Canon PIXMA MG4120 Ink Cartridges

Canon MG4120 Printer Review

The Canon PIXMA MG4120 is an all-in-one printer, scanner and copier that offers a nice range of features despite being one of the more affordable models in its class of home inkjet units. Experts tested this device to perform at maximum speeds of 10 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 6 pages per minute for color projects, which aren't the quickest outputs among comparable models, but decent enough considering its price. Benefitting from elements such as inexpensive color PIXMA MG4120 ink replacements, user-friendly features and versatile connectivity, it certainly gives buyers a decent bundle of capabilities for the price.

This device's standout function is the photo printing feature, due to its Cloud Link technology that will allow users to print images directly from their online photo albums, as well as Fun Filter Effects, which provides users with options such as blurring a photo's background. The front panel's 2.4-inch LCD display is a nice fixture that enables previewing photos, while the memory card slots featured below it will allow users to scan to and print photos from media like SD Card, Memory Stick, and other formats.

Available connectivity is ample and ranges from compatible iPad, iPhone and Android wireless mobile printing to a standard PC connection via USB port. Paper handling, however, is less abundant and includes only a single 100-sheet input tray that can support light duty use. To help compensate for this the MG4120 does provide an automatic duplexing feature that can reduce paper usage by up to 50 percent.

The unit's output, particularly with photos and graphics, tested above par with crisp detail and a high-quality resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using color Canon MG4120 printer ink. Text documents also performed well against expert tests, printing with sharp dense character detail and a resolution of 600x600 dpi using black PIXMA MG4120 ink.

Magenta, cyan and black printer ink is packaged into a single tricolor Canon MG4120 ink cartridge that can yield up to 400 pages and will be cost-effective to replace. Black Canon MG4120 ink cartridges, however, yield only around 300 pages and may become pricey under heavy usage.

The MG4120 is one of the best deals in its class considering its flexible, photo-centric design and professional-quality output. For an inkjet unit that offers more affordable black supplies and a slightly lower price tag, buyers may want to consider the Brother MFC-J625DW as an alternative.