Canon Pixma MP530 user reviews

Pros Print quality, speed, full-featured software

Cons Ink level indicator not functional, mediocre OCR

Summary After researching several multi-function printers, I felt very confident that the MP530 had everything I needed. For the first couple of weeks of use, I had no complaints. The included software package is very easy to use and full of great features. It can even save a scanned document as a PDF. I have used HP's software package before and Canon's shines in comparison.

The honeymoon period soon ended as color print quality severely suffered. I checked the ink level indicator, and it stated that all 5 cartridges had adequate levels of ink. I ran the cleaning program a couple of times, as well as the deep cleaning, but saw no improvement.

I removed the ink cartridges to inspect them and found that 3 of them were bone dry. After replacing them, print quality returned to its previously excellent state.

All in all, I would recommend this printer to home office users who need a full-featured multi-function inkjet printer. Aside from the ink level problem, I am very happy with the MP530.

Pros Quick, quiet, good print on standard/business paper

Cons Not good for greeting cards, nonstandard envelopes. Black ink at edges of nonstandard paper.

Summary The fax and copy functions work well. Haven't scanned yet. The print is uneven. It works well for normal business type applications. It does not work well for greeting cards, half-fold envelopes, nonstandard size papers. I wish I knew about this before I bought this highly rated product. I have had similar trouble in the past with another Canon printer. It often leaves streaks of black ink along edges of envelopes or greeting cards. It's as if the ink has pooled and overflowed. Since I print lots of greeting cards, this is very annoying--I picked this model for it's two sided printing. I don't remember seeing anything in reading reviews that talked about its severe limitations on paper sizes and weights. An email to Canon support gave me instructions for maintaining the printer, but seemed to indicate that I would still have problems using any paper they consider nonstandard. I have used the greeting card stock in HP printers with no problem.

Pros Easy set up; can be done in 10 minutes

Cons Confusing instruction book, photo software is dismal. The software with the Canon 2000 was much better.

Summary Canon has produced another great product.
This is the third Canon printer and the fourth Canon product that we own. I have a BJ-100 that prints in black but still works after 11 years. The second printer, a Canon 2000 was worth the money, even though it lasted only 7 years.
This unit serves two purposes for me for it provided a scanner for me. Another is that it replaced a multifunction HP 1210 because it just died.

The MP530 is suitable for those who don't have the extra funds to get the MP830 which the only differences between the two is that the MP830 has the slots for the card readers and about a $100 more price tag depending on where you go. The individual inks also save money when using the system. At around $12 each for a cartridge, it is a far cry from paying $37 for a color cartridge for an HP or $55 for a combination pack for HP 1210 MP that I replaced with this unit.

The MP530 is excellent. The set up was smooth, with only one call to customer service while setting up to stop the clicking that occurred when the phone lines were connected to the unit. The representative told me to switch them and that solved the problem.

After using the unit since October 10th,
The unit is solid. Colors come out bright. Black print comes out excellent. I have saved a lot of paper with the duplex function. Copies great and simple. Even my mother who is not a bit fluent in electronics can use the copy function.

Scanned documents come out great. You really can't tell them from the original.

Faxing is relatively easy once you fully understand the control buttons. The only confusion that sets in is when one has to determine what setting to set the unit on when receiving faxes. I called Canon and got a idiot who didn't understand that I just wanted clarification on the different settings. I wound up hanging up on him. I wrote Canon a note and they called back expressing sorrow for the incident. I told them that it would be great to include How to videos online at the Canon website to help folks learn about their system. I also told him that they needed a how disc in the software bundle with the unit.


The only problems that I have with the unit is that the instruction book or user guide is bit confusing. I wound up taking the book and writing my own notes to help me understand the different functions and settings.

I also don't like the fact that one has to hit the ON/OFF switch to turn the unit on. The Canon 2000 was automatic. When you turn the pc on, your printer was on.

I don't like the fact that one has to push either the black or color button to complete a function independently of the pc. It is confusing when there is also an OK button.

The software is dismal for Canon. The photo software is ill conceived. They should have stuck with the photo suite from previous models. I scanned a b&w photo of my mother and the result on screen was dismal. The image scanned was darker than the original. I used the software provided, Easy Photo Print, and it only made it worse. I haven't printed a photo yet, so I don't know about the finished product.

Overall, it is a good unit. Above all, be patient in learning the ins and outs of the system. I thought I had made a big mistake also, but I calmed myself down, got the book, as confusing as it is and took the time to learn it.

Pros Great print ,copy, and scanner quality. Excellent customer support.

Cons No media card slots

Summary Well i've read the previous reviews for this printer and i've just one thing to say: read the manual!! I had the same "clicking noise" when i connected my printer. The problem? i had the FAX connections backward. Once fixed, all was quiet and FAX works great!!

In fact, all of the features work great. It does do 2-sided printing and copying (duplex mode), but my one disappointment here,i guess, is that you can't do 2-sided copying through the ADF. You have to manually flip the page being copied. Not really a big deal.

This printer is NOT network ready, but if you still need to share it between 2 computers, spend $25 on a 2-port USB switch. I got one from SIIG and it allows me to hot-key between desktop and laptop.