Canon PIXMA MX420 review

The MX420 delivered quick scans at resolutions up to 600 dots per inch (dpi); it was less competitive at 1,200dpi. The results were good, too, with sharp focus and accurate colours, although they were let down slightly by a lack of subtlety among the darkest shades. Photocopies were excellent at the default settings, with unusually well-judged exposure resulting in accurate shades and colours and well-preserved detail in copies. At 26 seconds for a single mono copy and 43 seconds in colour it’s fast enough, too.

While we’re used to PIXMA devices being attractive, the MX420 also seems particularly solid. The plastics used for its output tray and scanner lid seem sturdy, while the heavily damped scanner bed hinges prevent the fragile assembly crashing down after an ink cartridge change – a welcome precaution. Unlike Canon’s home-orientated inkjets, the MX420 uses a single colour cartridge rather than individual tanks, but the high-capacity version is good value. Unfortunately, the black tank is less so, making mono printing a little expensive. It’s a shame, given that this is otherwise a good value, do-everything MFP for the home office.