Home Photo Printing: What to Know Before Buying a Canon PIXMA TS8820
The Canon PIXMA TS8820 is a wireless all-in-one inkjet printer marketed for home photo printing, copying, and scanning. Before purchasing, consider your print volume, photo quality expectations, and ongoing ink costs, as these factors heavily influence satisfaction with this model.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Photo print quality: The TS8820 uses a 6-ink system (including photo black and gray) for better color accuracy and detail in photos. If you primarily print documents, a cheaper 4-ink model may suffice.
- Ink costs: This printer uses Canon's CLI-281 and PGI-280 ink cartridges, which can be expensive per page. Consider high-yield options or third-party inks if you print frequently.
- Connectivity: With Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Mopria support, it integrates well with smartphones and tablets. Ensure your home network is stable for seamless wireless printing.
What Our Analysts Recommend
When evaluating photo printers, check for individual ink tanks (for cost efficiency), maximum print resolution (at least 4800 x 1200 dpi for photos), and supported media sizes (up to 8.5 x 11 inches or larger). Also consider print speed and whether the printer offers automatic duplexing.
Printers Market Context
Market Overview
The home printer market is shifting toward wireless, compact all-in-ones that handle both documents and photos. Canon, Epson, and HP dominate, with models like the TS8820 targeting families and photo enthusiasts who want versatility without a large footprint.
Common Issues
Common complaints in this category include high ink consumption, frequent clogging if not used regularly, and connectivity dropouts. Photo printers can also be slow for text documents, and some users find the initial setup cumbersome.
Quality Indicators
Quality photo printers typically offer at least five ink colors, support borderless printing, and have a high maximum color resolution. Look for models with individual ink tanks and user-friendly mobile apps for easy printing from devices.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade A Interpretation
The authenticity grade of A indicates that the vast majority of reviews are genuine, with only about 5% estimated fake. This means you can trust the overall sentiment, which is mixed but leans positive, with an adjusted rating of 3.70 out of 5.
Trust Recommendation
Given the high authenticity, pay attention to recurring themes in reviews, such as print quality and ink costs. Verified purchase reviews with photos are especially reliable for assessing real-world performance.
Tips for Reading Reviews
When reading reviews for the TS8820, focus on those that mention specific use cases (e.g., photo printing, document volume) and long-term experiences. Ignore overly vague praise or complaints, as they may not reflect typical usage.
Expert Perspective
The Canon PIXMA TS8820 is a solid choice for home users who need a versatile printer for both photos and documents. Its 6-ink system produces good photo quality, and wireless features add convenience. However, the 3.78-star rating suggests some users are dissatisfied with ink costs or reliability, so weigh these factors against your needs.
Purchase Considerations
If you print photos frequently and want decent quality without a professional-grade printer, the TS8820 is worth considering. But if you print mostly text or need high volume, a laser printer or a model with cheaper ink may be more economical.
Comparing Alternatives
Compare the TS8820 with similar models like the Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 or HP Envy Photo 7155, which offer comparable features and may have different ink cost structures.
