Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Review: The Ultimate A3+ 6-Ink Photo Printer for Creators & Studios

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 — often marketed as the “Photo” variant in Epson’s EcoTank range — is a unique wide-format A3+/13″ pigment-plus-dye ink tank printer that blends extremely low running costs with photo-centric performance. It’s one of the most popular A3 6-ink EcoTank models, and in this review we look at what sets it apart from standard A3 ink tanks and who should seriously consider it for vibrant, large-format printing.

Unlike many standard EcoTank A3 printers that aim for general office use, the ET-8550 was designed with photo enthusiasts, artists and creative professionals in mind — offering superb colour accuracy, deep blacks and smooth gradients ideal for photo prints, art proofs and marketing materials.

Key Features & Specs

The ET-8550 stands out in the EcoTank line because of its **six-ink system** (including Photo Black and Gray) that enhances colour depth and realism — a major advantage for photo prints and artwork that demand subtle tonal transitions and rich detail. 

• Supports **A3 and A3+ (13" x 19")** wide-format borderless printing — ideal for large photos and posters.
• Six-ink EcoTank system reduces running costs dramatically compared to cartridges. 
• Up to **5,760 × 1,440 dpi** print resolution for detailed colour work. 
• Rear feed accepts many media types, including cardstock and specialty papers up to ~1.3mm thick. 
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AirPrint and Epson Smart Panel support. 

Photo & Print Quality

Photo printing is where the ET-8550 truly shines. With six individual inks — including dedicated Photo Black and Gray — it produces vibrant, rich prints with deep shadows and accurate hues, outperforming typical four-ink ink tank models and many standard A3 office printers.

Testing has shown that the colour fidelity and detail levels on glossy and fine-art papers are impressive for a refillable ink tank printer, making it a versatile choice for hobbyists, makers and small studios.

Who Should Choose the ET-8550?

This isn’t your typical office-first A3 printer — it’s a photo-centric model that appeals to users who prioritise colour depth and media versatility over raw monochrome speed or laser-like text output. It’s particularly suitable for:

• Photography enthusiasts and amateurs printing borderless photos and portfolios.
• Artists and designers producing proofs and art prints up to A3+ size.
• Small businesses needing vibrant posters, flyers or marketing collateral.
• Creative studios requiring low-cost, high-quality colour prints without expensive cartridges.

Product Images

Video Overview: Epson ET-8550 Review

Final Verdict

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 stands out as one of the most compelling A3 wide-format ink tank printers when it comes to **photo print quality, vibrant colour reproduction, and media flexibility** — especially considering its ultra-low running costs. While it’s not as fast as some office-centric A3 units, its six-ink system and detailed output make it perfect for creatives, photographers and designers who want large, beautiful prints without the ongoing expense of cartridge replacements.