Canon PIXMA MP800 Ink Cartridges

Canon MP800 Printer Review

The Canon PIXMA MP800 and MP800R are similar models in a series of inkjet printers that incorporate a nice range of photo-centric features considering their low price tags. According to more than one expert test, the MP800 offers one of the quickest outputs in its class, and it is able to print a 10x15-inch borderless photo in as fast as 36 seconds. Benefiting from a 3-in-1 design that includes copy and scan capabilities, as well as inexpensive Canon MP800 printer ink, this multifunction photo printer is an affordable solution for home offices.

One of the reasons the MP800 is labeled as a home office machine rather than a personal printer is its flexible connectivity, which includes wireless and wired networking in additional to standard memory card slots and a PictBridge port. The unit also supports automatic double-sided printing and can handle specialty media like CD and DVD discs. The only standard office feature the MP800 is missing is an automatic document feeder for continuous scanning.

The MP800 is flexible enough to include a nice package of photo features, starting with its large 3.5-inch color LCD that makes it easy to preview and optimize photos before printing. It can even tilt up and down for a better viewing angle. The control panel also includes a dedicated photo index button that will allow users to print an index sheet straight from compatible memory cards such as CompactFlash.

The unit has a dual paper path that lets users load different types of media and effortlessly switch between the two trays. The main cassette tray can handle up to 150 pages, while the other input tray folds out of the rear and can handle specialty media like glossy photo paper, photo stickers and matte photo paper.

The device performed well in photo output tests, printing with precise color detail and a resolution of 9600x2400 dpi using PIXMA MP800 printer ink. The machine operates with separate cyan, yellow, magenta and black Canon MP800 ink cartridges that have standard yields of 280 pages each. Users also have the option to purchase affordable high-capacity black Canon MP800 ink cartridges that can yield up to 650 pages.

While the MP800's design favors its photo printing feature, the inclusion of mostly well-rounded scan and copy features make it a good fit for users working out of a home office. The high-capacity PIXMA MP800 ink supplies are also a nice bonus. To obtain the full home office package with elements like an automatic document feeder, users will have to shop around for more expensive multifunction inkjet printers, but it will suffice for basic needs.