Canon Pixma G620 Wireless Megatank Photo Printer Review

The Canon Pixma G620 Wireless Megatank Photo Printer is, in short, a solid contender for anyone serious about printing high-quality photos at home without breaking the bank on ink cartridges.

This printer stands out primarily due to its MegaTank system, which utilizes refillable ink tanks rather than traditional cartridges, dramatically reducing per-print costs, especially for vibrant, borderless photos.

If you’re a photographer, a crafter, or just someone who loves tangible memories, the G620 offers an impressive balance of print quality, ink efficiency, and wireless convenience, making it a compelling choice for frequent photo printing.

It’s designed to deliver rich, detailed images, particularly excelling with its six dye-based inks that produce stunning color depth and smooth gradations, which is crucial for lifelike photos.

While it shines in photo output, it’s also a capable all-in-one for document printing, scanning, and copying, providing versatility for various home or small office needs.

The real game-changer here is the cost-effectiveness, allowing you to print more photos for less, which fundamentally alters the economics of at-home photo production.

Here’s a comparison of the Canon Pixma G620 with some other notable printers in the market:

• Canon Pixma G620 Wireless Megatank Photo Printer

  

  • Key Features: Six dye-based ink system CMY, Red, Gray, Black, MegaTank refillable ink system, wireless connectivity, borderless photo printing up to 8.5″ x 11″, 2-line LCD.
  • Average Price: $300-$350
  • Pros: Exceptional photo print quality, incredibly low per-print cost, large ink capacity, relatively fast photo printing.
  • Cons: Slower document print speeds compared to some inkjet rivals, no automatic document feeder ADF, simple LCD screen.

• Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 All-in-One Wide-Format Printer

  • Key Features: Six Claria ET Premium ink system, EcoTank refillable ink system, wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″, wireless, Ethernet, USB, front-facing paper tray, dedicated photo paper tray.
  • Average Price: $600-$700
  • Pros: Superior photo quality, wide-format capability, extremely low per-print cost, versatile paper handling, fast.
  • Cons: Higher initial purchase price, larger footprint, no ADF.

• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer

  • Key Features: Four dye-based ink system, EcoTank refillable ink system, wireless, scan, copy.
  • Average Price: $200-$250
  • Pros: Very low per-print cost, compact design, reliable, good for everyday documents and casual photos.
  • Cons: Photo quality not as vibrant as dedicated photo printers like the G620, slower print speeds, no LCD screen.

• Canon Pixma G3270 Wireless Megatank All-in-One Printer

  • Key Features: Four dye-based ink system, MegaTank refillable ink system, wireless, compact design, scan, copy.
  • Average Price: $250-$300
  • Pros: Excellent for documents, good everyday photo quality, very low per-print cost, user-friendly.
  • Cons: Photo quality not as rich as the G620 due to fewer ink colors, lacks a dedicated photo ink set.

• HP Smart Tank 7602 All-in-One Printer

  • Key Features: Four pigment-based black and dye-based color inks, Smart Tank refillable ink system, wireless, Ethernet, ADF, auto-duplex printing.
  • Average Price: $450-$500
  • Pros: Low running costs, good for mixed media documents and photos, auto-duplex, ADF for scanning/copying multiple pages.
  • Cons: Photo quality can be less vibrant than Canon/Epson photo-specific models, higher initial cost, no dedicated photo inks.

• Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestment Tank Wireless Color Inkjet Printer

  • Key Features: INKvestment Tank system cartridges stored in internal tanks, wireless, auto-duplex printing, ADF, fax.
  • Pros: Low running costs cartridges hold a lot of ink, fast document printing, comprehensive features for office use, reliable.
  • Cons: Photo quality is decent but not on par with dedicated photo printers, uses cartridges even if high-yield rather than refillable tanks.

• Canon Pixma Pro-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer

  • Key Features: Eight dye-based ink system, professional photo quality, wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″, wireless, Ethernet, USB, dedicated photo paper paths.
  • Average Price: $500-$600
  • Pros: Outstanding professional-grade photo print quality, excellent color accuracy, handles various media types.
  • Cons: Uses cartridges higher per-print cost than MegaTank, larger footprint, designed primarily for photo printing, no scan/copy.

Unpacking the Canon Pixma G620: Design and Build Quality

When you first unbox the Canon Pixma G620, you’ll notice its relatively compact footprint for an all-in-one photo printer.

It’s not as bulky as some wide-format professional photo printers, making it suitable for a home office or a dedicated crafting space.

The design is clean and functional, typical of Canon’s Pixma series.

The black matte finish is unobtrusive and blends well into most environments.

The MegaTank System: A Game-Changer for Ink Costs

The most striking design feature is the integrated MegaTank system.

Instead of traditional ink cartridges, the G620 features large, clear ink tanks on the front of the printer.

• Visibility: You can easily see the ink levels at a glance, which is a significant improvement over opaque cartridges that leave you guessing until the ink runs out. This transparency is key to preventing mid-print interruptions and helps you plan your ink refills.
• Refilling Process: Refilling these tanks is surprisingly straightforward and mess-free. Canon has designed the ink bottles with unique keyed nozzles that only fit into their corresponding color tank, eliminating the risk of pouring the wrong color ink into the wrong tank. This is a small but crucial detail that significantly improves the user experience.
  • Nozzle Design: The bottles are designed to stop flowing automatically once the tank is full, preventing overfilling and spills. It’s a thoughtful engineering touch that saves you from potential cleanup headaches.
  • Ergonomics: The bottles are easy to hold and manipulate, even for those who might be hesitant about handling ink.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The G620 measures approximately 16.8″ W x 13.9″ D x 6.6″ H when stored, and around 16.8″ W x 25.1″ D x 9.3″ H with the trays extended. It weighs about 14.3 pounds. While not feather-light, it’s manageable enough to move around if needed. Its footprint is comparable to many standard all-in-one printers, so it shouldn’t hog too much desk space.

Input and Output Trays

• Rear Paper Tray: The G620 primarily uses a rear paper tray, which is generally preferred by photographers. This straight-through paper path is excellent for thicker photo papers and specialty media, reducing the likelihood of paper jams or curled prints. It can hold up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of 4×6 photo paper.
• Output Tray: The front output tray extends to catch finished prints. While functional, it’s a fairly basic design, but it does the job.

The overall build quality feels robust for a consumer-grade printer.

The plastics are solid, and the moving parts like the scanner lid and paper trays operate smoothly.

It doesn’t feel flimsy, suggesting it can withstand regular use in a home environment. Wemax Nova 4K Uhd Projector Review

The design prioritizes function and ink efficiency, which is exactly what a photo-centric MegaTank printer should do.

Photo Print Quality: The Six-Ink Advantage

This is where the Canon Pixma G620 truly shines. Its defining feature is the six dye-based ink system, which goes beyond the traditional four-color CMYK setup found in most standard inkjet printers. This expanded color gamut is crucial for superior photo reproduction.

Deep Dive into the Six-Ink System

The G620 uses:

• Cyan C
• Magenta M
• Yellow Y
• Black BK
• Red R
• Gray GY

Why are Red and Gray inks so important for photos?
* Vibrancy: It prevents the mixing of CMY to create reds, which can often result in dull or muddy tones. A dedicated red ink ensures more vibrant, accurate, and lifelike reds.

• Gray Ink: The gray ink is a must for black and white photography and for improving overall color accuracy.
  • Monochromatic Prints: For black and white photos, the gray ink helps create incredibly smooth tonal gradations, preventing the greenish or purplish casts that can occur when composite grays are mixed from CMY inks. This results in truly neutral and rich monochrome prints.
  • Reduced Metamerism: In color photos, the gray ink contributes to more accurate shadow details and reduces metamerism the tendency of colors to look different under varying light sources. It subtly enhances overall color fidelity and depth.
  • Smooth Transitions: It also aids in smoother transitions between colors, making gradients appear more natural and less “banded.”

Color Accuracy and Detail

In testing, the G620 consistently produces vibrant, accurate colors that are true to the source image.

• Dye-Based Inks: Dye-based inks, like those used in the G620, are known for producing exceptionally vibrant colors and a high gloss finish, making them ideal for glossy photo paper. They tend to penetrate the paper fibers, resulting in smoother transitions and a more integrated look.
• Sharpness and Detail: Even fine details, such as individual strands of hair, textures in fabric, or intricate patterns, are reproduced with impressive sharpness. Canon’s print head technology, which can deposit microscopic ink droplets, contributes to this high level of detail.

Borderless Printing Capabilities

The G620 supports borderless printing for various popular photo sizes, including:

• 4″ x 6″
• 5″ x 7″
• 8″ x 10″
• Letter 8.5″ x 11″

Borderless printing is essential for professional-looking photo prints, allowing images to extend right to the edge of the paper, creating a truly immersive feel without distracting white borders.

This is a standard feature for any printer aimed at serious photo enthusiasts, and the G620 executes it flawlessly.

Print Speed for Photos

While not blisteringly fast, the G620’s photo print speeds are respectable for its class:

• 4″ x 6″ Borderless Photo: Approximately 45 seconds per print. This speed allows for efficient batch printing of common photo sizes without significant waiting times.
• 8.5″ x 11″ Borderless Photo: Around 2-3 minutes, depending on complexity and quality settings.

Given the print quality and the incredibly low cost per print, these speeds are perfectly acceptable for a home photo printer. Withings Scanwatch Review

The emphasis is on quality and efficiency rather than raw speed for document output.

Document Print Quality and Speed

While the G620 is engineered as a photo-centric printer, it’s also an all-in-one device, meaning it handles document printing, scanning, and copying. How does it fare with everyday text and graphics?

Text Quality

For standard documents, the G620 delivers good, crisp text.

• Clarity: Black text is sharp and legible, even at smaller font sizes down to 6-point or 8-point on plain paper. The characters are well-formed with minimal feathering.
• Black Pigment vs. Dye: It’s important to note that the G620 uses dye-based black ink for photo printing, but it also handles document printing effectively. While many dedicated document printers use pigment-based black ink which is more resistant to smudging and water, the dye-based black in the G620 is still more than adequate for most home and school assignments, emails, and general printouts.
  • Recommendation: For archival documents or prints that might be exposed to moisture, consider using specific paper types or an alternative printer with pigment black ink. However, for everyday use, the text quality is perfectly acceptable.

Graphics Quality

When it comes to graphics within documents e.g., charts, graphs, presentations, web pages, the G620 performs commendably.

• Color Saturation: Colors in graphics are well-saturated and vibrant, benefiting from the extended color gamut provided by the six-ink system, even if those extra inks aren’t strictly necessary for basic business graphics.
• Smoothness: Gradients appear smooth, and solid fills are consistent with minimal banding. This makes presentations look professional and brochures visually appealing.
• Detail: Fine lines and small details in graphics are reproduced accurately without significant blurring.

Document Print Speed ISO Standards

This is typically where photo-optimized printers like the G620 show a slight disadvantage compared to document-focused models or laser printers. The G620’s ISO print speeds are:

• Black & White Documents: Approximately 3.9 images per minute ipm.

• Color Documents: Approximately 3.9 images per minute ipm.

• Real-World Context: These speeds are on the lower side for an inkjet all-in-one. For example, some general-purpose MegaTank printers can hit 10-15 ipm for black and white. What does this mean for you?

  • Single-Page Prints: For printing a quick single page or two, the speed difference is negligible.
  • Multi-Page Documents: If you frequently print multi-page reports or large batches of documents, you will notice the G620 is slower. It’s not a deal-breaker if your primary use is photos, but it’s something to be aware of for mixed-use scenarios.
  • Trade-off: The slower document speed is a direct trade-off for the meticulous ink deposition required for high-quality photo prints. The print head is optimized for precision rather than raw speed for standard documents.

In summary, while the Canon Pixma G620 won’t win any awards for document print speed, its quality for text and graphics is more than adequate for typical home and light office use.

Its strength lies firmly in its photo printing capabilities, with document printing serving as a useful secondary function. Halo Infinite For Pc Review

Connectivity and Software Features

Modern printers, especially those designed for home use, need robust connectivity options and intuitive software to seamlessly integrate into your digital workflow.

The Canon Pixma G620 delivers on this front, offering a variety of ways to connect and print.

Wireless Connectivity Wi-Fi

The primary mode of connection for the G620 is Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n. This is essential for placing the printer anywhere in your home within range of your router without being tethered by cables.

• Setup: Setting up the Wi-Fi connection is relatively straightforward using the printer’s small 2-line LCD and navigation buttons. Canon also provides guided setup through their mobile app.
• Advantages:
  • Flexibility: Print from multiple devices laptops, smartphones, tablets without physically connecting them.
  • Network Sharing: Easily share the printer with other users on your home network.
  • Cloud Printing: Enables access to various cloud printing services though direct cloud features on the G620 are limited compared to some higher-end models.

USB Connectivity

For a direct, wired connection to a single computer, the G620 includes a standard USB 2.0 port.

• Reliability: A USB connection is always reliable and can be useful if your Wi-Fi network is unstable or if you’re printing from a computer without Wi-Fi capabilities.
• Plug-and-Play: Generally, once connected, the printer will be recognized by your operating system, and drivers will install automatically or can be downloaded from Canon’s website.

Mobile Printing Support

• Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App: This is Canon’s dedicated mobile application available for iOS and Android. It’s a comprehensive app that allows you to:
  • Print Photos and Documents: Select images from your camera roll or documents from your device and print them directly.
  • Scan: Initiate scans from the printer and save them to your mobile device or cloud services.
  • Copy: Adjust copy settings and initiate copies.
  • Check Ink Levels: Monitor remaining ink levels in the MegaTanks.
  • Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance tasks like nozzle checks and print head cleaning.
  • User Interface: The app is generally well-designed and intuitive, providing a good user experience for mobile users.
• Apple AirPrint: For Apple iOS devices iPhones, iPads, AirPrint allows for direct printing from most apps without needing to install specific drivers or the Canon app. This is a seamless “print-from-anywhere” experience within the Apple ecosystem.
• Mopria Print Service: For Android devices, Mopria provides a similar universal printing solution, allowing you to print from various apps without needing manufacturer-specific apps or drivers.

Software Package

Beyond the mobile app, Canon provides a suite of software for desktop users:

• Printer Driver: The core software that allows your computer to communicate with the printer, offering full control over print settings, paper types, quality, and more.
• Canon IJ Scan Utility: A straightforward utility for scanning documents and photos. It offers various scanning modes auto, document, photo, custom and destination options save to PC, attach to email, etc..
• Easy-PhotoPrint Editor: This application also available as a mobile app is a creative tool that allows you to:
  • Edit Photos: Basic photo adjustments, cropping, rotation.
  • Create Layouts: Design collages, calendars, cards, and other creative projects.
  • Add Text/Stickers: Personalize your prints.
  • Templates: Provides a variety of templates to get started quickly.
  • Utility: This software package enhances the printer’s versatility, especially for creative users, giving you more than just basic print functionality.

The Canon Pixma G620’s connectivity and software suite make it a versatile and user-friendly printer for various printing tasks.

Its strong mobile support and the comprehensive Canon PRINT app are particularly beneficial for modern households.

Ink Yield and Running Costs: The MegaTank Advantage Unveiled

This is arguably the most significant advantage of the Canon Pixma G620 and the primary reason to consider purchasing it.

The MegaTank system fundamentally alters the economics of home photo printing, making it incredibly affordable compared to traditional cartridge-based printers.

Estimated Ink Yields ISO Standard

Canon provides impressive ink yield estimates for the G620: Redmine Review

• Black Ink GI-23 BK: Approximately 3,700 pages of text.

• Color Inks GI-23 C, M, Y, R, GY: Approximately 8,000 pages of color combined or 3,800 pages for a 4×6 color photo.

• What these numbers mean:

  • Text Pages: The black ink yield is exceptionally high, meaning you can print thousands of text documents before needing to refill the black tank. This makes it a perfectly capable document printer for infrequent document users, even with its primary photo focus.
  • Photo Pages: The 3,800 4×6 photo yield is simply phenomenal. Most cartridge printers struggle to hit even 100-200 4×6 prints per set of cartridges. This massive capacity means you can print an enormous volume of photos without constantly buying new ink.

Cost Per Print CPP Analysis

This is where the MegaTank system truly shines.

The cost of refill ink bottles is drastically lower than traditional cartridges.

• Canon GI-23 Ink Bottles: Each individual color ink bottle e.g., Red, Gray, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black typically retails for around $12-$15 USD.
• Calculation for Photos 4×6:
  • A full set of six color ink bottles assuming you use them somewhat evenly over time would cost roughly $72-$90 USD for a full refill.
  • Given the estimated 3,800 4×6 photo prints from a full set of colors, the cost per 4×6 photo ink only, excluding paper is approximately $0.02 – $0.025 2 to 2.5 cents per print.
• Calculation for Black & White Text:
  • A black ink bottle is around $12-$15.
  • Given 3,700 pages, the cost per black text page is roughly $0.003 – $0.004 less than half a cent per page.

Comparison to Cartridge Printers

Let’s put that into perspective. A typical cartridge-based inkjet printer for home use might have a cost per 4×6 photo ranging from $0.25 to $0.75 25 to 75 cents per print ink only.

• The G620’s CPP is approximately 10-30 times lower than traditional cartridge printers for photos.
• For text, it’s often significantly less than $0.05 – $0.10 per page typical of many cartridge printers.

Long-Term Savings

The initial purchase price of the G620 around $300-$350 is higher than many entry-level cartridge printers.

However, this upfront investment is quickly recouped through the dramatic savings on ink.

• Example Scenario: If you print 50 4×6 photos per month, a cartridge printer could cost you $12.50 to $37.50 per month in ink alone. With the G620, that cost drops to roughly $1.00-$1.25 per month. The savings snowball rapidly.
• Frequent Photo Printing: For those who print photos regularly, the G620’s low running costs are a must. It removes the “ink anxiety” that often prevents people from printing as many photos as they’d like.

Ease of Refilling

The refill process itself is clean and simple.

The unique bottle nozzles prevent accidental spillage and ensure the right ink goes into the right tank. Xpg Xenia 15 Kc Review

This design innovation further enhances the user experience and reduces potential mess, which was a common concern with older bulk-ink systems.

In conclusion, the Canon Pixma G620’s MegaTank system is its crowning glory.

It delivers on the promise of extremely low running costs, making high-quality photo printing accessible and affordable for the long term.

This economic efficiency is a powerful incentive for anyone looking to print photos frequently.

Scanning and Copying Capabilities

As an all-in-one device, the Canon Pixma G620 isn’t just about printing.

It also offers scanning and copying functionalities.

While these aren’t its primary strengths, they are perfectly competent for home and light office use.

Scanner Specifications

• Scanner Type: Flatbed. This means you place documents or photos directly onto the glass platen.
• Max Document Size: 8.5″ x 11.7″ Letter/A4 size. This is standard for most home flatbed scanners.
• Optical Resolution: Up to 600 x 1200 dpi dots per inch.
  • For Photos: This resolution is sufficient for scanning most printed photos for digital archiving or sharing. It captures a good amount of detail and color.
  • For Documents: More than enough for scanning text documents, forms, or receipts, ensuring crisp and legible digital copies.
• Color Depth: 16-bit input / 8-bit output per color. This provides good color accuracy when scanning images.

Scanning Performance

• Speed: Scanning speed is moderate.
  • A full-page color photo scan at 300 dpi might take around 20-30 seconds.
  • A black and white document scan at 300 dpi is typically faster, around 10-15 seconds.
  • No Automatic Document Feeder ADF: A notable omission is the lack of an Automatic Document Feeder ADF. This means you have to manually place each page on the flatbed to scan or copy multi-page documents. This isn’t ideal for large scanning tasks e.g., scanning a 50-page report, but it’s common for photo-centric printers where the flatbed is prioritized for delicate photos.

Scan Quality

• Photos: Scanned photos generally show good color reproduction and detail. The results are suitable for digital albums, sharing online, or making reprints.
• Documents: Text documents scan clearly, and graphics retain their original color and detail. PDFs created from scanned documents are sharp and readable.

Copying Capabilities

The G620 offers basic copying functions:

• Max Copies: You can typically make up to 99 copies at once though the 2-line LCD makes setting this a bit tedious.
• Copy Speed: Similar to scan and print speeds, copying is not particularly fast. A single color copy takes roughly 20-30 seconds.
• Settings: Basic copy settings like reduction/enlargement e.g., fit to page, draft/standard quality, and color/black & white are available through the printer’s control panel or the Canon PRINT app.
• Quality: Copied documents and photos are generally faithful to the originals in terms of clarity and color, though some loss of detail is inherent in the copying process, especially for very fine photo details.

User Interface for Scanning/Copying

The small 2-line LCD display on the G620 is functional but somewhat limited for complex scanning or copying operations.

• Navigation: You navigate menus using physical buttons.
• Best Experience: For more advanced scanning options e.g., selecting resolution, file format, destination folder, it’s best to use the Canon IJ Scan Utility on a computer or the Canon PRINT app on a mobile device, which offer a much more user-friendly interface.

In summary, the G620’s scanning and copying features are solid for occasional use. Optoma Cinemax P2 Review

The flatbed scanner provides good quality for photos and documents, but the absence of an ADF means it’s not designed for high-volume tasks.

For a printer whose main purpose is stellar photo output and cost efficiency, these auxiliary functions are perfectly adequate for the average home user.

Ease of Use and User Experience

A printer can have all the bells and whistles, but if it’s a headache to use, those features quickly lose their appeal.

The Canon Pixma G620 generally offers a good user experience, with a few minor quirks typical of its class.

Initial Setup

• Physical Setup: Unboxing and physical setup are straightforward. Instructions are clear, guiding you through removing protective tapes and plugging in the power.
• Ink Filling: This is the most unique part of the setup. As mentioned, the keyed ink bottles and auto-stop nozzles make the process virtually mess-free and intuitive. It’s surprisingly satisfying to watch the ink fill the tanks. This process typically takes about 10-15 minutes for all six colors.
• Software/Driver Installation: This is standard for most printers. You can download the latest drivers and software from Canon’s website or use the included CD if your computer has a drive.
  • Wireless Setup: Connecting to Wi-Fi can be done via the printer’s small LCD and buttons or through the Canon PRINT app, which often provides a smoother experience. Entering long Wi-Fi passwords on a two-line display can be a bit tedious, so using the app is recommended.

Control Panel and LCD Display

• 2-Line LCD: The G620 features a small, monochrome 2-line LCD screen. It displays basic information like ink levels, network status, and menu options.
• Physical Buttons: Navigation is done through a set of physical buttons directional arrows, OK, back, stop.
• Limitations: While functional for basic operations checking status, initiating a copy, changing paper type, this small display isn’t ideal for complex tasks or previewing images. It requires a bit of menu for more specific settings. Users accustomed to larger color touchscreens might find it a bit restrictive.

Paper Handling

• Rear Tray: The rear paper tray is easy to load and excellent for various media types, especially thicker photo papers. Its top-load design prevents curling that can occur with bottom-feed trays.
• Capacity: It holds up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of 4×6 photo paper. For serious photo printing, you might need to refill the photo paper frequently.
• No Auto-Duplex: The G620 does not support automatic duplex two-sided printing. If you need to print on both sides, you’ll have to manually flip and reinsert the paper. This is a common omission in photo-centric printers that prioritize print quality over document efficiency features.

Software Experience Canon PRINT App, Easy-PhotoPrint Editor

• Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App: This mobile app significantly enhances the user experience. It’s well-designed, intuitive, and allows for seamless printing from smartphones and tablets. Checking ink levels, initiating scans, and printing photos directly from your camera roll are incredibly convenient.
• Easy-PhotoPrint Editor: This desktop and mobile application offers creative tools for photo projects. It’s user-friendly, even for beginners, providing templates and simple editing options to make photo printing more engaging.
• Drivers: The printer drivers are robust, offering detailed control over print quality, paper type, color management, and layout, which is essential for photo enthusiasts.

Maintenance and Reliability

• Ink Refilling: As highlighted, refilling the ink tanks is user-friendly and mess-free. This significantly reduces the frustration associated with traditional cartridge replacements.
• Print Head Cleaning: Standard maintenance like print head cleaning and nozzle checks can be initiated from the printer’s control panel or through the software/app.
• Long-Term Reliability: Canon printers generally have a reputation for reliability. The MegaTank system, with fewer moving parts related to cartridge insertion/ejection, potentially contributes to longer print head life and fewer mechanical issues over time, assuming proper use and genuine ink.

Overall, the Canon Pixma G620 offers a very good user experience, particularly for its core function of photo printing.

The MegaTank system is a standout for ease of use and cost efficiency.

While the 2-line LCD and lack of auto-duplex printing are minor drawbacks, they are easily overlooked when considering the printer’s excellent photo output and low running costs.

Comparison to Competitors: G620 vs. The Field

To truly understand where the Canon Pixma G620 stands, it’s essential to compare it against its key rivals in the refillable ink tank market, especially those also targeting photo enthusiasts.

The main competitors typically come from Epson’s EcoTank Photo line and other Canon MegaTank models.

G620 vs. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550/ET-8500

• G620 Canon: Edifier Neobuds Pro Review

  • Ink System: 6 dye-based inks CMY, Red, Gray, Black.
  • Photo Quality: Excellent, vibrant, good detail. Red and Gray inks enhance specific color ranges and monochrome quality.
  • Max Print Size: Up to 8.5″ x 11″ Letter.
  • Features: Print, Scan, Copy. No ADF, no auto-duplex.
  • Price: Mid-range for ink tank printers $300-$350.
  • Ideal For: Dedicated 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, and Letter size photo printing with incredible ink economy.

• Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 / ET-8500 Epson:

  • Ink System: 6 Claria ET Premium inks CMY, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Black, Gray, Pigment Black. Note: ET-8550 has 6 dye colors + pigment black, the ET-8500 is similar but limits size.
  • Photo Quality: Often considered the gold standard for consumer photo ink tank printers. The additional light colors offer even smoother gradations and finer detail. Pigment black provides more robust document text.
  • Max Print Size: ET-8550 supports wide-format up to 13″ x 19″ A3+. ET-8500 up to 8.5″ x 11″.
  • Features: Print, Scan, Copy. Front-facing paper tray, dedicated photo paper tray, CD/DVD printing ET-8550. No ADF.
  • Price: Significantly higher $600-$700 for ET-8550. $500-$550 for ET-8500.
  • Ideal For: Serious photographers who need professional-grade photo quality, wide-format capabilities, and don’t mind the higher initial cost.

• Comparison: The Epson ET-8550/8500 generally edges out the G620 in absolute photo quality due to more ink colors and finer control over output, especially for subtle gradations and wider format prints. However, it comes at a substantially higher price point. If 8.5×11 is your max size and you want excellent photo quality without the premium price, the G620 offers tremendous value.

G620 vs. Canon Pixma G3270 / G3260

• G620 Photo Focused:

  • Photo Quality: Excellent, specifically designed for photos.
  • Price: ~$300-$350.

• Canon Pixma G3270 / G3260 General Purpose:

  • Ink System: 4 inks Pigment Black, Dye CMY.
  • Photo Quality: Good for everyday photos, but lacks the richness, color gamut, and smooth transitions of the G620 due to fewer ink colors and no dedicated photo inks.
  • Document Quality: Often slightly better text quality due to pigment black ink.
  • Price: ~$250-$300.

• Comparison: If your priority is primarily documents with occasional, casual photo printing, the G3270/G3260 might be a more cost-effective choice. However, if photo quality is paramount, the G620 is the clear winner, justifying its slightly higher price with superior photo output.

G620 vs. HP Smart Tank 7602

• G620 Photo Focus:

  • Ink System: 6 dye-based inks.
  • Strengths: Photo quality, low CPP for photos.
  • Weaknesses: Slower document speed, no ADF, no auto-duplex.

• HP Smart Tank 7602 Hybrid Focus:

  • Ink System: Pigment Black, Dye CMY.
  • Strengths: Good for mixed media documents and photos, auto-duplex printing, ADF included, touch screen, faster document speeds.
  • Weaknesses: Photo quality is generally good but not on par with dedicated photo printers like the G620 or Epson Photo models.
  • Price: Higher end of the ink tank market $450-$500.

• Comparison: The HP Smart Tank 7602 is a more versatile office all-in-one with ink tanks, featuring conveniences like ADF and auto-duplex. If your workflow involves a significant amount of document scanning and two-sided printing alongside moderate photo printing, the HP might be a better fit. But for pure photo output quality and cost-effectiveness for photos, the G620 is superior.

Conclusion: The Canon Pixma G620 holds a strong niche. It excels in delivering exceptional photo print quality at an incredibly low running cost, making it a fantastic choice for home users and hobbyists who print a lot of photos but don’t need wide-format capabilities or enterprise-level document features. It offers a sweet spot between the general-purpose MegaTank printers and the high-end professional photo printers. Its value proposition is difficult to beat for its target audience.

Who is the Canon Pixma G620 For? And Who is it Not For?

Understanding the target audience for the Canon Pixma G620 is key to determining if it’s the right printer for your needs. Game Kiddy Gkd Pro Review

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all device, and its strengths and weaknesses clearly define its ideal user.

Who is the G620 For?

1. Home Photo Enthusiasts & Hobbyist Photographers:

   • Why: This is its primary target. If you regularly take photos with a digital camera or even a high-quality smartphone and want to bring those memories to life on paper, the G620 is built for you. Its six-ink system delivers vibrant, detailed, and color-accurate photo prints that truly stand out.
   • Benefit: You can print copious amounts of photos without worrying about exorbitant ink costs, thanks to the MegaTank system. This removes the “ink anxiety” and encourages more printing.

2. Crafters and Scrapbookers:

   • Why: Many crafting projects, especially scrapbooking, card making, and creating personalized gifts, heavily rely on high-quality printed images. The G620’s ability to print beautiful borderless photos and handle various paper types within its size limits makes it an excellent tool.
   • Benefit: The low cost per print allows for experimentation and bulk printing of images for your projects without breaking the bank.

3. Families Who Value Printed Memories:

   • Why: Instead of keeping all family photos trapped on digital devices, the G620 encourages printing them out for albums, framed prints, or sharing with relatives.
   • Benefit: Parents and grandparents can easily print cherished moments, holiday photos, or school projects with excellent quality and minimal ongoing expense.

4. Students or Home Users with Moderate Document Printing Needs:

   • Why: While photo-focused, it’s still an all-in-one. If you only occasionally print documents, reports, or school assignments, the G620’s text quality is perfectly adequate, and its black ink yield is very high.
   • Benefit: You get the best of both worlds – superb photo printing and capable document handling for light use.

5. Budget-Conscious Users Who Prioritize Long-Term Savings:

   • Why: The initial investment might be higher than a basic cartridge printer, but the long-term savings on ink are immense. If you plan to print frequently over several years, the G620 will pay for itself many times over.
   • Benefit: Freedom from expensive ink cartridges and the ability to print more for less.

Who is the G620 Not For?

1. Users with High-Volume Document Printing Needs:

   • Why: Its document print speeds 3.9 ipm are slow compared to general-purpose inkjets or laser printers. The lack of an Automatic Document Feeder ADF and automatic duplex printing also makes it cumbersome for large multi-page reports or scanning stacks of documents.
   • Alternative: Consider general-purpose MegaTank/EcoTank printers e.g., Canon G3270, Epson ET-3850 or laser printers if documents are your primary focus.

2. Small Offices Requiring Robust Office Features:

   • Why: No ADF, no auto-duplex, and a basic 2-line LCD mean it lacks the convenience features common in office-oriented all-in-ones. Its slower document speeds would also hinder productivity in a busy office setting.
   • Alternative: Look at business-focused ink tank printers like the HP Smart Tank series, Brother INKvestment Tank models, or dedicated business-class laser printers.

3. Professional Photographers Needing Wide-Format Prints Larger than 8.5×11:

   • Why: The G620 is limited to Letter 8.5×11 inches and smaller sizes. If you need to print 11×17, 13×19, or larger fine art prints, this printer won’t suffice.
   • Alternative: Consider wide-format professional photo printers like the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 or Canon Pixma Pro series.

4. Users Who Only Print Occasionally Very Infrequently: Jbl Tune 230Nc Review

   • Why: If you only print a few pages or photos per month, the higher upfront cost of the G620 might not be justified, as you won’t fully leverage the ink savings. Ink in tanks can also dry out or settle if not used for very extended periods.
   • Alternative: A less expensive standard cartridge-based inkjet might be more suitable, or a print-on-demand service.

5. Users Needing Fax Functionality:

   • Why: The G620 does not include a fax modem.
   • Alternative: Look for all-in-one printers explicitly listing fax capabilities.

In essence, the Canon Pixma G620 is a niche product that excels in its niche.

If that niche is high-quality, high-volume, cost-effective photo printing for home use, it’s an outstanding choice.

If your needs lean more towards heavy document workload or professional wide-format photography, other options would serve you better.

Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping Your G620 Running Smoothly

Investing in a MegaTank printer like the Canon Pixma G620 means you’re looking for long-term value and reduced running costs.

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity and consistent print quality.

Fortunately, the G620 is designed to be relatively low-maintenance compared to some cartridge-based systems.

General Maintenance Tips

1. Use Genuine Canon Ink: This is paramount. Using third-party inks, while potentially cheaper, can lead to clogged print heads, inconsistent color, and may void your warranty. Canon’s GI-23 inks are specifically formulated for the G620’s print head and six-ink system.
   • Risk Mitigation: The cost savings from MegaTank are so significant that there’s little economic incentive to risk your printer with questionable third-party inks.
2. Print Regularly: Inkjet printers, especially those with dye-based inks, benefit from regular use. Printing at least a few pages or a photo every week or two helps prevent the ink from drying out in the nozzles and causing clogs.
   • Preventative Measure: If you know you won’t use it for an extended period weeks or months, run a quick print job before storing it or initiating a cleaning cycle when you start it up again.
3. Keep it Clean:
   • Exterior: Wipe down the printer’s exterior periodically to remove dust.
   • Interior Paper Path: Occasionally inspect the paper path for small paper dust or debris that could cause jams. Use a lint-free cloth.
   • Scanner Glass: Clean the scanner glass with a soft, lint-free cloth and a non-abrasive glass cleaner applied to the cloth, not directly to the glass if you notice smudges on scanned documents or photos.

Built-in Maintenance Functions

The G620 accessible via the printer’s control panel or the Canon PRINT app/desktop software includes several utilities to maintain print quality:

• Nozzle Check: This prints a test pattern to identify any clogged nozzles on the print head. It’s the first step if you notice lines or missing colors in your prints.
  • Frequency: Run this whenever you suspect a print quality issue.
• Print Head Cleaning: If the nozzle check reveals clogs, a standard print head cleaning cycle pushes ink through the nozzles to clear them.
  • Note: This consumes a small amount of ink, so don’t overdo it.
• Deep Cleaning: For stubborn clogs that a regular cleaning can’t resolve, a deep cleaning cycle uses more ink and applies more pressure to clear the nozzles.
  • Caution: Use sparingly, as it consumes a significant amount of ink.
• Print Head Alignment: This process ensures that the print head is properly aligned for sharp, unblurred prints. It’s often needed after moving the printer or if you notice horizontal or vertical banding/blurring.
• Bottom Plate Cleaning: This function helps clean the bottom of the print head and the paper path area if you notice smudges or ink streaks on the back of your prints.

Longevity Expectations

• Print Head Lifespan: With proper maintenance and using genuine inks, the print head in a MegaTank printer like the G620 is designed for a long lifespan, often exceeding that of cartridge-based printers where the print head is typically integrated into the cartridge. The continuous flow of ink from the tanks helps keep the nozzles primed.
• Ink Stability: Dye-based inks, while vibrant, can be susceptible to fading over extended periods, especially if prints are exposed to direct sunlight. For archival prints, use high-quality photo paper and store prints properly in albums or framed behind UV-protective glass. Canon’s inks are designed for good fade resistance under normal conditions, but no dye-based ink is entirely immune to fading over decades in harsh environments.
• Structural Integrity: The G620’s build quality is solid for a home printer, suggesting it can withstand years of regular use. The simplicity of the ink tank system no complex cartridge mechanisms also contributes to fewer mechanical points of failure.

By following these simple maintenance guidelines and using genuine Canon inks, your Pixma G620 should provide years of reliable, high-quality, and incredibly cost-effective photo printing.

It’s an investment that pays dividends in long-term savings and creative freedom. Microsoft 365 Defender Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Canon Pixma G620 General Questions

Is the Canon Pixma G620 good for printing photos?

Yes, the Canon Pixma G620 is exceptionally good for printing photos.

It’s designed specifically for this purpose, featuring a six-dye ink system including Red and Gray that produces vibrant colors, smooth gradations, and excellent detail, making it a standout for photo enthusiasts.

What is the difference between the Canon G620 and the G7020?

The G620 is a dedicated photo-centric MegaTank printer with a 6-dye ink system, optimized for high-quality photo output.

The G7020 is a 4-ink MegaTank printer pigment black, dye CMY that focuses more on high-volume document printing with features like an automatic document feeder ADF and auto-duplex printing, offering good general-purpose print quality but not the specialized photo quality of the G620.

Does the Canon G620 come with ink?

Yes, the Canon Pixma G620 typically comes with a full set of six GI-23 ink bottles in the box, providing enough ink for thousands of prints right out of the gate.

What type of ink does the Canon G620 use?

The Canon Pixma G620 uses six dye-based inks: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Red, and Gray. These are Canon GI-23 series ink bottles.

Is the Canon G620 easy to set up?

Yes, the Canon G620 is generally considered easy to set up.

The ink filling process is mess-free thanks to keyed nozzles and auto-stop bottles, and wireless setup can be guided through the Canon PRINT mobile app.

Does the Canon G620 have an automatic document feeder ADF?

No, the Canon Pixma G620 does not have an automatic document feeder ADF. You will need to manually place each page on the flatbed scanner for scanning or copying multi-page documents.

Does the Canon G620 support automatic duplex printing?

No, the Canon Pixma G620 does not support automatic duplex two-sided printing. Oneplus Buds Z2 Review

If you need to print on both sides, you will have to manually flip and reinsert the paper.

Can I print borderless photos with the G620?

Yes, the Canon Pixma G620 supports borderless printing for various popular photo sizes, including 4″x6″, 5″x7″, 8″x10″, and Letter 8.5″x11″.

What is the maximum print size for the Canon G620?

The maximum print size for the Canon Pixma G620 is Letter 8.5″ x 11″ for both borderless and bordered prints.

Is the Canon G620 good for document printing?

While primarily photo-focused, the G620 offers good text quality for everyday documents.

Its document print speed is relatively slow 3.9 ipm, so it’s best suited for users with moderate document printing needs rather than high-volume office tasks.

What is the cost per print for photos on the G620?

The cost per 4×6 photo ink only on the Canon Pixma G620 is incredibly low, estimated to be around $0.02 – $0.025 2 to 2.5 cents per print, due to its high-yield MegaTank system.

How many 4×6 photos can the G620 print on a full tank of color ink?

The Canon Pixma G620 is estimated to print approximately 3,800 4×6 color photos on a full set of color ink tanks.

How many black pages can the G620 print on a full tank of black ink?

The Canon Pixma G620 is estimated to print approximately 3,700 black text pages on a full tank of black ink.

Does the G620 have a touchscreen?

No, the Canon Pixma G620 features a small 2-line monochrome LCD display and physical buttons for navigation. It does not have a touchscreen.

Can I connect the G620 to my Wi-Fi network?

Yes, the Canon Pixma G620 supports wireless Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to print from devices on your network. Oura Ring Generation 3 Review

Does the G620 support mobile printing?

Yes, the Canon Pixma G620 supports mobile printing via the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service.

Can I scan with the Canon G620?

Yes, the Canon G620 has a flatbed scanner with an optical resolution of up to 600 x 1200 dpi, suitable for scanning photos and documents.

Can I copy with the Canon G620?

Yes, the Canon G620 offers basic copying functionality for documents and photos placed on its flatbed scanner.

What is the warranty for the Canon Pixma G620?

Canon typically offers a 1-year limited warranty for their Pixma printers, but it’s always best to check the specific warranty terms at the time of purchase or on Canon’s official website.

Is it hard to refill the ink on the G620?

No, it is very easy and mess-free to refill the ink on the G620. The ink bottles have unique keyed nozzles that fit only the corresponding ink tank and automatically stop flowing when the tank is full.

What type of paper is best for the G620?

For optimal photo quality, Canon recommends using genuine Canon photo papers like Photo Paper Glossy, Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, or Photo Paper Pro Luster. It also handles plain paper well for documents.

How fast does the G620 print a 4×6 photo?

The Canon Pixma G620 prints a borderless 4″ x 6″ photo in approximately 45 seconds.

Does the G620 have an Ethernet port?

No, the Canon Pixma G620 does not typically include an Ethernet port. Its connectivity options are Wi-Fi and USB.

Can I print from a USB flash drive directly on the G620?

No, the Canon Pixma G620 does not have a USB host port for direct printing from flash drives.

You need to connect it to a computer or mobile device. Msi Ws66 Review

How does the G620 compare to Epson EcoTank Photo printers?

The G620 offers excellent photo quality at a competitive price point.

Epson EcoTank Photo printers like the ET-8550 often offer slightly superior quality with more ink colors and wide-format capabilities, but come at a significantly higher initial cost. The G620 is a strong contender for its value.

Can the G620 print on specialty media like cardstock or iron-on transfers?

The G620’s rear paper tray can handle a variety of media types, including heavier cardstock up to 275 gsm and some specialty papers.

Always check the printer’s specifications for exact compatibility and recommended paper weights for iron-on transfers or other specific media.

What are the main advantages of a MegaTank system over ink cartridges?

The main advantages of a MegaTank system are dramatically lower running costs due to refillable ink tanks and affordable ink bottles, higher ink yields print thousands of pages/photos, and less frequent ink refills compared to traditional ink cartridges.

Are the G620’s prints archival quality?

The G620 uses dye-based inks, which produce vibrant colors but can be more susceptible to fading over many years, especially if exposed to UV light.

For true archival quality decades-long longevity, pigment-based inks are generally preferred, but the G620’s prints are excellent for common display and album use.

Does the Canon G620 come with a CD for software installation?

Yes, the Canon G620 typically includes a setup CD-ROM, but it’s usually recommended to download the latest drivers and software from Canon’s official website for the most up-to-date versions.

What is the power consumption of the Canon G620?

The power consumption of the Canon G620 is typically around 14W during copying, 0.2W when off, and 0.8W in standby mode Wi-Fi connection to PC. These are relatively low figures, making it energy efficient for home use.

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