Highlights
- Both printers have similar paper capacity, with the EcoTank ET-2850 holding up to 100 sheets in its rear tray and the PIXMA G3260 holding up to 100 sheets in its front cassette.
- The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 has a slight advantage in ink costs, as its ink bottles offer a lower cost per page than the PIXMA G3260’s ink bottles.
- Additionally, the EcoTank ET-2850 comes with enough ink to print up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages, while the PIXMA G3260 comes with enough ink to print up to 6,000 black pages and 7,000 color pages.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260 are two highly acclaimed inkjet printers designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers. Both printers boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one is the better choice for your specific requirements? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Features
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260 share a similar compact design, making them ideal for small spaces. However, the EcoTank ET-2850 features a front-loading ink tank system that allows for easy access and visibility of ink levels. In contrast, the PIXMA G3260 has a top-loading ink tank system that requires opening the scanner lid.
Both printers offer wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet. The EcoTank ET-2850 also supports Ethernet connectivity for wired networking.
Print Quality
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260 both produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. However, the EcoTank ET-2850 has an advantage in photo printing, thanks to its dedicated photo black ink cartridge. This cartridge delivers deeper blacks and richer tones, resulting in more realistic and lifelike photo prints.
Print Speed and Capacity
The Canon PIXMA G3260 has a slight edge over the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 in terms of print speed. It can print up to 10.8 images per minute (ipm) in black and white and 6.0 ipm in color, compared to the EcoTank ET-2850’s print speeds of 10.0 ipm and 5.0 ipm, respectively.
Both printers have similar paper capacity, with the EcoTank ET-2850 holding up to 100 sheets in its rear tray and the PIXMA G3260 holding up to 100 sheets in its front cassette. Additionally, both printers support automatic duplex printing, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper without having to manually flip it over.
Ink Costs and Maintenance
One of the key selling points of both the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260 is their low ink costs. Both printers use high-yield ink bottles that can significantly reduce your printing expenses compared to traditional cartridge-based printers.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 has a slight advantage in ink costs, as its ink bottles offer a lower cost per page than the PIXMA G3260’s ink bottles. Additionally, the EcoTank ET-2850 comes with enough ink to print up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages, while the PIXMA G3260 comes with enough ink to print up to 6,000 black pages and 7,000 color pages.
In terms of maintenance, both printers require minimal upkeep. They have built-in print head cleaning systems that help to prevent clogging and ensure optimal print quality.
Additional Features
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260 both offer a range of additional features to enhance your printing experience. These features include:
- Scan and Copy: Both printers feature built-in scanners and copiers, allowing you to create digital copies of documents and photos.
- LCD Display: The EcoTank ET-2850 has a small LCD display that provides basic information about the printer status, while the PIXMA G3260 has a larger LCD display that supports touch controls.
- Borderless Printing: Both printers can print borderless photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches.
- Wi-Fi Direct: Both printers support Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to print wirelessly without connecting to a network.
Which Printer is Right for You?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260 are both excellent inkjet printers that offer low ink costs and high-quality prints. However, each printer has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs.
If you prioritize photo printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is the better choice thanks to its dedicated photo black ink cartridge. If you need faster print speeds and a larger LCD display, the Canon PIXMA G3260 is a better option. Ultimately, both printers offer great value for money and can help you save significantly on printing costs.
The Final Verdict
In the battle of the budget-friendly inkjet printers, both the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 and Canon PIXMA G3260 deliver impressive performance. The EcoTank ET-2850 has an edge in photo printing and ink costs, while the PIXMA G3260 offers faster print speeds and a larger LCD display.
Which printer you choose will ultimately depend on your priorities. If you’re looking for the best possible photo prints and the lowest ink costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is the clear winner. If you need faster print speeds and a more intuitive user interface, the Canon PIXMA G3260 is a better fit.
What People Want to Know
Q1. Which printer has lower ink costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 or Canon PIXMA G3260?
A. The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 has slightly lower ink costs than the Canon PIXMA G3260.
Q2. Which printer has a dedicated photo black ink cartridge?
A. The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 has a dedicated photo black ink cartridge, which delivers deeper blacks and richer tones for more realistic photo prints.
Q3. Which printer has a larger LCD display?
A. The Canon PIXMA G3260 has a larger LCD display than the Epson EcoTank ET-2850. The PIXMA G3260’s LCD display supports touch controls, making it more user-friendly.