Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer Review: The Enthusiast’s Gateway to Gallery-Quality Prints

In an age where our lives are meticulously documented on hard drives and cloud servers, a strange paradox has emerged. We take more photographs than ever before, yet we hold fewer of them in our hands. I remember as a photographer, my early career was defined by darkrooms and contact sheets. Now, my most cherished memories are often relegated to a folder within a folder, competing for attention with thousands of other digital files. As one user aptly put it, with the arrival of digital, “the family albums have, sadly, disappeared.” This is a shared modern tragedy. The emotional connection of holding a physical print, of framing a moment to hang on a wall, is being lost. The risk of a hard drive failure or a forgotten password means entire albums of memories could vanish in an instant. This is precisely the problem the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer aims to solve. It’s a bridge back to the tangible, a tool designed not just to print, but to resurrect our most treasured digital moments into stunning, physical art.

What to Consider Before Buying a High-Quality Photo Printer

A Photo Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the true potential of your digital photography. Unlike a standard office document printer, which prioritises speed and text clarity, a dedicated photo printer is engineered for one primary purpose: colour fidelity, tonal range, and archival quality. It transforms pixels on a screen into vibrant, detailed prints that can last for generations. The main benefit is gaining complete creative control over your work, from the initial shot to the final print, without relying on costly and often inconsistent lab services. It empowers photographers, artists, and families to bring their vision to life on their own terms.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the frustration of having their beautiful, high-resolution photos look mediocre when printed on a standard machine. This includes amateur and semi-professional photographers, graphic designers, art students, and serious hobbyists who want to create gallery-worthy A3+ (13×19 inch) prints for portfolios, exhibitions, or home decor. It’s for the individual who understands that a great photo deserves a great print. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who primarily need to print text documents, scan, or copy, as it lacks these multifunction features. It’s also not for someone seeking ultimate portability or instant, pocket-sized snaps; for that, compact printers like the Canon Selphy or Instax series are better alternatives.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A printer capable of handling A3+ paper is, by necessity, a large piece of equipment. The Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer measures approximately 59 x 33 x 16 cm when closed, and you’ll need even more clearance at the back and front for the paper path. Before buying, measure your intended desk or workspace to ensure you have a dedicated spot where it can operate without being cramped. Its 8.5kg weight means it’s substantial and not something you’ll want to move frequently.
• Capacity/Performance: The heart of a photo printer is its ink system and resolution. This model features a six-colour individual ink system, including a crucial grey ink cartridge. This allows for exceptionally smooth tonal gradations and virtually eliminates colour casts in black and white prints, a common issue with simpler four-ink systems. With a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, it can reproduce incredibly fine details, ensuring your high-megapixel images don’t lose their sharpness in print.
• Materials & Durability: The chassis is constructed from a high-quality, sleek black plastic that feels robust and well-assembled. While not metal, the build quality is solid and designed to minimise vibrations during the printing process, which is critical for sharp output. The internal components, particularly the print head, are precision-engineered for longevity, provided you use genuine inks and perform routine maintenance.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Setup can be a mixed experience. While wireless printing via Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and the Canon PRINT app offers modern convenience, the initial network configuration can be tricky, especially if your router lacks a WPS button. Long-term maintenance involves replacing individual ink cartridges as they deplete—an economical advantage over multi-colour cartridges—and occasional print head cleaning cycles to prevent clogging.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer stands out in several areas, particularly its exceptional ink system and large-format capability. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and Key Features of the Canon PIXMA iP8750

Unboxing the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer is an experience in itself. The first thing that strikes you is its sheer size and weight. At 8.5 kg, it feels substantial and serious, immediately signaling that this isn’t a flimsy, all-in-one office machine. The sleek, glossy black finish gives it a professional aesthetic that looks at home in a creative studio or a dedicated home office. Inside the box, you’ll find the printer, a power cord, a set of six setup ink cartridges (PGI-550PGBK, CLI-551BK, CLI-551C, CLI-551M, CLI-551Y, and the all-important CLI-551GY Grey), and a CD for software installation. A notable and frustrating omission is a USB A-to-B cable, which, as we discovered, is almost essential for a smooth Wi-Fi setup on some networks.

The physical setup involves removing numerous pieces of protective tape, installing the print head, and then snapping each of the six ink cartridges into place. The process is guided by a pictorial-only manual, which can be a point of confusion for some users who prefer written instructions. Once powered on, the printer primes itself with a series of mechanical whirs and clicks, readying the ink system. It’s a sound that promises precision, setting the stage for the high-quality output this machine is built to deliver.

Putting the Canon PIXMA iP8750 to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance

A photo printer lives and dies by its output. Specifications on a page are one thing, but the lived experience of setting it up, wrestling with its software, and finally holding that first A3+ print is the true test. We spent extensive time with the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer, pushing it with a variety of images—from high-contrast monochrome portraits to richly saturated landscapes—to see if it truly delivers on its promise of pro-quality results for the home enthusiast. Our findings reveal a machine of incredible capability, albeit one that demands a little patience to unlock its full potential.

The Setup Saga: Navigating the Wireless and Wired Labyrinth

Our initial setup experience mirrored the feedback from many users. The modern promise of “easy wireless setup” has a significant caveat here. If your home router has a “WPS” (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button, the process is reasonably straightforward. You press the button on your router, press the Wi-Fi button on the printer, and they connect automatically. However, many modern routers, especially those provided by internet service providers, have this feature disabled or absent for security reasons. This is where the journey gets complicated.

Without WPS, the printer cannot find your network on its own. The pictorial guide offers little help here, leaving you to consult the digital manual. The definitive solution, as one user correctly discovered, is to connect the printer to your computer using a USB A-to-B cable. This allows the installation software to directly transfer your Wi-Fi network name and password to the printer’s memory. The baffling decision by Canon not to include this essential cable in the box is a major oversight. We had to source one from another device, and we imagine many buyers will find themselves making an unplanned trip to a local shop, which is an unnecessary frustration. Once we had the cable, the setup via the software was smooth, and the printer connected to our Wi-Fi network reliably thereafter. The mobile setup from a smartphone was, as one user noted, significantly easier, with the Canon PRINT app guiding the process well. But for desktop users, be prepared for potential hurdles.

The Heart of the Matter: Unpacking the A3+ Print Quality

Once connected, any frustration from the setup process began to melt away. This is where the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer truly shines. The key to its prowess is the 6-colour ChromaLife100+ ink system. While standard printers use Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK), this model adds a dye-based black for photo richness and, most importantly, a dedicated grey ink.

For black and white photography, this grey ink is a complete game-changer. On lesser printers, greys are created by mixing colours, often resulting in an undesirable magenta or green tint. Our monochrome test prints on the iP8750 were simply breathtaking. The tonal transitions were buttery smooth, from the deepest blacks to the most delicate highlights, with a true neutral grey scale that rivals professional lab prints. We could finally do justice to our favourite black and white portraits.

For colour prints, the story is just as impressive, though it requires a bit more attention. We did encounter what some users described: out-of-the-box prints on default settings could occasionally appear slightly dark or have a minor colour cast. One user reported a strong magenta cast, which often points to a mismatch between the printer, the paper profile, and the computer’s colour management. This is not a simple “click and print” device for professional results. To get the best output, we had to dive into the printer driver settings. We selected the correct paper type (e.g., “Photo Paper Pro Luster”), chose the “High” quality setting, and ensured our photo editing software was handling the colour management. With these adjustments, the results were spectacular. The 4800 dpi resolution captured every last detail, and colours were vibrant and accurate. A user who felt the colours weren’t “popping” would likely see a world of difference by moving from plain or generic paper to Canon’s own photo papers and using the correct settings. The quality is in there; you just have to tell the printer how to deliver it.

Ink Economy vs. Excellence: The True Cost of Ownership

A premium printer often comes with premium running costs, and the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer is no exception. The individual ink tank system is a major plus, as you only need to replace the specific colour that has run out, which is far more efficient than tricolour cartridges. However, you must be prepared for the ink consumption, especially when printing at the highest quality settings required for photographic excellence. As one user correctly surmised, “The high quality setting will cost more ink.” Our testing confirmed this; a full A3+ print on “High” quality uses a noticeable amount of ink.

Furthermore, like most high-end inkjet printers, the iP8750 performs periodic cleaning cycles to keep the print head nozzles clear, which also consumes a small amount of ink. We also want to address the user report of receiving a printer with only two ink cartridges. This is highly unusual and sounds like a packaging error or a returned unit being resold, as the printer should always ship with a full set of six “setup” cartridges. It’s worth noting that these initial cartridges often contain slightly less ink than full retail replacements, as some is used to prime the system for the first time. The bottom line is this: treat ink as a necessary investment for the quality you’re getting. For occasional, stunning A3+ prints, the cost is justifiable. If you plan on high-volume printing, be sure to budget for ink accordingly.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from various owners provides a well-rounded picture of the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer. The sentiment is generally positive, especially from those who successfully navigate the setup and are focused purely on print quality. One keen photographer perfectly captured the product’s core appeal, noting that after seeing the poor reviews for cheaper printers, they moved into photo printer territory and rediscovered the joy of creating physical family albums.

Positive comments frequently praise the “excellent print quality” and the sleek design. One user highlighted the remarkable ease of setting it up directly from their phone, having it “set up and printing within 20 minutes,” which stands in stark contrast to the desktop setup woes. However, negative feedback consistently circles around a few key issues. The setup process, particularly the lack of an included USB cable for non-WPS Wi-Fi configuration, is a major source of frustration. Several users have also faced reliability issues, from a “printhead error” on a brand-new unit to another failing after just four months of light use, indicating that quality control could be inconsistent. The most critical feedback for a photo printer revolves around output, with one user showing a black and white photo that came out with a strong reddish cast, a clear sign of a calibration or driver issue that can be deeply disappointing for a user expecting perfection out of the box.

How Does the Canon PIXMA iP8750 Compare to Portable Alternatives?

While the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer is a heavyweight contender for serious, large-format printing, the market also offers a range of ultra-portable alternatives for different needs. It’s less a question of which is better, and more about which is right for the specific task at hand. The iP8750 is for creating archival art; the following are for creating instant memories.

1. INSTAX mini LINK2 Smartphone Printer

The INSTAX mini LINK2 is on the opposite end of the printing spectrum. This device is all about portability, fun, and instant gratification. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and produces credit-card-sized instant prints. It’s designed for social events, parties, and creating fun keepsakes on the go. Someone would choose the INSTAX over the Canon iP8750 if their priority is sharing physical photos with friends immediately, scrapbooking in the moment, or decorating a dorm room wall. It trades the A3+ size and gallery quality for speed, portability, and a playful, retro aesthetic.

2. Canon SELPHY SQUARE QX10 Portable Wi-Fi Photo Printer

The Canon SELPHY SQUARE QX10 occupies a middle ground in the portable space. It uses dye-sublimation technology rather than inkjet, creating vibrant, 2.7 x 2.7-inch square prints that are smudge-proof, water-resistant, and have an adhesive back. The quality is a step up from many instant film printers, offering better detail and longevity. This is the perfect choice for dedicated scrapbookers, journal keepers, or anyone who loves the classic square photo format popularised by social media. It offers more durability and creative control than the INSTAX but lacks the sheer scale and fine-art capability of the iP8750.

3. Canon Zoemini Mini Photo Printer

The Canon Zoemini is the ultimate in pocket-sized printing. Using ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, the colour is embedded in the special paper itself, meaning there are no cartridges to worry about. It produces small, 2×3-inch photos that double as stickers. It’s the most convenient and portable option, designed to live in a bag and print snapshots from your phone anytime, anywhere. A user would choose the Zoemini for its sheer simplicity and fun factor, perfect for decorating notebooks, personalising gifts, or giving to kids and teens. It’s a photo sticker machine, whereas the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer is a personal photo lab.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Canon PIXMA iP8750 the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer is a phenomenal piece of equipment for its target audience. This is not a printer for the casual user who wants an all-in-one office helper. It is a specialised tool for the serious photography enthusiast, the aspiring artist, or the semi-professional who demands uncompromising print quality and the ability to produce large, impactful A3+ prints. Its six-colour ink system delivers a level of nuance, especially in monochrome, that simpler printers cannot match.

However, this excellence comes with caveats. Be prepared for a potentially frustrating setup if you don’t have a WPS-enabled router, and be sure to have a USB cable on hand. Understand that achieving the best results requires using high-quality paper and taking the time to learn the driver settings—it rewards effort with excellence. The running costs are not insignificant, but they are a fair trade for the gallery-quality output. If you are ready to make the leap from viewing your photos on a screen to holding them as stunning, tangible works of art, the iP8750 is one of the best and most accessible ways to do it.

If you’ve decided the Canon PIXMA iP8750 A3+ Wi-Fi Photo Printer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.