Do you want to print your own photos at home, as well as scan and digitize images? Look no further than the Canon PIXMA MP540. It is an all-in-one inkjet printer that can also copy and scan in full-color. The excellent FINE system for Canon MP540 ink produces great results, although printer ink costs can be high. Print speeds are a bit slow, but decent, at up to 7.3 pages per minute in monochrome and 5.5 pages per minute in color.
The MP540 has a somewhat unique design for an all-in-one home machine in that the control panel flips open, exposing a color LCD screen and buttons for controlling its functions. This keeps the panel and screen protected from dust and other damage, but may be seen as an unnecessary extra step for some users. The panel also includes a scroll wheel, which speeds up menu navigation considerably, though some may prefer a more traditional approach.
The best feature of the Canon MP540 ink cartridges is the excellent output quality, even though PIXMA MP540 ink cartridges tend to be fairly pricey. Buyers can save more by using compatible PIXMA MP540 ink, however, and volume discounts on Canon MP540 ink could help even more.
Trusted Reviews gave the Canon MP540 a very high rating of 9 out of 10, and found it to have some of the best output quality in its class. They praised its great design and low price, but found running costs to be a bit on the high side.
With nearly every feature a photo enthusiast would want contained in a single device, the Canon MP540 is an excellent value for its low upfront price. The included software is a great addition to an already impressive machine, and photo quality is best in class.
Canon PIXMA MP540 Instructional Video
A video demonstration of replacing Canon PIXMA MP540 ink cartridges.
Canon PIXMA MP540 Instructional Video Transcript
The Canon PIXMA MP540 is a fairly compact all-in-one inkjet printer with great photo quality and solid speeds. It connects via USB, but lacks network sharing features. A PictBridge port and memory card slots on the front do make it easy to print photos directly, and the scroll wheel interface is easy to navigate.
Make sure the printer is powered on, and lower the front paper tray. Place your hand inside the paper tray and lift upward to access the cartridges. As you lift all the way up, a prop engages to hold the cover securely.
The cartridge carrier moves to the center automatically, then you can find the empty PIXMA MP540 ink cartridge and pry the plastic lever at the front of the cartridge away from you. Once it is released, grab it and remove it.
Prepare your new Canon MP540 ink cartridge by removing it from its box and from the plastic bag. Pull on the tape strip on top to remove it, then pry the small handle away from the orange plastic protector to remove the protector.
Insert the Canon MP540 ink cartridge into the open slot with front tilted downward first, then press on the top of the cartridge to snap it into place. Lift the top cover up so that the prop will disengage, and you can carefully lower the cover down.
You are now ready to resume printing with your Canon PIXMA MP540 printer.
Based on our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, Ink Technologies will accept returns of compatible or remanufactured ink and toner cartridges for full credit if the returned product has a valid return authorization number and is received in our warehouse within 6 months of the original shipping date. If there is a confirmed print quality issue, only 1 set of opened products will be accepted for credit returns, and only if less than 30% of the ink or toner has been used.
Ink Technologies will replace defective compatible or remanufactured products free of charge if the products are returned within 1 year of the original ship date, and provide a return shipping tag for return of the product.