Canon IP 5000 vs Canon IP6000D

[angi4him]

Hi,
Does anyone have experience with these two Canon Pixma printers?

I currently own a Canon i850. My first Canon, and I'm glad I gave them a try. The ink cartridges are the best value, and easy to deal with. I bought this printer about a year or more ago, to get my feet wet printing photographs, and have been very happy with it, but I want to go to the next level with my photos. I have a Sony 4.1 Megapixel camera, and print photos all the time. After doing my research, I'm puzzled.

The Canon IP5000 boasts the 1picolet definition, but lacks the extra colors.
The Canon IP 6000D has the extra colors, but doesn't have the better definition, and also adds the LCD screen which, to me, is a perk any serious photo editor rarely if ever needs.
What I'd really like to have is the Canon IP8500, but even it doesn't have the 1 picolet definition.
What printer is going to give me the best photo? I don't need all the "flips & switches" of the IP6000d, but can't understand why the IP5000 lacks the extra ink colors.
They're both about the same price, so with the LCD I have to assume print quality is being sacrificed for a printer that "everyone" can use. I want a serious photo printer.
Also, are these printers that much improved over my i850. I can't get real photo quality on it, but could it be my photos? They look AWESOME on my monitor.
I'm stuck here.
What Printer would you buy?

Desperate,
angi4him

 

[imported_Mike]

If you want a serious printer then get an olympus dye sub printer. But if you want a decent printer on a budget id get the 5000. I think you answered your own question...1 picoliter with 5 color printing system. While the 6000 has 6 color printing, you're paying extra for the LCD which you said you don't need and no picoliter...

 

[LED]

To answer what I would consider the main question :

Also, are these printers that much improved over my i850

I really don't think so but if Peter chimes in I would value his opinion ...

 

[xgsound]

Even the ip4000 is rated highly at http://www.steves-digicams.com/printers.html over the I850.

There are detailed reviews of many of the new cannon printers with compared photos shown, including the ip8500. (They say the new 8 color printers improve color gamma alot)

I have an I850 and am not that picky, but the differences they show tempt me.

The above site has no ip5000 review, so I found http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/printers/Pixma%205000/page-1.htm with lots of compare info . Now I'm more tempted.

Jim

 

[LED]

Damn I wish that Pixma ip5000 had CD/DD print capabilities here in the US
I switch from the i560 to the ip3000 and notice no difference under the naked eye.

 

[Comp625]

Originally posted by: CheapArse
If you want a serious printer then get an olympus dye sub printer. But if you want a decent printer on a budget id get the 5000. I think you answered your own question...1 picoliter with 5 color printing system. While the 6000 has 6 color printing, you're paying extra for the LCD which you said you don't need and no picoliter...

Although grain is almost non-existant on dye-sub printers, the photo longevity of dye is poor compared to photos printed from pigment-based machines (such as Epson's non-Durabrite photo printers).

In response to why the IP5000 has 1 picoliter but lacking the PhotoCyan/PhotoMagenta cartridges vs the IP6000D:
- The original purpose to the PC/PM was to give better shading in color transitions (such as in skin tones). Because of the smaller droplet size which allows for a better color gamut, this eliminates the need for the extra Photo carts.
- The IP6000D is essentially using "old" technology (the 2 picoliter system) found in older Canon printers such as my i860. That doesn't mean it sucks...you're just paying for the LCD/card readers.
- The IP5000 is the best consumer-level Canon photo printer because it boasts the small droplet size (which eliminates alot of the grain).

One thing to keep in mind with Canon's is that their photos are prone to fading. Some users report fading, others don't. It's a gamble from what I've observed. I own the Canon i860 and I'm quite happy with it. At times, I do wish I owned an Epson photo printer because their photos aren't known to fade but the ink economy on Canons are simply amazing compared to any other manufacturer.

Oh yeah, the IP4000 is virtually identical to the IP6000 except the 4000 can do double-sided prints but lacks the LCD/Card readers. The IP5000 can do double-sided prints too if you're looking for such a feature. The 6000 cannot do double-sided prints and the LCD is not worth the purchase IMO (too small and not clear enough).

 

[angi4him]

Thanks to all who have responded. Special thanks to Comp625, I'm glad you told me about the 1 picoliter size eliminating the need for extra cartridges,
and I really liked the review link from sgsound "The above site has no ip5000 review, so I found http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/printers/Pixma%205000/page-1.htm with lots of compare info . Now I'm more tempted."


I finally ordered the IP5000. I got it at newegg for $183 and free shipping. Plus, there's a rebate from Cannon right now for an additional $20 off. Thought I'd add this info for those of you who are wanting to give it a try, but needed some incentive. I'll be posting again and let you know how I like it.

Thanks again. I love these forums, I'm finally getting the info I've been looking for.

 

[Zepper]

There really isn't much difference between the i series and their iP equivalents as far as the print mechanism goes. Which is a good thing as the i series prooved that Canon has the mojo as far as inkjet printers go. Even the cheapest ones put out great looking prints (like the i450 I had). The only reason to choose the iP over them is if you want or need the new features. That said, I really like my iP3000 and you can't beat the current price (from Newegg, after rebate) with a stick!
.bh.

 

[Mudbone]

Originally posted by: Comp625

In response to why the IP5000 has 1 picoliter but lacking the PhotoCyan/PhotoMagenta cartridges vs the IP6000D:
- The original purpose to the PC/PM was to give better shading in color transitions (such as in skin tones). Because of the smaller droplet size which allows for a better color gamut, this eliminates the need for the extra Photo carts.
- The IP6000D is essentially using "old" technology (the 2 picoliter system) found in older Canon printers such as my i860. That doesn't mean it sucks...you're just paying for the LCD/card readers.
- The IP5000 is the best consumer-level Canon photo printer because it boasts the small droplet size (which eliminates alot of the grain).

One thing to keep in mind with Canon's is that their photos are prone to fading. Some users report fading, others don't. It's a gamble from what I've observed. I own the Canon i860 and I'm quite happy with it. At times, I do wish I owned an Epson photo printer because their photos aren't known to fade but the ink economy on Canons are simply amazing compared to any other manufacturer.

Oh yeah, the IP4000 is virtually identical to the IP6000 except the 4000 can do double-sided prints but lacks the LCD/Card readers. The IP5000 can do double-sided prints too if you're looking for such a feature. The 6000 cannot do double-sided prints and the LCD is not worth the purchase IMO (too small and not clear enough).

I found it interesting that no one has mentioned the i9900. How does it compare to the iP5000? Why would Canon come out with the i9900 if its based on "old" technology. Its a 2 picoL system also. What is the advantage to the i9900, the 13 X 19 size? Or is it a better printer than the other 2 picoL canon printers. Which is the best of the canons, the 5000 or the 9900? And how do they compare to the Epson R1800 or other Epson printers?

 

[Zepper]

Comp625 et al.,
. All of the Pixmas with an MSRP of $100 and up can do the automatic duplexing (2-sided printing), but it is very slow for a longer document like printing out a user's manual. The old method of flipping the stack is still the fastest way. But for short runs like web page printouts it's OK and saves paper - and it's cool to watch (at least the first few times).

Mudbone et al.,
. For photos, the i9900 and the iP8500 are the top Canons. They are the only ones that can do true red and true green those are the extra two ink colors (total of 8 ink tanks). All the others have to approximate. You get one or the other depending on whether you need the wide format or not.
. The 3k, 4k, and 5k are best if text is your main thing and photos are a secondary issue. They are the ones with the separate pigmented black for text. The volume of the pigmented black tank (BCI-3 series) is also larger than all the other inks (BCI-6 series). So you can run a lot more paper thru for text w/o needing to refill. Students take note!
. I think the 4k is the sweet spot, the best balance of text, photo and price as it adds the dye black for photo printing which better complements the other color inks (which are all dye-based). You go to the 5k for the added crispness and its ability to approximate a 6-color look without the added tanks - it is basically the 4k with finer nozzles.The 6kD is the only 6-color machine left in the line. That is mainly for the convenience of folks that don't want to mess with their computer to get their prints. Personally I can't see it. My prints always look a LOT better after a little cropping and tweaking. I would like to have the 4k, but my 3k is just fine for me and I got it for about half of what the 4k generally goes for <BSEG>.
.bh.

Oh, and don't forget to visit the Canon web site and download the latest driver if yours didn't come with the latest. The step from 1.80 to 1.80a made a noticeable difference in my output and added a few new tricks (allows for the old style manual head alignment while keeping the automated one and has a setting for extra thick stock - lets me use this 12mil pnoto paper I have here without scraping much). There may be some others, but I haven't noticed.bh.

 

[Macro2]

The IP5000 is the best consumer-level Canon photo printer because it boasts the small droplet size (which eliminates alot of the grain).

 

[EdfromCocoa]

To all,

Most printers are the same IMHO. The real question is this: Check for the cost and availability of the replacement cartridges (ink jet or laser). So when you buy the printer from a retailer, look to see if replacement cartridges are avaiable at he store and their cost. Vendors basically give away printers but really make their money in new cartidges. Have tried to do the ink replacement route myself but messy and it does not really work.

Ed

 

[Macro2]

Ed,

That's why we have 12 Canons.

They refill easy or you can get good generic carts. And the heads don't clog as much as an epson.

 

[angi4him]

Well, I got the ip5000 on Friday and set it up. This thing is SWEET!

The comparison to my i850s is unbelievable. But, I must say I have been refilling the ink on my i850s for some time. As of the last ink refill, all of my pictures have a very green hue to them. I was disgusted and thus part of the reason to go on and get the new printer. I should try replacing the i850's cartridges with original canon and see what happens. But, I just use it for printing text and such now. I don't think I'll use anything but Canon replacement cartridges. If you have better information please post.

This ip5000 looks every bit as sharp as a shop photo. I'm very impressed. The 1 picoliter makes all the difference.

Something I noticed, I tested the 4x6 Canon Photo Paper Pro that came with the printer against my 4x6 Kodak Premium Photo Paper. The Canon had richer color, and was a little sharper. Kodak wasn't bad though. I had never been a believer that the paper made a difference, but I am now.

I also have tried the Canon Matte Photo Paper with impressive results. The printer settings aren't even at their finest when the medium is Matte Photo Paper, and I'm impressed.

Overall, this printer is definitely powerful enough to meet my needs. Just wish it had the ability to print directly on CD/DVDs. But for my $163 I can't complain. I'll just print on labels and affix them.

One last note, Zepper said,

There really isn't much difference between the i series and their iP equivalents as far as the print mechanism goes. Which is a good thing as the i series prooved that Canon has the mojo as far as inkjet printers go. Even the cheapest ones put out great looking prints (like the i450 I had). The only reason to choose the iP over them is if you want or need the new features.

The one difference is the 1 Picoliter size droplet in the IP5000.

 

[Zepper]

Green tint likely means your red nozzles are plugged. How long has it been since you've done a nozzle check, head alignment or cleaning cycle on your heads? These are things that need to be done regularly, expecially the nozzle check test, so that clogs can be nipped in the bud.
. If they have been clogged long, it is likely that those nozzles have been burned out in the head. A replacement head would likely put your i850 back in tip-top shape. Pretty expensive, but not as much as a new printer (almost, if you don't include the iP3000 after rebate ).

.bh.