Canon PRO-310 vs Epson P700: Choosing a 13-Inch Pigment Printer
Canon PRO-310 vs Epson P700 is a decision between two serious 13-inch pigment photo printers. For a photographer making display prints, portfolios or fine-art projects, the useful question is which complete paper-and-software workflow you want to maintain. A higher ink count on a comparison chart is not enough to choose a printing system.
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Illustration of a fine-art printing workspace; the printer is not an exact commercial model.
Quick verdict
Consider the PRO-310 for a sheet-based workflow built around Canon's pigment system and Professional Print & Layout software. Consider the P700 when its built-in roll-paper arrangement is useful or Epson's paper and software ecosystem fits your work. Compare your intended papers and replacement supplies before deciding.
At a glance
Start with your paper and finish
Choose two or three papers you genuinely want to use: perhaps a gloss surface for colour photographs and a textured matte paper for monochrome work. Check each paper maker's supported printer profiles and the printer manual's feed limits. A paper name appearing in a shop is not proof that every thickness, size or finish is suitable.
Canon includes a Chroma Optimizer in the PRO-310 system; Epson uses its own pigment formulation and driver controls. Those approaches should not be reduced to a universal winner from specifications alone. If finish is critical for work you sell, look for representative manufacturer samples and judge them in lighting similar to the final display.
Decide whether roll paper changes the project
The P700's roll-paper support is a concrete reason to compare it closely for panoramic work. Plan the final image dimensions, margins and cutting routine before counting roll capability as a benefit. A printer accepting a roll does not mean every roll width, core or paper type will work.
If your output is mainly standard sheets for frames, portfolios and gifts, a roll workflow may add little. Compare supported sheet sizes, paper loading and the effort of switching stock. Choose for the print jobs you have rather than buying a specialised capability merely because it is available.
Price replacement ink as part of the setup
Obtain a local replacement-supply list for the exact printer. Include maintenance consumables where applicable, not just the most visible colour cartridges. Do not assume supplies fit because a model number resembles an earlier generation. The two manufacturers' consumables belong to different systems.
Budget for initial setup and testing. Some supplied ink is used to charge and prepare a new printer, so the first cartridges are not entirely available for finished photos. For a time-sensitive project, have a sensible replacement plan rather than expecting the box contents to cover an unknown run of large prints.
The computer workflow matters every time you print
Check current software and driver compatibility for your actual computer. For the Canon, see whether Professional Print & Layout supports the application and file workflow you use. For either printer, confirm the connection options and supported software before basing the purchase on an outdated retailer specification table.
Use the ICC profile for the precise printer, ink and paper combination when following an application-managed workflow. Avoid duplicate colour conversion between the application and driver. Record the working settings, including rendering choices and paper selection, so a reprint months later is based on more than memory.
Be honest about volume and workspace
A pigment printer is a commitment to paper, supplies and routine care. If you make only a handful of display prints each year, compare the full ownership cost with a trusted lab. Owning the printer makes more sense when the ability to adjust and reprint locally is something you will use.
Measure with the paper paths open and leave access for cartridges and maintenance. Store paper properly and follow the cleaning guidance rather than improvising aggressive cleaning steps. A calm, repeatable workspace will do more for consistent output than changing several settings after every disappointing print.
Final choice
Choose the PRO-310 when its sheet-printing workflow, supported papers and Canon software suit your projects. Choose the P700 when its roll capability or Epson workflow provides a practical advantage. Confirm the total supply budget and computer support either way.
Sources and further reading
Related buying guide
If width is the deciding factor, read Epson P700 versus P900.
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