Product review: 16 multi-function printers from 50 to 259 euros (page 2: Quality in office use)

Quality in office use: color fidelity and precision

If there were text readability problems, we sometimes grouped two or three models on the same line. The reason is because these products use the same print heads and cartridges and they are identical in quality.

On the bottom of the page we added the HP Color LaserJet 2600n, which does not really belong here. It serves as a reference to compare the precision of these printers with that of a laser printer. You will be pleased to see that the majority stand up to the challenge!
The "HP color + photo" printer is actually a C3180 with a combination of cartridges, not recommended for office use, a color printer with an optional photo cartridge.

Graph, original version couleur	Original text, original
X3 color enlargement	Original text enlarged X3
Brother DCP-130C/330C/440CN/750CW	Brother DCP-130C/330C/440CN/750CW
Canon Pixma MP160	Canon Pixma MP160
Canon Pixma MP510	Canon Pixma MP510
Canon Pixma MP600	Canon Pixma MP600
Epson DX5050/DX6050	Epson DX5050/DX6050
Epson RX560	Epson RX560
Epson RX640	Epson RX640
HP C3180/C4180	HP C3180/C4180
HP C6180	HP C6180
HP : color + photo	HP : color + photo
Lexmark X2550/X3550	Lexmark X2550/X3550
Lexmark X9350	Lexmark X9350
HP Color LaserJet 2600n	HP Color LaserJet 2600n

Our opinion

Brother wins the readability test;

HP wins in color fidelity ; Lexmark isn’t far behind with its entry level models ;

for text printing quality there are a number of winners, but especially, one sure loser: Epson with its photo printers.

Canon doesn’t finish first anywhere here, but distinguishes itself with consistent good results each time. We particularly appreciate this stability in performances for their products.