest resolution of any model in our roundup. While resolution isn’t everything, the fine detail rendering in sharp architectural prints and texture-rich landscapes is genuinely impressive.

I particularly appreciate the CD/DVD printing capability for photographers who still deliver client files on optical media. The ability to print professional labels directly onto discs adds a nice touch to wedding and event photography packages.

The wireless connectivity works reliably with both iOS and Android devices. I’ve printed directly from my phone during client consultations, showing immediate proofs before committing to large output.

Who Should Buy the iP8720

Photographers specializing in black and white work will appreciate the gray ink’s contribution to neutral tones and smooth gradations. The absence of color casts in monochrome prints is immediately noticeable.

Hobbyists and semi-professionals wanting 13×19 capability without a significant investment will find excellent value here. The output quality rivals printers costing twice as much for general photography.

Who Should Skip This Model

Professionals needing automatic duplex printing for book proofs or portfolios should look elsewhere. The manual duplex process is tedious for multi-page documents.

With limited stock availability, finding replacement ink and support may become problematic. Consider the iX6820 as a nearly identical alternative that’s more readily available.

8. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Most Economical Supertank Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 takes a different approach to wide format printing. Instead of expensive cartridges, this supertank system uses refillable bottles that dramatically reduce per-page costs.

I tested this printer for a photographer friend who runs a small real estate business. The ability to print 11×17 marketing materials in-house while also handling scanning and copying eliminated the need for multiple devices.

The included ink bottles are estimated to last for thousands of pages. For photographers producing proof sheets, contact sheets, and smaller promotional prints, the savings add up quickly compared to cartridge-based systems.

The 250-sheet paper capacity and Auto Document Feeder make this practical for mixed use. While not a dedicated photo printer, it handles occasional large photo output alongside document printing duties.

Who Should Buy the ET-15000

Photography businesses needing an all-in-one solution for mixed document and photo printing will appreciate the versatility. Real estate, school, and event photographers often need both capabilities.

Budget-conscious users who prioritize low running costs over absolute print quality should consider this system. The refillable tanks pay for themselves quickly if you print regularly.

Who Should Skip This Model

Pure photographers seeking exhibition-quality output should look at dedicated photo printers. The ET-15000’s 4800×1200 resolution and 4-color system can’t match 6+ color photo printers for color depth and gamut.

The 11×17 maximum size limits this printer for photographers who specifically need 13×19 output. While close, that extra two inches matters for standard photography paper sizes.

9. Canon Pixma iX6820 – Best Entry-Level Wide Format

The Canon Pixma iX6820 has been my go-to recommendation for photographers taking their first step into large format printing. At around $200, it removes the financial barrier while still delivering respectable 13×19 output.

Despite the budget price, Canon included a 5-color individual ink system and 9600×2400 dpi resolution. These specifications match or exceed many printers costing significantly more.

During my testing, I found the print quality surprisingly good for the price point. While it won’t match professional 8+ color systems for subtle gradations, the output is more than adequate for portfolio presentations and client proofs.

The AirPrint compatibility is particularly useful for mobile workflows. I’ve printed directly from my iPad during location shoots to show clients immediate large-format previews of their images.

Who Should Buy the iX6820

Photography students and hobbyists wanting to experiment with large format printing without a major investment will find this printer ideal. The low entry price makes it accessible for anyone curious about printing their work.

Small business owners needing occasional 13×19 output for posters and promotional materials will appreciate the versatility. The business-oriented design handles both documents and photos reasonably well.

Who Should Skip This Model

Professional photographers selling fine art prints should invest in higher-end models. The 5-color system simply can’t reproduce the color gamut and tonal range that serious collectors expect.

Users requiring reliable wireless connectivity may experience frustration. Several forum reports mention WiFi dropout issues that required USB connections for consistent operation.

10. Epson Expression Photo XP-980 – Best All-in-One Photo Printer

The Epson Expression Photo XP-980 offers a compelling combination of photo printing quality and all-in-one convenience. For photographers who need scanning and copying alongside their printing, this versatile machine saves both money and desk space.

The 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system produces genuinely impressive photo output. I was skeptical about a multifunction device competing with dedicated photo printers, but the XP-980 exceeded my expectations for color accuracy and detail.

The built-in scanner performs well for digitizing prints and documents. While not professional-grade for artwork reproduction, it’s perfectly adequate for archiving old photographs and creating digital backups.

Print speed is impressive for a multifunction device. The 11-second 4×6 prints are perfect for event photography where clients want immediate takeaways.

Who Should Buy the XP-980

Photographers with limited space who need both printing and scanning capabilities will appreciate this all-in-one solution. Home studios especially benefit from the space savings.

Event and portrait photographers who produce quick prints on location will find the touchscreen interface and fast output genuinely useful for client satisfaction.

Who Should Skip This Model

The 11×17 maximum size is the dealbreaker for photographers specifically needing 13×19 output. While close, this limitation excludes the XP-980 from serious consideration for fine art photographers.

Users who print infrequently should be aware that Epson inkjets require regular use to prevent head clogging. If you might go weeks between prints, consider a Canon alternative.

How to Choose the Best 13×19 Photo Printer In 2026?

Selecting the right photo printer involves more than comparing specifications. Based on my 15 years of experience and conversations with hundreds of photographers, here’s what actually matters when making your decision.

Pigment vs Dye Ink: What Photographers Need to Know

The ink type fundamentally affects your prints’ longevity and appearance. Pigment-based inks, found in professional models like the Canon PRO-1100 and Epson P900, consist of solid particles suspended in liquid. These particles sit on top of the paper surface, creating prints that resist fading for 200+ years.

Dye-based inks, used in the Canon PRO-200S, absorb into the paper fibers. This creates richer, more vibrant colors on glossy papers that many clients prefer. However, dye prints typically fade within 30-80 years depending on display conditions.

For photographers selling archival fine art prints, pigment is essential. For portrait and wedding photographers delivering client albums, dye inks often produce more pleasing results that clients love immediately.

Resolution and Print Quality Reality Check

Manufacturers advertise impressive dpi numbers, but real-world print quality depends on multiple factors. The number of ink colors matters more than raw resolution for smooth gradations and accurate colors.

A 6-color 5760×1440 dpi printer often produces better photographs than an 8-color 4800×1200 dpi model for certain subjects. More ink colors mean better handling of subtle skin tones, shadow details, and saturated colors.

For most photographers, any printer in our roundup offers sufficient resolution. Focus instead on color gamut, paper handling, and running costs when making your selection.

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase price is just the beginning. Professional photo printers can cost significantly more to operate than you might expect. A full set of replacement cartridges for a 10 or 11-color printer can exceed $400.

Calculate your expected print volume before choosing. If you produce 50+ large prints monthly, the per-print cost of expensive pigment systems becomes reasonable. For occasional printing, budget models like the Epson XP-15000 or Canon iX6820 make more financial sense.

Also consider maintenance costs. Epson’s integrated printheads are expensive to replace if damaged. Canon’s replaceable thermal heads in the PRO series offer better long-term serviceability.

Paper Handling and Media Versatility

Consider the papers you actually use. If you primarily print on standard glossy and luster photo papers, any printer in our list will serve you well. However, fine art photographers using heavy cotton rag papers need to check maximum media thickness specifications.

The Canon PRO-1100 handles media up to 1.5mm thick, accommodating virtually any fine art paper. Some competitors struggle with stock over 300gsm, requiring manual feeding that slows your workflow.

Roll paper support is crucial for panoramic photographers. The Epson P900 and Canon PRO-1100 both accept roll media, enabling prints longer than standard sheet sizes.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Modern photo printers offer multiple connection options. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you print from tablets and phones, useful for quick client previews. Ethernet provides more stable connections for studio networks with multiple computers.

Software integration matters more than hardware connections. Canon’s Professional Print and Layout and Epson’s Print Layout both integrate with Photoshop and Lightroom, allowing direct printing with proper color management.

Consider your existing workflow when choosing. Switching brands means rebuilding your ICC profile library and potentially relearning color management techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Perfect Photo Printer

After testing these 10 printers extensively, I’ve confirmed that there is no single best choice for every photographer. Your specific needs, budget, and workflow determine the right investment.

For professionals building a full-service studio, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 represents the pinnacle of desktop printing technology. Its 17-inch capability, replaceable printheads, and gallery-grade output justify the premium for high-volume producers.

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S offers the best balance of quality and value for most working photographers. Its dye-based inks produce client-pleasing colors at a fraction of the cost of flagship models.

Budget-conscious photographers entering the large format world should start with the Epson XP-15000. It delivers genuine 13×19 capability without breaking the bank.

Whatever you choose, remember that the best 13×19 photo printers for photographers are the ones that actually get used. A $200 printer producing weekly prints creates more value than a $1,300 printer collecting dust. Choose based on your real needs, print regularly, and enjoy the unmatched satisfaction of holding your photographs in hand.

Ready to transform your digital files into gallery-worthy prints? Select the printer that matches your vision and start printing your best work in 2026.