Comparative Test: 9 ink All-in-Ones up to 200 Euros

Devices for printing only are becoming obsolete. Multifunctionals are booming, since they enable you to print, scan, copy, and fax with just one machine. DC takes a close look at nine AIOs, price range 120 to 200 Euros.

Erschienen am 20. Mai 2011 bei Druckerchannel.de, 18 Seite(n)

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Graphic print: Quality

DC-test: dc_grafiktest.pdf

Each contestant has to print a vector graphic in Coreldraw, A4 in size. The graphic contains various elements, which allow evaluation of print quality (picture to the right). You can download a compressed JPG-version of this file in our download-area.

The file is printed in high quality mode on inkjet paper the manufacturer recommends.

Click on the pictures below to compare qualities.

Colored rays

Quality of printing can be assessed by looking at the colored rays (pictures below). The earlier the single lines merge, the more inaccurate is the printout. With some printers you will find annoying moiré.

Colored rays: Testfile, center. A clipping of the center is scanned (right side).

Canon, HP and Lexmark print the colored rays very well. Both Epson AIOs are lacking fine resolution. The prints look scruffy. Brother prints the lines too wide.

Grey areas

The original (first picture) shows a light, even grey. Ink-jet printers generate greys by mixing the colors cyan, magenta, and yellow. This can result in unsightly tints.

None of the nine AIOs in this test comes out with a really satisfying result. Canon does it best without tint and pretty consistent. The Brother- and Epson-grey is neutral but grainy. Both HP AIOs print grey with a slight red tint. Lexmark prints grey with a definite red tint.