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What are the pros and cons of the Epson Ecotank Photo ET-8500?

Trying to decide if the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is right for you?  Having tested this printer extensively, this is our opinion on the top pros and cons:

Pros:
- Excellent photo quality
- Flexible paper handling options
- Superb usability
- Low running costs
- Large ink tanks
- Built-in flatbed scanner (1200 by 4800 dpi) with copier options
- Duplexing for plain paper printing
- SD card and USB memory stick ports on front
- CD/DVD disc printing

Cons:
- High initial cost
- No automatic document feeder
- Lack of an ADF should be a deal-breaker for those who require multipage scans
- Not suitable for professional photographers who want the best quality while having full control
- Not enough inks to produce professional-looking photos

Overall, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is an exceptional consumer-grade photo printer with all-in-one features. It is a great option for those who prioritize photo quality and low running costs. However, it may not be suitable for those who require an automatic document feeder or professional-level photo quality.  This review is based on our experience with this actual printer which we purchased from Amazon.

About William Elward

Founder of Castle Ink, William Elward has 20 years experience in the printer industry. He's been featured on CNN Money, Yahoo, PC World, Computer World, and other top publications and frequently blogs about printers and ink cartridges. He's an expert at diagnosing printer issues and has published guides to fixing common printer issues across the internet. A graduate of Bryant University and Columbia's Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program, he's held various leadership positions at The College Board, Bankrate, Zocdoc, and Everyday Health. Follow him on Twitter at William Elward's Twitter Profile