Comparative Test: Eleven multifunction printers

In this test DC evaluates eleven AIO´s in a price range from 90 to 300 Euros. Differences in layout, speed of print, and, most of all, cost of print are huge. DC assists in choosing the appropriate AIO.

Erschienen am 27. November 2009 bei Druckerchannel.de, 19 Seite(n)

https://www.druckerchannel.de/artikel.php?ID=2669

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Photo print: Quality

DC-Farbfoto: dc_fotoyield.tif.

To test quality of photo-printing, our lab sends a photo of A4-size to the printers. It is a TIFF-file, 11.627 KByte in size, dimensions 2.362 x 3.307 pixels.

A compressed JPG-version of this file can be downloaded here: DC Testfiles.

Photo print: Parrot

To assess quality of photo print, and scrutinizing colors, sharpness of contrast, and resolution, our lab displays a scan of the blue-yellow parrot (picture right side).

To compare details, click on the pictures below. An enlarged image will open.

Brother Both AIOs (DCP-165C and MFC-790CW) with fair photo print. Closer inspection shows some grain.
More contrast and bold colors can be found with the Canon Pixma MP490. And even better do the Pixmas MP560 and MP640 - with a slight red tint.
Pale and with visible pixels: Both Epson-Stylus-printers SX510W and Office BX610FW.
Dull colors and too many streaks: HP Photosmart C4680. The Photosmart Premium Fax C309a prints on almost the same level as the Canons do. The Kodak prints on the same level as Brother, but with a distinct tint, a flaw Kodak should gain control of.
Lexmark comes with vivid colors, but too dark. Close inspection shows pixels and streaks.

Skin tones

To assess attention to detail and reproduction of skin tones, our lab shows a clip of the Fuji-testfile and the small eye in the center of DC´s A4 test photo.

Fuji-testfile

A4 test photo

Skin tones are printed with both Epsons somewhat pale. The two more expensive Canons overdo coloring. Kodak does´t print colors correctly. Lexmark prints with pixels, visible on close inspection only.