Canon Pixma 5000 or 6000

[imported_Arden]

I am going to purchase either of the above as the reviews that I have read on the 5000 are very good. I will be using the printer for text and some photos from my 35 mm camera and perhaps later a digital canon camera but not for now.
I noticed a topic on ink smearing in canon printers and I as well have had the same problem in the notebook Canon BJC 80 which I use when I travel.
I wondered if members have used either of the 2 models that I am considering and if they have noticed this problem of ink smearing.
I find this critical as I will be doing photos on the printer. Not only colour but black and white as well. Touch ups etc. as I just purchased a canon Lide 80 scanner and plan on starting on a hobby with my pictures that I took when amateur photography was my specialty. I look forward to members experiences. Regards.

 

[Peter]

Photo-black uses a different ink on the iP4000 and up. They have two black tanks - the BC3BK for text work, and a BC6PBK photo-black.

As for the ink smearing issue, please see the other thread.

 

[Erasmus-X]

Ink smear won't be as critical when printing on resin-coated photo papers (i.e. Canon Photo Paper Plus, Canon Photo Paper Pro, etc.). But since the photo inks are dye-based and are being ejected thermally, they still need some time to dry.

The iP5000 is unique in that it is down to 1 picoliter droplet sizes and 9600x2400 dpi. That's the big difference between that model and the iP6000 (which is based on their older 4800x1200 dpi system with 2 picoliter droplets). The other difference between the two mentioned is the iP6000 is designed with a built-in card reader and color LCD for PC-free printing.

Also, take a look at the Epson Stylus Photo R320 ($200). Similar photo output to both mentioned Canon models and it has more features (like direct CD printing, card readers, and color LCD).

 

[Jeff H]

Arden, Erasmus-X gave you a good rundown on the two printers. FWIW I just replaced an S750 w/ an iP5000 (S750 is going to college). The iP5000 utilizes both a 3 and 6 series black ink cartridge, while the iP6000 only uses the 6 series black. The iP6000 also uses cyan and magenta photo cartridges, in addition to the "regular" ones. So, bottom line is if photo printing is your main thrust the 6000 may be the way to go, while if your printing consists of a mix of items then the 5000 will be the better choice.

Also, as Erasmus-X said, the 5000 has the 1 picliter drop size, for better resolution. Thus far I've seen the best photo printing from either Kodak or Epson papers. Haven't tried Canon papers yet, but can tell you that HP papers don't look as good as either Kodak or Epson.

From what I've read the Epson's can be ink hogs, compared to the Canon printers. See this article.

 

[Macro2]

I believe the 5000 is a 5 cartridge printer and the 6000 is a 6 cartridge printer. I'm wondering if the 1 picoliter droplets of the 5000 makes up for any photo difference.

 

[rugby49]

I am using the 5000 and it replaced the i950. The prints on the 5000 are equal to better than the i950. Certain colors seemed tp print more natural looking. The 1 Picoliter setting will only work on the Canon Glossy Paper Pro setting and the prints are outstanding. I use mostly Epson Heavyweight Matte and have not had a problem with bleeding. Unless you need the card reader look at the 5000 or 4000 as the only difference between the two is the 1Picoliter printing with the 5000. Check dpreview printer forum for some user feedback on both printers.
JimK

 

[Zepper]

I would get the 4000 or 5000 if text was the priority. I've got a 3000 and it does excellent text and decent photos. Either of the above should be better at photos because of the extra dye-based black. I would only get the 6000 if photos were my priority.
. Be sure to DL the latest drivers from Canon - made a noticeable improvement in my output. Plus they have a few new features relative to the first release drivers (allows you to do a manual alignment and handle thicker paper stock, etc.). I have some 12 mil glossy photo paper (about as thick as I've heard of - slightly thicker than 110lb card stock!) here that goes thru smooth with the new setting). See my review of the 3000 here: http://www.techimo.com/reviews/ for some more tips that may be useful.
.bh.