The Canon PIXMA iP5000 is an ideal printer for anyone who wants a fast, high quality 8.5" x 11" photo printer.
The combination of Canon's ink and paper will provide water and smudge resistant prints that will last as long or longer than
traditional prints (when stored in an album). Canon's ContrastPLUS ink system offers highly saturated colors, high contrast,
and sharp prints, while the individual ink cartridges help to reduce waste. If you prefer a printer that will handle larger
print sizes, take a look at the Canon i9900 wide-format (13"x19") photo printer, which features Canon's 8-color ChromaPLUS ink
system.
The iP5000 does not feature a built-in card reader, but most digital camera's* have the ability to connect directly to the PIXMA
iP5000, using the camera's LCD display to select the images and print sizes.
* PictBridge or Direct Print Compatible Cameras
The PIXMA iP5000's dual paper path allow you to keep regular paper and photo paper in the printer together, allowing you to select
the appropriate paper tray when you go to print. The iP5000 even features a built-in DUPLEXING feature, which will
automatically print on both sides of the paper. When the first side is finished printing, the printer will pull the
page back, then print the second page on the reverse side. This is a great feature that can save a lot of paper when printing
business documents and school reports. Canon also offers dual-sided photo paper, allowing you to make your own dual-sided photos
or photo postcards quickly and easily.
How does it compare?
The Canon iP5000 is a great printer, but at $199 it is priced a bit higher than its competitors.
HP offers the Photosmart 8150 for only $149, which offers equally impressive print quality, a 2.5" color preview monitor, and
dual paper trays. However, the HP doesn't offer auto duplexing and its prints are not water resistant. Prints that aren't water
and smudge proof need to be carefully guarded - especially when sharing photos with family and friends.
Epson offers the Stylus Photo R320, which also features an integrated 2.5" LCD preview monitor, a built-in card
reader, the ability to print directly on ink jet printable CD's and DVD's, and water resistant prints. The Epson, however,
only has one paper tray - so you'll need to remember to change the paper type prior to printing. The Epson also does not offer
duplexing and is not as fast as the Canon - though it's close.
Is the Canon iP5000, which offers equal or superior photo quality, faster print speeds, duplexing, and dual paper paths worth
more than a printer that features a color LCD display and the ability to print directly from a memory card? Only you can answer
that. I personally feel that if Canon lowered the price of the iP5000 to $149, the choice would be a lot easier.
Joby Gorillapod Focus
