The Canon MP370 is a stylish AIO that brings full photo-printing functionality into the multifunction space.Canon's MP370 is as unusual as it looks. This particular All-In-One (AIO) isn't the typical, run-of-the-mill imageCLASS that has proven popular for the Japanese manufacturer. For one, it's the company's first multifunction that's primarily targeted at the current vogue for photo printing. As such, it features the entire list of photo-printing extras such as borderless printing, memory card reader, and of course, the latest in inter-device connectivity, PictBridge. This is an open industry standard for direct printing between PictBridge-compatible digital cameras and printers.
Like Epson's recent Stylus RX510, the MP370 addresses a market where users are affected by the transition from film to digital. For this group, such devices fulfil archival purposes, allowing them to digitize their previous work. At the same time, these AIOs serve as launchpads for their digital photography experiences. However, while the Stylus RX510 even caters to users who work with negatives, the MP370 allows only archiving of older photographs. The AIO does, however, make up for the lack by allowing direct printing through PictBridge, making this the first AIO to feature such connectivity.
Aesthetics-wise, the MP370 is probably the sleekest and sexiest box ever used to house inks. The two-tone, grey-and-black finish is immensely appealing and modern homes will appreciate the generous amount of gloss that the translucent black plastic shell brings. Adding a touch of class is the foldable output tray which reclines slowly, reminiscent of expensive hi-fi cassette decks. The caveats; Like most classy objects, these things don't deal well with smudges on the surface. In addition, the translucent plastic casing is a little flimsy and probably won't last long if treated roughly.
Like most consumer-oriented devices, setting up the MP370 is a cinch. Included is a start-up guide detailing steps and instructions that are easy to follow. The software installation program is also logical and simple to understand. It breaks all the various parts into steps and advises users on what each of the utilities do, or whether each of them is required for the printer to function.
While most AIOs flip open like the hood of a car, Canon's MP370 is a little different. Even though you lift the front lip of the flatbed scanner still, the assembly does not rise fully. Instead, this releases a small plastic cover that folds down, giving you adequate room to install your cartridges.
The MP370 produced surprising scores in our speed tests but with reasonable quality. This AIO finished our 10-page test in 95 seconds or approximately 6.3 pages per minute. For "borderless" A4-sized photo outputs, the imageCLASS churned out high-quality prints in 7.5 minutes. While we were slightly taken aback by the tardy performance of the MP370--given the relatively speedy performances of the Japanese manufacturer's line of inkjets--the numbers were still faster than some of the competition.
In terms of quality, the results were mixed. Text prints were generally clean and legible to 2.5pts font size, while photos tended to accentuate the reds. You will probably have to spend some time tweaking ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles if you want a good reproduction of your prints. Still, this doesn't solve the problem with regard to colour copies of photos. On the upside, there was little dithering visible and no banding in the pictures.
Whether you're planning to scan, print or copy, operating the MP370 is easy. On the front panel, clearly labelled buttons give users one-touch access to scan, copy, and photo print. On the right edge of the body, you'll be able to find the 7-in-1 memory card reader protected by a plastic cover to prevent dust. This is generally a good thing, but the plastic, like the rest of the black cladding, is of the soft variety and its durability is questionable.
The scanner and copier of the MP370 did very well with regard to colour fidelity--although colour matching is a problem as mentioned. This AIO did not produce washed-out colours when copying, which was commendable. The unit also sports a double-hinged cover, so the scanning or copying of most books should pose no problem.
When it comes to multiple prints, the MP370 suffers similar to other AIOs that arrive without an automatic document feeder (ADF). With such units, copy speeds will never be decent. It took about 20 seconds to copy one monochrome sheet. Expectedly, copies of photos took longer, needing about 7 minutes for high-quality prints.
In all, we were pleased with the MP370's reasonable speed and quality. If faxing is not on your list of requirements, the MP370 should prove a compelling buy, considering the wealth of features. Although the feature set looks very suited for photography buffs, we have to mention that a fair bit of tweaking will be needed to get matching prints. That said, if you're not finicky with colours, the flexibility to print and process both silver halide and digital film ought to be a boon.
Canon imageCLASS MP370
Company: Canon Australia
Price: AU$399
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: 1800 021 167
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I wouldn't recommend this device.
1. It doesn't run on Linux and Canon refuse to provide help for Linux users. I'm thinking about auctioning mine on e-bay, having recently moved to SuSE Linux. Canon's attitude is appalling.
2. Clearing paper-jams is next to impossible. You need very thin and prehensile fingers (ideal for gibbons or bushbabies perhaps, but not humans).
3. The paper feed mechanism is flimsy; prone to loading multiple sheets and very slow.