While we will always recommend installing the latest drivers and software designed for the specific use of each device, it isn’t a must in this case, as Windows 10 was easily able to install the required drivers in the background without my manual intervention. While you may still have to do a few checks upon the first start, you can almost literally complete your first photo print within five minutes, without ever having to setup up your PC. One of the great features of the modern printer is its efficiency during the setup phases. The L486 does well to reduce the weight by such a substantial amount, even when you consider the additional ink slots within the tank, which wouldn’t make up the difference. The L486 adds wireless capabilities to its list of additional features, whereas the L850 has two additional coloured inks for better colour reproduction on prints (I’ll discuss more of the comparisons in the performance section). With an overall weight of 4.5KG, it’s half the weight of the L850. Epson, then, aware of customer and reviewer feedback has made some minor changes to the build quality, and something potential buyers may appreciate. The ITS module, once again, is fitted on the right-hand side of the unit, although the connection to the main unit has been stabilised somewhat since my last Epson printer review, and something which I alluded to previously. I know it may add some overheads to the overall costs, but how significant would the costs for a USB interface be? Looking back at the L850, which includes both the SD card slot and USB 2.0 interfaces, I’m a bit curious as to why this wasn’t an option on the L486 as well. The L486 includes an SD card slot, the, almost mandatory, storage medium for many photographers. The panel also includes a 1.45″ colour display, which is operated by means of the navigation buttons. Most of these are quite self-explanatory, and easy to understand and use without the need for the user manual. This main panel includes a number of buttons including the on/off, home, navigational, cancel and maintenance buttons. The scanner bed is covered by a thin lid, with a segment of the top also opening to allow users to view some of the internals if need be.Īs with many of the more premium L-series units, the L486 has a ‘floating’ main panel, which can be tilted up or pushed back depending on your preference. Looking across the previously released L-series printers, the design also follows suit here. As always Epson’s ITS stands out from other brands of printers, which despite adding additional bulk, adds quite a lot more in terms of value. More still, the L486 follows the same core design with many of its Epson siblings with the same multifunctional capabilities. Epson provided us with the L486 inkjet photo printer for a few weeks and I more than happily put it through its paces.Īs with many, many inkjet printers, the overall design is not dissimilar to the average printer. I cannot speak much of the naming and numbering conventions of these printers, but with each fitted with Epson’s Ink-Tank System (ITS), you’re assured to get good value for your prints in addition to the excellent quality the company is known for. The L-series range was updated back in March 2017 with the release of three new additions in the 元82, 元86 and L486. Epson’s L-series photo printers have always delivered some of the best photo printing for a reasonable price.