Canon - Truth in Advertising!
Written: Oct 24 '05 (Updated Oct 25 '05)
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Pros: Superb borderless photo prints, two side text printing. Dollar for dollar a best buy!
Cons: Paper output tray closing mechanism needs improvement.
The Bottom Line: This printer has earned it's excellent reviews with outstanding print quality, whisper-quiet operation, robust paper input device, 5-tank ink system and two-sided printing.
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| ucantimagine's Full Review: Canon PIXMAâ„¢ iP5000 InkJet Photo Printer |
I purchased a refurbished Canon Pixma IP5000 to accompany my new Canon S2 IS Digital Camera. I am equally pleased with both products. (I'll review the camera after I've had some time try it out.) I need the ability to print professional quality DVD Sleeve covers, CD Covers and other such projects. This printer does an amazing job! It's whisper quiet and the 4 X 6 printed borderless in 36 seconds---EXACTLY how long Canon said it would take. A gorgeous 8.5 X 11" print was finished in 86 seconds. I use and recommend Canon Photo Paper Pro if you are serious about printing great photos. With the print wizards, you can preview before you print, and I guarantee you that you will not have to print over and over to get it right. My very first attempt at my very first 4 X 6 and 8.5 X 11 prints both came out perfect the first time!
The construction of this printer is different that I'm used to but I find it aesthetically appealing. The printer is rock solid, weighing in at around 12 pounds. Be prepared to make room for this baby, too. The foot print is about 16.5" x 11" and almost 7" tall. This is before opening any of the paper handling trays. The exterior is a sort of opaque black shiny plastic sheeting that fits loosely into a grey frame with a satin finish. Some reviewers didn't care for this design, feeling that it was flimsy, but I don't agree. The one feature that I do wish was better designed is the closing mechanism for the paper output tray. It catches with a sort of push-in latch but it doesn't always catch. I've had it fall down several times. You have to press firmly right in the center and pause momentarily to make sure it latched or catch the door on its way back down.
This printer is full of features that make it an excellent buy. Not only does it print outstanding borderless photos, it is a very capable text printer with the ability to print on both sides of the paper! I've yet to use this feature but I will try it out as soon as I have the opportunity. There is also a paper tray on the bottom of the printer which is very handy for storing paper without having to open the top paper input tray. It is intended for copy or basic printer paper, not heavier stock or photo papers, for these types the top loader is best.
Canon has also built in a system of light flashes to help troubleshoot any problems with the printer. I haven't had a single problem with mine so far but if I do it seems that the flashing lights would be helpful.
As you probably know, this printer has 5 ink tanks. I didn't notice any ink use when I looked at the tanks after printing the 4 X 6 and 8.5 X 11 photos. Installing the print cartridges is a snap. The print head is easily accessible by opening yet another door. To install the various tanks you just match the color of the ink label with the label on the print head, hold it by the plastic clip on the bottom of the tank, slide it into the print head and press down until it clicks.
The printer came packaged with a software/driver CD, print head sealed in a foil bag, the ink tanks individually wrapped, a manual and quick start guide, a USB cable and power cord. I immediately felt that I got my money's worth when I saw all the stuff in the box and felt how heavy the box was. This is the first time I've had to put so many pieces together but it was easy and fun actually. I got the sense that I had made a good decision with this printer. From opening the box to printing my first test photo took about 25 minutes. My computer isn't the fastest and the software took a little longer than I expected but installation went smoothly. With the common photo editing programs that many people already have and widespread printer compatibility, you don't have to use the Canon software. The Pixma works perfectly with Photoshop, MGI, Paint Shop Pro, etc. And of course you can print directly from your Pict Bridge camera to the printer without a computer.
I would go on and on, but I've only had my Pixma a couple days and we're still getting to know one another. :)
I highly recommend this printer to anyone looking for a lot of bang without breaking the bank. I got my refurbished printer for $91 on a popular auction site. $123 with shipping and insurance.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 91
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
ucantimagine
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Reviews written: 8
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