Canon PIXMA iX6850 review is this A3 printer worth the investment

Description

Introduction to the Canon PIXMA iX6850

After spending some quality time with the Canon PIXMA iX6850, I can confidently say that this A3 inkjet printer is a solid contender for individuals or small businesses needing high-quality, large-format prints. Its 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution immediately caught my attention, making it ideal for printing vibrant images and detailed documents. While I appreciated the sleek black design, I found myself reflecting on both its strengths and the areas where it could improve. Here’s my take on this office printer after testing it extensively.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stands out about this printer is its compact and minimalist design. For an A3 printer, it doesn’t take up as much desk space as I expected. The 17.82-pound weight makes it manageable to move around, though I wouldn’t call it portable. Its glossy black exterior gives it a professional look, but it’s also a magnet for fingerprints, which drove me a little crazy during testing.

What I did love was the simple control interface. There’s no flashy touchscreen, but the buttons are responsive, and the setup was straightforward. It connects seamlessly through USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, ensuring you have options whether you’re using it in a home office or a networked workspace. However, I did notice the absence of a display panel, which might bother users who prefer a visual interface.

Print Quality and Performance

The print quality on this machine is striking. The 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution delivers crisp and vibrant prints, whether I was printing photos or detailed text documents. The colors are rich, and the pigment-based ink system ensures longevity without fading. I tested it on both plain paper and photo paper, and the latter produced results that were almost gallery-worthy.

In terms of speed, the Canon PIXMA iX6850 is respectable but not blazing fast. It delivers 14.5 ipm (images per minute) for monochrome prints and 10.4 ipm for color. While this is adequate for most tasks, bulk jobs can feel a bit slow. The 250-sheet input capacity is a blessing for larger projects, but the 150-sheet output tray often required me to keep an eye on it during heavy use. One notable downside is the lack of automatic duplex printing, which means you’ll have to manually flip the pages for double-sided printing.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional print resolution (9600 x 2400 dpi) for detailed images and text.
• Wireless printing capabilities make it a breeze to connect to multiple devices.
• Compatible with PCs and laptops, offering flexibility for different users.
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi options ensure it fits into office environments seamlessly.
• 250-sheet input tray minimizes the need for constant refilling.

Shortcomings

• No automatic duplex printing, making double-sided printing inconvenient.
• The lack of a display panel might frustrate users who prefer on-device controls.
• Print speeds are decent but lag behind some competitors in the same price range.
• The glossy exterior attracts fingerprints, which can be annoying for users who value aesthetics.

Target Audience and Usability

This printer is clearly designed for professionals, small business owners, and creatives who need high-quality prints. If you’re into graphic design or photography, the PIXMA iX6850 can handle A3-sized prints, making it a fantastic choice for portfolios or presentations. It’s also versatile enough for everyday office tasks, though the lack of advanced features like scanning or copying means it’s not a one-stop solution.

My colleague, who works in marketing, found it particularly useful for printing large posters and flyers. The Wi-Fi connectivity allowed her to easily send jobs from her laptop, while the Ethernet option ensured compatibility with the office network. However, she did mention that the manual double-sided printing slowed her workflow.

Competing Products

When comparing the Canon PIXMA iX6850 to other A3 printers, a few notable alternatives come to mind. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000, for instance, offers automatic duplex printing and a lower cost per page due to its refillable ink tanks. However, it falls short in terms of print resolution, as its maximum is lower than the Canon’s 9600 x 2400 dpi.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is another strong competitor, boasting faster print speeds and a built-in scanner. Yet, it doesn’t match the PIXMA iX6850’s ability to produce such vibrant, detailed images. For anyone focused on photo-quality prints, the Canon still holds a distinct edge.

Price Performance

In terms of price-to-quality ratio, I’d say this printer offers fair value. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the print quality and versatility make it worth the investment for those who need high-resolution, large-format prints. The cost of replacement ink can add up, especially if you frequently print in color, but the results justify the expense in my opinion. For budget-conscious users, this may require a bit of planning to avoid overspending on consumables.

Final Verdict

While the Canon PIXMA iX6850 isn’t without its flaws, its stunning print quality and user-friendly connectivity options make it a standout choice for professionals and creatives. I wouldn’t recommend it for users who need all-in-one functionality, but if you’re after a dedicated A3 printer that delivers vibrant, detailed prints, it’s hard to go wrong here.

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