The Canon Pixma TS6420 ($99.99), an entry-level all-in-one (print, copy, scan) photo printer for home use, replaces the Pixma TS6320 we reviewed in January 2020. Such a replacement usually improves on its predecessor, but the TS6420 disappoints with a poorer imaging engine and other degradations. Price-conscious users will note, however, that it uses fewer ink cartridges than the TS6320 and has a very low purchase price. On its own, the TS6420 can provide a family or small office with up to 100 very nice photo prints per month.
Most of the TS6420’s drawbacks are relatively minor – it’s a bit slower and there are only two body colors, black and white, eliminating the TS6320’s blue option – but the reduction in ink colors and ink cartridges makes a notable difference in output. Both printers have the four standard process colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK), but the TS6320 has a photo black ink for deeper blacks and a wider color gamut, while the TS6420 does not.
Also, instead of a separate cartridge for each ink, there are only two tanks, one with black ink and one for the other three colors. The tanks hold less ink than cartridges, and if one of the three color tanks runs out before the other two, you have to replace the entire CMY tank, wasting the remaining ink. Not many printers use this configuration anymore, although it can still be found in some other low-end models like HP’s ENVY Photo 7855.
The tanks save a bit of space, so the TS6420 measures 5.9 x 15.9 x 12.5 inches (HWD) and weighs 13.8 pounds. That’s a couple of inches smaller and lighter than the TS6320 and the ENVY Photo 7855. Slightly larger still and about a pound heavier is the Expression Premium XP-6100 with five inks from Epson, and significantly larger and heavier than all of these devices is the Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestment Tank AIO.
The Pixma TS series is Canon’s line optimized for photos. The TS6420 does have a scanner, but it’s not meant for frequent use. Therefore, there is no automatic document feeder (ADF); you lift the lid and place the documents directly on the scanner bed. Of the above devices, only Brother and HP models have a built-in ADF. Many of Canon’s higher-end Pixmas come with large color LCD panels, but the TS6420 only has a 1.44-inch OLED screen and a few buttons on the right side of the printer’s front panel. An LED status bar helps you navigate and view the printer status.
