The introduction of Epson’s A4 format EcoTank ET-8500 and A3+ format ET- 8550 bulk ink multi functional photo printers - now with six-colour long-life Claria sets - represents a breakout into new territory for photo printers, with re-fillable ink tanks replacing throw-away cartridges.
Until recent times, prosumer-level A4 and A3+ format multifunctional printers were all about a relatively inexpensive printer operating on very expensive small-capacity ink cartridges. The arrival of bulk bottled ink reversed the situation to a relatively expensive printer, but with more economical ink bottles. Buyers could make a choice depending on expected usage. What might negate everything for serious print-making was the use of inks in the EcoTank system that really didn’t get a mention as far as print longevity was concerned. For general home and office work this may be of little consequence, but if print-making for posterity is the key issue, then the bulk ink option has been all the more appealing.
Now the EcoTank ET-8550 becomes a ‘game changer’ with the use of Epson’s Claria ET Premium inks, well noted over many years for having Wilhelm Research ratings on quality papers of 98 years for prints under glass and over 200 in dark storage. Suddenly the door is open, the sale potential is considerable and the range of printer options extended.
As versatile, compact and convenient multi-functional printers using comparatively cheap bulk inks, the EcoTank ET-8500 and ET-8550 are certainly going to appeal to a broad market. The inclusion of Claria ET Premium inks immediately attracts the attention of keen photographers, especially the A3+ format ET-8550.
IN THE BOX
The packaging box contains the printer, six 70ml ink bottles - black, cyan, magenta, yellow and grey dyes, and a black pigment - CD ROM (containing the Epson printer drivers, Epson Scan 2, Epson ScanSmart, Epson Photo +), a CD/DVD print tray, the power lead, a Quick Setup guide and a spare maintenance box (one is already installed in the printer).
Rounded corners and edges, and a finely stippled black surface help to give this printer a pleasing look. The former bulk ink reservoirs attached to the side of
