Canon Pixma IP6310D
The Canon Pixma iP6310D sits between the iP1800 and iP4300 in price, but offers an interesting and compelling set of features as well. Though it can't flip pages automatically for double-sided printing, nor does it offer two paper bins (one for plain paper, the other for photo paper), the iP6310 delivers some interesting features that neither of the other Canon printers in this buyer's guide can match.
The Pixma iP6310D employs a subtle light-on-dark grey color scheme.
Of the three Canon printers in this guide, the iP6310D arguably offers the best range of photo handling capabilities. For one thing, it can read images for printing directly from a wide range of memory cards, including compact flash, MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SD card and Multimedia card v3.31, xD-Picture card, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Duo Pro, RS-MMC v3.31 and MiniSD card. (The final five types in the list only work with an additional adapter not included with the printer). For another thing, the iP6310D offers automatic adjustments for face brightening and red-eye handling, as needed. It can also print 4x6 color photos in as little as 60 seconds and 8x10 color photos in as little as 107 seconds, which makes it faster than many other such printers, including both other Canon models. The iP6310 also supports all modern Windows OSes, and Mac OS X v10.2.8 through 10.4.x
The six-color layout for the iP6310D also gives it interesting capabilities. Black and color resolution both max out at 4800x1200 dpi, and it includes 384 nozzles for each of its six colors (Cyan, Magenta, yellow, black, photo cyan/PC, and photo magenta/PM). In addition to USB, the unit also offers optional support for Bluetooth version 1.2. Noise levels in best quality mode are 43 dB(A), the same as the iP1800. Consumables retail for between $25 for a color ink tank, to $35 for a high-capacity color FINE cartridge (better for photos).
