🖨️ Canon PIXMA iX6820 Wireless Business Printer Review: Big Output on a Budget
The Canon PIXMA iX6820 Wireless Inkjet Printer is a compelling choice for small businesses, home offices, and creative professionals who need the ability to print beyond standard letter size without breaking the bank. Positioned as a dedicated wide-format printer, the iX6820 distinguishes itself in the crowded inkjet market by focusing on high-quality, large-scale output and essential wireless features.
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| Canon PIXMA iX6820 Wireless Business Printer Review: Big Output on a Budget |
🌟 Key Features and Specifications
The iX6820 is built primarily for printing, lacking the scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities of an all-in-one device. This specialization allows it to excel in its core function: producing vibrant prints up to the large 13" x 19" (Super B/A3+) format.
| Feature | Detail |
| Print Technology | Inkjet (5-Color Individual Ink Tank System) |
| Maximum Print Size | 13" x 19" (Super B/A3+) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB |
| Mobile/Cloud Printing | AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS) |
| Paper Capacity | 150-sheet auto sheet feeder (rear tray) |
| Color Ink System | Dye-based (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) + Pigment Black (for text) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.3" x 23.0" x 12.3" |
🎨 Print Quality: The Star Attraction
The most significant draw of the PIXMA iX6820 is undoubtedly its print quality, especially considering its budget-friendly price point.
Photo and Graphic Prints
The printer utilizes a five-color ink system, which is a crucial factor in its output quality. It uses four dye-based inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and a second Black) for rich, glossy, and vibrant photos and graphics. Reviewers consistently praise the color reproduction and detail, noting that prints—even up to 13" x 19"—come out sharp and gallery-worthy. For digital artists, crafters, and photographers looking to produce large prints or art reproductions, the iX6820 offers excellent results that belie its cost.
Text Documents
For everyday business documents, the fifth ink tank, a dedicated pigment black ink, ensures crisp, deep black text that resists smudging and is ideal for professional reports, letters, and spreadsheets. This hybrid system—pigment black for sharp text and dye-based colors for vibrant images—provides a versatile solution for varied office and creative needs.
📡 Connectivity and User Experience
In line with its "Wireless Business Printer" title, the iX6820 offers robust modern connectivity options:
Wireless Flexibility: Both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections are available, providing flexibility for placement within a home or small office network.
Mobile Printing: The inclusion of AirPrint (for Apple devices) and compatibility with Google Cloud Print (where available) and Canon’s own PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS) app makes printing from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop straightforward and convenient.
Setup is generally reported as standard, though some users note that initial network setup might require a bit of patience, a common theme with many Wi-Fi-enabled printers.
🤔 Drawbacks and Considerations
While the Canon iX6820 excels in print quality and format, it does come with a few trade-offs that potential buyers should consider:
1. Large Footprint
As a wide-format printer capable of handling 13" x 19" paper, the iX6820 is naturally larger than typical desktop printers. At 23 inches wide, it demands a decent amount of dedicated desk space. Buyers must ensure they have room for its substantial size.
2. Paper Handling Limitations
The printer features only a single 150-sheet auto-sheet feed tray located in the rear.
No Duplexer: It lacks an automatic duplexer, meaning two-sided printing must be done manually, which can be tedious for large jobs.
Single Tray Inconvenience: Having only one tray means users cannot keep letter-sized paper loaded while also having larger format paper ready. Frequent switching between paper sizes is necessary, which limits its utility as a primary, high-volume document printer. For this reason, it is often recommended as a supplementary printer for large-format output.
3. Running Costs
While the initial printer cost is low, the ink cartridge capacity can be small. The standard 7 mL ink tanks can lead to frequent replacements if printing volume is high. Users are strongly encouraged to opt for the XL or XXL size ink tanks (11 mL or larger) to reduce the per-print cost and frequency of replacement. Fortunately, the longevity of the cartridges is mitigated somewhat by the widespread availability of compatible aftermarket inks, which can significantly lower operating costs.
🎯 Who Is the Canon PIXMA iX6820 For?
The Canon PIXMA iX6820 is an ideal solution for:
Creative Professionals & Artists: Those who need to print large, high-quality art prints, photography proofs, or transparencies for screen printing.
Small Businesses/Home Offices: Those who require professional-looking business documents, marketing materials (like flyers or small posters), or technical diagrams up to 13x19 inches.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking a wide-format printer without the steep investment required for professional-grade photo printers (like the Canon PIXMA PRO series).
In short: If your main priority is high-quality, wide-format printing at an affordable price, and you can overlook the single-tray paper handling and lack of a scanner/copier, the PIXMA iX6820 offers exceptional value.
📝 Conclusion
The Canon PIXMA iX6820 Wireless Inkjet Printer has earned its reputation as one of the best budget wide-format printers on the market. It sacrifices the convenience of an all-in-one device for superior quality in its specialized function. By delivering excellent photo and text quality, robust wireless connectivity, and the crucial ability to print up to 13x19 inches, the iX6820 is an essential tool for any small business or creative individual whose work demands big, beautiful prints.