The Canon S830D Photo Printer
Page 9.

Conclusion

The S830D is a printer that is aimed at the digital photographer who wants no nonsense results. To this end the S830D delivers quality pictures, albeit slightly slower than the S900. At first I was disappointed that the printer didn't have a roll paper holder, but after seeing the paper curl problems on other printers, I think I could easily live without a roll holder (at least on an A4 printer). I like the perforated 4x6 paper for bulk printing or printing multiple prints on one sheet of A4 using the Easy-PhotoPrint application.

Using the printer without a computer was a fiddly operation and I can't see this printer (or most similar printers) being used as a standalone unit on many occasions, but at least you have the option. During my test period I also had the chance to compare the S830D with Epson's 925 printer. The Epson produced outstanding results in 5760dpi mode, but I wouldn't want to wait for the best part of 15 minutes for an A4 print. Under normal viewing conditions the Canon at 2880 dpi and 1440 dpi produced results that should satisfy most people.

When I first saw this printer I thought it was going to be a major improvement on the S820D, but the S830D is the same printer but with the Exif 2.2 support built in, rather than as a software add on. I had hoped for a printer with the speed of the S900 together with a card reader, I guess that must be in the wings for next year.

One area for improvement could be in the unit's design, every time I look at the printer I think it's a bread bin - perhaps i'm just hungry, and the colour - Yuck! Does the far east have a glut of Grey plastic? It seems like the whole computer industry is being fobbed off with dull Grey. Canon printers aren't the only printers to suffer from Grey syndrome and their printers are by no means the worst looking. Perhaps the design team should look at the Apple, people want something more visually interesting in their homes. The output tray is not quite the worst I have seen, but it is very close, it parted company with the printer on several occaisions.

Despite my minor criticism, the S830D performed as claimed. The quality of the prints are superb and certainly every bit as good as the S900/9000 prints. At £299 + vat the Canon S830D represents excellent value for money.

Pros:
Excellent photographic print quality
Separate ink tanks
Price (£299 + vat)

Cons:
Expensive inks
Limited range of papers
Dated looking design

www.canon.co.uk 

©Vincent Oliver 2002