Canon C3180

Technical Details: 48-bit colour depth, 1200 x 2400 dpi, 20ppm Clr Copy Speed, 4800 x 1200 colour print rate, 22ppm Blk, weighs 11.20 lbs, dimensions are WxLxH 7.72 x 17.10 x 6.40.

Features: Auto paper-type sensor, it's capable of printing borderless photos, supports memory types like compact Flash, memory sticks, duo sticks and xD cards.

Pros: Easy to setup due to it's compatibility installation procedure, alongside this it supports a wide range of memory devices like the new duo memory sticks. It's a multifunction machine, considering the price (sub £60), the performance and functions will delight most amateur photographers.

Cons: The refill cartridges are fiendishly expensive, considering how fast it runs through the ink per image you will need deep pockets if your a high end user. Most companies like Canon sell their printers at cost price, sometimes even at a loss. The huge profits are made from selling the refill carts. The high consumption of ink at any settings is somewhat gut wrenching with this model, there appears to be no valid draft mode, greyscale is just as uneconomical. Canon have also scrimped on including a simple USB cable, an unforgivable omission if you lack a spare and are forced to make a journey into town. The load tray and feed can be a little of a fiddle at times, I could also find no function to display my ink usage and when a shortage was around the corner.

Verdict: Mechanically sound, the sharpness and colour reproduction is impressive considering the initial outlay for the printer. Like with most photo printers, the official cartridges cost an arm and a leg, usage on this model appears on the high side. There really isn't any recourse for a high end user than to opt for third party ink carts. Overall, for a casual user it's an excellent purchase, which will not disappoint.

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