Epson XP-8700 Photo All-in-One Review

Introduction

The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 arrives as a compact, feature-packed solution for hobbyists, home studios, and small offices that need true photo-quality output without a professional price tag. Built around Epson’s six-color Claria Photo HD ink set and MicroPiezo printhead technology, the XP-8700 is designed to deliver vibrant, borderless prints up to letter size and to fit on a bookshelf or desktop with minimal fuss. It tackles the common trade-offs between color fidelity, ease of use, and space efficiency that many casual photographers and creative users face.

Beyond photos, the XP-8700 doubles as a capable all-in-one: a flatbed scanner for digitizing prints and documents, a copier with automatic duplexing, and wireless connectivity that supports printing from laptops, phones, and tablets. For users frustrated by slow mobile workflows, complex setup, or printers that overconsume ink, this model aims to smooth the process with a large color touchscreen, dedicated photo tray, and app-driven printing. It solves productivity and creative friction by marrying high-resolution photo performance with straightforward everyday printing features.

Overview

Physically, the XP-8700 is compact and thoughtfully arranged. At under 16 pounds and with a low-profile footprint, it fits easily on a home desk or creative corner. The exterior is clean and modern in black, with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen positioned for simple navigation and quick access to print, scan, and copy functions. Separate paper paths for plain paper, photo paper, and a rear specialty feed keep workflows tidy and reduce manual swapping when switching media types.

Under the hood is Epson’s inkjet print engine using a six-color Claria Photo HD dye-based ink set and MicroPiezo piezoelectric heads. That combination supports a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi for detailed, saturated images and precise tonal transitions. Connectivity is broad: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct for mobile printing, USB for local connections, and app integration through the Epson Smart Panel and Creative Print apps. This model is ideal for creative enthusiasts, hobby photographers, and home office users who want both quality photo output and reliable everyday document handling.

Features

Professional 6-Color Claria Photo HD Inks: Six dye-based inks including light cyan and light magenta expand color gamut and improve gradation for smoother skin tones and subtle shadow detail. The result is prints with richer color depth and less visible banding compared with four-color systems.

High-Resolution Printing up to 5760 x 1440 dpi: A fine droplet size and precise MicroPiezo printhead control deliver exceptionally detailed output. This resolution supports borderless prints up to letter size and produces crisp line work and smooth gradients in photos and mixed media projects.

Large 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen and App Control: The responsive touchscreen simplifies setup, previewing, and quick adjustments without needing a computer. Paired with the Epson Smart Panel and Creative Print apps, users can print directly from smartphones and tablets, access creative templates, and manage maintenance tasks remotely.

Versatile Paper Handling with Multiple Trays and Rear Feed: Separate cassettes for standard and photo sizes plus a rear specialty feed let you keep photo stock loaded while still handling everyday documents. Automatic duplexing and a generous 100-sheet capacity mean the printer can handle moderate home office workloads without constant paper shuffling.

All-in-One Functionality with Flatbed Scanner: A built-in scanner provides high-resolution scans suitable for archiving prints, making copies, or digitizing documents. Coupled with copy features and duplex capability, the XP-8700 acts as a compact MFP for creative and administrative tasks.

Benefits

Improved Photo Quality for Personal Projects

Six-color inks and high resolution produce photos with punchy color and fine detail, making family albums, portfolios, and craft prints look noticeably better than standard four-color home printers.

Simplified Mobile Workflow and Faster Setup

Epson Smart Panel app plus Wi-Fi Direct reduce friction for users who print from phones and tablets. The large touchscreen speeds recurrent tasks so you spend less time configuring and more time creating.

Space-Saving All-in-One Convenience

Compact dimensions, multiple paper trays, and built-in scanning mean creatives and small workgroups get multifunction capability without devoting extra desk space or buying separate devices.

Reduced Paper Handling and Fewer Interruptions

Automatic duplexing and dedicated photo and plain paper trays lower the need to swap media mid-job, improving productivity and reducing misfeeds when producing mixed batches of documents and photos.

Creative Flexibility with Specialty Media Support

A rear feed and compatibility with select fine art and specialty papers expand creative options for craft projects, greeting cards, and gallery-quality prints up to letter size.

Usages

Perfect for Home Offices and Creatives

Produce client proofs, greeting cards, and household documents without sacrificing photo quality. The all-in-one design supports both creative workflows and day-to-day administrative printing.

Excellent for Photo Printing and Craft Projects

Borderless printing up to 8.5 by 11 inches, high color resolution, and fine art paper compatibility make the XP-8700 a solid choice for hobby photographers and crafters who want gallery-style prints at home.

Quick Mobile Printing for Smartphones and Tablets

Wi-Fi Direct and Epson apps let users print photos and documents straight from mobile devices for fast sharing and quick prints at family gatherings or remote work setups.

Archiving and Copying with High-Fidelity Scans

Use the flatbed scanner to digitize photos and important documents with accurate color capture for backups and digital archives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Outstanding color depth and photo detail from the six-color Claria Photo HD ink set
• Compact footprint with built-in scanner and copier saves space
• Intuitive 4.3-inch color touchscreen and robust mobile app support
• Separate paper trays and rear feed streamline mixed-media workflows
• Automatic duplexing and reasonable print speeds for home use

Cons

• Dye-based inks consume faster than some pigment systems, leading to higher running costs for heavy use
• Some users report mixed results with color consistency and occasional smudging on certain media
• Limited memory and modest input capacity restrict large batch printing
• Use of only genuine Epson cartridges may increase long-term consumables cost

FAQs

Does this printer support borderless photo printing?

Yes. The XP-8700 supports borderless printing up to letter size, enabling full-bleed photos and edge-to-edge prints on compatible media.

Can I print directly from my phone without a router?

Yes. The printer supports Wi-Fi Direct for router-free printing as well as the Epson Smart Panel app which streamlines mobile printing and setup.

Are third-party inks supported?

Epson designs this printing system to use genuine Epson cartridges. Third-party or refill inks may not function correctly and could void warranty or damage printheads.

How is ink consumption and longevity of prints?

Dye-based inks offer bright color reproduction but can show faster fade over time compared with pigment-based alternatives. Customers report vibrant prints but some concerns about ink usage and fade resistance, so use archival media and proper storage for longevity.

Does it handle automatic duplex printing?

Yes. The XP-8700 supports automatic duplex printing for two-sided documents and copies, saving paper and improving document workflows.

Product Specifications

Printer Type	Inkjet Photo All-in-One
Print Speed (PPM)	Color 9 ppm, Monochrome 9.5 ppm
Resolution (DPI)	Maximum 5760 x 1440 dpi
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0, Epson Smart Panel App
Duplex	Automatic duplex printing
Supported Media Sizes	Up to 8.5 x 14 inches (Legal); special sizes down to 2.2 x 3.4 inches; 4 x 6, 5 x 7, Letter, A4
Ink/Toner Type	Dye-based Claria Photo HD 6-color ink cartridges
Dimensions	13.7 inches D x 20.7 inches W x 7.2 inches H
Weight	15 pounds
Scanner Type	Flatbed photo scanner
Max Input Sheet Capacity	100 sheets
Warranty	Limited warranty

Ratings

Color Accuracy & Detail	4.4
Print Longevity & Paper Support	3.2
Connectivity & Wireless Control	4.3
Print Speed for Photos	3.8
Ease of Use	4.1
Value for Money	3.6

Recommendation

The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 is recommended for hobby photographers, crafters, and home office users who prioritize photo quality in a compact, easy-to-use package. If you regularly print photos, postcards, or craft projects and want a single device for scanning and document duties, the XP-8700 is an attractive balance of features and price.

If your workflow demands the absolute lowest running costs, pigment-based archival printing, or heavy daily page volumes, consider a higher-capacity or pigment-based model. For most creative home users, however, this Epson delivers superior color and flexible media handling in a small footprint.

Conclusion

The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 is a well-rounded compact all-in-one that targets creative home users who want pro-looking prints without a studio-sized printer. Its six-color Claria Photo HD inks and high-resolution printhead produce vibrant, detailed photos, while practical touches like a large touchscreen, separate paper trays, and automatic duplexing make everyday use straightforward. The scanner and copier functions add utility, turning the XP-8700 into a capable home studio centerpiece.

Trade-offs include dye-based ink characteristics such as faster fade on non-archival media and higher consumable costs when compared with pigment systems. Some users report variability in color accuracy and ink consumption, so expect to calibrate profiles and choose archival paper for long-term keepsakes. Overall, for creatives who prioritize image quality and convenience in a compact package, the XP-8700 offers compelling performance and flexible features that deliver good long-term value.