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Epson PictureMate PM-400 Review

This machine renders top-notch results for a mid-size printer, but they come at a premium
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Epson PictureMate PM-400 Review
Credit: Jason Peters
Price:  $270 List
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Manufacturer:   Epson
Nick Miley
By Nick Miley ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  March 30, 2022
Contributions From: Jason Peters & Austin Palmer
60
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#4 of 10
  • Color Prints - 35% 5.0
  • Black and White Prints - 35% 7.0
  • Print Capabilities - 15% 5.0
  • Operating Cost - 10% 7.0
  • Set-up - 5% 6.0

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.
REASONS TO BUY
Great color rendition
Good dynamic range
Good tonal range
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor resolution
Few paper options
Relatively expensive

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".

epson picturemate pm-400 - even though this mid-sized printer is limited to smaller formats, we...
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.

epson picturemate pm-400 - as far as mid-sized printers go, the epson picturemate is plenty...
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 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.

epson picturemate pm-400 - the epson picturemate produces black and white prints with a dynamic...
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.

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Photo Printer
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Wide Format Prints
Top Pick Award
Best for Easy 4" x 6" Prints
Top Pick Award
Best Mini Printer
Price $270 List
$249.99 at Amazon		$330 List
$249.00 at Amazon		$400 List
$328.97 at Amazon		$140 List$100 List
$79.00 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
60
77
67
61
43
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This spendy machine is among the best of mid-size printers in color rendition and dynamic rangeThis printer delivers high-volume, great-quality photos at a delightfully low cost per printThis printer yields high-quality images at a reasonable priceA compact and user-friendly printer that punches above its weight class, printing clear photosPortable, 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%)
5.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
Black and White Prints (35%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
4.0
Print Capabilities (15%)
5.0
7.0
8.0
4.0
3.0
Operating Cost (10%)
7.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Set-up (5%)
6.0
7.0
5.0
9.0
9.0
Specifications 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

—Nick Miley, Jason Peters and Austin Palmer

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