Canon MP970 Ink
PIXMA MP970 Ink Cartridges

Canon MP970 Printer Review

The Canon MP970 is the updated version of the MP960. It welcomes the addition of built in networking but actually tests at a slower output rate. According to the specifications on the Canon website, the MP970 can print as fast as 2 seconds per page with black printer ink and 2.7 seconds per page with color Pixma MP970 ink cartridges. There are still no faxing capabilities, but that is pretty standard in a unit optimized for photo printing. It is ideal for personal use and serious amateur photographers.

The copy aspect of the Canon MP970 works just as quickly as the printer and uses an Auto Exposure feature that helps to optimize the final product based on the type of original. The scanner has a surprisingly high resolution of 4800x9600dpi but has been criticized for slow output speeds that does not compare to faster models and ink, such as HP 22 ink. It can scan slides and negatives and has a 48 bit color depth.

The Canon Pixma MP970 has the capability to connect directly to digital cameras, camera phones and memory cards. The 3.5" LCD that sits on the top of the machine allows consumers to preview and make adjustments without a PC. Next to the LCD is a scroll wheel for easy navigating, much like that found on an iPod. The MP970 is compatible with Windows and Mac and has a Quick Start function that eliminates warm up time.

This is a big device, measuring 18.5"x15.6"x8.4" and weighing 26.3 pounds, but the space is necessary to house 7 Canon MP970 printer ink tanks and 3,584 nozzles. The nozzles are a part of a patented technology that spreads tiny picoliter sized droplets of Pixma MP970 ink over every inch. Each ink tank can be replaced separately, saving money and the preventing unnecessary waste of Canon MP970 ink. A replacement cartridge runs around $15 and holds a page yield of nearly 300. For higher-yielding ink, look at a Phaser printer that uses Xerox 108R00661 ink. They are easy to install into the new Smart LED tanks. These tanks contain lamps that blink when Canon MP970 ink cartridges are running low.

The Canon Pixma MP970 inkjet printer is a quality product with satisfactory reviews and results. And in addition, it is $100 less than its predecessor, the MP960!