Gear


Epson’s New SureLab Printers: Great for Event Photography

July 22, 2021

By Theano Nikitas

The Epson SureLab D1070DE is light enough to literally pick up and transport to an event.

Event photographers and others who need high speed, high volume print production have a new option with Epson’s new SureLab printers—the SureLab D1070 and D1070DE. The latest models have evolved over the past decade and are smaller, faster, much less expensive and more sophisticated than their predecessors. I previewed Epson’s initial offering—the SureLab D3000—at a trade show about ten years ago. It was a beast (I don’t know how they were able to transport it to the meeting room) and it cost $20,000.

Epson's SureLab Printers—the D170 model.
Epson’s new SureLab printers include the D170.
Epson printer keys.

Since then, Epson has streamlined the price and size of its SureLab printers with the release of successive generations of printers. The latest models in this line are affordable at $2,595 (D1070) and $2,995 (D1070DE). And interested photographers can literally pick up and transport them to an event. Although final specs are not yet set, the D1070 should weigh in approximately 37 pounds with a footprint of about 18.1 x 13.13 inches. Initial estimates for the D1070DE, which comes with built-in duplex capabilities (perfect for photo books, postcards, etc.), are about 47.6 pounds with a footprint of 18.1 x 16.6 inches. Both printers have handles on the side for easier lifting.

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Print sizes range from 4 x 6 inches to 8 x 10 inches with a wide range of media options including high-capacity rolls as well as double- or single-sided stock. Glossy, luster, matte and thick card surfaces are available to meet a variety of output needs—from photos to promo cards and more. The printers use 250 mL UltraChrome D6r-S high capacity ink packs, which cuts down the waste of discarding ink cartridges.

Epson has redesigned and simplified the printer drivers for Windows and Mac. With improved connectivity, you can control the printers via Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB and use the Epson Cloud Solution PORT to monitor the live status of the printer remotely. (A mobile app is in development, which we assume will be ready when the printers launch.) There’s a new 1.44-inch LCD panel on the front provide easy access to operational functions.

[Read: Printers, Papers and Custom Art Options for Photographers]

Other notable attributes include an integrated output tray and high-speed rotary cutter as well as new nozzle detection and alignment technology.

The Epson SureLab D1070 is slated to ship this fall for an estimated MSRP of $2,595. The duplex model, the SureLab D1070DE will be available for $2,995 in 2022. Meanwhile, a duplex feeder can be purchased separately for approximately $599 to add automatic double-sided printing to the D1070.

epson.com