Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon PIXMA MP540 Printer

Just got this adorable little printer a few days ago and it really is a dream to use. It took me (a bit of a non-techie) about an hour or so to get up and running, but I'm sure more savvy people than me could do it in 15min or so. It is very compact, the instructions are NOT a nightmare to follow, and it does what it's supposed to do: print stuff!! Tried printing A4 copy from Word (on my Mac) and a few photos which seem to look pretty good to me. I've still got to work out a few things, like where do the decisions come from whether to take paper from the top feed, or from the tray underneath? And the margins are a bit narrow on the A4 documents, but I'm hoping a bit of patience on my part will bring me the answers. Haven't yet scanned so can't report on that yet. Anyway I was pleased to say it came with all the inks, but not with a USB cable so I just used the one from my old printer. My only vague criticism is that heavy printer users may find this a bit of a 'toy' but for me, it's just fine.

Considering that the replacement ink for my old MP170 was GBP25 and needed replacing once I every 3 months, I considered this to be a financially prudent purchase. The new ink system which uses 5 cartridges and separates out the black from the colour cartridge, means that this printer will be much more economical with the ink.

An added bonus is the step up in the level of technology provided. I just printed out a test photo and was very pleased both with the print quality and ease of use with the software. Very quick and user friendly.

The colour screen is awesome, but the flip up control panel seems vulnerable. I am worrying about probably because I like it so much. Finished off with a colour TFT screen like an expensive mobile phone, but for GBP75, I am very impressed.

Having decided to get a printer again (after a few years without-I hate them!!) I spent a bit more than the basic model, to get this one. Soon starts up but the print time lags somewhat. The print quality is fantastic and well up to the job, but having to print more than 2 pages has so far led to jamming up of the paper after the 2nd page. Very irritating.
The scanner and copier works very well and can't be faulted. The setup is very easy and easily followed and was ready to go in a matter of minutes. The controls are easy to use but many buttons, unlit in a dark computer cupboard or under a desk may need additional illumination for correct use.

This item was purchased as a gift for my son. Knowing very little about home computing and less about printers I found Amazon a great place to check details out and compare items. This Canon promised to be easy to install and use and it certainly is. Very neat and well made too.

I've only had this new printer a few days now, but it seems like a great purchase so far.

I gave it it's first big task today: printing off a copy of my thesis. That's 268 pages, c.80 of which feature colour diagrams / maps. I had to fill the paper tray twice, but it seems to have used very little of the colour ink. The large black ink cartridge is down by about half to two thirds, according to the on screen display. I'd say that overall the print job took about an hour (I didn't time it), and the printed quality is great, even on normal settings (with 90gsm paper).

The printer looks very neat and tidy on my desk, and has some fun little functions like the output tray folding down automatically, etc. Ink costs seem pretty reasonable, at £10-12 exc. VAT for each cartridge, especially if the colour cartridges last as long as they appear they are going to.

To conclude, I've not had it long, but I'd say this is a great printer with a good quality output.