Mac Creative > Reviews > Multifunction printers group test > Canon Pixma MX870

Canon Pixma MX870

Manufacturer: Canon (http://www.canon.co.uk)
Pros: Well-built; exceptional photo quality; two paper trays; good text reproduction
Cons: Dated styling; expensive inks
Min specs: Print, Scan, Copy and Fax; Wi-Fi and Ethernet; Super G3 fax; 35-sheet high speed duplex ADF; 5 Single Inks; Memory card slots and 6.2cm TFT display; Advanced media handling; ISO: ESAT speed 9.4/6.1 ipm (mono/col.); Borderless photo in 39 sec.; ChromaLife100+; 11.8kg; 491x437x226mm
Price: £147.1 inc VAT
Star rating:

The Canon Pixma MX870 is at the larger end of the scale in this group test, but there’s a lot to pack in. The Canon has an automatic document feeder, two paper trays, memory card slots and a 6.2cm LCD screen. As well as all the usual printing options, Canon has made a free iPhone app that’s compatible with the MX870 so you can print from your phone.

The MX870 is solidly constructed and all the doors, flaps and hinges feel very robust. The design is a bit uninspired but inoffensive. The two-tone black and silver is looking a bit long in the tooth nowadays when compared to the other glossy black models on show here.

The print quality from the MX870 is truly superb. Pictures are brim-full of detail and colour is very accurate. There’s very little to fault the Canon device on when it comes to colour prints, that’s for sure. Text in draft mode was a tiny bit fuzzy, but that’s the worst thing we can say about it. It’s by no means the fastest machine on test but it’s not bad either. A full A4 image took a shade under four minutes to print. Our mixed text and images business document was also well rendered with punchy colours and well-defined text even where it was placed over images or colour backgrounds. Scanning was fast and simple, and the MX870 provided accurate colours and a file with plenty of detail.

The five separate ink tanks account for the improved print quality; the extra photo black tank is used specifically for images. However, the Canon is expensive to refill. We priced a full set of inks at £70.

The Canon Pixma MX870 is a great multifunction device. It’s well-built and easy to use. The two paper trays give the device added flexibility. The MX870 produces great quality photo prints and good text to boot. Yes, it looks a bit dated but that’s hardly a crime. OK, the inks are a touch expensive for a full set, but the performance is impressive. Overall, there’s a lot to like about this Canon – it’s a very strong contender.

This product is part of our Multifunction printers group test group product review. Other products in this group are:

Brother MFC-990CW

Star rating:

Epson Stylus Photo PX710W

Star rating:

HP Photosmart Premium All-In-One

Star rating:

Kodak ESP Office 6150

Star rating:

Lexmark Prestige Pro 805

Star rating:

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