Let me start by saying, this printer is a beast when it comes to photo printing. The colors are vibrant, the details are sharp, and the convenience of the EcoTank system is a game-changer. No more frantic runs to the store for overpriced cartridges—just fill the tanks and you’re good to go.

The setup was mostly smooth, though I did have a moment of panic when the Wi-Fi refused to cooperate. Turns out, mistaking a ‘1’ for an ‘l’ in the password was my downfall. Once connected, though, the printer works like a charm. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is intuitive and makes navigating settings a breeze.

Print quality is where this printer shines. I printed everything from documents to high-res photos, and the results were stunning. The six-color Claria ET Premium ink system delivers lab-quality prints, especially on specialty papers like metallic or luster finishes. Text documents are crisp, and graphics pop with vivid colors.

However, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. The paper handling can be finicky—loading thicker cardstock requires using the rear feed slot, which isn’t immediately obvious. And while the ink tanks last longer than cartridges, don’t expect them to be bottomless; heavy printing will drain them faster than you’d think.

The price tag is steep at $700, but if you print frequently (especially photos), the savings on ink will justify the cost over time. Just be prepared for a learning curve with the software—Epson throws a lot of applications at you without much guidance.

Bottom line: If you’re serious about printing photos or need a reliable all-in-one with low ink costs, the ET-8500 is worth every penny despite its quirks.