There was a time when my digital photographs felt trapped on screen, forever destined to live in the glow of a monitor. I yearned to see my creative visions come to life on paper, to hold tangible prints that could be shared, framed, and truly appreciated. The limitations of standard photo sizes were a constant frustration, preventing me from producing the impactful, large-format prints my work deserved. Solving this problem wasn’t just about convenience; it was about elevating my photography from a hobby to a more serious pursuit, and without a capable printer, that leap felt impossible. A solution like the Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer would have been invaluable in those early days.
- Don't get stuck in an 8 inches x 10 inches world; Print your favorite photos up to 13 inches x 19 inches
- With a 6 color ink system including gray ink and 9600 x 2400 maximum color dots per inch, the results are incredible quality and amazing detail in your black & white and color photos. Noise level:...
- Print wireless from any Wi-Fi enabled computer around the house; Ink droplet size: 1, 2 and 5
Key Considerations Before Acquiring a Photo Printer
Before diving headfirst into the world of photo printing, it’s crucial to understand why you need one and what specific problems it will solve. A dedicated photo printer isn’t just another office peripheral; it’s a creative tool designed to transform your digital captures into physical art. You’re likely seeking an item in this category if you’re an amateur or professional photographer, an artist wanting to reproduce your work, a crafter, or simply someone who cherishes high-quality physical memories. The ideal customer for an advanced photo printer values color accuracy, detail, and the ability to print beyond standard document sizes. They are often looking for borderless printing options and perhaps even specialized media handling.
Conversely, if your primary need is for occasional document printing, basic school projects, or you only ever print 4×6 snapshots, a more budget-friendly all-in-one inkjet printer might be a better fit. Someone who rarely prints color or only needs monochrome documents might be better served by a laser printer. Before purchasing, consider factors like print size capabilities, ink system (number of colors, cost, availability), connectivity options (Wi-Fi, wired, mobile printing), print resolution, and the physical footprint of the device. Think about the types of paper you’ll use and whether the printer supports them. Understanding these considerations will guide you to the right choice.
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Introducing the Canon IP8720 Photo Printer
The Canon IP8720 is a specialized inkjet printer designed for photographers and creative individuals who want to produce stunning, large-format prints at home. It promises incredible quality and amazing detail for both black & white and color photos, all the way up to an impressive 13″ x 19″ size. When you unbox the PIXMA iP8720, you’ll find the printer itself, a set of starter ink tanks (PGI-250 Pigment Black, CLI-251 Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Gray), a power cord, and a setup CD-ROM, along with a user manual. This particular Canon printer sets itself apart from standard consumer printers and even some of Canon’s own lower-end PIXMA models by focusing purely on print quality and larger sizes rather than multifunctionality (it doesn’t scan or copy). It’s ideal for the amateur photographer or artist transitioning from smaller prints, offering a significant step up without the professional price tag of a 12-ink behemoth. It’s not for those who need an all-in-one device or primarily print text documents.
Pros:
* Produces stunning, professional-grade prints up to 13″x19″.
* Six-color individual ink system, including gray, for superior color accuracy and smooth gradations.
* High print resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi captures incredible detail.
* Wireless connectivity with AirPrint and Cloud compatibility for convenience.
* Special features like Borderless Printing and CD/DVD printing.
Cons:
* Ink can be expensive, a common trait for photo inkjet printers.
* No duplex (two-sided) printing capability.
* Can be prone to networking connectivity issues, particularly with 5GHz Wi-Fi networks or certain operating systems like iOS 18 (as per some user feedback).
* Relatively large physical footprint and weight (18.6 lbs, 23.3″D x 25.6″W x 6.3″H).
* Output can sometimes appear slightly dark, requiring pre-print adjustments.
Detailed Capabilities & Advantages
Expansive Large-Format Printing (Up to 13″ x 19″)
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in the Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer is its ability to print large. For years, I was limited to standard 8×10 or 8.5×11 inch prints, which often felt restrictive for panoramic landscapes, detailed portraits, or architectural shots. This machine breaks that barrier, allowing you to print photos up to 13 inches x 19 inches. This capability fundamentally transforms how you showcase your work. Suddenly, a photograph isn’t just a picture; it becomes a statement piece, a gallery-worthy print.
The experience of seeing my images rendered at this size is truly exhilarating. Details that might be overlooked in a smaller print become prominent, and the overall impact is dramatically increased. For artists, this means you can produce larger reproductions of your digital art or physical artwork, opening up possibilities for selling prints or displaying your portfolio more effectively. It’s not just about the size; it’s about the presence these larger prints command, making them feel more substantial and professional. This feature alone justifies the investment for anyone serious about their visual creations.
Superior Six-Color Ink System with Gray Ink & High Resolution
The heart of the PIXMA iP8720’s exceptional image quality lies in its advanced 6-color individual ink system. Unlike standard printers that typically use four colors (CMYK), this printer adds a dedicated gray ink tank and a second black (pigment black for text, dye black for photos). The inclusion of gray ink is a game-changer, especially for black & white photography. It allows for smoother tonal gradations, reduces color casts often seen in monochrome prints from 4-color systems, and produces genuinely neutral grays. For color prints, the expanded palette results in richer, more accurate colors and incredibly subtle transitions, making skies look more natural and skin tones more lifelike.
Coupled with this sophisticated ink system is an astonishing maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dots per inch (dpi). This high resolution ensures that every minute detail in your photograph is rendered with incredible sharpness and clarity. I’ve printed intricate textures, fine lines, and subtle shifts in light, and the PIXMA iP8720 consistently delivers stunning results. The difference between a print from this machine and a standard office printer is immediately apparent – the depth, realism, and vibrancy are in a league of their own. It’s this combination of specialized inks and high resolution that truly allows the Canon IP8720 to produce prints that rival those from professional labs, giving you precise control over your output.
Seamless Wireless Connectivity and Mobile Printing
In today’s connected world, a printer without robust wireless capabilities can feel like a relic. The Canon IP8720 excels in this area, offering Wi-Fi connectivity, AirPrint, and Cloud compatibility. This means you can print from virtually any Wi-Fi enabled computer in your home or office without the clutter of cables. Setting it up initially on my PC was straightforward, allowing me to place the printer in a convenient spot without being tethered to my main workstation.
For mobile users, AirPrint compatibility is a blessing. I can effortlessly send photos directly from my iPhone or iPad to the printer, which is incredibly convenient when I want to quickly print a snap from a recent outing. The cloud printing feature further enhances flexibility, allowing me to print documents or photos from cloud services even when I’m not directly connected to my local network. This level of connectivity integrates the printer seamlessly into a modern digital workflow. However, it’s worth noting that some users, including myself initially, have experienced challenges with network setup, particularly if your router automatically switches between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The printer predominantly prefers the 2.4 GHz band, which sometimes requires temporarily disabling 5 GHz on your router during the initial connection process. Also, iOS 18 compatibility with the printer’s networking services seemed a bit flaky for me, requiring a bit more patience and troubleshooting than expected. Despite these occasional hiccups, once connected, the wireless performance is generally reliable and a significant convenience.
Thoughtful Special Features: Borderless Printing, Auto Power & CD Printing
Beyond its core printing capabilities, the Canon printer includes several special features that enhance its versatility and user experience. Borderless printing is a must-have for photographers. It allows images to extend all the way to the edge of the paper, creating a professional, finished look that’s perfect for framing or display. This eliminates the need for trimming and gives prints a more immersive feel. I’ve used this extensively for my landscape and portrait prints, and the results are always impressive.
The “Auto Power On” and “Auto Power Off” functions are smart additions that save energy and add convenience. The printer automatically wakes up when it receives a print command and powers down after a period of inactivity. This means I don’t have to remember to turn it on or off, making it ready to go whenever inspiration strikes. Furthermore, the inclusion of CD-Printing capabilities is a unique feature that might appeal to certain users, such as photographers who deliver client work on custom-labeled discs or musicians creating their own album art. While not a feature I use daily, it adds a layer of professionalism to physical media. These thoughtful touches, while seemingly minor, collectively contribute to a more polished and user-friendly experience, solidifying the Canon IP8720’s position as a serious contender for creative individuals.
Print Speed and Efficiency
While photo quality is paramount, print speed also plays a role in overall efficiency, especially when you’re printing multiple large files. The Canon PIXMA iP8720 offers respectable speeds for an inkjet photo printer, with a maximum monochrome print speed of 14.5 ppm (pages per minute) and a color print speed of 10.4 ppm. For standard documents or proofs, these speeds are perfectly adequate, allowing you to quickly get a physical copy of your work.
Of course, when printing high-resolution, large-format photos on glossy paper, the process will naturally take longer to ensure optimal ink saturation and detail. However, even for demanding photo prints, I’ve found the speed to be quite reasonable. It’s fast enough that you’re not waiting excessively for each print, allowing you to maintain a decent workflow if you’re producing a batch of images. The print engine is designed for precision, not just raw speed, striking a good balance between the two to deliver both quality and acceptable throughput, ensuring that your valuable time isn’t spent waiting endlessly for your masterpieces to emerge.
Ink Compatibility and Management
Ink is often the hidden cost of any inkjet printer, and the Canon IP8720 uses the CLI-251 series and PGI-250 Pigment Black ink tanks. The good news is that these individual tanks mean you only replace the color that runs out, minimizing waste compared to combined color cartridges. The range includes PGI 250 Pigment Black, CLI 251 Cyan, CLI 251 Magenta, CLI 251 Yellow, CLI 251 Gray, and CLI 251 Black, all available in standard and XL sizes.
I’ve learned through experience that sticking with authentic Canon ink is crucial for maintaining print quality and ensuring the longevity of your print head. While off-brand inks might seem cheaper initially, they can lead to inconsistent colors, clogged nozzles, and ultimately, a compromised printer. The availability of XL cartridges is a welcome option for those who print frequently, offering a better cost-per-page ratio. Keeping an eye on ink levels is easy through the printer software, allowing you to reorder before you run dry and avoid interruptions to your printing projects. The printer also has an ink droplet size of 1, 2, and 5 picoliters, contributing to the fine detail and smooth gradations in prints.
What Users Are Saying: Social Proof
After scouring various online platforms, it’s clear that the general sentiment surrounding the this Canon IP8720 is overwhelmingly positive, especially among those who value high-quality photo output. Many users highlight the exceptional print quality, frequently comparing the 13×19 inch prints to professional lab results. Photographers and artists, in particular, rave about the accurate colors and fine detail, crediting the 6-color ink system for stunning reproductions of their work. Several long-term users expressed amazement at the printer’s durability and consistent performance over years of use, often praising its value for money. Setup is generally reported as easy, with wireless connectivity adding a layer of convenience for most, despite occasional minor networking quirks for a small number of individuals.
Concluding Thoughts: Your Next Printing Solution
If you’ve been struggling with the limitations of standard printers, unable to bring your creative vision to life in large, vibrant prints, then it’s time to address that gap. The inability to produce high-quality, large-format prints can be a significant barrier for photographers and artists looking to truly showcase their work or even just preserve cherished memories. This problem needs solving not just for artistic expression, but also for the tangible joy and impact that a physical print provides.
The Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer stands out as an excellent fit to solve this very problem. Firstly, its ability to produce stunning 13″ x 19″ prints with incredible detail and color fidelity is unparalleled in its price range. Secondly, the 6-color ink system, including gray, ensures professional-grade results, especially for demanding photo applications. Finally, while it requires a careful initial network setup, its wireless capabilities offer immense convenience for printing from various devices once configured. For anyone ready to move beyond the confines of small prints and embrace the world of large-format photography, this printer is a fantastic choice. Don’t let your digital masterpieces stay hidden on a screen any longer; Click here to check the product out and start printing your vision today!
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API