Canon PIXMA MP980 Ink Cartridges

Canon MP980 Printer Review

While there are less expensive inkjet printers on the market that offer a similar package of features, the Canon PIXMA MP980 incorporates printing, scanning and copying capabilities that are very easy to use. Expert tests on speed reveal that the device is one of the quickest in its class for images, printing 4x6-inch photos in as fast as 20 seconds, but it prints text at slow rates that aren't consistent with its estimated maximum of 26 pages per minute. There are a few negatives to owning this device, such as its poor output quality and expensive low-capacity PIXMA MP980 printer ink, but its ample control features and professional software will make it easy to use its multipurpose features.

This device incorporates a handful of features that will benefit beginner photographers like its 3.5-inch LCD that will allow users to preview photos, a simple control panel that has a four-way pad for navigating through menus and a memory card reader that offers image printing straight from camera cards. The device also has Wi-Fi connectivity that enables wireless printing, but experts note that setup for this feature can be confusing.

Another positive to owning this device is its media handling, which incorporates dual-paper feeds with one 150-sheet cassette tray and another 150-sheet input tray that folds out of the back of the device. The unit can handle specialty photo paper, but unfortunately this won't do much to improve its poor output quality for images and graphics, which can appear washed out despite a resolution of 9600x2400 dpi using color Canon MP980 printer ink. The device also disappointed experts with its omission of a fax machine, which is typically seen in other models in its price range.

The device's print system uses the standard black, cyan, magenta and yellow PIXMA MP980 ink, but also includes a pigment black supply and a gray Canon MP980 ink cartridge that can help enhance black-and-white photo output. The color, black and gray supplies can each yield approximately 420 pages and the pigment black Canon MP980 ink cartridge has a capacity of 350 pages, which are relatively low-yielding supplies that make it best limited to light-duty use.

The main concern with the MP980 is that it doesn't bundle enough features to make it worth its price tag. Also, considering its slower text print speeds, below-par output and tricky wireless setup, this device isn't the best choice among similar multifunction inkjet printers.