For serious black and white photo printing, a pigment-ink printer with dedicated gray inks such as the Epson SureColor P700 (13-inch) or P900 (17-inch), or the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300, is the best choice, because their multiple grays and separate Photo and Matte Black channels give smoother tones and neutral prints. For casual black and white prints at home, a six-ink photo tank printer like the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 or a dye-based printer such as the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 can produce good monochrome at a lower cost of entry.
- At a Glance: Black and White Photo Printers
- What Makes a Printer Good at Black and White
- Grayscale Ink Sets Explained
- Best Printer for Black and White Photography
- Best Monochrome Photo Printers by User Type
- Dye vs Pigment for Black and White
- Paper Choices for Monochrome
- Running Cost and Maintenance
- Setup and Compatibility
- Pick X If… Decision Table
- Alternatives Worth Considering
- Frequently Asked Questions
Black and white is the most demanding test of a photo printer. Without color to hide behind, any tint, banding or weak shadow detail shows. This guide explains which ink sets suit monochrome, compares current models using maker specs and independent reviews, and avoids dollar figures by comparing running cost in tiers.
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At a Glance: Black and White Photo Printers
| Model | Ink system | Best for | Key stated or reported specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor P700 | 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment | Enthusiasts printing 13-inch B&W | Gray, Light Gray, Photo Black and Matte Black; Epson rates up to 400 years for B&W permanence; single sheets up to 13×19 inches | Premium tier, costly cartridges |
| Epson SureColor P900 | 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment | 17-inch prints, exhibition work | Dedicated channels for all 10 inks, Advanced B&W Photo mode per Digital Camera World | Large, premium tier |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 | 10-color Lucia Pro pigment | Neutral grays, 13-inch prints | Photo Black and Matte Black with separate nozzles; includes a gloss optimiser per reviewers | Premium tier, pigment cartridge cost |
| Canon PIXMA PRO-200 (PRO-200S) | 8-color ChromaLife 100+ dye | Glossy and luster B&W for enthusiasts | Includes Gray and Light Gray, borderless up to 13×19, 4800 x 2400 dpi | Canon USA page lists it as no longer available |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | 6-color dye plus pigment black tank | Low-cost B&W and color together | Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Gray dyes plus pigmented Black; borderless to 13×19 | One gray ink, dye longevity shorter than pigment |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 | Pigment with four-ink grayscale system | Large-format B&W specialists | PhotoWorkout ranks it first at 17-inch, citing a four-ink grayscale system | Large and premium tier |
What Makes a Printer Good at Black and White
Three factors decide monochrome quality: the number and type of gray and black inks, how the printer handles neutrality, and the paper. Printers with only color inks plus one black tend to build grays by mixing cyan, magenta and yellow, which risks color casts when light changes. Dedicated gray inks print neutral tones from a single, color-free channel, so shadows and highlights stay clean.
Grayscale Ink Sets Explained
- Photo Black and Matte Black: Photo Black gives deep black on glossy and luster papers; Matte Black gives deeper black on matte and fine art papers. Older Epson models shared a channel and wasted ink switching between them. Reviewers note that the P700 and P900 no longer need to switch, and that Canon’s PRO-300 uses separate nozzles.
- Gray and Light Gray: these produce smooth midtones and highlights. The Epson P700 and P900 list Gray and Light Gray, and the Canon PRO-200 uses Gray and Light Gray dyes.
- Single gray ink: the EcoTank Photo ET-8550 has one gray, which is workable for B&W but gives fewer tonal steps than a printer with two grays.
Best Printer for Black and White Photography
Epson SureColor P700 and P900
Ferax calls the P700 the best printer for black and white photography for most serious enthusiasts, and PhotoWorkout scored it 82 out of 100. Epson lists its Carbon Black Driver technology for strong maximum density on glossy paper and UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks with print permanence up to 400 years for black and white. The P900 uses the same ink set at 17-inch width. Digital Camera World describes its black richness and detail as roughly on par with the Canon PRO-300 and highlights its Advanced B&W Photo mode, which makes monochrome output easier.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
ArtNews named the PRO-300 best for black and white photos in a 2022 roundup, and comparison sites say it yields cleaner neutrals with fewer color casts. Its 10-color Lucia Pro pigment set includes both photo and matte black with separate nozzles, so media changes do not waste ink. These reviews are partly older, so treat the Canon-versus-Epson ranking as a close call and decide by size, paper preference and which ecosystem you like.
Canon PIXMA PRO-200
A dye-based 8-ink printer that includes gray inks. Reviewers regard it as a strong option for glossy and luster prints at a lower tier than pigment models, but Canon’s US page lists it as no longer available, so you may find stock only through remaining supply or its PRO-200S variant. Dye ink prints are described as vivid on glossy paper, while longevity ratings are shorter than pigment.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
RTINGS and other reviewers describe it as a tank-based photo all-in-one with six inks and borderless printing to 13×19 inches. One buyer reports it prints black and white without a color cast using its single gray ink. It is a sound budget answer for someone who wants both color and monochrome at a much lower cost per print than cartridge pigment printers, but it is not an archival-sale tool.
Best Monochrome Photo Printers by User Type
- Hobbyist who prints a few times a month: ET-8550 for low running cost.
- Enthusiast selling or exhibiting prints: P700 or PRO-300 for pigment permanence and 13-inch size.
- Large-format exhibitor: P900 or Canon PRO-1100 at 17-inch.
- Glossy-print lover on a tighter tier: PRO-200 or its successor, if you can find it.
Dye vs Pigment for Black and White
Pigment inks sit on the paper surface and resist fading, which is why Epson rates the P700 for up to 400 years of black-and-white permanence. They suit matte and fine art papers and also work on glossy papers, though slight bronzing can appear on some. Dye inks absorb into the coating, suit glossy and luster papers, and are generally rated for shorter life, particularly in bright light. Choose pigment if longevity or sale prints matter; choose dye if you want strong gloss and lower cost.
Paper Choices for Monochrome
Photographers often recommend luster or matte for black and white because they reduce glare and handle tonal gradation well. Hahnemuhle Photo Rag is a cotton matte favorite, and baryta-style glossy papers offer deep blacks. Always select the correct media type in the driver, and for third-party paper use the maker’s profile.
Running Cost and Maintenance
Pigment cartridges in the P700 are 25 ml and one reviewer reports they cost far more per milliliter than EcoTank dye bottles, which is why the ET-8550 is cheaper to feed. Pigment printers also need regular use. Print a test page when idle and follow the manual’s cleaning guidance to reduce clogs, since leaving ten channels unused can lead to waste.
Setup and Compatibility
- Use the manufacturer’s driver and enable an advanced black-and-white mode where offered, such as Epson’s Advanced B&W Photo.
- Calibrate your monitor if you edit prints on screen, so what you see matches output.
- Check paper path limits: the P700 accepts single sheets up to 1.5 mm thick, according to a listing.
- Large 13 and 17-inch printers need desk space and a stable surface.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Epson SureColor P700 | want strong 13-inch B&W with Gray, Light Gray and no black switching |
| Epson SureColor P900 | need 17-inch prints and an Advanced B&W mode |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 | prefer Canon ink and neutral gray reproduction in 13-inch |
| Canon PIXMA PRO-200 or PRO-200S | want dye-based glossy B&W at a lower tier and can find one |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | want low running cost and print B&W and color together |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 | print large and specialize in monochrome |
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500: same inks as the ET-8550 but supports paper up to letter size.
- Print lab or specialist service: for occasional large prints on fine art papers, a lab may be more economical.
- Third-party grayscale ink sets: some niche kits exist, but they can affect warranty and color profile accuracy, so read the printer maker’s guidance before using them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for black and white photos?
Reviewers most often name the Epson SureColor P700 for 13-inch work and the P900 for 17-inch, with the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 as the Canon alternative. All three use dedicated gray and black inks. Choose by print size and brand preference.
Do I need gray inks for black and white prints?
Not strictly, but gray inks give smoother tones and cleaner neutrals. Printers without them build grays from color inks, which can create color casts. For serious work, a printer with at least one dedicated gray, ideally two, is better.
Is a tank photo printer good enough for monochrome?
For casual and display prints, yes. The EcoTank Photo ET-8550 has a single gray and reviewers report neutral results, but dye ink longevity is shorter than pigment. It is a sensible low-cost choice for hobby use.
Should I choose dye or pigment ink?
Pigment is better for permanence and for matte and fine art papers. Dye gives vivid gloss and typically a lower upfront tier. If you plan to sell or archive prints, lean pigment.
Which paper is best for black and white prints?
Luster and matte papers are common recommendations because they limit glare and show tonal gradation well. Cotton fine art papers such as Hahnemuhle Photo Rag give a gallery look. Always set the correct media type in the driver.
Why do my black and white prints have a color tint?
Tints usually come from mixed color inks, a wrong media setting or mismatched color management. Use the printer’s dedicated monochrome mode, match the paper type, and run a nozzle check. If the problem continues, follow the maker’s support guidance.
