The Canon PIXMA MP760 takes the old adage "Jack of all trades, master of none" and throws it out the (Microsoft) window. The MP760 has proven to
be one of the fastest and sharpest printers in its class, while also including a fast, high-resolution photo scanner with slide and film scanning abilities. Combining these two products also gave
Canon the ability to add full-color and b&w photo copying to the feature set. If Canon had stopped there, you would have a 3-in-1 multi-function
printer that was well worth owning, but Canon wasn't quite finished in their quest to make the perfect multi-function photo printer.
Canon added a large 2.5" color LCD display and an 8-in-1 memory card reader - which then adds other capabilities, such as the ability to print directly from 35mm negatives or
slides, or directly from a memory card without having to first send them to your PC. The color LCD allows you to preview the images from your camera, memory card, slides, or
negatives, then select only the ones you wish to print - all without ever turning on the computer. Of course, you can - and will - want to connect it to your computer, but there
will be many times that you'll find yourself printing from the front panel instead.
What good are all of these features if the printed results aren't sharp? Rest assured, the PIXMA MP760 prints with superb detail and color accuracy and does it with
speed and grace. During testing, I felt that a few of the printed photographs were a tad oversaturated when using Canon's recommended driver settings, but even then, the results were
sharp and crisp - just a bit rich for my taste. With the dual-paper tray I was able to keep full-size 8.5"x11" semi-gloss photo paper in the bottom paper tray and a stack of 4"x6" photo paper in the rear
paper tray. Two paper trays offers the convenience of changing print sizes without having to get up and swap print media - the same way a TV remote prevents you from having to get
up every time you want to change the channel.
The Canon MP760 uses Canon's five-color ContrastPLUS ink system, which
incorporates a dye-based photo grade black ink-tank for photo printing.
Unlike many multi-functions, the MP760 uses 5 individual ink cartridges,
which help to reduce waste by only replacing the ink cartridge that
is running low. Canon has also integrated their FINE (Full-photolithography
Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) high-performance print head, which can
achieve 1200-dpi nozzle pitch and a droplet size of only 2 picolieters.
Prints were dry to the touch almost instantly after they came out
of the printer and won't smudge if handled with damp fingers.
If it's not apparent, the Canon PIMXA MP760 has quickly become a favorite of mine. I would love to see an 13"x19" version since I often make large prints, but I
realize that many of you don't have this need. If you are considering upgrading your current printer, you should give the PIXMA MP760 strong consideration. Yes, at $299 (MSRP), it
costs more than today's bargain printers, but the speed and quality at which it prints, the convenience that it offers, the individual ink cartridges, and the features that you'll
find yourself using more often than you think are worth the extra money.
The PIXMA MP760 is available now at a suggested selling price of $299.00, although if you scroll down the page you'll find retailers selling
it for less.
Canon offers a $50 rebate on this printer when purchased with any new Powershot Digital Camera, Laptop or Desktop Computer. Get rebate form here.
