The two new machines, a 610mm (24in) and a 1,118mm (42in), have a production speed of up to 40sqm per hour, and were unveiled at photographic exhibition Photokina in Cologne.

An eight-colour inkset, which includes three blacks/greys, is said to produce a wide, smooth tonal range and a large colour gamut with no bronzing and reduced metamerism.

The new models also have the option to include the SpectroProofer spectrophotometer for calibration, profiling and print quality verification.

Available from 1 January 2011, pricing starts at £2,595 for the 7890 and £5,195 for the 9890.

Epson has also launched the Stylus Pro 4900, a desktop version of its x900 series, which adds the option of the SpectroProofer to a 432mm (17in) wide machine.