Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 13in Photo Printer - Professional Prints

Our review of the imagePROGRAF PRO-310 finds it best suited to photographers and fine art printers who need gallery-quality output from a compact desktop device. The single biggest reason to buy is its 9-color pigment ink set plus Chroma Optimizer and a dedicated Matte Black that deliver deeper blacks, excellent color accuracy, and improved gloss uniformity on photo and fine art media. Setup and workflow are generally solid, and the 3.0-in color LCD makes everyday use straightforward, though some users may notice higher ink consumption on heavy color work.

Key Features

• 9-Color Ink System: The 9 COLOR plus Chroma Optimizer pigment inks produce gallery-quality images with a wide color gamut and subtle gradations.
• Matte Black Ink: Dedicated Matte Black improves black density and expands dark area reproduction on matte and fine art papers.
• LUCIA PRO II: The LUCIA PRO II formula enhances gloss uniformity and scratch resistance for prints intended for display and handling.
• Ease of Use: Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction keep productivity high by reducing maintenance and print errors during long jobs.
• 3.0-in Color LCD: The built-in color monitor makes it easy to check ink levels, printer status, and settings without a computer.

Who It's For

The PRO-310 is aimed at advanced amateurs and professional photographers who print up to 13 in wide and want archival pigment output with accurate color and richer blacks for gallery, client, or portfolio work. Its small footprint and professional image quality make it a practical studio printer where space is limited.

Those who mainly need photo prints at consumer sizes, or who prioritize the lowest possible running cost over color fidelity, may want to consider other desktop photo printers. Also, users expecting very high throughput for office documents should look at larger-format or production-focused devices instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Outstanding print quality and color accuracy from the 9-color pigment system and Chroma Optimizer.
• Improved black reproduction with the dedicated Matte Black for fine art and B&W prints.
• Reliable daily use thanks to Anti-Clogging System and skew correction that reduce failed prints.
• Compact design with a clear 3.0-in color LCD for quick status checks and settings.

Cons

• Some users report heavier ink usage on saturated images, which can raise operating costs.
• Setup receives mixed feedback; while many find it straightforward, a few users find initial configuration more involved.

Specifications

Printer type	13 in professional photo and fine art inkjet
Ink system	9 color pigment plus Chroma Optimizer (LUCIA PRO II)
Black option	Matte Black for enhanced black density
Control	3.0-in color LCD monitor
Product focus	Gallery-quality color and black-and-white prints
Productivity features	Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction

Our Verdict

The imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is a compact, professional 13 in photo printer that delivers class-leading color accuracy and deeper blacks, making it a strong value for photographers and fine art printers who prioritize image quality over the lowest running cost. It combines robust inks and useful productivity features in a small footprint, so it is recommended for anyone who needs reliable gallery-grade output at desktop scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this printer suitable for fine art prints?
Yes. The 9-color pigment system, Chroma Optimizer, and Matte Black make it well suited for fine art and gallery-quality prints.

How easy is daily operation?
The 3.0-in color LCD plus Anti-Clogging and Skew Correction simplifies daily use, though initial setup can be more involved for some users.

Should I be concerned about ink costs?
Expect higher ink consumption on heavily saturated or large color jobs; print quality is high but operating costs can be greater than consumer models.