I use an Epson PictureMate to print almost all of my photos for Project Life.
And when my first PictureMate died (after about 5 years of seriously hard use), I loved it so much that I bought another one!
While it's not a printer, I also have a large format Epson scanner that I bought about 10 years ago when I started posting all of my 12×12 scrapbook pages to the web. I was terrible at taking photos of my pages and tired of trying to stitch together two 8.5×11 scans. The ginormous 12.2" x 17.2" scanner bed makes scanning those 12×12 pages, like this one, so easy!
Well the good people at Epson must have known I was a fan because they offered to send me two new printers to try out. That's a kind of exciting offer, isn't it?!
The first printer they sent me is the Epson Expression Photo XP-860.
It's an all-in-one printer — meaning along with being a printer, it has a letter sized scanner/copier built-in.
Some of the things that work for me about it:
- Wireless. Yes!!! I can put the printer anywhere in my apartment that's convenient and it will print wirelessly from either my desktop or my laptop computer.
- Document Feeder. I don't have to stand over the printer to place each individual page of a document down, I can simply drop the grouping into the feeder (which flips open) and it will automatically do it for me. Big improvement over my old all-in-one.
- Two Paper Trays. I currently have regular 8.5×11" copy paper AND 4×6" glossy photo paper loaded into my printer at the same time because there are two paper trays. I can print on whichever I want without having to get up and change things over. Pretty cool. AND the printer has a third tray that allows you to print on CDs. This means you can create custom labels for all those photo back-up CDs!
- Image Quality. Great photo prints and great quality scanning too.
- Lots of Functions. There are so many choices! You can do 2-sided copying, enlarging and reducing, print from a memory card, and there's a kind of fun feature called "coloring book." "Coloring Book" turns any image into an outline image that you can color. Silly, but fun to use!
As I mentioned, the printer takes many sizes of paper, including 5×7, which is how I made these Christmas Cards:
I simply took a photo of these deer prints I made by hand and then printed twice — once super zoomed in and once at a safe distance. Half way handmade cards!
The second printer they sent me is the Epson Photo Stylus R2000.
Oh, baby, that's a sexy printer. It's also HUGE! But that's because it's a wide format printer so it prints some seriously large images, like this one:
Now, that's a big print, but it's no big deal for this printer. So how big does it print? Well, it will acommodate paper or rolls up to 13" wide.
Rolls?!
Yep, you can print onto rolls of paper or canvas to create truly enormous art prints. The rolls are about 20 feet long, so that's a really cool art mural you can wrap around your walls! I haven't printed on the rolls yet, but I've ordered up a canvas roll from Amazon and I'm excited to give it a try! I'll be sure to share photos when I do!
In the meantime, things that work for me about this printer:
- Wireless. Makes me so happy, especially because the printer is so large. I don't have to have it right next to my computer!
- Large Format. I know I've already waxed poetic, but LARGE FORMAT! You can print a 12×12 scrapbook page or a 20 foot banner! I'm excited to be able to print professional quality large sized art prints of my own work. FYI: That print I'm holding is actually *larger* than the original.
- Rear Feed. I'm an artist. I put some funky stuff through my printer. With a traditional printer, the feed is from the front and it gets flipped around in the machine. I can't tell you how many things I've gotten stuck in my printer because of this fact. I haven't done extensive testing, but I was able to put this lacy card through the printer to print the sentiment inside. Cool!
To put it through, I printed onto a plain sheet of paper. Then I placed the card on top of that printed sentiment (so I knew it would print in the right place). I taped the card edges down so they wouldn't get caught in the printer and it all worked out!
All in all, I'm very pleased with my new printers. Excellent quality. Most importantly, they (a) fit into my normal art-making workflow, and (b) open up some new possibilities for fun stuff to make!
I hope you found this review helpful. Thanks for stopping by!
I always like your product reviews and will be sure to consider an Epson when I’m in the market for a new printer. Printing out the larger sizes is especially cool.
I always like your product reviews and will be sure to consider an Epson when I’m in the market for a new printer. Printing out the larger sizes is especially cool.
I always like your product reviews and will be sure to consider an Epson when I’m in the market for a new printer. Printing out the larger sizes is especially cool.
I always like your product reviews and will be sure to consider an Epson when I’m in the market for a new printer. Printing out the larger sizes is especially cool.
I always like your product reviews and will be sure to consider an Epson when I’m in the market for a new printer. Printing out the larger sizes is especially cool.
What a great review…thanks so much!! I too have the R2000 and use it for all of my 11×14 prints. Great quality. Look forward to seeing all of the other fun stuff you’re going to do with this printer!!
What a great review…thanks so much!! I too have the R2000 and use it for all of my 11×14 prints. Great quality. Look forward to seeing all of the other fun stuff you’re going to do with this printer!!
What a great review…thanks so much!! I too have the R2000 and use it for all of my 11×14 prints. Great quality. Look forward to seeing all of the other fun stuff you’re going to do with this printer!!
What a great review…thanks so much!! I too have the R2000 and use it for all of my 11×14 prints. Great quality. Look forward to seeing all of the other fun stuff you’re going to do with this printer!!
What a great review…thanks so much!! I too have the R2000 and use it for all of my 11×14 prints. Great quality. Look forward to seeing all of the other fun stuff you’re going to do with this printer!!
You lucky thing, getting free printers! I have an Epson Expression Photo XP-850 which seems to me to be exactly the same as your XP-860. Maybe they have different numbers because we’re in different countries. It’s an excellent printer which I bought about a year ago. The only problem I have with it is how fast the ink runs out. And we don’t even print much.
I’d love to try out that large scale printer!
You lucky thing, getting free printers! I have an Epson Expression Photo XP-850 which seems to me to be exactly the same as your XP-860. Maybe they have different numbers because we’re in different countries. It’s an excellent printer which I bought about a year ago. The only problem I have with it is how fast the ink runs out. And we don’t even print much.
I’d love to try out that large scale printer!
You lucky thing, getting free printers! I have an Epson Expression Photo XP-850 which seems to me to be exactly the same as your XP-860. Maybe they have different numbers because we’re in different countries. It’s an excellent printer which I bought about a year ago. The only problem I have with it is how fast the ink runs out. And we don’t even print much.
I’d love to try out that large scale printer!
You lucky thing, getting free printers! I have an Epson Expression Photo XP-850 which seems to me to be exactly the same as your XP-860. Maybe they have different numbers because we’re in different countries. It’s an excellent printer which I bought about a year ago. The only problem I have with it is how fast the ink runs out. And we don’t even print much.
I’d love to try out that large scale printer!
You lucky thing, getting free printers! I have an Epson Expression Photo XP-850 which seems to me to be exactly the same as your XP-860. Maybe they have different numbers because we’re in different countries. It’s an excellent printer which I bought about a year ago. The only problem I have with it is how fast the ink runs out. And we don’t even print much.
I’d love to try out that large scale printer!
I am on my second Epson printer and wonder about the ink for these printers. The XP600 all-in-one that I have now costs me about $120 to replace the ink and it doesn’t seem to last very long. My older printer that was still working but ready to pack it in was much more reasonable.
I am on my second Epson printer and wonder about the ink for these printers. The XP600 all-in-one that I have now costs me about $120 to replace the ink and it doesn’t seem to last very long. My older printer that was still working but ready to pack it in was much more reasonable.
I am on my second Epson printer and wonder about the ink for these printers. The XP600 all-in-one that I have now costs me about $120 to replace the ink and it doesn’t seem to last very long. My older printer that was still working but ready to pack it in was much more reasonable.
I am on my second Epson printer and wonder about the ink for these printers. The XP600 all-in-one that I have now costs me about $120 to replace the ink and it doesn’t seem to last very long. My older printer that was still working but ready to pack it in was much more reasonable.
I am on my second Epson printer and wonder about the ink for these printers. The XP600 all-in-one that I have now costs me about $120 to replace the ink and it doesn’t seem to last very long. My older printer that was still working but ready to pack it in was much more reasonable.
Wow! That second printer looks awesome! How are the ink prices?
Wow! That second printer looks awesome! How are the ink prices?
Wow! That second printer looks awesome! How are the ink prices?
Wow! That second printer looks awesome! How are the ink prices?
Wow! That second printer looks awesome! How are the ink prices?
Oh, yes, Epsons are awesome! My old Stylus 1400 died, and I bought two new printers–an Artisan 1430 (will print 13×19) and a Workforce WF 7610. Both wireless. The WorkForce (which does fax and scanning and printing in large format) has a large bed scanner–not as big as Julie’s, but 11 x 17 is OK, because I don’t scan anything bigger than that–or haven’t needed to yet. I have been in love with Epsons for years because of the straight paper path, the variety of print options, and the quality of the prints! And no, they don’t pay me! Or give me printers! Sigh….
Oh, yes, Epsons are awesome! My old Stylus 1400 died, and I bought two new printers–an Artisan 1430 (will print 13×19) and a Workforce WF 7610. Both wireless. The WorkForce (which does fax and scanning and printing in large format) has a large bed scanner–not as big as Julie’s, but 11 x 17 is OK, because I don’t scan anything bigger than that–or haven’t needed to yet. I have been in love with Epsons for years because of the straight paper path, the variety of print options, and the quality of the prints! And no, they don’t pay me! Or give me printers! Sigh….
Oh, yes, Epsons are awesome! My old Stylus 1400 died, and I bought two new printers–an Artisan 1430 (will print 13×19) and a Workforce WF 7610. Both wireless. The WorkForce (which does fax and scanning and printing in large format) has a large bed scanner–not as big as Julie’s, but 11 x 17 is OK, because I don’t scan anything bigger than that–or haven’t needed to yet. I have been in love with Epsons for years because of the straight paper path, the variety of print options, and the quality of the prints! And no, they don’t pay me! Or give me printers! Sigh….
Oh, yes, Epsons are awesome! My old Stylus 1400 died, and I bought two new printers–an Artisan 1430 (will print 13×19) and a Workforce WF 7610. Both wireless. The WorkForce (which does fax and scanning and printing in large format) has a large bed scanner–not as big as Julie’s, but 11 x 17 is OK, because I don’t scan anything bigger than that–or haven’t needed to yet. I have been in love with Epsons for years because of the straight paper path, the variety of print options, and the quality of the prints! And no, they don’t pay me! Or give me printers! Sigh….
Oh, yes, Epsons are awesome! My old Stylus 1400 died, and I bought two new printers–an Artisan 1430 (will print 13×19) and a Workforce WF 7610. Both wireless. The WorkForce (which does fax and scanning and printing in large format) has a large bed scanner–not as big as Julie’s, but 11 x 17 is OK, because I don’t scan anything bigger than that–or haven’t needed to yet. I have been in love with Epsons for years because of the straight paper path, the variety of print options, and the quality of the prints! And no, they don’t pay me! Or give me printers! Sigh….
I buy my ink through Amazon. I’ve replaced the ink on the XP860 once since receiving it several months ago. And only two of the colors — black and one more which I can’t remember.
I buy my ink through Amazon. I’ve replaced the ink on the XP860 once since receiving it several months ago. And only two of the colors — black and one more which I can’t remember.
I buy my ink through Amazon. I’ve replaced the ink on the XP860 once since receiving it several months ago. And only two of the colors — black and one more which I can’t remember.
I buy my ink through Amazon. I’ve replaced the ink on the XP860 once since receiving it several months ago. And only two of the colors — black and one more which I can’t remember.
I buy my ink through Amazon. I’ve replaced the ink on the XP860 once since receiving it several months ago. And only two of the colors — black and one more which I can’t remember.
Will you show a sample of something you’ve done with the Coloring Book function, please, Julie?
Will you show a sample of something you’ve done with the Coloring Book function, please, Julie?
Will you show a sample of something you’ve done with the Coloring Book function, please, Julie?
Will you show a sample of something you’ve done with the Coloring Book function, please, Julie?
Will you show a sample of something you’ve done with the Coloring Book function, please, Julie?
Julie-thank you for this review! (these reviews) this is the type of thing that I need when a piece of equipment goes on the blink – like the back loading…would not have thought to check for that and often need it…could you have a place where you put product reviews so we can check them later? right now I don’t need a printer – but you don’t know until you do…thanks again.
Julie-thank you for this review! (these reviews) this is the type of thing that I need when a piece of equipment goes on the blink – like the back loading…would not have thought to check for that and often need it…could you have a place where you put product reviews so we can check them later? right now I don’t need a printer – but you don’t know until you do…thanks again.
Julie-thank you for this review! (these reviews) this is the type of thing that I need when a piece of equipment goes on the blink – like the back loading…would not have thought to check for that and often need it…could you have a place where you put product reviews so we can check them later? right now I don’t need a printer – but you don’t know until you do…thanks again.
Julie-thank you for this review! (these reviews) this is the type of thing that I need when a piece of equipment goes on the blink – like the back loading…would not have thought to check for that and often need it…could you have a place where you put product reviews so we can check them later? right now I don’t need a printer – but you don’t know until you do…thanks again.
Julie-thank you for this review! (these reviews) this is the type of thing that I need when a piece of equipment goes on the blink – like the back loading…would not have thought to check for that and often need it…could you have a place where you put product reviews so we can check them later? right now I don’t need a printer – but you don’t know until you do…thanks again.
I bought my Epson Photo Expression XP 10 months ago and it is indeed such a cool machine! Phantastic colors, quick and reliable. I never had an Epson before, but I can only sign what is said here.
I bought my Epson Photo Expression XP 10 months ago and it is indeed such a cool machine! Phantastic colors, quick and reliable. I never had an Epson before, but I can only sign what is said here.
I bought my Epson Photo Expression XP 10 months ago and it is indeed such a cool machine! Phantastic colors, quick and reliable. I never had an Epson before, but I can only sign what is said here.
I bought my Epson Photo Expression XP 10 months ago and it is indeed such a cool machine! Phantastic colors, quick and reliable. I never had an Epson before, but I can only sign what is said here.
I bought my Epson Photo Expression XP 10 months ago and it is indeed such a cool machine! Phantastic colors, quick and reliable. I never had an Epson before, but I can only sign what is said here.
Awesome review thanks for sharing. I love all the things you have tried with your Epson!!
Awesome review thanks for sharing. I love all the things you have tried with your Epson!!
Awesome review thanks for sharing. I love all the things you have tried with your Epson!!
Awesome review thanks for sharing. I love all the things you have tried with your Epson!!
Awesome review thanks for sharing. I love all the things you have tried with your Epson!!
thanks for review but ink printers have expensive cost to buy new cartridges
thanks for review but ink printers have expensive cost to buy new cartridges
thanks for review but ink printers have expensive cost to buy new cartridges
thanks for review but ink printers have expensive cost to buy new cartridges
thanks for review but ink printers have expensive cost to buy new cartridges
You can use charging methods instead of buying new cartridges.
You can use charging methods instead of buying new cartridges.
You can use charging methods instead of buying new cartridges.
You can use charging methods instead of buying new cartridges.
You can use charging methods instead of buying new cartridges.
Thanks for sharing this! keep continue plz
Thanks for sharing this! keep continue plz
Thanks for sharing this! keep continue plz
Thanks for sharing this! keep continue plz
Thanks for sharing this! keep continue plz
Oh i need this guide. thanks!
Oh i need this guide. thanks!
Oh i need this guide. thanks!
Oh i need this guide. thanks!
Oh i need this guide. thanks!