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 Likes
- Very good color prints
- Compact, protected design (includes cover)
- 5x7-inch prints
- Standard IrDA ports
- Optional battery
Dislikes
-Uncovered media slots and ports
-2.5-inch screen should be larger
-Lame output paper tray
Conclusion
Canon’s latest compact photo inkjet printer, the Pixma mini320, brings with it some new innovations for the electronics company. Chief among these is that this little printer can print 5x7-inch photos, the first of Canon’s compacts to boast this ability. The new Quick Start feature allows the printer to come to ready status in just a few seconds. Auto Image Fix automatically analyzes and corrects images for lighting and color. Most manufacturers have a version of this type of correction feature.
The mini320’s menu makes it easy for users to print directly from memory cards and digital cameras, as well as IrDA-enabled cell phone cameras and PDAs. This last feature is one not found on many competing models. The Easy-Scroll Wheel takes advantage of the increasingly common technology employed by music players to make menu navigation easier. A 2.5-inch LCD is the minimum standard screen size for the industry. Manufacturers are starting to put larger screens on compact printers, notably the 3.6-inch screen on the Sony FP90 dye sublimation printer and the 4.8-inch touchscreen (3.6-inch image size) on the new HP Photosmart A626 compact inkjet photo printer. (See the Comparisons section of the Overall Impressions / Ease of Use page for more information on competing models.)
The mini 320 replaces the mini260, so the design is similar to its predecessor—all white, slim, carried upright, but lays horizontally when in use. The folding, hinged top cover has a window for viewing the screen when the door is closed. A sturdy handle affords portability, which can be enhanced by the purchase of the optional battery. A battery option is spotty among this printer’s competition, so the fact that the mini320 offers it is a definite plus.
Standard media cards like CF, SD, and MS can be used with the mini320; others, like xD, miniSd, and microSD will need a card adapter for use. A port is included for direct printing from PictBridge digital cameras, as well as one for printing from computer. As mentioned, the IrDA port is a feature not found on Epson, HP, and other manufacturers’ models. All of these ports can be found on the printer’s right side, unfortunately exposed to any dirt, dust, bubble gum, and soda that might find their way there.
The mini320 utilizes a single integrated cartridge (4 inks: cyan, magenta, yellow, black), which makes for easy installation and replacement. The downside of this cartridge design is usually a decrease in ink and thus, print quality. While the mini320’s prints won’t stack up to those from a pro photo printer, we found surprisingly good print quality, with better color range and accuracy than is found on most competing models. Blacks were strongly printed, and a good tonal range was represented in our black-and-white test prints. For more details on print quality, check out the Photo Performance page.
The Canon Pixma mini320 is a welcome addition to the compact photo printer market. While we would like to see a larger LCD screen and protected memory card slots, the simplified control panel, handy Easy-Scroll Wheel, 5x7-inch print size, and, most importantly, very good print quality make this printer a good buy, especially for Canon fans. More discriminating consumers may want to compare the features of the Epson PictureMate series to the mini320. The Zoom and Dash are the new models that have replaced the Snap, Pal, and Flash. For twenty dollars more than the mini320, consumers can have equivalent or better print quality (Based on our review of the Snap. Our review of the Zoom is forthcoming. Stay tuned.) plus a CD reader/writer in the bargain.
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