Canon vs Epson Printers
Posted by Adrian Rigby on
When it comes to printers- Canon and Epson are among the most noteworthy brand names on the market. Known for high-quality prints, each of these brands offers equipment that you can be confident in relying on for most of your printing needs. However, while both printer manufacturers are capable of producing excellent results, there are some key differences that you will want to consider before committing to a purchase. Let's explore some of them now.
Creating a wish list
It's always a smart idea to write down a list of your key requirements for a printer before you begin shopping around. The world of printers is broad and there are various types of printers out there to meet different needs. It's easy to overspend on a printer with fancy features, so make sure you know what you're looking for beforehand. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on all-in-one printers that offer printing, scanning and copying in one device.
Print Quality
One item high on the agenda of shoppers is typically print quality. While you might only need to print homework or office documents, there may be occasions when you need to print something more complex- for example CV's, menus, invitations, or photography and graphical elements that require a higher quality finish.
If a quality finish is critical then you'll have to accept that an inkjet printer will printer slower than normal, it puts the paper through the printer at a slower than normal speed in order to achieve the quality of print required. You can change the print quality settings by going into the printer parameter settings and choosing the required print quality. However, with a good quality paper and the correct printer settings you can still produce a nice finish with an inkjet. So don't be afraid of compromising, if an inkjet printer meets other needs for you. Canon Pixma TS6250 and Canon TS8250 All in One Photo printer are both inkjet printers and are noted as performing well with high quality paper.
Photo Printing
If you're looking for a printer that can provide you with attractive photo prints then newer Epson and Canon models should meet the mark, however, there are some differences to pay attention to.
In tests of recent models. Epson models tend to produce a soft and lightly saturated print, while Canon models are skewed towards natural looks. In terms of detail, Epson XP-640 is reported to retain plenty of pixel integrity but may struggle with darker shadows and low lighting in photos, while the Canon TS6020 offered slightly more detail but still on the whole lacked some contrast.
Canon of course is well know for its links to the photography world, and as such, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that it is often favoured for photography prints. However, Epson printers are not far behind, so it's important to weigh up your choice with other factors.
Scanning and Copying
Part of the joy of an all in one printer is the saving in time and space that comes with having plenty of different functions to choose from in just one machine. While you may spend less time scanning or copying than printing- it's important to find a machine that puts plenty of attention on these features for when you need to call on them.
In tests, Canon printers are reported to capture better quality scans- something that again might not come as a surprise to you. Epson printers are equally capable but may require a preview scan beforehand in order to match the output of a Canon. When it comes to copying though, Epson is said to produce smoother results.
Running Costs
As well as overall machine cost, it's important to think carefully about your running costs too. You may pay less upfront for a printer but may end up forking out more in the long run. It is the cost of the cartridges that can vary greatly. It is much more economical to run a printer with 4-6 separate ink tanks than one with two ink cartridges. The printers with two ink cartridges have a colour and a black cartridge. The colour cartridge contains Red, Blue & Yellow ink and mixes the three primary colours to get other colours and shades. If one of the colour runs out you have to change the whole cartridge. Regardless of how much ink is left for the other two colours. A printer with separate ink tanks is much more economical to run as you only change the ink tank that has run out, not all of them.
The good news is that multi-function and all in one models are often more cost effective than using single function printers, copiers, and scanners. You can keep costs down even further by using a high-yield cartridges which will get you more work for your money. All ways ask your supplier for the hi capacity versions of any cartridges you are buying. They may cost a bit more but you can get up to twice the amount of print from them for nothing like twice the price.
If you are unsure about which printer is best for your home, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Pick up the phone and call us at AB Cartridges on 01522 683460. Alternatively, you can email us at admin@abcartridges.co.uk. Whilst we do not sell printers, we have over 20 years of experience and knowledge. Therefore, we can offer free, unbiased advice to help you get the best products for your needs.
Get Directions