CANON PRO-series printers: the best large-format photography solution for refillers

We're often asked here at InkOwl what printer models we would recommend for various applications, considering our knowledge and experience with all brands of printers. So, we'll be running a series of articles in our monthly newsletter with our recommendations for different usages. This month: large-format professional photography and poster printing (17"x22" and up).

The most important consideration for professional photo and poster printing is the quality and gamut of the ink. Obviously, the use of pigment inks is a must, to ensure fade-resistant, archival-grade prints, and all large format photography printers offer this. However, the color gamut of the inks is also very important with, in general, more color ink being better when it comes to achieving smooth tonal gradations and vibrant secondary colors like reds, greens, and blues.

Of the large-format photography printers on the market today, the CANON PRO-1000, PRO-2000, PRO-4000, PRO-6000 series is by far the friendliest for refillers and for users of third-party compatible cartridges. Furthermore, the 11-color ink set and unique chroma optimizer offers industry-leading color gamut and performance. With dual blacks, there's no need to switch inks between photo and matte black, convenient if you print of multiple paper types!

We highly recommend these models for refillers due to the lack of restrictions these printers place on those who wish to refill. The OEM CANON cartridges are easy to refill, without needing to purchase separate refillable cartridges, or deal with chip reset issues. The cartridges do use chips to track ink level usage, so the ink levels will not be displayed when you refill. However, it's very easy to keep track of the true ink levels yourself, and avoid the cartridges running dry. All you need to do is take the cartridges out from time to time and shake them to hear the ink splashing inside.

Our pigment-based replacement ink set for CANON PRO printers is custom-formulated to closely match the OEM CANON colors and, of course, is designed to mix with the OEM CANON ink in the cartridges and printhead. Like all our large format ink sets, this ink is made in the USA, which allows us to guarantee a consistent product with every re-order. The same exact ink is used in our compatible cartridges for CANON PRO printers, for those who do not wish to refill.

CANON PRO-1000:
Instructional Refilling Video
Ink Refill Kit
Compatible Cartridges (coming soon)

CANON PRO-2000, PRO-4000, PRO-6000:
Instructional Refilling Video
Ink Refill Kit
Compatible Cartridges