Canon PIXMA MX512 Ink Cartridges

Canon MX512 Printer Review

The PIXMA inkjet line is known for solid photo output and great all-in-one features, and the Canon PIXMA MX512 certainly doesn't disappoint. With the usual compliment of printing, scanning, faxing, and copying features, and ESAT speeds of up to 9.7 images per minute in black and 5.5 images per minute in color, it is a worthy successor, even if the Canon MX512 printer ink costs are a little high.

The MX512 adopts the usual squat, rounded design of previous inkjet models in its line, and is pretty comparable in size, with a little less height. It measures 7.9x18.1x15.2 inches, but stays under 20 pounds in weight. As a result, it might be a little bulky to share a desk with, but it isn't unusually large.

On top is a 30-page automatic document feeder, whose tray flips up when in use. It can handle sheets up to 8.5x14 inches, while the flatbed scanner is limited to the typical 8.5x11.7-inch sheets. The flatbed scanner does offer a higher optical resolution (1200x2400 dpi) than the ADF, however, which is limited to only 600 dpi. Automatic duplexing can conserve paper, and the economical Draft mode conserves PIXMA MX512 printer ink without sacrificing too much quality.

Memory card slots and a PictBridge port are included, and the 2.5-inch color LCD does a good job of previewing and even light editing of images before printing. Along with wireless support, however, the unit also supports Apple's AirPrint for iOS devices, and users have the option of adding Bluetooth for direct wireless printing.

In a strange reversal, the capacity of color Canon MX512 ink cartridges are larger than black supplies. The overall cost per page of PIXMA MX512 ink cartridges tends to be a little higher than the category average, however.

The MX512 truly has a lot going for it. For a very reasonable retail price, users get most of the scanning, copying, and printing they are likely to need. The cost of Canon MX512 ink might turn some budget-conscious buyers away, though.