Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Review: Professional Photo Printing
Read our expert review of the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 photo printer. Learn about its features, performance, and value for money.
Introduction
For photographers and artists who demand exceptional print quality and creative control, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 represents a significant leap forward. This 13” wide photo inkjet printer isn’s just about putting ink on paper; it’s about capturing the essence of your artistic intent and translating it into tangible, gallery-worthy prints. Tired of prints that fall short of your digital vision? The PRO-310 empowers you to produce stunning images with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredibly detailed gradations, finally bringing your creative dreams to life.
The imagePROGRAF PRO-310 addresses the common frustration of photographers seeking a printer that can accurately reproduce the rich tones and subtle nuances of their digital artwork. Its advanced pigment-based ink system, coupled with Canon’s expertise in image processing, delivers results that elevate the printing experience, minimizing compromises and maximizing artistic impact. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an ambitious enthusiast, this printer is designed to meet your demands for exceptional quality and performance.
Overview
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is a professional-grade 13” wide inkjet photo printer engineered for photographers and artists seeking unmatched image quality and creative control. Its standout feature is the 9-color pigment-based ink system, including a dedicated Matte Black ink for enhanced black density and contrast, ensuring your prints stand out. Connectivity is comprehensive, including Wi-Fi for wireless printing and a 3.0-inch color LCD monitor for easy navigation and status checks. Its robust design allows for easy setup and operation, while occupying a relatively compact footprint.
This printer isn’t geared towards high-volume office printing; it’s crafted for photographers, graphic designers, and artists who prioritize the finest detail and accuracy in their output. Ideal for producing fine art prints, photographs, and other visually stunning materials, the PRO-310 is a powerful tool for those seeking to communicate their artistic vision with impact and permanence.
Features
9-Color Pigment-Based Ink System: The heart of the imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is its advanced 9-color pigment-based ink system. This system goes beyond standard color reproduction, utilizing a dedicated Matte Black ink to deliver deeper blacks and enhanced contrast. The Chroma Optimizer further refines color density, gloss, and scratch resistance, ensuring your prints look as professional as possible. This translates into richer, more accurate, and more durable prints.
3.0-Inch Color LCD Monitor: Gone are the days of guesswork and frustrating menu navigation. The PRO-310’s 3.0-inch color LCD monitor provides a clear and intuitive interface for checking ink levels, printer status, and adjusting settings. This on-board display simplifies operation, reducing the need to rely on computer screens and streamlining the printing workflow.
Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction: The frustrations of clogged print heads and misaligned prints are a thing of the past. Canon’s Anti-Clogging System keeps the ink flowing smoothly, preventing print head issues and ensuring consistent print quality. The Skew Correction feature automatically aligns the paper, eliminating wasted prints and maximizing efficiency.
Wireless Connectivity with Mobile Printing: The PRO-310 offers versatile connectivity options. Wi-Fi allows for wireless printing from computers, tablets, and smartphones. Coupled with Canon’s mobile printing apps, printing from virtually anywhere becomes effortless, streamlining your workflow and boosting productivity.
Benefits
Unrivaled Print Quality: Experience true-to-life colors, deeper blacks, and finer details with the 9-color pigment-based ink system. Your prints will accurately represent your artistic vision and make a lasting impression.
Streamlined Workflow: The 3.0-inch LCD monitor, anti-clogging system, and skew correction features combine to reduce wasted prints and simplify operation, freeing you to focus on your creativity.
Enhanced Productivity: Wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities allow for a more efficient and flexible printing workflow, allowing you to print whenever and wherever you need.
Professional Results: The dedicated Matte Black ink and Chroma Optimizer deliver results that rival those of a professional darkroom, elevating your prints to the highest standard.
Reduced Maintenance: The anti-clogging system minimizes print head issues, reducing maintenance and ensuring consistent print quality over time.
Usages
Perfect for Fine Art Photography: The PRO-310’s exceptional color accuracy and wide color gamut make it ideal for creating stunning fine art prints that capture the nuances of your photographic artwork.
Ideal for Graphic Design & Illustration: Bring your graphic designs and illustrations to life with vibrant colors, sharp details, and a professional finish – perfect for presentations, portfolios, and marketing materials.
Professional Portrait Photography: Print gallery-worthy portraits with stunning clarity, accurate skin tones, and a level of detail that captures the essence of your subjects.
Home Studio Printing: Establish a professional-grade printing setup in your home studio, allowing you to bring your creative visions to life with exceptional quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional print quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks
- Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi and mobile printing
- Intuitive operation with the 3.0-inch LCD monitor
- Dedicated Matte Black ink for enhanced contrast
- Robust construction and reliable performance
Cons
- Relatively slow print speeds compared to laser printers
- Pigment-based inks can be more expensive than dye-based inks
- Not ideal for high-volume office printing
- Limited duplex printing capability (simplex only)
FAQs
What type of ink does the imagePROGRAF PRO-310 use?: The PRO-310 utilizes a 9-color pigment-based ink system, including a dedicated Matte Black ink for enhanced black density and contrast.
What is the maximum paper size supported by the PRO-310?: The printer supports paper sizes up to 13” x 129” (A3+).
Does the PRO-310 support wireless printing?: Yes, the printer offers Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless printing from computers, tablets, and smartphones.
What is the resolution of the printer?: The printer offers a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi for both color and black and white printing.
Is the PRO-310 suitable for high-volume printing?: While capable, the PRO-310 is primarily designed for quality over quantity. It’s best suited for photographers and artists who prioritize exceptional print quality and creative control.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | Inkjet Photo Printer |
| Print Speed (PPM) | 2 ppm (Color & Monochrome) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Duplex | Simplex |
| Supported Media Sizes | 3.5” x 3.5”, 4” x 6”, 5” x 5”, 5” x 7”, 8.5” x 11”, 13” x 19” |
| Ink/Toner Type | Pigment-based |
| Dimensions | 28.7″D x 18.6″W x 14.04″H |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
Ratings
| Print Quality (Color & Sharpness) | 4.6 |
| Ink Efficiency / Yield | 4.3 |
| Connectivity & App Integration | 4.4 |
| Print Speed (Pages per Minute) | 4.1 |
| Build Quality & Design | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is an exceptional choice for professional photographers, graphic designers, and artists who demand the highest quality prints and complete creative control.
If you prioritize image accuracy, vibrant colors, and a robust printing workflow, the PRO-310 is an investment that will elevate your creative output.
Conclusion
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 represents a significant advancement in photo inkjet printing technology. Its combination of advanced ink system, versatile connectivity, and intuitive operation delivers unparalleled image quality and simplifies the creative process.
For those seeking to unlock the full potential of their digital artwork and produce gallery-worthy prints, the PRO-310 is a valuable asset that will continue to deliver exceptional results for years to come.
