Epson SureColor P9570 vs Canon imagePROGRAF PRO 4600 Full Comparison for Photo & Fine Art Printing

If you are deciding between the Epson SureColor P9570 and the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600, you are likely looking for a professional 44 inch printer for fine art printing, photography, or production work. Both machines are designed for high end pigment ink output but differ in color science, maintenance, and workflow. Let’s take a quick look at the key differences between these two printers without getting too technical.
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Epson SureColor P9570
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600
Quick Overview of Both Printers
Both printers are 44 inch professional pigment ink systems used in photography and fine art production.
- Epson P9570 focuses on maximum color gamut and production speed
- Canon PRO-4600 focuses on consistency and low maintenance
Epson SureColor P9570 vs Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600: Feature Comparison
The Epson SureColor P9570 and Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 are two of the most advanced 44-inch large format printers available for photography, fine art reproduction, proofing, and graphic production. While both deliver exceptional image quality, they take different approaches to color management, printhead technology, media handling, and long-term maintenance. The comparison chart below highlights the key differences between these two professional printing platforms.
| Printer Model | Epson SureColor P9570 | Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Width | 44 Inches | 44 Inches |
| Ink Channels | 12 Colors (Violet, Orange, Green Included) | 11 Colors + Chroma Optimizer |
| Black Ink Swapping | None (Dedicated Photo & Matte Black Channels) | None (Dedicated Photo & Matte Black Channels) |
| Printhead Type | Permanent PrecisionCore MicroTFP Printhead | User-Replaceable PF-10 Print Head |
| Media Loading | Standard Roll & Sheet Loading | Intelligent Automatic Media Loading & Detection |
| Primary Strengths | Industry-leading color gamut, exceptional print speed, outstanding fine art and proofing performance. | Superior scratch resistance, virtually no gloss differential, simplified maintenance and operation. |
Color Performance
Epson P9570
- Wide color gamut with violet ink
- High saturation and vibrancy
- Strong photographic output
Canon PRO-4600
- Accurate skin tones
- Smooth gradients
- Consistent repeatable output
Black and White Printing
- Epson delivers stronger contrast and deeper blacks
- Canon delivers smoother tonal transitions
Maintenance
Epson
- Fixed printhead requires service if damaged
- More cleaning cycles
- Higher ink usage over time
Canon
- User replaceable printhead
- Lower downtime risk
- More efficient maintenance
Final Verdict
Epson is best for maximum color gamut and production-level speeds. End-users looking for the best photo and fine art output possible should consider the SureColor P9570.
Canon is best for long term stability and predictable output. This is the best option if you’re looking for easy maintenance, lower potential downtime and higher ink efficiency while maintaining good overall color output.
