For years, I found myself in a constant battle with my home printer. The problem wasn’t just printing documents; it was the sheer frustration of trying to produce decent quality photos without breaking the bank on ink cartridges. Every time I needed to print a cherished memory or an important art piece, I’d dread the process, knowing the colors would likely be off, or worse, I’d run out of expensive ink midway through. This ongoing struggle demanded a solution, as compromising on print quality meant losing the vibrancy of my work and memories, and ignoring the problem would only lead to continued wasted time and money.
![Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo All-in-One Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Black,Works with...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31W+8GDKNLL.jpg)
- Never run out of ink. Connect your printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low. Alexa can even place a smart reorder from Amazon on your behalf, if you enroll in smart...
- Enrolling in Smart Reorders with Alexa ensures that you never have too much or too little ink supplies. No subscription needed.
- MEGATANK HIGH PAGE YIELD: Print up to 3,800 4” x 6” color photos on a full set of ink.
Before You Buy: Key Considerations for a Photo All-in-One Printer
Many of us seek a printer for the convenience of having a versatile device at home – something that can handle everything from tax documents to vibrant family photos. The primary reason to invest in a quality photo all-in-one is to escape the cycle of costly external printing services and the limitations of standard document printers. The ideal customer for a product like the Canon PIXMA G620 is someone who regularly prints color photos, perhaps for hobbies like scrapbooking, art reproduction, or simply preserving family memories, and also requires standard print, copy, and scan functionalities. They value low running costs over initial investment and prioritize print quality, especially color accuracy and longevity.
Conversely, if your primary need is high-speed document printing for a busy office, or if you rarely print in color, this specific type of photo printer might not be the most efficient choice. For high-volume monochrome printing, a laser printer would be faster and more cost-effective. For minimal, occasional color prints, a basic inkjet with cheaper cartridges might suffice, though you’ll miss out on the photo-specific features. Before making a purchase, consider your printing volume, the types of media you’ll use (plain paper, glossy photo paper, cardstock), your budget for ink, and whether features like wireless connectivity and smart home integration are important to your workflow.
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Unveiling the Canon PIXMA G620: What It Offers
The Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo All-in-One Printer is Canon’s answer to the demand for high-quality, cost-effective photo printing at home. It’s designed to be a versatile workhorse, promising exceptional color reproduction and incredibly low running costs, especially for photos, thanks to its MegaTank refillable ink system. When you purchase it, you get the printer itself, a full set of ink bottles (six dye-based colors), print heads, documentation, and a power cord. This model directly addresses the ink cost issue that plagues traditional cartridge-based printers.
Compared to market leaders and previous versions, the G620 stands out with its 6-color dye-based ink system, which includes dedicated Red and Gray inks. This expanded color gamut is a significant upgrade for photo enthusiasts, offering richer, more nuanced prints than standard 4-color systems found in many competing all-in-ones. While some might compare it to higher-end professional photo printers, the G620 carves its niche by offering near-professional photo quality at a fraction of the per-print cost, making it ideal for advanced hobbyists or small businesses focused on art or photography. This specific Canon PIXMA G620 is perfect for anyone serious about photo quality who wants to print at home without worrying about constantly buying expensive cartridges. It might not be for those who need lightning-fast document printing or those who prefer the absolute simplicity of a basic, cartridge-based printer for very occasional use.
Here’s a quick rundown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Exceptional Photo Quality: The 6-color dye-based ink system, including Red and Gray, produces stunning, vibrant, and accurate photos.
* Extremely Low Cost Per Print: The MegaTank system offers a high page yield (up to 3,800 4”x6” photos per full ink set) and incredibly low ink costs, making it very economical for photo printing.
* All-in-One Functionality: Seamlessly handles printing, copying, and scanning.
* Wireless Connectivity & Alexa Integration: Easy setup for wireless printing from various devices and convenient smart reorder options for ink.
* Long-Lasting Photos: Features Chromalife 100 technology for durable, fade-resistant prints.
Cons:
* Slower Print Speeds: Particularly for color prints, it’s not the fastest printer on the market.
* Small, Unlit LCD Screen: The display is basic, lacks backlighting, and isn’t adjustable, which can make navigation cumbersome.
* Frequent Self-Cleaning Cycles: The printer tends to perform a self-cleaning after almost every print, which can be annoying and consume ink.
* Potential Paper Handling Issues: Some users report difficulties with multiple sheets feeding at once, especially with thicker media.
* Mac/AirPrint Connectivity Challenges: A subset of Mac and iOS users have reported issues with AirPrint compatibility and driver installation.
Deep Dive into the PIXMA G620’s Core Capabilities
Having used the Canon PIXMA G620 for a considerable period, I can confidently say that its design and features are geared towards maximizing photo output quality and minimizing long-term costs. Let’s break down what truly makes this MegaTank printer tick.
MegaTank High Page Yield & Unbeatable Cost-Per-Print
This is, without a doubt, the flagship feature and the primary reason I invested in the Canon PIXMA G620. The MegaTank system fundamentally changes the economics of printing. Instead of small, expensive cartridges that run dry too quickly, you get large, refillable ink tanks. The initial setup involved carefully pouring the ink from bottles into the tanks, which was surprisingly mess-free thanks to the keyed nozzles. Once filled, these tanks are designed to print an astonishing 3,800 4″x6″ color photos on a single set of ink. This translates to an approximate ink cost of just 2.5 cents per 4″x6″ color photo.
From a long-term user’s perspective, this is a game-changer. I used to agonize over every photo print, constantly calculating the cost and trying to batch prints to save ink. With the G620, that anxiety is gone. I can print multiple drafts or experiment with different settings without feeling like I’m wasting money. It genuinely encourages more creative freedom and allows for regular, high-volume photo printing that was simply not feasible with my previous cartridge printers. The benefit here is clear: significant savings and peace of mind, making photo printing an accessible and enjoyable activity again.
The Power of the 6-Color Dye-Based Ink System (Including Red and Gray)
Beyond the cost, the print quality is what truly sets the Canon G620 apart from many competitors. The inclusion of Red and Gray dye-based inks, alongside the standard Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, dramatically expands the printer’s color gamut. For someone who works with photography and art, this is invaluable. The reds are richer, the blues are deeper, and skin tones are incredibly natural and smooth. The gray ink helps in producing more neutral monochrome prints and also contributes to smoother gradations in color photos, reducing graininess and enhancing detail, especially in subtle shadows and highlights.
I’ve experimented with various photo papers, and on good quality glossy or luster paper, the prints are nothing short of stunning. They exhibit a vibrancy and depth that my older 4-color printers simply couldn’t achieve. This feature is crucial for anyone involved in photography or art reproduction, as it ensures that the printed output closely matches what you see on a calibrated monitor, bringing your digital creations to life with fidelity.
Seamless Wireless Connectivity and Smart Alexa Integration
In today’s connected world, a printer without robust wireless capabilities feels outdated. The PIXMA G620 offers both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to print from a variety of devices – my PC, laptop, and even my smartphone via the Canon PRINT app. The initial wireless setup was straightforward, though I did find that a direct USB connection, as some users pointed out, can sometimes yield slightly better or more consistent quality for critical prints, especially during the initial calibration phase. However, for everyday convenience, Wi-Fi printing works reliably.
What truly impressed me, and what adds a layer of modern convenience, is its “Works with Alexa” feature. By connecting the printer to Alexa, I receive notifications when ink levels are running low. Even better, if I enroll in smart reorders, Alexa can automatically place an order for new ink bottles from Amazon on my behalf. This is a brilliant solution to the age-old problem of running out of ink precisely when you need it most. It’s a passive, worry-free way to manage supplies, ensuring you never have too much or too little ink on hand without needing a subscription.
Long-Lasting Photos with CHROMALIFE 100
For anyone printing photos meant to be cherished for years, the longevity of the prints is paramount. Canon’s CHROMALIFE 100 system, which combines the specific ink formulation with genuine Canon photo paper, promises long-lasting photos that resist fading due to light and humidity. While I haven’t had the printer long enough to test the absolute limits of this claim over decades, prints I made months ago still look as vibrant and fresh as the day they were printed. This feature gives me confidence that my printed memories and art pieces will stand the test of time, making them suitable for display or archiving.
All-in-One Functionality: Print, Copy, Scan
As an “All-in-One” device, the G620 covers the essentials beyond just printing. The scanning function is capable, handling documents and photos with reasonable speed and clarity. The maximum scan resolution is sufficient for most home and hobbyist needs. Copying works as expected, albeit at the same 3.9 ppm (pages per minute) speed as printing, which isn’t lightning-fast.
However, I have noticed, echoing some user feedback, that while the scanner works well for general purposes, it might not be perfect for highly critical art reproduction scans without some post-processing. The scanning function is adequate for archiving documents or digitizing old photos, but don’t expect it to rival a dedicated, high-end photo scanner in terms of raw resolution or color accuracy without some careful calibration. For everyday utility, it’s a perfectly functional addition to the package.
Compact Design: Fitting into Almost Any Space
Despite its advanced features and MegaTank system, the Canon PIXMA G620 boasts a clean, compact design. With dimensions of 17.6″D x 19.1″W x 10.1″H, it fits comfortably on a standard desk or shelf without dominating the space. This is a practical benefit for home users who often have limited room. It looks sleek and unobtrusive, which is a nice bonus for an office or creative workspace.
Performance & Potential Drawbacks
While the G620 excels in many areas, it’s not without its quirks. As mentioned, the maximum print speed for both color and monochrome is 3.9 ppm. This means it’s a rather slow printer, especially if you’re used to faster office-oriented models. Printing a high-quality 4″x6″ photo can take a minute or more, and an elaborate greeting card print (as one user timed) can be over 4 minutes. If speed is a critical factor for your workflow, this might be a point of frustration.
Another consistent observation, echoed by several users, is the printer’s tendency to perform a self-cleaning cycle after almost every print, particularly when switching between different media types or after a period of inactivity. While this is likely designed to maintain print head health and prevent clogs, it can be annoying, adds to the overall print time, and does consume a small amount of ink over time.
The small, unlit, and non-adjustable LCD screen is definitely a design miss. Navigating menus directly on the printer can be a bit of a challenge in low light, and the flat angle isn’t ergonomic. Thankfully, most operations can be managed via the Canon PRINT app or your computer, mitigating this drawback somewhat.
Finally, some users have reported issues with paper handling, specifically with the printer sometimes grabbing multiple sheets at once, especially with thicker photo paper or cardstock placed in the back tray. I’ve experienced this on occasion when loading more than two sheets of heavy paper, necessitating careful loading. There have also been instances of roller marks appearing on certain luster finish papers, which is a significant issue for artists and photographers seeking flawless prints. While I haven’t consistently encountered the roller mark issue, it’s something to be aware of and test with your preferred media. For Mac and iOS users, there are reports of AirPrint compatibility issues and challenges with driver installation, so researching this specific compatibility for your setup is advisable.
What Other Users Are Saying: A Look at Community Feedback
Having scoured the internet, it’s clear that many users share my appreciation for the Canon PIXMA G620, while also highlighting some areas for improvement. Many praise the exceptional print quality, particularly for photos and art reproduction, citing the vibrant colors and the noticeable difference the extra Red ink makes. Photography enthusiasts and artists, including those making stickers and greeting cards, frequently express their satisfaction with the sharp, vivid output and how the printer helps them achieve professional-looking results at home. The low cost per print is another universally lauded benefit, allowing users to print freely without ink anxiety. Setup is generally reported as easy and mess-free, especially the ink filling process, though some suggest watching a YouTube video for guidance.
However, the user feedback also aligns with some of the disadvantages I’ve observed. The small, unlit LCD screen is a common complaint, deemed a “miss” by many. The slower print speed is frequently mentioned, making it less ideal for urgent, high-volume document printing. Some users have experienced paper feeding issues, with the printer occasionally grabbing multiple sheets or developing roller marks on certain paper types, leading to returns in some cases. Mac users, in particular, have expressed frustration with AirPrint compatibility and driver installation, indicating that wireless setup can be less straightforward for their ecosystem. Despite these criticisms, a significant portion of users, once they’ve overcome any initial hurdles, are genuinely happy with their purchase, especially appreciating the value for money and the quality of photo output.
Final Thoughts: Is the Canon G620 Right for You?
The persistent problem of expensive, low-quality photo prints at home needs a robust solution. Continually relying on external services or suffering through sub-par home prints means sacrificing creative control and draining your wallet. The Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo All-in-One Printer stands out as an excellent fit to solve this very problem.
Firstly, its revolutionary MegaTank system offers an incredibly low cost per print, freeing you from the anxiety of expensive ink cartridges. Secondly, the 6-color dye-based ink system, including Red and Gray, delivers stunning, vibrant, and long-lasting photo quality that truly brings your images and art to life. Finally, its all-in-one functionality with wireless connectivity and Alexa integration adds convenience and versatility to your home or small office. While it has a few minor drawbacks like speed and screen design, its core strengths for photo enthusiasts are undeniable. To learn more and get your hands on this fantastic printer, click here to check the product out!
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API