5 Photo Printers for Creative Projects

Looking for a photo printer that delivers outstanding quality? We dug into user reviews to bring you five of the best options on the market today.

You can print large art pieces, scan and copy documents, or choose a model that keeps ink costs low, so there is an option for every type of user.

From professional-grade models to everyday printers, we break down the key features, pros, and cons to help you pick the one that fits your creative workflow perfectly.

---

5 Photo Printers (Comparison Table)

Printer	Type	Functions	Price
Epson Expression Photo XP-970	Inkjet (6-color)	Print, Copy, Scan	$380
HP DesignJet Z9+ 24-in PostScript	Wide-Format Inkjet (9-color)	Print only	$4,130
Canon PIXMA G3270	Inkjet (MegaTank)	Print, Copy, Scan	$160
Canon PIXMA G6020	Inkjet (MegaTank)	Print, Copy, Scan	$324
Brother PrintModa Studio – HL-JF1	Fabric/Creative Printer	Print on fabric and paper	$850

---

1. Epson Expression Photo XP-970

Screenshot from the Epson website

If you need lab-quality photos, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is one of the most praised photo printers by users. This compact wide-format printer handles up to 11″×17″ borderless prints—perfect for art students, photographers, or anyone creating professional-quality images.

Its six-color Claria Photo HD ink system delivers vibrant, smooth tones, especially in skin and shadow details, while wireless printing support makes it easy to print directly from your phone or tablet.

Key Features

• Prints borderless photos up to 11" × 17" with a 6-color ink system for rich, accurate tones.
• Delivers high-quality 4" × 6" photos in as little as 11 seconds.
• Supports a variety of specialty media for flexible, creative printing.
• Includes a fold-over scan lid that keeps originals securely in place during scanning.
• Offers PC-free printing through a 4.3" color touchscreen for easy control.
• Print speeds: up to 8.5 ISO ppm (black) and 8.0 ISO ppm (color).

Pros:
✔️ Excellent photo detail and tonal range
✔️ Prints up to tabloid size (11″×17″)
✔️ Sleek, space-saving design
✔️ Easy mobile and wireless setup

Cons:
❌ High ink replacement cost
❌ Slower document printing
❌ No automatic document feeder (ADF)

---

2. HP DesignJet Z9+ 24-in PostScript

Screenshot from the HP website

The HP DesignJet Z9 is a professional-grade wide-format photo printer, highly rated by graphic designers, architects, and photographers who demand precision. It supports print sizes up to 24 inches wide, with 9-color pigment ink that produces smooth gradients and fine detail without visible banding.

Despite its professional size, it’s surprisingly efficient and includes integrated vertical trimming for quick output handling.

Key Features

• Color printing speed up to 228 square feet per hour
• HP Thermal Inkjet with a 9-color ink system for detailed results
• Includes automatic roll feed, cut-sheet feeder, 500 GB hard drive, and touchscreen display
• Certified FCC Class A for commercial environments
• The dynamic security feature works only with HP-authorized ink

✔️ Exceptional photo and color reproduction
✔️ Professional-grade speed and consistency
✔️ Built-in cutter saves time
✔️ Ideal for large photo or art prints

Cons:
❌ Expensive upfront cost
❌ Requires maintenance space and calibration

---

3. Canon PIXMA G3270

Screenshot from the Canon website

The Canon PIXMA G3270 is a refillable “MegaTank” photo printer designed for low running costs and high-quality color printing. It’s great for students, families who print frequently.

It delivers vibrant photos with good color accuracy and includes scanning and copying functions—all in a compact, budget-friendly body.

Key Features

• Refillable ink tanks (MegaTank system)
• Up to 6,000 black or 7,700 color pages per refill
• Borderless printing up to 8.5″×11″
• Wireless, USB, and mobile printing
• Compact design with a clear LCD display
  

Pros:
✔️ Extremely low running costs
✔️ Great color accuracy for photos and documents
✔️ Borderless printing up to letter size
✔️ Simple refill process and durable design

Cons:
❌ Slower print speed
❌ No duplex printing
❌ Basic display and controls

---

4. Canon PIXMA G6020

Screenshot from the Canon website

The Canon PIXMA G6020 is a step up in the MegaTank line, offering faster speeds, larger ink capacity, and more versatility than the G3270. Users praise its photo quality and near-zero ink replacement costs.

It supports automatic two-sided printing and multiple paper feeds, making it suitable for both creative photo projects and everyday document work.

Key Features

• Refillable MegaTank ink system
• Up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages per refill
• Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing
• 250-sheet total paper capacity 
• Wireless, Ethernet, and mobile printing
  

Pros:
✔️ Low-cost, high-volume printing
✔️ Excellent photo and text output
✔️ Duplex printing included
✔️ Works with multiple devices and apps

Cons:
❌ Slightly larger footprint
❌ No touchscreen display
❌ Initial setup can take time

---

5. Brother PrintModa Studio - HLJF1

Screenshot from the Brother website

If you’re looking for something creative beyond traditional photo printers, the Brother PrintModa Studio (HL-JF1) offers a different kind of printing experience.

While it’s not a professional photo printer, it’s designed for makers, crafters, and classrooms who want to print colorful designs directly on fabric or paper for projects, décor, and custom creations.

Key Features

• Print in vibrant color
• Artspira Integration 
• Wireless enabled 
• Fast Printing Speeds 
• Fabric Printer for all kinds of creations 

Pros:
✔️ Enables printing directly on fabric — great for creative & craft-oriented users
✔️ Dual-mode printing allows flexibility between high-impact and lighter print jobs
✔️ Wireless/mobile friendly; integrates with design apps for personalisation
✔️ Adds a unique dimension beyond standard photo printers

Cons:
❌ More expensive than regular photo printers
❌ Takes up more space 
❌ Made for fabric printing

---

Summary

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all photo printer.

The Epson XP-970 shines for wide-format and rich photo output, while the HP DesignJet Z9 is the professional’s choice for gallery-grade prints. If you need a mix of functionality and affordability, Brother PrintModa Studio - HLJF1 stands out.

For long-term ink savings, Canon’s PIXMA G3270 and G6020 are unbeatable options.

No matter your budget or space, each of these printers earned strong user reviews for color accuracy, reliability, and ease of use—helping you create photo prints that look as vivid on paper as they do on screen.