Printers are a vital part of a graphic designer and photographers’ workstation. Even the slightest printer blunder can cause the outcome to be catastrophic. Which is why many artists are now leaning towards pigment printers these days.

Why is a pigment printer vital towards an artist’s setup? Pigment-based cartridges come with a fast-drying property. On top of that, pigment-based formulas are waterproof by default so you can expect your artworks to be intact for a long time.

But how do you define a good pigment-based printer? Based on a few things such as print quality, power consumption, number of inks, and connectivity. These are important points to keep an eye out for.

All these points might seem confusing to you which is why we’ve put together a list of some of the best pigment ink printers around! Let’s begin!

 

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

If you have the slightest idea regarding printers, you know how good the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is. One of the best selling printers on Amazon, the Epson Expression HD-15000, justifies its price through its utilities and performance.

Why is this printer so good? Though there are quite a few reasons, the short answer would be because of a combination of performance and affordability. This printer dons a stylish matte black finish and a compact build quality. It weighs about 18lbs. We can say that it’s lighter than most of the printers.

What about the performance? It’s better than about 95% of the printers currently. The Epson HD XP-15000 has a staggering 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution which makes your prints even crisp and clear. This printer can also print borderless up to sizes 13 x 19″. Finally, it prints at a speed of 9.3 IPM which is decent considering its size.

The Epson HD XP-15000 runs on a 6 cartridge pigment ink setup. Connection interfaces are quite diverse too with the availability of USB 2.0 and WiFi. You can also print directly through 8 options including AirPrint and Google Cloud Services.

However, the running costs are slightly higher than other printers.

Overall, the Epson Expression HD XP-15000 is the best pigment ink printer you can find currently. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up!

Pros

• Stylish and compact build quality.
• A super high 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution.
• It can print borderless up to sizes 13 x 19″.
• A decent 9.3 PPM print speed.
• It runs on a 6 cartridge pigment ink setup thus offering more color options.
• Supports mobile printing through 8 apps and mediums.

Cons

• Running costs can be a bit high.

 

Canon IP8720

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Epson HD XP-15000,  you might as well take a look at the Canon IP8720. Ideal for both home and office use, this might just be the pigment ink printer you’re looking for.

The Canon IP 8720 is what you’d expect from a mid-range pigment ink printer. It weighs about 18.6 lbs. That’s about the same as other quality printers you can find currently. The build quality and finishing are smooth and sturdy.

On to the performance section and spoiler alerts, you’re going to love it! The Canon IP8720 has a pretty high resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi. It also has a decent high print speed of 14.6PPM. It also supports borderless printing up to 13 x 19″.

As for the extra features, there are quite a few of them. It has an ADF. There are both USB and Wi-Fi connection interfaces available. You can also print directly from AirPrint and PIXMA.

However, the single paper tray only has a capacity of 150 sheets.

Overall the Canon IP8720 is a pretty solid printer. If you like this printer then go for it!

Pros

• Solid and compact build quality.
• A pretty high resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi.
• A fast printing speed of 14.6PPM.
• Supports borderless printing up to 13 x 19″.
• ADF supported.

Cons

• The paper tray only has a capacity of 150 sheets.

 

Canon PIXMA iX6820

Up next we have the crowd favorite Canon Pixma iX6820. Loved and adored by nearly all of its users, this printer is the epitome of value for money. Let’s take a deep dive as to why!

Let’s kick off by discussing the build and let me tell you, it’s as good as it can get. The look is stylish and the build quality is strong and it can take a few bumps. It also runs on a 5 ink cartridge setup  – cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and pigment black.

The performance of this printer is perhaps one of the best. The massive 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution is something you should keep in mind while selecting this printer. On top of that, it prints out quite fast too at a max speed of 14.5PPM. It also prints borderless up to 13 x 19″.

As for the rest of it, you won’t be disappointed. It supports ADF. As for connection interfaces, it also supports the standard trio of Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. You can also print directly via Google Cloud print, Pixma, and AirPrint.

However, the lack of a duplexer is something you don’t expect in 2024.

Overall, The Canon Pixma iX6820 is a near-perfect pigment ink printer. We highly recommend you go for this one!

Pros

• A diverse 5 ink cartridge setup.
• A fast printing speed of 14.5 PPM.
• It can print borderless up to 13 x 19”.
• A mammoth 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution.
• ADF supported.

Cons

• Lacks duplex printing.

 

Canon MX922

Up next we’ve got the Canon MX922. This one is strictly for those who need a pigment ink printer for their business and offices. The Canon MX922 was specifically designed for offices as it’s known for its multiple usability and performance.

The Canon MX922 can fax, print, scan, and copy making it quite useful for offices and businesses that confront these tasks frequently. The build quality and looks are great too.

As we’ve mentioned already, this printer was aimed towards businesses. The performance is supposed to be standard. The Canon MX922 comes with a stunning 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution. The print speed of 15PPM is standard too. All of these combined make it formidable performance printer.

The Canon MX922 has a 3.0″ LCD control panel. It also comes with a Dual Color Gamut Processing Technology. It supports both duplex printing and ADF. It supports USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 2.0 connection interface. It also supports direct printing from apps such as AirPrint and Pixma.

But one thing to keep in mind here is that it tends to get a bit slow over time. Other than that, there isn’t anything else to talk of.

Overall, this is truly a great printer for offices and businesses alike. So don’t think about it twice and pick this one!

Pros

• Ideal for offices and businesses.
• This printer uses 5 individual ink cartridges.
• It has a stunning 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution.
• A standard 15PPM print speed.
• It supports USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 2.0 connection interface.
• Solid build quality and stylish exterior.

Cons

• Gets slow over time.

 

Canon Pixma TR 4520

Looking for something a bit cheaper? Well, we’ve got something for you! It’s the Canon TR 4520. Not only is this printer budget-friendly, it’s also more than capable of handling your day-to-day tasks.

So what exactly is it good for? Multitasking! Not only can the Canon TR4520 print, it can also fax, scan, and copy. It’s also the lightest printer on this list as it weighs just about 13lbs.

What about the performance? It’s quite good for the amount you’re going to spend. The Canon Pixma TR 4520 comes with a 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution. Though the print speed of 8.8 IPM is a bit low, you’ll barely notice it. You can also print borderless up to 8.5 x 11″.

In terms of connection, this printer isn’t far behind the competition. This printer is compatible with duplex printing. You’ll also be getting a USB Type-B and Wi-Fi connection interface. And finally, you can print directly from apps such as Mopria and AirPrint.

However, the one thing that might not be satisfying is its high running costs.

Overall, the Canon Pixma TR4520 is the best budget pigment ink printer currently!

Pros

• It can scan, copy, print, and fax.
• A massive 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution.
• A decent 8.8 IPM printing speed.
• It features a USB Type-B and Wi-Fi connection interface.
• Supports borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11″.
• Lightest pigment ink printer.

Cons

• High-maintenance cost.

 

Wrapping Up

As an artist, your work is the most valuable thing to you. And the last thing you’d want is to mess it up because of a printer.

We suggest going for the Canon iX 6820 or the Epson expression HD XP-15000. But no matter which one you pick, rest assured you won’t be disappointed!