REASONS TO BUY
Great color rendition
Good dynamic range
Good tonal range
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor resolution
Few paper options
Relatively expensive
Epson PictureMate PM-400 Review
This machine renders top-notch results for a mid-size printer, but they come at a premium
Credit: Jason Peters
RELATED: Best Photo Printers of 2024
Our Verdict
The Epson PictureMate PM-400 delivers color rendition on par with the full-size models and is surprisingly faithful to the original image. Conversely, the machine is limited to the smaller formats, maxing out at 5" x 7", which might be a good thing since the image resolution is poor. Additionally, this machine costs a pretty penny for a mid-size printer. Yet, when you add up all the pros and cons, if you want high-end results without having to go all-in on a full-size machine, this model is worth a look for the casual photographer. Unfortunately, it doesn't fall in line with our top-ranked photo printers.
Editor's Note: We updated this review of the Epson PictureMate PM-400 on March 28, 2022, to take a closer look at value and to find comparisons with other similar products.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product Epson PictureMate PM-400 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Value for High Volume Printing | Best Value for Wide Format Prints |  Best for Easy 4" x 6" Prints | Best Mini Printer | |
| Price | $270 List $259.99 at Amazon | $330 List $249.00 at Amazon | $400 List $349.99 at Amazon | $140 List Check Price at Amazon | $100 List $77.77 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This spendy machine is among the best of mid-size printers in color rendition and dynamic range | This printer delivers high-volume, great-quality photos at a delightfully low cost per print | This printer yields high-quality images at a reasonable price | A compact and user-friendly printer that punches above its weight class, printing clear photos | Portable, reliable, and fun to use - this printer delivers in nearly every way |
| Rating Categories | Epson PictureMate P... | Canon PIXMA G620 | Epson Expression HD... | Canon Selphy CP1500 | Canon IVY 2 Mini |
| Color Prints (35%) | |||||
| Black and White Prints (35%) | |||||
| Print Capabilities (15%) | |||||
| Operating Cost (10%) | |||||
| Set-up (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Epson PictureMate P... | Canon PIXMA G620 | Epson Expression HD... | Canon Selphy CP1500 | Canon IVY 2 Mini |
| Cost Per Print | $0.45 | $0.05 | $0.45 | $0.43 | $0.50 |
| Measured Print Time | 86 seconds | 157 seconds | 34 seconds | 57 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Max Photo Dimensions | 5" x 7" | 8.5" x 47" | 13" x 44" | 4" x 6" | 2" x 3" |
| Print Resolution | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 300 x 300 dpi | 313 x 512 dpi |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet (Piezo DOD) | Inkjet | Inkjet (Piezo DOD) | 4PASS Dye Sublimation Thermal Transfer |
ZINK™ (Zero Ink) |
| Color Palette (ink cartridges) | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black | Gray, Black, Red, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Gray, Red | Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Laminated coating | N/A |
| Measured Dimensions | 3.3" x 9" x 6.9" | 17.2" x 12.5" x 5.8" | 6.3" x 18.7" x 14.5" | 7.2" x 11.6" x 2.3" | 5" x 3.3" x 1" |
| Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB Wi-Fi WiFi Direct |
Hi-Speed USB Wi-Fi Wireless PictBridge |
Hi-Speed USB Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Direct Ethernet |
Wi-Fi PictBridge (Wireless & USB) Hi-Speed USB Memory Card |
Bluetooth |
| Memory cards supported | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| LCD screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ink type | Dye-based | Dye-based | Dye-based | N/A | N/A |
| Scanner | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Battery | No | No | No | Optional - sold separately | Yes |
| Operating system requirements | Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 8.x (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.6.8 — 10.10.x8; Internet access is required to install drivers and software. |
Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1 macOS v10.12.6 - 10.15 |
Windows 10 8/8.1/Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) Windows Vista (32-bit , 64-bit) Mac OS X 10.6.8 — macOS 10.12.x6 |
Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1 Mac OS X v10.10.5 — macOS v10.12 |
Compatible OS iOS: 12.0 or later Android™: 6.0 or later |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No | No |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Epson PictureMate PM-400 is at the top end of the mid-size printer class in overall performance. However, this status belies the drawback inherent in this machine's performance. This model renders colors on par with machines costing hundreds of dollars more, yet the resolution is poor. This machine has a broad dynamic range, yet it slumps in the dark grays. This machine has a below-average cost per print, but it is relatively expensive. Despite the inconsistencies, this machine fills a hole in the market left by the other mid-size models: it's compact and kicks out quality prints up to 5" x 7".
Performance Comparison
Even though this mid-sized printer is limited to smaller formats, we were particularly impressed with the quality of color prints.
Credit: Laura Casner
Likes
We have to say that we were really surprised at the Epson PictureMates's color output. It is top-notch. Despite some of the stepped transitions in the dark grays, we were also quite impressed with the range of tones from white to black — what is referred to as the dynamic range.
As far as mid-sized printers go, the Epson PictureMate is plenty capable for the casual photographer.
Credit: Laura Casner
While the printer doesn't have many options for paper and print sizes, it has more than some other top-ranked photo printers. This machine would be a good option for printing pics for the photo album or hanging them on the fridge.
Dislikes
The main thing we don't like about this machine is the cost. It is significantly more expensive than its peers, and we do not see what one is getting for that extra money. True, the color is good, but the resolution is really poor. Yes, the dynamic range is good, but not so good as to warrant the price hike.
The Epson PictureMate produces black and white prints with a dynamic range, even if the resolution isn't as tight as higher-end models.
Credit: Laura Casner
Our tests for color and grayscale were run on both economy and high-end paper. Unfortunately, this machine's best work is done on high-end paper, potentially adding to the long-term operating costs.
Should You Buy the Epson PictureMate PM-400?
Long story short, the results of the Epson PictureMate PM-400 tests were all over the place. In some evaluations, the machine punched way above its weight. However, the machine followed up these performances with utter flops. Add a hefty price tag to this, and it should be no wonder why this machine garnered no awards.
What Other Photo Printers Should You Consider?
We do not find the Epson PictureMate PM-400 to be a very good value. The Canon PIXMA G620 offers much higher quality at a similar price. See our photo printer review to see which printer is the best option for your specific needs.
—
Nick Miley, Jason Peters and Austin Palmer
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