Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Review | Best Photo Printer?

Introduction

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 isn’s just a printer; it’s a gateway to translating your digital photographs and fine art creations into tangible, gallery-worthy prints. If you’re a photographer – from a passionate hobbyist pushing the boundaries of your skills to a professional needing to deliver exceptional results – and demand impeccable color accuracy and detail, the PRO-300 is meticulously engineered to elevate your workflow. Forget compromise; this printer is about realizing your artistic vision with every sheet of paper.

The PRO-300 tackles the common frustrations of photo printing head-on. Whether you’re struggling with washed-out colors, lack of detail in shadows, or simply wanting a more professional print outcome, this wide-format inkjet printer aims to be the solution.

Overview

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a 13” wide, wireless color photo and fine art inkjet printer designed for discerning photographers and artists. It boasts a 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system for exceptional color reproduction and deep blacks. With its 3.0” LCD screen and professional print & layout software, the PRO-300 delivers an intuitive user experience alongside powerful functionality.

This printer isn’t a high-volume office workhorse; it’s built for quality and creative control, occupying a unique space between consumer and professional workflows. It prioritizes print quality over sheer speed, making it ideal for photographers needing to produce stunning prints for exhibitions, portfolios, or client work.

Features

High-Resolution Print Quality: The PRO-300’s 9-color ink system, including Matte Black and Photo Black inks, produces a wider color gamut and deeper blacks than standard inkjet printers. Combined with the Chroma Optimizer ink, it delivers exceptional detail and smooth gradations, bringing your photographs to life with remarkable realism.

Intuitive Workflow with 3.0” LCD Screen: The integrated 3.0” LCD screen allows for easy monitoring of ink levels, printer status, and settings. Professional print & layout software further streamlines your workflow, granting you greater control over print settings and layout options. No more guessing—see the settings clearly and adjust as needed.

Wireless Convenience and Connectivity: Benefit from versatile connectivity options including USB and Wi-Fi. Print directly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone, enabling flexible workflow options and collaborative printing capabilities.

Nozzle Recovery System & Skew Correction: Canon’s commitment to flawless printing is evident in features like the Nozzle Recovery System, which automatically detects and compensates for clogged nozzles, and Skew Correction, which ensures accurate paper alignment for consistent results.

Benefits

Elevated Print Quality for Professional Results: Transform your digital photographs into gallery-quality prints, showcasing your creative vision with exceptional detail and color accuracy.

Streamlined Workflow for Increased Productivity: The 3.0” LCD screen and intuitive software provide a clear overview of print settings and status, saving you time and minimizing errors.

Unleashed Creative Freedom: The wide color gamut and advanced ink system enable you to reproduce colors as you envisioned them, breathing life into your artwork.

Flexible Printing Options: The wireless capabilities and versatile connectivity let you print from virtually any device, empowering a seamless and adaptable workflow.

Reduced Paper Waste: Skew correction and automatic nozzle recovery contribute to more accurate prints, minimizing wasted paper and ink.

Usages

Perfect for Home Offices: Produce high-quality photographic prints and fine art reproductions for personal enjoyment or professional portfolios directly from your home workspace.

Ideal for Photo Printing: Create stunning prints for exhibitions, galleries, or client work, exceeding expectations with exceptional color accuracy and detail.

Fine Art Reproduction: Reproduce fine art pieces with precision and depth, accurately capturing the nuances and character of the original artwork.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional print quality and color accuracy
• Intuitive 3.0” LCD screen for easy monitoring
• Wireless connectivity for flexible printing
• Wide range of supported media
• Professional-grade features like skew correction and nozzle recovery

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Ink cartridges can be costly
• Print speed is slower than some other printers
• Software can be complex for novice users
• Larger footprint than standard inkjet printers

FAQs

What is the difference between Matte Black and Photo Black ink?: Matte Black ink delivers deeper blacks and enhanced shadow detail, perfect for fine art prints, while Photo Black ink is optimized for glossy media. The PRO-300 uses both to maximize print quality.

How easy is it to set up the printer?: While the core setup is straightforward, the software and advanced print settings can be a bit complex for novice users. Canon provides extensive documentation and online tutorials.

What types of media can I print on?: The PRO-300 supports a wide range of media, including glossy photo paper, matte fine art paper, canvas, and more, up to 13” x 19”.

How long do the ink cartridges last?: Cartridge life varies depending on print volume and settings. High-quality prints with heavy ink usage will deplete cartridges faster.

Is this printer suitable for high-volume printing?: The PRO-300 is designed for quality over quantity. For high-volume printing, a different model might be more appropriate.

Product Specifications

Printer Type	Inkjet Photo Printer
Print Speed (PPM)	39 PPM (Black, A4), 23 PPM (Color, A4)
Resolution (DPI)	4800 x 1200 dpi
Connectivity	USB, Wi-Fi
Duplex	Automatic
Supported Media Sizes	A4, A5, A6, B5, Letter, Legal, 10×15 cm, 13×19 cm, Custom sizes up to 14” x 39”
Ink/Toner Type	Canon PGI-300/CLI-300 Ink Cartridges
Dimensions	15”D x 25.2”W x 7.9”H
Warranty	One-year limited warranty

Ratings

Print Quality (Color & Sharpness)	4.7
Ink Efficiency / Yield	3.9
Connectivity & App Integration	4.5
Print Speed (Pages per Minute)	3.8
Build Quality & Design	4.3
Value for Money	3.7

Recommendation

This printer is ideal for professional photographers, fine art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the highest possible print quality. If cost is a primary concern, consider a more budget-friendly option.

Conclusion

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 isn’t just a printer; it’s an investment in your creative vision. While the cost of ink and slower printing speeds might be drawbacks for some, the exceptional print quality and professional features make it an invaluable tool for those who demand the very best. From capturing intricate details to reproducing accurate colors, the PRO-300 empowers you to bring your photographic dreams to life.