Canon PIXMA G7020

Introduction to Canon PIXMA G7020 MegaTank Wireless All-in-One Printer

Canon has been a leader in the printing industry for decades, with its PIXMA line celebrated for blending quality, versatility, and innovative features. As home offices become more common and small businesses rely increasingly on in-house printing solutions, Canon’s G-Series MegaTank printers offer an excellent blend of affordability and performance. The Canon PIXMA G7020, in particular, is an all-in-one powerhouse designed to handle high print volumes with ease, while maintaining a focus on cost efficiency and quality. This model not only prints but also copies, scans, and faxes, making it a comprehensive choice for both professional and personal needs.

Key Features of Canon PIXMA G7020

The Canon PIXMA G7020 is designed with features that support high-quality, efficient printing, making it ideal for users who need both versatility and cost savings. Here are some of the standout features:

Refillable Ink Tank System: One of the most appealing aspects of the G7020 is its MegaTank system, which uses refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This system allows users to refill the ink reservoirs when needed, saving costs over time and reducing waste. The ink tanks are transparent, so you can easily see when they need refilling, minimizing the risk of running out during an important print job.
All-in-One Functionality: The G7020 isn’t just a printer; it’s a complete office tool with print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities. This makes it suitable for small business environments and home offices where multifunctionality is essential. The fax function, in particular, is an advantage for users who still rely on faxing as part of their workflow.
Versatile Connectivity Options: Connectivity options on the Canon PIXMA G7020 are impressive, with built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB capabilities. This flexibility allows the printer to connect seamlessly with various devices and supports mobile printing through Canon’s PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.
High Page Yield: Designed for high-volume printing, the G7020 boasts an impressive page yield. It can print up to 6,000 black-and-white pages or 7,700 color pages per full ink refill, which is significantly higher than most cartridge-based printers in its price range. This feature alone makes it highly attractive for users with substantial printing needs.

These features make the Canon PIXMA G7020 a well-rounded choice, blending modern technology with high-capacity output.

Print Quality and Performance

The Canon PIXMA G7020 is crafted to deliver high-quality prints consistently, making it suitable for a range of applications from text documents to color photos.

Text and Document Printing: The G7020 excels in printing crisp, clear text, even at small font sizes. This makes it ideal for producing professional documents, letters, and reports. It handles standard black-and-white document printing with impressive clarity and accuracy, which is particularly useful for small businesses and home offices where high-quality text output is essential.
Color Printing and Photo Quality: The G7020 goes a step further than many multifunction printers by providing excellent color printing. It reproduces colors vividly, making it a good option for color documents, marketing materials, and even photos. Although it’s not marketed as a photo printer, the G7020 holds its own in photo printing, delivering images with rich color accuracy and detail on photo paper. This capability is beneficial for creative projects, such as printing family photos or small design projects.
Print Speed and Efficiency: The Canon PIXMA G7020 is designed to keep up with high-demand settings, boasting speeds of around 13 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white prints and up to 6.8 ppm for color. While these speeds may not be the fastest on the market, they are sufficient for most small office and home printing needs. Additionally, the printer has an automatic document feeder (ADF) that makes copying or scanning multiple pages quicker and more convenient.
Noise Levels and Paper Handling: Another practical consideration is noise, and the G7020 operates relatively quietly, making it well-suited for quieter environments. For paper handling, it has a 250-sheet input tray and a 100-sheet output capacity, allowing users to print larger jobs without constantly refilling the paper.

With these performance qualities, the Canon PIXMA G7020 provides a balanced blend of speed and quality that appeals to a wide range of users.

Ink and Cost Efficiency

The Canon PIXMA G7020’s MegaTank technology is one of its most compelling features, providing significant savings and convenience for high-volume users.

Canon’s MegaTank Technology: The G7020 employs Canon’s innovative MegaTank system, which uses refillable ink tanks rather than traditional cartridges. This technology offers a more economical and environmentally friendly solution for users who print frequently. The MegaTank system allows users to refill their ink tanks using Canon’s bottled ink, which is much cheaper than standard cartridges. Each ink bottle set typically lasts months, even for heavy users, making it a great option for those who want to avoid frequent purchases.
Cost-Per-Page Analysis: When examining cost-efficiency, the Canon PIXMA G7020 truly stands out. Traditional cartridge printers often have a higher cost per page due to smaller ink capacities and the need for regular cartridge replacements. With the G7020, the cost per page is significantly lower—averaging less than a cent per page for black-and-white and around one cent per color page. This is particularly beneficial for users who print in high volumes, as the savings add up considerably over time.
Savings Compared to Cartridge-Based Printers: When compared to cartridge-based printers, the G7020 offers a clear advantage in terms of long-term savings. While the initial investment in the printer may be higher, the ongoing cost of ink is substantially reduced. For instance, with an estimated 6,000 black-and-white pages or 7,700 color pages per refill, users can go months between refills, depending on their printing habits. This is a significant reduction in running costs for users compared to traditional inkjet models.

The G7020’s ink efficiency and low cost per page make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Ease of Use and Setup

Canon has designed the PIXMA G7020 to be user-friendly and straightforward, making it easy for users to start printing almost immediately after setup.

Unboxing and Initial Setup: Out of the box, the G7020 requires minimal setup. The MegaTank ink bottles are easy to handle, with a spill-proof design that makes refilling the tanks a clean and straightforward process. Canon provides clear instructions, guiding users through each step to ensure a smooth setup experience. The printer connects via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, and setting up a network connection is easy, thanks to the printer’s intuitive on-screen menu.
User Interface and Control Panel: The G7020 features a simple control panel with a 2-line, full-dot LCD screen that displays key information. While the screen is not as advanced as color touchscreens found on some high-end models, it is functional and easy to navigate, providing users with essential information on print jobs, ink levels, and connectivity status. The control panel is designed to be user-friendly, with large buttons for easy access to functions like scanning, copying, and faxing.
Wireless Setup and Mobile Printing: The G7020 supports multiple wireless printing options, making it compatible with various devices. Through Canon’s PRINT app, users can print and scan documents directly from their smartphones and tablets. The printer also works seamlessly with Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, providing added convenience for users who want to print directly from their mobile devices without needing a computer. The wireless setup is typically quick and reliable, allowing for flexible and convenient printing from any room in the house or office.

With these features, Canon makes the PIXMA G7020 accessible to a broad range of users, from tech-savvy individuals to those less familiar with printers.

Pros and Cons of Canon PIXMA G7020

As with any printer, the Canon PIXMA G7020 has both advantages and potential drawbacks. Here’s a closer look to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Pros:

High Ink Efficiency: The MegaTank system dramatically reduces the cost per page, making this printer a great choice for high-volume users who want to save on ink costs.
All-in-One Functionality: With print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities, the G7020 is highly versatile, meeting diverse needs for home offices and small businesses.
Excellent Print Quality: The printer delivers sharp, clear text and vibrant color prints, including high-quality photo prints.
Extensive Connectivity Options: Support for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, along with mobile printing via Canon’s PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print, offers flexibility for different user setups.
Large Paper Capacity: The 250-sheet input tray minimizes the need for frequent refills, making it ideal for busier environments.

Cons:

Basic LCD Screen: The two-line display isn’t as advanced as touchscreens on some competing models, which may make navigating certain features slightly more cumbersome.
Bulky Design: At over 16 inches in width and weighing around 17 pounds, the G7020 has a relatively large footprint that may not be ideal for smaller desks or workspaces.
Maintenance of Ink Tanks: While the MegaTank system is efficient, refilling ink can occasionally be messy, and some users may find this maintenance aspect inconvenient compared to using cartridges.

These pros and cons highlight the G7020’s suitability for high-volume, cost-conscious users, while also noting a few minor limitations.

Best Use Cases for Canon PIXMA G7020

The Canon PIXMA G7020 is a versatile printer with features that cater to a range of users. Here are some ideal scenarios where the G7020 shines:

Home Offices and Remote Work: For individuals working from home, the G7020 offers a reliable solution for printing documents, scanning paperwork, and even handling occasional faxing needs. Its wireless capabilities allow multiple devices to connect easily, so the entire household can share the printer without hassle. Additionally, its low cost per page is ideal for those who frequently print work documents.
Small Businesses with High-Volume Printing Needs: Small businesses or startups that produce a significant volume of documents, such as invoices, reports, or marketing materials, will find the G7020 cost-effective and efficient. The high page yield and large paper capacity make it capable of handling large jobs without constant interruptions for refilling ink or paper. Plus, the scanner and copier functions are helpful for keeping records and distributing documents.
Creative Projects and Photo Printing: While not exclusively a photo printer, the G7020 is capable of producing high-quality color prints, making it suitable for hobbyists, artists, or family members who want to print photos, artwork, or colorful documents. Its vivid color reproduction makes it a viable option for DIY projects and personal artwork, delivering results comparable to dedicated photo printers.

These use cases illustrate the G7020’s flexibility, whether in a home setting, a small office, or for creative applications.

Comparison with Competitors

The Canon PIXMA G7020 competes with several all-in-one printers in the market, especially models designed for high-volume, cost-efficient printing. Here’s a look at how it stacks up against some notable competitors:

Epson EcoTank Series: The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is a close competitor, also utilizing a refillable ink tank system for cost-efficient printing. The ET-4760 offers a slightly faster print speed than the G7020 and a more advanced color touchscreen for navigation. However, the Canon G7020 generally provides better photo print quality and is often priced more affordably, making it a better choice for users who prioritize high-quality photo printing and lower upfront costs.
Brother INKvestment Series: Brother’s INKvestment models, such as the MFC-J995DW, offer a cartridge-free design with high-yield cartridges instead of refillable tanks. While the INKvestment printers don’t quite match the low cost per page of Canon’s MegaTank system, they come close in terms of overall cost efficiency. However, the G7020 provides a superior page yield, making it more suitable for those with extremely high printing demands.
HP Smart Tank Series: HP’s Smart Tank printers, like the Smart Tank 651, also use refillable tanks and offer a similar cost-per-page to the G7020. However, HP Smart Tanks tend to have a smaller paper capacity and slightly lower print quality compared to the G7020. Canon’s G7020 holds the edge in terms of durability and print quality, particularly for professional document printing.

In sum, the Canon PIXMA G7020 stands out with its balance of print quality, page yield, and affordability, especially for users who print color documents or photos frequently.

User Reviews and Feedback

The Canon PIXMA G7020 has generally received positive feedback from users, particularly for its cost-saving MegaTank system and overall print quality. Here are some common themes and insights from user reviews:

High Marks for Cost Efficiency: Users frequently highlight the G7020’s MegaTank ink system as a major benefit, appreciating the savings on ink costs compared to cartridge-based printers. Many reviewers mention that the high page yield has substantially reduced their printing expenses, making it a great long-term investment for home offices and small businesses.
Print Quality Praised for Both Text and Photos: Feedback on print quality is mostly positive, with users noting the sharp, clear text and vibrant color reproduction. Although the G7020 is not strictly a photo printer, it performs well in printing photos on glossy paper, which many users appreciate for creative projects and family photo albums.
Convenience of Mobile and Wireless Printing: Reviewers have also praised the convenience of the printer’s connectivity options, especially the mobile printing capabilities. Users report smooth experiences with Canon’s PRINT app and find it easy to print from smartphones and tablets, which is particularly useful in homes with multiple devices.
Minor Criticisms on LCD and Size: Some users express a desire for a more modern control panel, as the basic LCD screen can feel outdated compared to color touchscreens on other models. Additionally, a few reviewers find the printer bulky, which may be a consideration for users with limited space.

Overall, user feedback highlights the G7020’s strengths in cost-effectiveness and print quality while noting minor limitations in terms of its control panel and size.

Conclusion: Is the Canon PIXMA G7020 Right for You?

The Canon PIXMA G7020 stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a reliable, high-capacity all-in-one printer that balances quality and cost-efficiency. Its MegaTank system significantly reduces printing costs, making it ideal for high-volume users like small businesses, home offices, and individuals who frequently print documents and photos.

If you prioritize low operating costs, high print quality, and the versatility of a multifunction device, the G7020 offers impressive value. While it may lack some advanced display features and has a relatively large footprint, the long-term savings and quality output it provides make it a worthwhile investment for both personal and professional use.

For those who value low-cost, high-yield printing without sacrificing quality, the Canon PIXMA G7020 is a top contender that will likely meet your needs while delivering excellent performance across a wide range of tasks.

Canon PIXMA G7020 – Shop at Staples