A printer includes: a first fixed printhead having a respective first print zone; a first platen positioned in the first print zone; a second fixed printhead positioned downstream of the first printhead having a respective second print zone; a second platen positioned in the second print zone; an input roller assembly configured for feeding media sheets along a downward trajectory towards the first platen; an intermediary roller assembly positioned between the first and second platens and configured for receiving the media sheets from the first platen and feeding the media sheets along a downward trajectory towards the second platen; and an exit roller assembly for receiving the media sheets from the second platen. The second platen is positioned relatively lower than the first platen to facilitate a stepped media feed path with minimal distance between the first and second printheads.