Printer News

Epson launched the latest model in its SureColor photo printer line this morning: the 13-inch SC-P400. The Epson P400, which is designed for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateur photographers, offers more flexible media options for printing on a variety of photo papers. The Epson SC-P400 also adds Epson’s new UltraChrome HG2 pigment inks and uses Epson's MicroPiezo AMC print head.

The eight-color Epson UltraChrome HG2 pigment inkset in the SureColor P400 includes Red and Orange inks which are designed to produce deeper reds, for more “true-to-life colors,” according to Epson. Meanwhile, dedicated channels for both Matte and Photo Black inks are designed to produce deep, rich blacks on matte, fine art and photo papers.

The Epson SC-P400 printer uses Epson’s enhanced AccuPhoto HD imaging technology and a unique Gloss Optimizer chemistry to help create “consistent output with smooth gradations and exhibition-quality prints with a professional-lab look and feel,” Epson said in a press announcement this morning.

“The UltraChrome HG2 pigment ink technology and robust media handling capabilities enable photographic-quality output on canvas, fine art papers, 12”x12” scrapbook pages, and even panorama printing,” said Eddie Murphy, a marketing specialist for Professional Imaging at Epson America.

The Epson P400 features more flexible media handling, including a front-in and front-out paper path that’s designed to produce borderless photos at up to 13”x19” on a variety of glossy, matte and fine art papers. Improved roll paper support in the P400 allows photographers to output image panoramas of over 10 feet long for both Windows and Mac users.

In addition, custom images can be created and printed directly onto canvas, art boards and CD/DVDs. The SureColor P400 also offers several connectivity options that are designed to make it easy to print from a home office or studio via USB, Wireless n1, Wi-Fi Direct, or Ethernet.

Here’s a rundown of the key features on the new Epson SureColor P400, according to Epson’s announcement this morning:

- Eight-color UltraChrome HG2 pigment inkset designed to produce colorful prints that are highly water, smudge and fade resistant

- Red and Orange inks designed to output true, deep reds and richer skin tones

- Auto-selecting Black inks – Optimal black density on matte, fine art or glossy papers from either Matte or Photo Black ink, delivered via dedicated channels

- Individual ink cartridges – Change cartridges less often with eight 14 mL individual ink cartridges that offer a more affordable cost per set2

- Advanced image processing – Smoother color transitions and outstanding highlight and shadow detail with AccuPhoto HG imaging technology

- Eight-channel print head technology – MicroPiezo AMC one-inch-wide print head with a 1.5 pl minimum droplet size and ink-repelling coating for more accurate dot placement and reduced maintenance

- Flexible media handling – Prints cut-sheet and roll paper in sizes up to 13-inches wide including borderless; supports photographic and fine art paper, canvas, 1.3 mm thick board, and inkjet-printable CD/DVDs

- Professional connectivity – Hi-Speed USB 2.0, wireless 802.11n1 and 100 Mbit Ethernet support

Pricing & Availability
The Epson SureColor P400 is available now for $599. The printer is supported by a one-year whole-unit exchange limited warranty plan and specialized technical support staff. For additional information about the Epson SureColor P400, visit epson.com/P400.

Read our review of the 17-inch Epson SureColor P800 pro photo printer here.

Read the news about Epson's new lineup of professional large format photo printers here.