The Canon Pixma MP960 Photo All-In-One ($399.99 direct) is what I tend to call a “photo lab AIO.” You can use it as a printer, scanner, and standalone copier, but unlike office-centric all-in-ones (AIOs), it cant fax and doesnt have an automatic document feeder (ADF) for multipage documents. Instead, the MP960 offers 35mm film scanning and the ability to print directly from 35mm film as well as from PictBridge-enabled cameras and memory cards. Add in terrific photo output quality and a 3.5-inch color LCD for previewing photos before printing, and youve got a top-notch home photo lab.
Like the Canon Pixma MP950 it replaces, the MP960 is big and heavy for an ink-jet based AIO, at 8.9 by 18.6 by 16.9 inches (HWD) and 26.5 pounds. Setup, however, is standard for a Canon AIO or printer: Plug in the power cord, snap in the print head and ink cartridges, load paper, run the automated installation routine, and connect a USB cable when the program prompts you to.
The MP960 uses seven ink cartridges: the usual cyan, yellow, and magenta, plus light cyan and light magenta (which make it easier to create the subtle changes in shading that you need for true photo quality) and both a pigment-based black for text and a dye-based black for photos.
