Canon PIXMA iP8720 Review (2026): Is This Older Photo Printer Still Worth Buying?

The Canon PIXMA iP8720 remains a compelling option for photographers who want to print high-quality photographs at home without investing in a professional pigment-based printer. It supports borderless printing up to 13 × 19 inches, uses six dye-based inks, and produces excellent results on quality photo paper.

I've owned the iP8720 for several years and use it for landscape test prints, portfolio pieces, gifts, and evaluating photographs before ordering larger prints from a professional lab.

That experience has given me a good understanding of where this printer excels and where its age is beginning to show.

My verdict: If you find a well-priced, properly functioning iP8720, it can still be an excellent first dedicated photo printer. However, because it is an older model, I would compare its actual selling price and condition with newer alternatives before buying one in 2026.

Quick Verdict

Overall rating: 9.2/10

Best for: Landscape photographers, hobbyists, and photography enthusiasts who want high-quality prints up to 13 × 19 inches without spending significantly more on a professional printer.

Pros

Excellent photographic print quality for the price
Borderless printing up to 13 × 19 inches
Vibrant color and smooth tonal transitions
Dedicated gray ink helps with black-and-white printing
Relatively compact for a wide-format photo printer
Useful for portfolios, gifts, and proof prints

Cons

Dye-based inks generally offer less archival longevity than suitable pigment-based systems
Cartridge costs can add up with frequent printing
No scanner or copier
Older design and fewer modern conveniences than newer models
Not the most economical choice for high-volume printing
Availability and condition can vary because it is an older model

Canon Photo Printer Comparison (2026)

If you're considering the iP8720, these are the alternatives I would compare before making a purchase.

Printer	Best For	Ink Type	Max Print Size	My Recommendation
Canon PIXMA iP8720	Hobbyists and occasional printing	6-color dye	13×19"	Best budget option if priced well
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-200	Enthusiasts and photographers selling prints	8-color dye	13×19"	Best step up for advanced dye printing
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310	Fine art and exhibition prints	10-color pigment	13×19"	Best for archival pigment printing
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100	Professional printmakers	12-color pigment	17×22"	Best for larger fine art prints
Epson EcoTank ET-8550	Frequent home printing	6-color refillable ink system	13×19"	Best for reducing ongoing ink costs

Canon PIXMA iP8720

Best For: Hobbyists and occasional printing

Ink Type: 6-color dye

Max Print Size: 13×19"

Recommendation: Best budget option if priced well

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-200

Best For: Enthusiasts and photographers selling prints

Ink Type: 8-color dye

Max Print Size: 13×19"

Recommendation: Best step up for advanced dye printing

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310

Best For: Fine art and exhibition prints

Ink Type: 10-color pigment

Max Print Size: 13×19"

Recommendation: Best for archival pigment printing

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100

Best For: Professional printmakers

Ink Type: 12-color pigment

Max Print Size: 17×22"

Recommendation: Best for larger fine art prints

Epson EcoTank ET-8550

Best For: Frequent home printing

Ink Type: 6-color refillable ink system

Max Print Size: 13×19"

Recommendation: Best for reducing ongoing ink costs

Printer specifications, availability, and pricing can change. Check the manufacturer's current specifications before purchasing, particularly if you're comparing an older iP8720 with a newer model.

Which Printer Would I Buy?

Buy the Canon PIXMA iP8720 if you want excellent photographic output, print occasionally, and find the printer at a price that makes sense compared with newer alternatives.

Buy the Canon PRO-200 if you want a more advanced dye-based photo printer for demanding color work, portfolios, and occasional print sales.

Buy the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 if archival pigment inks and fine art printing are priorities, especially if you sell or exhibit your work.

Buy the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 if you regularly produce larger prints and need a professional 17 × 22-inch printing system.

Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 if you print frequently and want to reduce the cost of ink over the long term. It also offers scanning and copying, making it more versatile for a home office.

Who Is the Canon PIXMA iP8720 For?

The iP8720 occupies a useful middle ground between ordinary office printers and more expensive professional photo printers.

I think it's particularly well suited to:

Landscape photographers
Travel and wildlife photographers
Photography students
Hobbyists learning to print their work
Photographers building a portfolio
Artists who sell prints occasionally
Anyone who wants to make photographic prints at home

If you've only viewed your photography on a screen, printing a full 13 × 19-inch image can change how you think about your work. You can evaluate detail, color, composition, and tonal balance in a physical format instead of relying entirely on your monitor.

That's one of the main reasons I continue to value having a dedicated photo printer in my office.

Who Should Skip It?

I'd consider another printer if you:

Print dozens or hundreds of photographs every month
Need the lowest possible ink cost per print
Produce fine art editions where archival longevity is a priority
Need a scanner or copier
Primarily print documents
Want a new printer with the latest features and manufacturer support

For these situations, a newer photo printer or refillable-ink model may be a better long-term investment.

My Long-Term Experience With the Canon PIXMA iP8720

I primarily use the iP8720 for landscape photography from New England, Colorado, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

One of its biggest benefits has been the ability to see my photographs on paper before ordering larger prints from a professional lab. A print often reveals things that are easy to miss while editing on a monitor, including excessive sharpening, color casts, distracting details, and tonal problems.

Many of the prints hanging in my office began as 13 × 19-inch test prints from this printer.

Reliability has also been a positive part of my experience. I don't print every day, but with regular use, nozzle checks, and occasional cleaning when needed, my printer has remained dependable for years without any major issues.

That doesn't mean every iP8720 will have the same experience. Inkjet printers can develop clogged nozzles, and an older unit's condition matters. Still, my own experience has been very good.

First Impressions

When I first unpacked the iP8720, what impressed me most was its maximum print size.

Many home printers are limited to letter-size paper. Being able to print borderless photographs up to 13 × 19 inches opens up considerably more creative possibilities.

The printer also fits reasonably well into a home office without taking up the space of a larger professional model. Setup was straightforward, and I was printing landscape photographs soon after getting it running.

The first finished print made the biggest impression. Colors looked vibrant, fine details remained sharp, and the result exceeded my expectations for a relatively affordable photo printer.

A 13"x 19" fireworks photography print from my Canon Pixma iP8720 printer. — Hot off the press! A 13”x19” fireworks photography print from my Canon Pixma iP8720 printer.

Key Specifications

Feature	Canon PIXMA iP8720
Maximum print size	13 × 19 in
Ink system	Six-color dye-based ink
Maximum resolution	9600 × 2400 dpi
Borderless printing	Yes
Wireless printing	Yes
USB connection	Yes
Mobile printing	Apple AirPrint and Canon PRINT app support
Scanner / Copier	No
Primary Use	Photo printing

Maximum Print Size

Canon PIXMA iP8720: 13 × 19 in

Ink System

Canon PIXMA iP8720: Six-color dye-based ink

Maximum Resolution

Canon PIXMA iP8720: 9600 × 2400 dpi

Borderless Printing

Canon PIXMA iP8720: Yes

Wireless Printing

Canon PIXMA iP8720: Yes

USB Connection

Canon PIXMA iP8720: Yes

Mobile Printing

Canon PIXMA iP8720: Apple AirPrint and Canon PRINT app support

Scanner / Copier

Canon PIXMA iP8720: No

Primary Use

Canon PIXMA iP8720: Photo printing

The specifications may not look revolutionary in 2026, especially for a printer that has been around for years. Its appeal is the combination of photographic quality, large-format printing, and a relatively accessible price.

Because this is an older model, check current operating-system compatibility, driver availability, and the condition of any used or refurbished unit before purchasing.

Print Quality & Color Accuracy

The main reason I've kept the iP8720 in my workflow for so long is simple: it consistently produces attractive photographic prints.

Specifications such as resolution and ink count only tell part of the story. What matters is how a finished image looks on paper.

After printing photographs of New England coastlines, Connecticut waterfalls, Colorado mountains, and Caribbean beaches, I've been consistently impressed with the output when using quality paper and properly prepared files.

For photographers who primarily share images online, making a large print can be eye-opening. Fine detail, subtle gradients, and transitions between colors become easier to evaluate when the photograph is no longer confined to a screen.

Landscape Photography Performance

Landscape photography is where I find this printer particularly rewarding.

It handles a wide variety of scenes well, including:

Sunrise and sunset skies
Forests and fall foliage
Coastal scenes and water reflections
Snow-covered landscapes
Mountain ridgelines
Waterfalls and long exposures

Smooth skies and subtle color transitions are especially important in landscape photography. A good print should preserve those transitions without introducing obvious banding or making colors look unnatural.

The iP8720 can produce very pleasing results when the source file is well edited and the correct paper and print settings are used.

Printing is also an excellent way to identify editing problems. Halos from excessive sharpening, blocked shadows, or overly bright highlights can become more noticeable on paper.

Color Accuracy

For everyday photographic printing, I find the color reproduction very good.

The six-color dye system includes black, cyan, magenta, yellow, photo cyan, and photo magenta. The additional photo inks help produce smooth transitions and appealing color in photographs.

In my landscape prints, I particularly appreciate how it handles blue skies, green foliage, warm sunset colors, and water.

Your results will depend on the image, paper, driver settings, and color-management workflow. For the most predictable output, use a reasonably calibrated monitor and the correct paper profile whenever one is available.

If your monitor is displaying inaccurate colors, changing printer settings alone may not solve the problem.

Black-and-White Printing

The iP8720 also performs well with black-and-white photographs for a printer in this class.

Its dedicated gray ink helps produce smoother grayscale output than a system that relies entirely on mixing color inks. In my experience, it works well for portfolios, home display, and personal projects.

It is worth remembering that dye-based photo printing is not identical to printing with a professional pigment system designed for fine art work. If monochrome prints are a major part of your business, a printer such as the Canon PRO-310 or PRO-1100 may be a better fit.

For occasional black-and-white printing, however, I have been very happy with the iP8720.

Sharpness and Detail

Large prints are a useful test of a printer's ability to preserve detail.

At 13 × 19 inches, well-focused photographs can retain convincing detail in foliage, rock textures, distant mountains, and water.

The final result depends on more than the printer itself. Lens quality, focus, exposure, file resolution, editing, sharpening, and viewing distance all contribute to the finished image.

With a well-prepared file, the iP8720 can produce prints that look excellent framed or displayed around the home.

Best Paper for the Canon iP8720

Paper makes a substantial difference to the finished photograph. The same file can look noticeably different depending on the paper's finish, surface, and ability to reproduce color and contrast.

These are the paper types I recommend exploring with the iP8720.

Canon Pro Luster: My Favorite Everyday Paper

If I had to recommend one paper to start with, it would be Canon Pro Luster.

I like the balance it offers between glossy and matte finishes. It produces appealing color while avoiding some of the reflections associated with highly glossy paper.

What I like about it:

Strong color reproduction
A subtle surface texture
Less glare than a glossy finish
A polished, professional appearance
Fingerprints that are less noticeable than on very glossy surfaces

It's the paper I reach for most often for landscape test prints.

Canon Pro Platinum

When I want a glossy finish and more visual impact, Canon Pro Platinum is another option worth considering.

Glossy photo paper can deliver deep blacks, strong contrast, and vivid color. I find this finish particularly effective for sunsets, dramatic clouds, waterfalls, fireworks, and night photography.

The trade-off is glare. Glossy paper isn't ideal for every viewing environment, and fingerprints may be more noticeable.

Matte Fine Art Papers

Matte paper gives photographs a different character. The finish can be especially appealing for foggy mornings, winter landscapes, minimalist compositions, and black-and-white work.

Compared with glossy media, matte papers generally produce less glare and a more subdued presentation. Black depth, contrast, and color appearance will vary by paper.

Check compatibility and use an appropriate paper profile and media setting. Not every fine art paper is suitable for every printer or intended use.

Avoid Cheap, Incompatible Photo Paper

Inexpensive paper can be tempting, but inconsistent coatings and poor compatibility may undermine the quality of your prints.

If you're investing in a dedicated photo printer, quality paper is one of the most worthwhile parts of the workflow to get right.

My Real-World Printing Workflow

Over the years, I've settled into a straightforward process.

After photographing a location, I'll edit several images in Lightroom and select a few to print. Those prints help me evaluate the image before deciding whether to order a larger version from a professional lab.

Evaluating Images

A physical print can reveal problems that are easy to overlook on screen. I look for:

Highlights that are too bright
Shadows that are too dark
Excessive sharpening
Distracting details
Cropping or composition issues
Color balance that doesn't translate well to paper

It's much better to catch those issues on a home print than after ordering expensive wall art.

Portfolio Prints and Gifts

The iP8720 has produced numerous portfolio pieces for me over the years. I've also printed photographs for family and friends.

A physical photograph can be a more personal gift than a digital file, and printing at home makes it easy to experiment with different images and sizes.

Testing Before Selling Prints

I still use professional labs for customer orders and larger fine art wall prints. However, I often print a smaller version first.

This gives me a chance to check the composition, color balance, sharpening, and overall impact before committing to a larger order.

That extra step can save money and improve the finished result.

Ink Costs & Print Speed

Ink economy is one area where the iP8720 shows its age.

The printer uses six individual dye-based cartridges, allowing you to replace the color that runs out rather than replacing an entire multi-color cartridge. However, cartridge capacity is limited compared with refillable-ink systems.

If you print large photographs frequently, ink costs can become significant.

What Affects Ink Consumption?

Ink usage depends on the image, print size, print settings, and maintenance requirements.

Images with large areas of saturated color may use ink differently from minimalist or mostly monochrome photographs. Cleaning cycles also consume ink, even when you aren't producing a finished print.

I try to use my printer regularly rather than leaving it unused for months. A small test print or nozzle check can help me identify issues before an important project, although routine checks and cleaning should follow the manufacturer's guidance.

Print Speed

The iP8720 is designed for photographic printing, not high-volume production.

Print time varies with paper size, quality settings, image content, and connection. Larger prints at higher quality settings naturally take longer than small everyday prints.

For my workflow, speed has rarely been a problem. I edit in Lightroom, prepare the file, load the paper, start the print, and evaluate the result when it's finished.

If you need to produce large quantities of prints on a tight schedule, a newer or more production-oriented printer may be a better choice.

Connectivity and Workflow

Despite its age, the iP8720 can still fit into a straightforward home photo-printing workflow.

It supports wireless printing and a USB connection, along with compatible mobile printing options such as Apple AirPrint and Canon's PRINT app.

I generally print from Lightroom over Wi-Fi. For important portfolio prints, a USB connection is another option if it suits the computer and setup.

Before buying an older unit, check that the appropriate drivers and software are available for your operating system. Compatibility can become more important as computers and operating systems change.

Long-Term Reliability

My iP8720 has been dependable throughout years of use. Aside from routine maintenance, nozzle checks, and occasional cleaning cycles, it has required very little attention.

That experience is one of the reasons I continue to recommend it, but it's important to separate my experience with my own printer from the condition of an individual unit you're considering today.

Because the iP8720 is an older model, check whether the print head works properly, all colors print consistently, the paper feed operates correctly, and replacement ink is available at a reasonable price.

If you're buying used, ask for a recent nozzle-check pattern or sample print. A low purchase price isn't much of a bargain if the printer needs a costly repair or replacement.

Canon PIXMA iP8720 vs. Other Photo Printers

Canon PIXMA iP8720 vs. Canon PRO-200

The Canon PRO-200 is a natural upgrade for photographers who want to stay with dye-based printing while moving into a more advanced photo-printing system.

The iP8720 is aimed at enthusiasts who want attractive prints without a large upfront investment. The PRO-200 has an eight-color dye ink system and is designed for more demanding photographic output.

Choose the iP8720 if:

You find it at a substantially lower price
You mainly print for personal use
You make portfolio pieces and gifts
You print occasionally rather than in large volumes

Choose the PRO-200 if:

You regularly sell or produce photographic prints
You want the capabilities of a more advanced dye-based photo printer
You need greater flexibility for demanding color work
You're comfortable spending more upfront

The PRO-200 is worth considering as an upgrade, but whether the difference justifies the cost depends on how often you print and what you expect from the finished photographs.

Check the Canon PRO-200

Canon PIXMA iP8720 vs. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is a better fit for photographers who prioritize pigment printing and long-term display.

Unlike the iP8720's six dye-based inks, the PRO-310 uses a ten-color pigment system with Chroma Optimizer. That makes it a more specialized choice for fine art prints, exhibitions, and photographers who need the characteristics of a professional pigment printer.

Choose the PRO-310 if you:

Sell fine art prints or exhibit your work
Want to print on compatible fine art media
Prioritize archival longevity
Need a dedicated professional printing workflow up to 13 × 19 inches

For hobbyists printing portfolios, gifts, and personal projects, the extra investment may not be necessary.

Check the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310

Canon PIXMA iP8720 vs. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100

The PRO-1100 is designed for photographers who need a more advanced large-format fine art printing system.

It supports prints up to 17 × 22 inches and uses a twelve-color pigment ink system. That makes it a more appropriate choice for photographers who regularly produce larger exhibition prints or final artwork for customers.

Choose the PRO-1100 if you:

Frequently produce large fine art prints
Exhibit or sell your work professionally
Need a larger maximum print size
Want a dedicated pigment-based workflow

For occasional home printing, the cost may be difficult to justify. You can continue using a home printer for proofs and smaller prints while relying on a professional lab for larger orders.

Check the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100

Canon PIXMA iP8720 vs. Epson EcoTank ET-8550

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is worth considering if your biggest concern is the ongoing cost of ink.

Its refillable ink-tank system can make frequent printing more economical than buying individual cartridges. It also includes scanning and copying functions, making it more versatile for general home use.

Choose the ET-8550 if you:

Print frequently
Produce lots of proof prints
Want to reduce recurring ink expenses
Need an all-in-one device

Choose the iP8720 if you:

Print occasionally
Find a well-priced unit in good condition
Prefer a straightforward dedicated photo printer
Don't need scanning or copying

The Epson may be more economical for heavy use, but the actual savings depend on print volume, ink prices, maintenance, and the cost of the printer itself.

Check the Epson EcoTank ET-8550

Canon PIXMA iP8720 vs. Epson XP-15000

The Epson XP-15000 is another compact printer worth comparing if you want prints up to 13 × 19 inches.

Both models target photographers who want large photographic prints without moving to a much larger professional system.

Their ink systems, paper compatibility, software, and output characteristics differ. I wouldn't choose one solely on the assumption that one brand always produces more natural or more saturated colors. The result depends on the paper, profile, settings, and image being printed.

If you're deciding between the two, compare the current purchase price, ink availability, driver support, and the cost of producing the types of photographs you print most often.

Check the Epson XP-15000

Where the iP8720 Fits in 2026

After years of using this printer, I think its role is clear.

It's not a direct substitute for Canon's professional imagePROGRAF lineup. Instead, it offers an accessible way for photographers to start producing large, high-quality prints at home.

Its appeal comes down to three things:

It can produce attractive photographs up to 13 × 19 inches.
It fits into a home office more easily than many professional printers.
It can be a good value for photographers who don't print at high volume.

The important caveat is price. An older printer is not automatically a bargain. If a used or refurbished iP8720 costs nearly as much as a newer alternative, compare the newer model's features, warranty, and expected running costs before deciding.

Several photography prints produced by my Canon Pixma iP8720 printer.

Which Printer Should You Buy?

Buy the Canon PIXMA iP8720 If...

I'd consider the iP8720 if you want to start printing your own photography, mainly shoot landscapes or travel, create portfolio pieces, and print occasionally.

It's particularly appealing if you want borderless 13 × 19-inch photographs without immediately investing in a professional pigment printer.

For a photographer learning to print, it provides a useful balance between image quality and cost, provided the price and condition are right.

Skip the iP8720 If...

I'd look elsewhere if you print frequently, need the lowest possible cost per print, require maximum archival longevity, or want a printer with current features and support.

In those situations, compare the Canon PRO-200, PRO-310, PRO-1100, and Epson ET-8550 based on your priorities.

Which Canon Photo Printer Should You Buy?

Canon PIXMA iP8720: Best budget choice

Best for hobbyists, landscape photographers, students, portfolio building, and occasional home printing. Buy it if the price makes sense and the printer is in good working condition.

Check availability

Canon PRO-200: Best upgrade for dye-based printing

Best for serious enthusiasts, photographers selling prints, and those who want a more advanced photo-printing system.

Check availability

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310: Best for fine art printing up to 13 × 19 inches

Best for photographers who prioritize pigment inks, premium media, and archival output.

Check availability

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Best for larger professional prints

Best for photographers producing larger fine art and exhibition prints up to 17 × 22 inches.

Check availability

Is a Home Photo Printer Worth It If You Already Use a Professional Lab?

For me, yes.

I still use professional labs for customer orders and larger wall art, but having a photo printer in my office has improved my workflow.

I can evaluate sharpening, compare edits, check color balance, test crops, and experiment with paper before committing to a larger lab order.

A home printer doesn't have to replace a professional lab to be useful. It can serve as an important tool for evaluating and enjoying your photography.

Best Accessories for the Canon PIXMA iP8720

If you decide to buy the iP8720, I'd focus on a few practical supplies rather than purchasing a lot of accessories immediately.

A Replacement Ink Set

Keep replacement cartridges available so a nearly empty cartridge doesn't interrupt an important print. Check the correct cartridge type and compare prices before committing to the printer.

Canon Pro Luster Paper

This is my preferred everyday paper for a balance of color, contrast, surface texture, and presentation.

Canon Pro Platinum Paper

Consider this for photographs where a glossy finish, deep blacks, and vivid color suit the image.

Premium Matte Paper

Matte paper is worth experimenting with for foggy scenes, forests, winter landscapes, and black-and-white photography. Make sure the paper is compatible with the printer and use the appropriate media settings.

My Recommended Print Settings

These are a starting point for my landscape-printing workflow. The best settings will depend on your paper, image, and color-management setup.

Setting	Recommendation
Paper	Canon Pro Luster
Print Quality	High
Color Management	Use one consistent color-management workflow
Rendering Intent	Perceptual is a useful starting point
Borderless	Enable when appropriate
Printer Color Management	Avoid applying competing color corrections in both the application and driver
Monitor	Hardware calibrated when possible

Paper

Recommendation: Canon Pro Luster

Print Quality

Recommendation: High

Color Management

Recommendation: Use one consistent color-management workflow

Rendering Intent

Recommendation: Perceptual is a useful starting point

Borderless

Recommendation: Enable when appropriate

Printer Color Management

Recommendation: Avoid applying competing color corrections in both the application and driver

Monitor

Recommendation: Hardware calibrated when possible

If Lightroom or Photoshop manages the colors, select the appropriate paper profile and use the matching printer-driver settings. Avoid letting both the application and printer driver independently apply color corrections, as this can produce unexpected results.

Always check the instructions for your specific paper and driver.

Final Verdict: Is the Canon PIXMA iP8720 Worth Buying in 2026?

Overall rating: 9.2/10 for the right buyer

The Canon PIXMA iP8720 has been around for years, but it remains capable of producing beautiful photographic prints.

After years of ownership, I still use mine to evaluate landscape photographs, prepare portfolio pieces, print gifts, and check edits before sending images to a professional lab.

I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. Photographers who need archival pigment output, frequent high-volume printing, or larger professional prints should consider newer systems.

But if you want an affordable way to make your own 13 × 19-inch photographs, the iP8720 remains worth considering, especially if you can find one in good condition at a sensible price.

The biggest reason to buy it isn't that it's the newest printer. It's that it makes printing your own photography accessible without requiring a major investment in professional printing equipment.

That's still valuable in 2026.

Check the Canon PIXMA iP8720

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canon PIXMA iP8720 still worth buying in 2026?

Yes, provided you find it at a reasonable price and in good working condition. It produces high-quality photographs up to 13 × 19 inches, making it a useful option for home printing. Because it's an older model, compare its price, condition, ink availability, and software compatibility with newer alternatives.

Can the iP8720 produce professional-quality prints?

It can produce excellent photographic prints suitable for portfolios, gifts, and home display when used with quality paper and properly prepared files. Photographers who need specific archival characteristics or a professional pigment workflow may prefer a printer designed for fine art printing.

Does the Canon PIXMA iP8720 use dye or pigment ink?

It uses six dye-based inks: black, cyan, magenta, yellow, photo cyan, and photo magenta. Dye inks can produce vibrant color and smooth transitions, while pigment-based systems are often preferred for demanding archival fine art applications.

How large can the Canon PIXMA iP8720 print?

It supports printing up to 13 × 19 inches, including borderless printing at supported sizes. This large print capacity is one of its main attractions for photographers.

Is the Canon PIXMA iP8720 good for landscape photography?

Yes. In my experience, it's well suited to landscape photographs featuring skies, forests, waterfalls, coastlines, and mountains. Quality paper and a properly edited file make a significant difference to the finished result.

How often should I use the printer?

Regular use can help reduce the risk of ink drying or nozzles clogging. I try to print every week or two, although the ideal maintenance routine depends on the printer's condition and environment. Follow Canon's guidance for nozzle checks and cleaning rather than running unnecessary cleaning cycles.

Is the Canon PIXMA iP8720 good for black-and-white photography?

Yes. Its dedicated gray ink helps produce pleasing grayscale prints and smoother tonal transitions. For photographers who specialize in archival monochrome fine art, a professional pigment printer may offer advantages.

Is the Canon PIXMA iP8720 expensive to operate?

That depends on how often you print. Occasional prints for portfolios, gifts, and personal projects may be manageable, but cartridge costs can become substantial with frequent large-format printing. If you print regularly, compare the long-term costs of a refillable-ink printer such as the Epson ET-8550.

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Chris Sidoruk

Connecticut-based photographer documenting concerts, festivals, live music, and landscapes. Also covers cameras, lenses, and photography gear, sharing practical insights for photographers.