Canon MP980 Review

The Canon MP980 is a multifunctional inkjet printer from Canon’s Pixma series that has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality photo prints and versatile all-in-one functionality. For users seeking a reliable home or small office printer, the MP980 stands out with its advanced features, impressive print results, and user-friendly design. However, like any electronic device, some users encounter certain challenges when operating the MP980. In this review, we will explore the most common issues users face, provide step-by-step solutions, and present a final assessment of the printer’s overall performance.

Reasons for User Issues with the Canon MP980

Before delving into its performance highlights, it's important to acknowledge the factors that sometimes contribute to user frustration with the Canon MP980. Despite being generally well-received, the following are the most frequent problems reported:

1. Ink Cartridge Recognition Errors
   One of the most widespread complaints involves the printer failing to recognize newly installed ink cartridges. The MP980 employs individual ink tanks, which can occasionally lose contact with the printer, especially if non-original or refilled cartridges are used.
2. Paper Jams and Feeding Issues
   Like many multifunctional printers, the Canon MP980 can experience paper jams or have trouble feeding paper from the tray. This is often caused by misaligned paper guides or the use of unsuitable paper types and sizes.
3. Slow Print Speeds
   While the MP980 is optimized for photo quality, some users note that its print speeds, especially for full-color images or duplex printing, are slower than expected. This can be attributed to the high resolution and sophisticated ink delivery required for top-quality photo output.
4. Scanner Connectivity Problems
   With its integrated scanner, the MP980 sometimes presents trouble connecting with computers, particularly after operating system updates or software changes.
5. Outdated Drivers and Software Compatibility
   As technology progresses, original drivers provided by Canon may become outdated, leading to compatibility issues with newer operating systems. This is especially true for users upgrading to new versions of Windows or MacOS.

Instruction for Fixing Common Canon MP980 Problems

Fortunately, most day-to-day issues with the Canon MP980 can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you fix the most common problems:

1. Solving Ink Cartridge Recognition Errors
   • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
   • Open the scanner unit to access the ink cartridges.
   • Remove and then firmly reinsert each cartridge, ensuring it clicks into place.
   • Check if each cartridge’s contacts are clean; gently wipe them with a lint-free cloth if necessary.
   • Replug the printer and power it on.
   • If the error persists with non-genuine cartridges, consider switching to original Canon cartridges to see if the issue resolves.
2. Resolving Paper Jams and Feeding Issues
   • Turn off the printer before attempting to remove any jammed paper.
   • Open the scanner and paper tray to look for any visible paper obstructions.
   • Gently pull out any stuck paper, being careful not to tear it.
   • Ensure the paper guides in the tray are adjusted to fit the size of the paper being used.
   • Avoid loading more paper than recommended and fan the stack before inserting to minimize sticking.
3. Improving Print Speeds
   • Use the printer’s driver software to select "Standard" or "Fast" print quality for general documents to enhance speed.
   • For photo prints, expect slower output as the printer meticulously lays down each layer of color for accuracy; this is normal.
   • Make sure the printer is connected via USB rather than wireless if speed is a critical concern, as wired connections are generally faster.
4. Fixing Scanner Connectivity Issues
   • Confirm that the MP980’s software is up to date and compatible with your operating system.
   • Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable, or troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection if using wireless scanning.
   • Restart both your computer and the printer.
   • If problems persist, reinstall the device drivers from Canon’s official website.
5. Updating Drivers and Dealing with Compatibility
   • Visit Canon’s support website and download the latest drivers and software for the MP980 that match your operating system version.
   • Regularly check for firmware updates to ensure continued compatibility and performance.
   • For users with newer operating systems where official support has ended, consider using generic drivers or leveraging compatibility mode installations, though functionality may be limited.

Conclusion: Is the Canon MP980 Worth Considering?

The Canon MP980 remains a solid performer in the realm of home photo all-in-one printers, blending excellent photo print quality, solid scanning capability, and versatile media support. Its six-color ink system produces vibrant images with detail and accuracy that satisfy both amateur photographers and home office users. The inclusion of a built-in film scanner is a unique and valuable addition for those with negatives or slides to digitize.

While some issues—such as ink cartridge errors, occasional paper jams, and scanner connectivity hiccups—may arise, these are largely addressable with proper care and up-to-date software. The biggest challenge for modern users will be ensuring driver and software compatibility as operating systems evolve. This may require some technical effort but is manageable, especially for users comfortable with basic troubleshooting.

In summary, the Canon MP980 is an excellent choice for users prioritizing photo quality and scanning versatility in a home printer, provided they are aware of its maintenance needs and potential driver limitations. For those considering a used MP980 or maintaining an existing unit, the troubleshooting guidance above should enable a smooth and rewarding printing experience that showcases the strengths of Canon’s design and engineering.