Epson Expression Photo Xp 8700 Wireless All In One Review

The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Wireless All-in-One printer offers a compelling blend of high-quality photo printing, versatile functionality, and compact design, making it an excellent choice for home users and photo enthusiasts seeking a reliable and feature-rich device.

This printer excels at producing vibrant, detailed photos thanks to its 6-color Claria Photo HD Ink system, which extends beyond the typical four colors to achieve a wider color gamut and smoother tonal gradations.

Beyond its photographic prowess, the XP-8700 capably handles everyday document printing, scanning, and copying, making it a true all-in-one workhorse.

Its wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi Direct and mobile printing apps, further enhance its convenience, allowing users to print from virtually anywhere in their home or office.

While not a speed demon for high-volume document printing, its focus on photo quality and user-friendly features positions it strongly in the home photo printer market.

Here’s a quick rundown of how it stacks up against some popular alternatives:

• Epson Expression Photo XP-8700

  

  • Key Features: 6-color Claria Photo HD Ink, wireless connectivity Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, automatic two-sided printing, 4.3″ touchscreen, dedicated photo and paper trays, CD/DVD printing, creative print features.
  • Average Price: Around $249 – $299
  • Pros: Exceptional photo quality, compact design, versatile media handling, user-friendly interface, direct CD/DVD printing.
  • Cons: Ink can be costly for frequent printing, not the fastest for document printing, no ADF Automatic Document Feeder.

• Canon PIXMA TS9520

  • Key Features: 5-color individual ink system, 11″x17″ printing capability, built-in SD card slot, wireless connectivity, auto document feeder ADF.
  • Pros: Supports larger paper sizes, includes ADF, good photo and document quality, flexible connectivity.
  • Cons: Larger footprint than XP-8700, 5-ink system might not match 6-ink photo vibrancy for some.

• HP Envy Photo 7855

  • Key Features: Dual-band Wi-Fi, HP Instant Ink compatible, ADF, auto two-sided printing, dedicated photo tray, Ethernet port.
  • Average Price: Around $199 – $229
  • Pros: Affordable ink subscription Instant Ink, includes ADF, good for general home use, easy setup.
  • Cons: Uses 2-cartridge system tri-color and black which can lead to more ink waste, photo quality not as high as 6-ink systems.

• Brother MFC-J497DW

  • Key Features: Wireless, mobile printing, compact, automatic document feeder, auto-duplex printing.
  • Average Price: Around $99 – $129
  • Pros: Very affordable, compact, includes ADF, good for basic home office needs.
  • Cons: Not designed for high-quality photo printing, slower print speeds, basic features compared to photo-centric models.

• Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

  • Key Features: Cartridge-free ink tanks 6-color Claria ET Photo Ink, prints up to 13″x19″, auto two-sided printing, CD/DVD printing.
  • Average Price: Around $699 – $799
  • Pros: Incredibly low ink costs due to ink tanks, excellent photo quality, supports large format printing.
  • Cons: High initial purchase price, larger footprint, ink refilling can be a bit messy.

• Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300

  • Key Features: 10-color LUCIA PRO ink system, professional photo printing up to 13″x19″, advanced media handling.
  • Average Price: Around $799 – $899
  • Pros: Professional-grade photo output, superior color accuracy and longevity, ideal for serious photographers.
  • Cons: Very expensive, not an all-in-one printer only, ink costs are high.

• Xerox C235 Color Multifunction Printer

  • Key Features: Laser technology, fast print speeds, robust security, auto document feeder, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.
  • Average Price: Around $400 – $450
  • Pros: Excellent for high-volume document printing, professional text quality, durable and reliable.
  • Cons: Poor photo quality compared to inkjet photo printers, higher initial cost, larger and heavier.

Unpacking the Epson XP-8700: Design, Build, and First Impressions

When you first unbox the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700, what immediately stands out is its sleek, compact design. Unlike many bulky all-in-one printers, this unit is designed to fit comfortably in a home office or even a living room, without dominating the space. Epson has clearly focused on aesthetics here, giving it a modern, minimalist look with clean lines and a matte black finish that resists fingerprints reasonably well. It’s a machine that doesn’t just perform. it looks good doing it.

The Compact Footprint and Build Quality

Measuring approximately 13.7″ x 13.0″ x 5.6″ W x D x H when closed, the XP-8700 is deceptively small for a printer that handles so much.

This compact size is a huge win for anyone with limited desk space.

The build quality feels solid enough for a home-use printer, with plastics that don’t feel overly flimsy.

The various trays and covers open and close smoothly, indicating decent construction.

• Space-Saving Design: Ideal for small desks, shelves, or even tucked away in a cabinet.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Modern black finish blends seamlessly with most home décor.
• Durability: While not industrial-grade, it’s robust enough for typical home and photo printing demands. Expect it to hold up well with proper care.

Setting Up: From Box to First Print

Epson has generally done a good job making their printers user-friendly, and the XP-8700 is no exception. Initial setup is quite straightforward.

You’ll need to remove a few pieces of protective tape, install the six individual ink cartridges, load some paper, and then follow the on-screen instructions on the printer’s 4.3-inch color touchscreen.

• Intuitive Touchscreen: The large, responsive touchscreen guides you through each step, from ink installation to Wi-Fi connection. It’s a huge improvement over printers with small LCDs and physical buttons.
• Wireless Connectivity: Connecting to your home Wi-Fi network is a breeze. The printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, meaning you can connect directly to it from your mobile device without needing a router, which is incredibly handy for guests or quick prints.
• Software Installation: The included software suite or the downloadable drivers from Epson’s website are generally easy to install. They offer essential utilities for scanning, maintenance, and creative printing. For optimal functionality, it’s always recommended to download the latest drivers directly from Epson’s support page.

The entire process, from unboxing to printing your first test page, can be completed in about 15-20 minutes, assuming no major network hiccups.

This ease of setup is a significant plus, especially for users who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.

Photo Printing Prowess: Diving into the Claria Photo HD Ink System

This is where the Epson XP-8700 truly shines. The “Photo” in its name isn’t just for show. It employs Epson’s 6-color Claria Photo HD Ink system, which is a significant upgrade from the standard 4-color CMYK setups found in many everyday printers. This system utilizes not just Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, but also Light Cyan and Light Magenta inks. Samsung Galaxy S22 Review

The Magic of Six Colors

The addition of Light Cyan and Light Magenta is crucial for achieving superior photo quality. Here’s why:

• Wider Color Gamut: More ink colors mean the printer can reproduce a broader range of colors, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike prints. This is particularly noticeable in blues, purples, and reds.
• Smoother Gradients and Tones: The lighter inks help to create incredibly smooth color transitions, especially in skin tones and sky gradients, where banding or pixelation can be visible with fewer colors. This leads to more natural-looking photographs.
• Enhanced Detail: The finer ink droplets and additional colors allow for greater detail and sharpness, bringing out subtleties in your images.
• Fade Resistance: Claria Photo HD inks are designed to be fade-resistant, with prints lasting for generations when stored properly in an album or frame under glass. Epson claims up to 200 years in an album, which is impressive longevity for personal archives.

Media Handling for Photo Enthusiasts

Beyond the ink, the XP-8700 offers excellent media handling for photos. It features a dedicated photo paper tray that sits beneath the main paper cassette. This means you can keep your standard plain paper loaded in the main tray and your photo paper up to 5″ x 7″ or 8″ x 10″ in the photo tray, or larger via the rear feed ready to go, without needing to swap paper types constantly.

• Dedicated Photo Tray: Conveniently holds various photo paper sizes e.g., 4″x6″, 5″x7″.
• Rear Specialty Paper Feed: A single-sheet rear feed allows you to print on thicker media, specialty papers, or even custom sizes that might not fit the main trays. This is fantastic for fine art prints or heavy cardstock.
• Border Support: Supports borderless printing for popular photo sizes 4″x6″, 5″x7″, 8″x10″, etc., giving your prints a professional, finished look.
• CD/DVD Printing: A notable feature often found in photo-centric printers, the XP-8700 includes a tray that allows you to print directly onto compatible inkjet-printable CDs and DVDs. This is great for creating personalized discs for photo backups or media projects.

In terms of actual output, expect crisp, highly detailed photos with excellent color accuracy right out of the box.

For serious photographers, calibrating your monitor and using proper color profiles will yield even more precise results, but for the average user, the default settings produce stunning prints.

Everyday Document Handling: Beyond the Photos

While its heart is clearly in photo printing, the Epson XP-8700 is still an all-in-one printer, meaning it’s equipped to handle your daily document printing, scanning, and copying needs. It’s important to set expectations here: it’s not a laser printer, nor is it designed for high-volume office environments. However, for typical home use, it performs admirably.

Print Speed and Quality for Documents

When it comes to speed, the XP-8700 is decent but not groundbreaking for documents. Epson rates it at approximately 9.5 ISO ppm pages per minute for black text and 9.0 ISO ppm for color documents. In real-world usage, this translates to perfectly acceptable speeds for printing a few pages, school reports, or recipes. If you’re churning out hundreds of pages daily, you’d likely want a dedicated laser printer.

• Black Text Quality: Text documents are sharp, crisp, and highly legible, even at small font sizes. The black ink is pigment-based, which helps with water and smudge resistance, a distinct advantage over dye-based black inks for documents.
• Color Document Quality: Color graphics and charts in documents are rendered accurately with good saturation. While not as vibrant as a full-color photo, they are more than adequate for professional-looking reports or presentations.
• Automatic Two-Sided Printing Duplex: A welcome feature for saving paper and producing professional-looking documents, the XP-8700 supports automatic duplex printing. This means it can print on both sides of the page without manual intervention, which is a significant convenience.

Scanning and Copying Capabilities

The flatbed scanner on the XP-8700 is versatile, handling documents, photos, and even thicker items like books.

It offers a respectable optical resolution, ensuring good detail for archival purposes or image editing.

• Scanner Resolution: The optical resolution is typically 2400 dpi, which is more than enough for scanning photos, documents, and creating digital copies.
• Scan to Cloud/Email: The printer’s software and mobile apps allow for convenient scanning directly to cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive or to email, streamlining your digital workflow.
• Copy Functionality: Copying is straightforward via the touchscreen. You can make black and white or color copies, resize them, and adjust quality settings. There’s no automatic document feeder ADF for multi-page scanning or copying, which is a minor drawback for larger tasks, but understandable given its photo-centric and compact design. For a few pages, manual placement is perfectly fine.
• OCR Optical Character Recognition: Many Epson software suites include OCR capabilities, allowing you to convert scanned documents into editable text files, which can be a real time-saver.

In summary, the XP-8700 comfortably handles the day-to-day document needs of a typical home user, offering reliable printing, scanning, and copying with good quality, albeit without the blistering speeds or ADF of a dedicated office machine.

Connectivity and Smart Features: Wireless Freedom

The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 understands this well, offering a comprehensive suite of connectivity options that make printing from various devices incredibly convenient. Dell Optiplex 3090 Small Form Factor Review

Seamless Wireless Setup and Operation

The primary mode of connection for most users will be Wi-Fi. The setup process, as mentioned earlier, is guided by the touchscreen and typically takes just a few minutes to connect to your home network. Once connected, the printer becomes accessible to all Wi-Fi-enabled devices on that network.

• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n: Standard wireless connectivity for home networks, allowing multiple devices to print wirelessly.
• Wi-Fi Direct: This is a fantastic feature that allows your mobile device smartphone, tablet to connect directly to the printer without needing a router. It’s perfect for quick prints when you’re not on your home network or for guests who want to print something without joining your main Wi-Fi.
• Ethernet Port Optional: While primarily wireless, some versions or regional models might include an Ethernet port for a wired network connection, offering maximum stability if you prefer. However, for a home photo printer, Wi-Fi is usually sufficient.

Mobile Printing and Cloud Integration

Epson has invested significantly in its mobile printing ecosystem, making it easy to print from your smartphone or tablet, regardless of the operating system.

• Epson Smart Panel App: This is your central hub for controlling the XP-8700 from your mobile device. You can:
  • Print photos and documents: Directly from your phone’s camera roll or cloud storage.
  • Scan to phone/cloud: Initiate scans and send them to your device or various cloud services Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, etc..
  • Check ink levels: Monitor ink usage in real-time.
  • Perform maintenance: Run printhead cleanings or nozzle checks.
  • Troubleshoot issues: Access helpful guides and support.
• Apple AirPrint: For Apple users, AirPrint is built-in, allowing you to print directly from iPhones, iPads, and Macs without installing any special drivers or apps. Just select the printer and print.
• Mopria Print Service: Android users can leverage Mopria, which provides a similar direct printing experience to AirPrint for many Android devices.
• Epson Connect: This suite of services includes Email Print send an email to the printer’s unique address to print attachments, Remote Print Driver print from a computer over the internet, and Scan to Cloud. These features add a layer of flexibility for printing and scanning when you’re away from home or for sharing the printer’s capabilities with family members.
• Voice-Activated Printing: The XP-8700 is compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to initiate prints with simple voice commands, which is a cool, futuristic touch for casual printing tasks.

These comprehensive connectivity options mean you’re not tethered to a computer to use the XP-8700. Whether you’re printing photos straight from your phone or scanning a document to your cloud storage, the process is streamlined and user-friendly.

Ink Costs and Efficiency: The Recurring Expense

Ah, the eternal question with inkjet printers: how much will the ink cost? For the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700, which uses the 6-color Claria Photo HD Ink system 410XL/410 series, it’s a critical consideration, especially if you plan on doing a lot of photo printing.

Understanding the Ink Cartridges

The XP-8700 uses six individual ink cartridges:

• Black T410/T410XL
• Cyan T410/T410XL
• Magenta T410/T410XL
• Yellow T410/T410XL
• Light Cyan T410/T410XL
• Light Magenta T410/T410XL

The availability of both standard T410 and high-capacity XL T410XL cartridges is a plus. XL cartridges offer a significantly better cost per page, making them the more economical choice for regular users.

Calculating Cost Per Page CPP

Calculating an exact cost per page for photo printers is notoriously difficult because photo ink consumption varies wildly depending on the image’s colors, density, and paper type.

However, we can look at approximate figures for standard text and general color documents, and make educated guesses for photos.

• Text Documents Black Ink: Based on Epson’s stated yields for the T410XL Black cartridge around 500 pages and a typical price of $20-$25, the cost per black text page is roughly 4-5 cents. This is competitive for an inkjet.
• Color Documents CMY: For color documents using standard coverage, the combined cost per page is often estimated around 12-15 cents with XL cartridges.
• Photo Printing: This is where things get more variable and potentially more expensive. A single 4″x6″ photo can use a significant amount of all six inks. Estimates for 4″x6″ photo prints can range from 25 cents to over 50 cents per print including paper, depending on ink density and if you’re using standard or XL cartridges. 8″x10″ prints will naturally cost more.

Key takeaway: While the initial cost of the XP-8700 is reasonable, the recurring ink costs, especially for heavy photo printing, can add up. This is a common characteristic of cartridge-based photo printers.

Strategies for Managing Ink Costs

To minimize your ink expenditure with the XP-8700: Lenovo Thinkpad P1 Gen 4 Review

• Buy XL Cartridges: Always opt for the XL versions if you print with any regularity. The upfront cost is higher, but the cost per page is considerably lower.
• Print in Draft Mode: For documents where quality isn’t paramount e.g., internal drafts, recipes, use the draft print mode. This uses less ink and prints faster.
• Only Replace Empty Cartridges: Because the XP-8700 uses individual ink cartridges, you only need to replace the color that runs out. This is a significant advantage over printers that use combined multi-color cartridges, where you might discard a cartridge with remaining ink of other colors.
• Consider Third-Party Ink with caution: While third-party inks can be significantly cheaper, they come with risks. They might not offer the same color accuracy, longevity, or clog resistance as genuine Epson inks. Using them can also void your printer’s warranty. For photo enthusiasts, sticking to genuine Epson Claria Photo HD inks is generally recommended to maintain print quality and longevity.
• Print Regularly but not excessively: Inkjet printheads can dry out if left unused for extended periods, potentially leading to clogs and wasted ink during cleaning cycles. Printing a test page or a small document once a week can help keep the printhead primed.

In the grand scheme, the XP-8700’s ink costs are typical for its class of dedicated photo inkjet printers.

If very low ink cost is your absolute top priority and you print high volumes of photos, an EcoTank Photo printer like the ET-8550 mentioned in the comparison would be a better, albeit much more expensive initially, long-term investment.

For the average home user who prints photos occasionally and documents regularly, the XP-8700’s ink costs are manageable.

User Experience and Control Panel: Touchscreen Navigation

A significant part of the user experience with modern printers revolves around their control panel. The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 features a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, which is a definite highlight, offering a highly intuitive and responsive interface for navigating the printer’s various functions.

The Power of the Touchscreen

Gone are the days of fiddling with small, monochrome LCD screens and endless button presses.

The XP-8700’s touchscreen makes interaction a breeze:

• Ease of Navigation: Menus are logically organized with clear icons, making it easy to find print, scan, copy, and maintenance options. Swiping gestures are supported, mirroring smartphone usage.
• Direct Photo Printing: You can insert an SD card or a USB flash drive directly into the front ports and preview photos on the touchscreen before selecting them for printing. This is incredibly convenient for quick photo prints without needing a computer. You can crop, enhance, or even apply simple filters directly on the printer.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: The touchscreen provides clear, guided instructions for common tasks like replacing ink cartridges, clearing paper jams, or running nozzle checks. This reduces frustration and reliance on a user manual.
• Status Indicators: It clearly displays ink levels for each individual cartridge, so you know exactly which color needs replacing and when.

Physical Buttons and Design Elements

While the touchscreen handles most interactions, a few physical buttons provide quick access to essential functions:

• Power Button: Self-explanatory, for turning the printer on and off.
• Home Button: Returns you to the main menu from any screen.
• Back Button: Navigates back one step in the menu structure.

These physical buttons provide a tactile alternative for fundamental operations and are well-placed.

The overall design emphasizes a clean, uncluttered look when not in use.

Automated Features for Convenience

The XP-8700 incorporates several automated features that enhance its user-friendliness: Globe Electric Wi Fi Smart 10 Watt Multicolor Led Light Bulb Review

• Auto-Extending Output Tray: When you initiate a print job, the output tray automatically extends to catch your prints. This prevents paper from falling onto the floor, a small but significant convenience. It retracts when the printer is turned off or idle, maintaining its compact form factor.
• Automatic Two-Sided Printing: As mentioned earlier, this feature saves time and paper for duplex documents.
• Quiet Mode: For those who print in shared spaces or late at night, a “Quiet Mode” setting reduces the operating noise, though print speeds might be slightly affected.

The combination of a responsive touchscreen, dedicated media slots, and thoughtful automated features truly elevates the user experience of the Epson XP-8700. It’s designed to be approachable and efficient, even for those who aren’t tech enthusiasts.

Software and Driver Ecosystem: Beyond the Hardware

A great printer isn’t just about its physical capabilities.

The software that drives it plays an equally crucial role in user experience and functionality.

Epson provides a comprehensive software and driver ecosystem for the XP-8700, enhancing its versatility for both photo and document tasks.

Core Drivers and Utilities

When you set up the XP-8700, you’ll typically install the necessary drivers.

It’s always a good practice to download the latest versions directly from Epson’s official support website, as these often include bug fixes and performance improvements not found on the included installation disc.

• Printer Driver: This is the essential component that allows your computer to communicate with the printer, offering control over print quality settings, paper types, duplex printing, and color management options. For photo printing, the driver provides fine-grained control over color profiles and resolutions.
• Scanner Driver Epson Scan 2: This dedicated scanning utility offers various modes Full Auto, Home, Office, Professional to suit different needs. You can adjust resolution, color depth, brightness, contrast, and choose scan destinations e.g., folder, email, cloud services, OCR. It’s generally robust and user-friendly.
• Epson Photo+: This application is specifically designed for photo printing. It simplifies the process of creating various photo projects, including:
  • Layouts: Easy printing of multiple photos on a single page, ID photos, or collage prints.
  • Creative Templates: For greeting cards, calendars, and other photo-based crafts.
  • CD/DVD Label Printing: Streamlined creation and printing of custom labels directly onto compatible inkjet-printable discs.
  • Basic Photo Editing: Simple adjustments like red-eye removal, cropping, and color enhancement.

Creative and Cloud-Based Software

Epson expands on the core functionality with several creative and cloud-integrated tools:

• Epson Creative Print App: This mobile app is separate from the Smart Panel and focuses purely on creative photo projects. You can:
  • Print photos from Instagram or Facebook.
  • Create personalized greeting cards using your photos.
  • Design and print collages.
  • Create custom stationery.
  • Print directly onto CD/DVDs from your mobile device.
• Epson Connect Services: As mentioned in the connectivity section, these cloud-based services offer flexibility:
  • Email Print: Assigns a unique email address to your printer. Send an email to it, and the printer will automatically print the email body and attachments documents, photos. This is fantastic for printing on the go or letting family members print to your device remotely.
  • Remote Print Driver: Install a special driver on your computer, and you can print to your XP-8700 from anywhere with an internet connection, effectively turning it into a cloud printer.
  • Scan to Cloud: Directly scan documents or photos from the printer’s touchscreen to popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, and more.

Firmware Updates and Support

Epson regularly releases firmware updates for its printers.

These updates can improve performance, add new features, enhance security, or resolve bugs.

It’s advisable to check for and install firmware updates periodically, which can often be done directly from the printer’s touchscreen if connected to the internet. Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud Review

Overall, the software package accompanying the XP-8700 is well-rounded, catering to both fundamental printing/scanning needs and offering creative avenues for photo enthusiasts.

The mobile apps, in particular, provide a modern and convenient way to interact with the printer without needing a computer.

Who Is the Epson XP-8700 For? Ideal User Profile

Understanding the target audience for any piece of technology is crucial for making an informed purchase decision.

The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700, with its specific feature set and performance characteristics, is not for everyone.

Instead, it carves out a niche for a particular type of user.

The Enthusiastic Home Photo Printer

This is arguably the primary audience for the XP-8700. If you are someone who:

• Values high-quality photo prints: You regularly take photos with a smartphone or dedicated camera and want to print them to cherish, display, or share, rather than just keeping them digital. The 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system is a major draw here.
• Appreciates vibrant, long-lasting prints: You care about color accuracy, smooth gradients, and the longevity of your printed memories.
• Prints various photo sizes: From standard 4″x6″ snapshots to 8″x10″ enlargements, and possibly custom sizes via the rear feed.
• Enjoys creative photo projects: Using the printer for things like custom greeting cards, photo collages, or direct CD/DVD printing for home videos or photo archives.
• Has a dedicated photo paper tray preference: The convenience of having photo paper loaded and ready is a significant advantage.

The Home User with Moderate Document Needs

Beyond photos, the XP-8700 is also a solid choice for general home use where document printing isn’t overwhelmingly high-volume:

• Needs an all-in-one: You require scanning, copying, and occasional document printing in addition to photos.
• Prints school projects or basic home office documents: The duplex printing and crisp text quality are perfectly adequate for these tasks.
• Values wireless convenience: Printing from various devices laptops, tablets, smartphones without cables is important.
• Limited space: Its compact footprint is a significant advantage in smaller homes or apartments where a bulky office-centric MFP would be too large.

Users Who Prioritize Quality Over Speed

While the XP-8700 isn’t slow, it’s certainly not a speed demon for high-volume document output. If your priority is:

• Print quality first, speed second: Especially for photos, you’re willing to wait a bit longer for a superior result.
• Not replacing a high-volume office printer: This isn’t the machine if you run a small business that prints hundreds of invoices daily.

Who It Might NOT Be For

Conversely, the XP-8700 might not be the best fit for:

• High-volume document printing environments: Businesses or home offices that print hundreds or thousands of text documents per month will find the ink costs and print speeds suboptimal compared to a laser printer or an EcoTank.
• Users needing an Automatic Document Feeder ADF: If you regularly scan or copy multi-page documents, the lack of an ADF will be a significant inconvenience.
• Budget-conscious users with minimal photo needs: If you only print a few photos a year and prioritize the absolute lowest cost per page for documents, a basic 4-color inkjet or even a monochrome laser printer might be more economical in the long run.
• Professional photographers needing large-format prints: While excellent for common sizes, it doesn’t print larger than 8.5″ x 11″ or 8″x10″ via photo tray. For professional prints up to 13″x19″ or larger, you’d need a dedicated wide-format photo printer like the Epson SureColor P-series or Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-series.

In essence, the XP-8700 is a fantastic fit for the discerning home user or photo enthusiast who desires superb photo quality, versatile features, and wireless convenience in a compact package, and who understands that the ink costs are typical for a cartridge-based photo printer. Asus Rog Strix Scar 17 G733 Review

Maintaining Your Epson XP-8700: Keeping It Running Smoothly

Like any precision electronic device, your Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 will benefit from proper maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Most of these tasks are simple and can be performed directly from the printer’s touchscreen or through the Epson software on your computer.

Printhead Maintenance

The printhead is the heart of an inkjet printer, and keeping it clean is paramount for print quality.

Issues like banding, streaks, or missing colors often point to a dirty or clogged printhead.

• Nozzle Check: This is your first line of defense. Print a nozzle check pattern from the printer’s maintenance menu. It shows if all printhead nozzles are firing correctly for each color. If there are gaps or breaks in the pattern, a cleaning is needed.
• Printhead Cleaning: If the nozzle check reveals issues, run a printhead cleaning cycle. The printer uses a small amount of ink to force ink through the nozzles, clearing any blockages. You might need to run this a few times.
• Power Cleaning: For stubborn clogs that regular cleaning can’t resolve, the “Power Cleaning” utility is a more aggressive option. Use this sparingly, as it consumes a significant amount of ink. If even power cleaning doesn’t fix it, the printhead might be permanently damaged, or professional service might be required.
• Preventive Printing: The best way to prevent printhead clogs is to use the printer regularly. Inkjets are designed to be used, and ink can dry in the nozzles if left stagnant. Aim to print at least one page even a test page or small document once a week or every couple of weeks.

Software and Firmware Updates

Keeping your printer’s software and firmware up to date is crucial for performance, security, and compatibility.

• Driver Updates: Periodically check Epson’s support website for the latest printer and scanner drivers for your operating system. Newer drivers can improve print quality, speed, or resolve compatibility issues with new software.
• Firmware Updates: The printer’s internal software firmware can also be updated. Epson often releases firmware updates to enhance features, improve stability, or patch security vulnerabilities. You can usually check for and install these updates directly from the printer’s touchscreen if it’s connected to the internet.

Physical Cleaning and Handling

A little physical care goes a long way in maintaining your printer’s condition.

• Exterior Cleaning: Wipe down the exterior with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth to remove dust and smudges. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Paper Path Cleaning: If you experience frequent paper jams or streaks on your prints, there might be dust or paper dust accumulating on the rollers. While most users won’t need to manually clean the rollers, some printer utility software offers a “roller cleaning” function that feeds a blank sheet through to pick up debris.
• Ink Cartridge Handling: Always use genuine Epson cartridges for the best results and to protect your printhead. Handle them carefully, avoiding touching the chips or nozzles. Store spare cartridges in their sealed packaging until needed.
• Proper Shutdown: Always turn off the printer using the power button on the device itself. This ensures the printhead is properly capped, preventing ink from drying out. Unplugging the printer directly from the wall can leave the printhead exposed and vulnerable.

By incorporating these simple maintenance habits into your routine, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your Epson XP-8700, ensure consistent print quality, and minimize unexpected issues.

Think of it like changing the oil in your car – small preventative steps yield big long-term benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ink does the Epson XP-8700 use?

The Epson XP-8700 uses the 6-color Claria Photo HD Ink system, specifically the T410 standard yield or T410XL high yield series individual ink cartridges.

Is the Epson XP-8700 good for professional photo printing?

Yes, the XP-8700 is excellent for high-quality photo printing for home use and enthusiasts, thanks to its 6-color ink system. For professional-grade, large-format prints e.g., 13″x19″ or larger requiring archival longevity and precise color management, a dedicated professional photo printer like Epson’s SureColor P-series or Canon’s imagePROGRAF PRO-series would be more suitable. Kaspersky Small Office Security Review

Does the Epson XP-8700 have an automatic document feeder ADF?

No, the Epson XP-8700 does not have an automatic document feeder ADF. Multi-page scanning or copying must be done by manually placing each page on the flatbed scanner.

Can the Epson XP-8700 print on both sides of the paper automatically?

Yes, the Epson XP-8700 supports automatic two-sided printing auto duplexing for documents.

What is the maximum paper size the XP-8700 can print?

The XP-8700 can print on paper up to 8.5″ x 11″ Letter size via the main paper trays, and it supports specific photo sizes up to 8″x10″ in the photo tray, or larger specialty media via its rear feed.

Can I print directly from my smartphone or tablet to the XP-8700?

Yes, the XP-8700 offers extensive mobile printing capabilities including Epson Smart Panel app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and Epson Connect services Email Print, Remote Print.

Does the XP-8700 have a touchscreen display?

Yes, it features a 4.3-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation and control.

Can I print directly onto CDs or DVDs with the XP-8700?

Yes, the XP-8700 includes a dedicated tray for direct printing onto compatible inkjet-printable CDs and DVDs.

Is the Epson XP-8700 a good printer for documents too?

Yes, it prints crisp, sharp text documents and good quality color graphics for everyday home use. While not as fast as a laser printer, its document quality is more than adequate for typical home needs.

How much do the ink cartridges for the XP-8700 cost?

Ink costs vary, but for the T410XL high-capacity cartridges, the black ink typically costs around 4-5 cents per page, and color pages are estimated at 12-15 cents per page. Photo printing costs are higher and vary by image.

Are there high-capacity ink cartridges available for the XP-8700?

Yes, Epson offers XL high-capacity versions of all six ink cartridges T410XL series which provide a lower cost per page and fewer cartridge changes.

How often should I perform a printhead cleaning?

You should perform a printhead cleaning only when you notice print quality issues like streaks, banding, or missing colors after performing a nozzle check. Regular preventative cleaning without cause is not recommended as it consumes ink. Acer Predator Gm7000 Review

Can I connect the XP-8700 to my computer with a USB cable?

Yes, the XP-8700 includes a USB port for direct connection to a computer, in addition to its wireless capabilities.

Does the XP-8700 support borderless printing?

Yes, the XP-8700 supports borderless printing for popular photo sizes like 4″x6″, 5″x7″, and 8″x10″.

What kind of paper trays does the XP-8700 have?

It has a front-loading paper cassette for plain paper up to 8.5″x11″, a dedicated photo paper tray for smaller photo sizes, and a rear specialty paper feed for thicker media or custom sizes.

What is the scan resolution of the Epson XP-8700?

The optical scan resolution of the XP-8700 is typically up to 2400 dpi, which is excellent for photos and documents.

Does the XP-8700 come with a warranty?

Epson typically offers a standard one-year limited warranty on their printers. It’s always best to check the specific warranty details at the time of purchase.

Can I scan to cloud services with the XP-8700?

Yes, through Epson Connect services and the Epson Smart Panel app, you can scan directly to various cloud storage services like Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Drive.

Is the XP-8700 noisy when printing?

The XP-8700 is generally quiet for an inkjet printer, especially in its default mode. It also offers a “Quiet Mode” setting to further reduce noise, though it might slightly affect print speed.

How compact is the XP-8700?

The XP-8700 is designed to be very compact, measuring approximately 13.7″ x 13.0″ x 5.6″ W x D x H when closed, making it ideal for limited desk space.

Can I print from an SD card or USB drive directly?

Yes, the XP-8700 features built-in SD card slot and USB port for direct printing of photos without a computer.

What is Epson Smart Panel?

Epson Smart Panel is a mobile app that allows you to control your XP-8700 from your smartphone or tablet, enabling printing, scanning, ink level checks, and maintenance. Tempo Move Review

Does the XP-8700 support voice-activated printing?

Yes, the XP-8700 is compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for simple voice-activated printing commands.

What is Claria Photo HD Ink?

Claria Photo HD Ink is Epson’s 6-color dye-based ink system including Light Cyan and Light Magenta designed to produce vibrant, long-lasting, and detailed photo prints with smooth gradients.

How does the XP-8700 handle different paper types?

It handles various paper types well, from plain paper to glossy photo paper, matte paper, and cardstock, thanks to its multiple paper input options front cassette, photo tray, rear feed.

Can I get replacement parts for the XP-8700?

Epson typically sells replacement parts for basic user-replaceable components, and authorized service centers can handle more complex repairs. Check with Epson customer support for specific part availability.

Is the setup process for the XP-8700 complicated?

No, the setup process for the XP-8700 is generally straightforward and guided by the 4.3-inch touchscreen, making it relatively easy for most users.

Does the XP-8700 have an Ethernet port for wired networking?

While primarily designed for wireless connectivity, some regional models or specific configurations of the XP-8700 might include an Ethernet port. It’s best to check the product specifications for the exact model you’re considering.

What if I don’t print for a long time, will the ink dry up?

Yes, inkjets can experience printhead clogs if left unused for extended periods. It’s recommended to print at least one page or a test print every week or two to keep the ink flowing and prevent drying.

Is the XP-8700 compatible with Windows 11 and macOS Ventura/Sonoma?

Epson generally provides up-to-date drivers for the latest operating systems. It’s highly likely that drivers for Windows 11 and recent macOS versions are available for the XP-8700. Always download the latest drivers from Epson’s official website.

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