Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer Review: A Compact Powerhouse with a Few Quirks

There’s a unique magic in holding a physical photograph. In an age of endless digital scrolls, the tangible print connects us to a moment in a way a screen never can. I remember sorting through a box of old family photos, the faded colours and worn edges telling a story that spanned generations. I wanted to create that for my own family—to print the vibrant sunset from our last holiday, the candid shots of the kids in the garden, and the professional-looking documents for my home office without relying on slow, expensive online services or kiosks. The problem was finding a printer that could do it all: deliver gallery-worthy photo quality without sacrificing the speed and efficiency needed for everyday document printing. It’s a common dilemma—investing in a device that often promises the world but delivers grainy pictures, consumes ink at an alarming rate, or stubbornly refuses to connect when you need it most. The quest for a reliable, high-quality, and compact home printer is what led us to test the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer.

What to Consider Before Buying a Photo Printer

A photo printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creatives, families, and professionals looking to bring their digital creations into the physical world. It bridges the gap between a captured moment and a lasting memory. The main benefit lies in the control and immediacy it offers. You can tweak colours, experiment with different paper types, and print on demand, whether it’s for a school project, a client presentation, or a scrapbook. The cost-per-print is often significantly lower than retail services in the long run, and the convenience of printing from your living room is unmatched.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values high-quality output and versatility. This includes amateur photographers wanting to see their work in print, crafters using creative media like magnetic or restickable paper, and home office users who need a single device for both crisp documents and rich colour photos. However, it might not be suitable for those who print very rarely, as inkjet heads can clog if left unused for long periods. It’s also not for someone needing a highly portable, on-the-go solution; for that, pocket-sized printers like the Canon Zoemini would be a better fit. For users who only print monochrome documents, a dedicated laser printer would be more economical.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A printer’s footprint is a critical factor, especially in a home office or small apartment. Measure your available space and compare it to the printer’s dimensions (D x W x H). The Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer is designed to be compact, but you still need to account for clearance for the paper trays and rear feed, as well as access for changing ink cartridges.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just print speed (measured in pages per minute or ppm). Consider the print resolution, measured in DPI (dots per inch)—a higher DPI like the 4800 x 1200 offered by the TS705 results in sharper, more detailed images. Also, check the ink system. A printer with individual ink tanks, like this model, is more economical as you only replace the colour that runs out, not the entire multi-colour cartridge. Paper capacity is also key; a large tray means less frequent refilling.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality of a printer often indicates its longevity. While most consumer-grade printers are made of plastic, assess its sturdiness. Does it feel flimsy? Are the trays and access doors robust? A well-built machine is less likely to suffer from paper jams and mechanical failures over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Connectivity is paramount in a modern printer. Look for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing support like Apple AirPrint or Mopria. The setup process should be straightforward. Also, consider long-term maintenance: how easy is it to access and replace ink cartridges? Does the printer have self-cleaning functions to prevent nozzle clogs? A simple interface, whether on the device or through its app, makes daily operation much smoother.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Canon Pixma TS705 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: Compact Design Meets Big Features

Unboxing the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer revealed a surprisingly small and dense device. With its clean lines and matte black finish, it looks sleek and unassuming, designed to blend into a modern workspace rather than dominate it. Weighing just 5.4 kg, it was easy to handle and position on our test bench. Inside the box, we found the printer, a full set of five standard ink tanks (Pigment Black, Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow), a power cord, a setup CD-ROM (a bit of a relic these days), and the usual manuals.

The initial setup was straightforward. We opted for the wireless connection using the Canon PRINT app on a smartphone, which guided us through the process of installing the ink cartridges and connecting to our Wi-Fi network. The five individual ink tanks click satisfyingly into place, a system we much prefer over bulky tri-colour cartridges. One of its standout features, the large paper capacity, immediately caught our attention. It boasts a 250-sheet front cassette for plain paper and a 100-sheet rear tray that can handle photo paper and other media, giving it a combined 350-sheet capacity that rivals larger, more office-focused machines.

A Deep Dive into the Canon Pixma TS705’s Performance

A printer’s true worth is only revealed through rigorous, real-world testing. We put the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer through its paces for several weeks, using it for everything from printing high-resolution landscape photos and family portraits to churning out multi-page work reports and creative sticker projects. It’s in this day-to-day use where the machine’s strengths—and its notable weaknesses—truly came to light.

Print Quality in Detail: From Glossy Photos to Sharp Documents

Let’s start with the headliner: photo quality. This is where the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer truly shines and justifies its existence. Leveraging Canon’s FINE technology and a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, the prints we produced were consistently impressive. We began with a complex landscape photo featuring a vibrant sunset over a lake. The printer beautifully rendered the subtle gradients in the sky, from deep oranges to soft purples, without any noticeable banding. The five-ink system, which includes a pigment black for sharp text and four dye-based inks for photos, delivered deep, rich blacks and a wide colour gamut. Details in the shadows were well-preserved, and highlights remained crisp without being blown out.

Next, we tested it with portraits on Canon’s Pro Luster photo paper. Skin tones appeared natural and accurate, a common stumbling block for lesser printers. The detail was remarkable; we could easily make out individual eyelashes and fine textures in clothing. The ability to produce borderless 4×6 prints in under a minute meant we could quickly create a batch of photos for a family album without a long wait. For document printing, the pigment-based black ink worked wonders. Text on plain paper was razor-sharp and smudge-resistant, easily on par with entry-level laser printers. When we engaged the automatic duplex feature to print a 20-page report, it handled the task smoothly, saving paper without compromising legibility. This dual-personality—excelling at both artistic photos and professional documents—makes it a formidable tool for a mixed-use environment.

Connectivity and Setup: A Tale of Two Experiences

In a modern wireless world, a printer’s connectivity can make or break the user experience. Our initial setup of the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer was refreshingly simple. Using the Canon PRINT app, the ‘Wireless Connect’ feature identified our network and had us up and running in about 15 minutes. From there, printing was seamless. We sent documents directly from our iPhones using AirPrint, photos from an Android tablet via Mopria, and complex projects from a laptop over the Wi-Fi network. The printer responded quickly to every command. For those who prefer a more robust, stable connection, the inclusion of an Ethernet port is a massive plus, offering a hardwired option that circumvents any potential Wi-Fi interference in a busy office.

However, we must address the elephant in the room. While our short-term testing was flawless, we are aware of user feedback that points to significant long-term connectivity problems. One user reported their unit “simply does not print” and fails to connect after just a few months of use, ultimately becoming an expensive paperweight. This is a serious concern. It suggests that while the initial handshake with a network is easy, maintaining that connection over time could be a potential point of failure for some units. This transforms the printer from a reliable workhorse into a gamble. We didn’t experience this failure, but the existence of such reports means potential buyers should be aware of this risk. Using the Ethernet connection, where possible, may be the best way to mitigate this potential issue.

Functionality and Everyday Use: The Good, The Bad, and The Tiny

Beyond print quality, we evaluated how the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer fits into a daily workflow. Its most significant practical advantage is its paper handling. The advertised 350-sheet capacity is genuine, achieved by combining the 250-sheet front cassette for plain A4 paper with the 100-sheet rear tray. This dual-feed system is brilliant. We could keep the main tray stocked for documents and use the rear feed for special media—like glossy photo paper, matte cardstock, or even Canon’s restickable sticker sheets—without ever needing to swap out the main paper supply. This versatility is a huge time-saver for anyone who switches between tasks frequently.

The printer also includes some interesting creative features. The ability to print directly onto printable CDs and DVDs is a niche but welcome feature for photographers or musicians wanting to create professional-looking discs. It also supports printing on square and magnetic photo paper, opening up fun possibilities for Instagram-style prints or custom fridge magnets. However, this is where we encountered the printer’s most glaring design flaw: its display. The two-line monochrome LCD screen is tiny, poorly backlit, and frustrating to navigate with the adjacent buttons. As one user aptly noted, it’s “very small and not placed wherever one can easily accessed.” For any standalone function like making a copy or changing network settings directly, we found ourselves squinting and cycling through confusing menus. The printer is clearly designed to be controlled almost exclusively via a computer or the mobile app, which makes the onboard controls feel like a clumsy afterthought. Despite this, the sheer functional range of the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer makes it a compelling option for versatile home use.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other users reveals a somewhat divided experience, largely echoing our own findings. The consensus is that when the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer is working correctly, its output quality is exceptional for its price point. One user praised it as “a very good quality printer,” which aligns with our tests showing vibrant photos and sharp text. This highlights the machine’s core strength.

However, the negative feedback is significant and centres on two key areas. The most critical is reliability. As one frustrated owner stated, their printer “worked for a few months now does not connect to any of our devices,” leading them to discard it after less than 500 pages. This points to a potential hardware or firmware flaw that can cause long-term connectivity failure, a major red flag. The second common complaint, which we strongly agree with, concerns the user interface. The comment about the display being “very small and not placed wherever one can easily accessed” perfectly captures the frustration of using the onboard controls. These contrasting experiences paint a picture of a printer with a fantastic printing engine that is unfortunately let down by potential reliability issues and a poor physical interface.

How Does the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we need to compare the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer to other options on the market, each serving a different user need.

1. Phomemo M08F Portable A4 Thermal Printer

The Phomemo M08F is in a completely different category, and it’s important to understand the distinction. This is an inkless, A4 thermal printer designed for ultimate portability. It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, perfect for mobile professionals, students, or anyone who needs to print documents on the go from a laptop or smartphone. However, its thermal technology means it only prints in monochrome, and the print quality is suitable for text and simple graphics, not photos. If your priority is portability and you only need to print black-and-white documents, the Phomemo is an excellent choice. If you need colour and high-quality photo output, the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer is the clear winner.

2. Canon Zoemini Mini Photo Printer

The Canon Zoemini is all about fun, instant gratification. This pocket-sized printer uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology to produce small, 2×3-inch sticker photos directly from your smartphone. It’s the digital equivalent of a Polaroid camera, perfect for parties, scrapbooking, and journaling. Its appeal is its spontaneity and portability. The trade-off is print size and quality. While charming, the prints don’t have the colour depth, resolution, or permanence of the inkjet prints from the TS705. The Zoemini is a fantastic companion device for social events, while the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer is the serious home hub for creating larger, archival-quality prints.

3. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Photo Printer

If the TS705 is for the hobbyist, the PIXMA PRO-200 is for the serious enthusiast or professional photographer. This is a significant step up in every regard. It uses an 8-colour dye-based ink system for superior colour accuracy and gradient reproduction, especially in vibrant prints. It can also handle much larger formats, printing stunning borderless photos up to 13″ x 19″. This is the machine you buy when you want to produce gallery-quality prints for sale or exhibition. Of course, this professional-grade quality comes with a much larger footprint and a significantly higher price tag for both the printer and its ink. For most home users, the PRO-200 is overkill, making the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer the more balanced and affordable choice for excellent, all-around performance.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Canon Pixma TS705 the Right Printer for You?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer is one of qualified recommendation. On one hand, its printing capabilities are absolutely superb for its class. It produces beautiful, vibrant photos that can stand proudly next to lab prints and prints documents with laser-like sharpness. Its large paper capacity, automatic duplexing, and versatile media handling make it an incredibly capable workhorse for a busy home or small office. It successfully packs big features into a commendably compact frame.

On the other hand, it is held back by two significant flaws. The laughably small and impractical LCD screen is a constant annoyance for any task not performed via an app. More critically, the reports of long-term connectivity failure are too serious to ignore and introduce an element of risk to the purchase. Therefore, we recommend the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer to users who prioritize top-tier print quality above all else and are willing to rely exclusively on app/computer control. It is an ideal choice for the creative hobbyist or home office user who plans to connect it via its stable Ethernet port to mitigate potential Wi-Fi issues. If you can live with its quirks, it delivers performance that punches well above its weight.

If you’ve decided the Canon Pixma TS705 Photo Printer is the right fit for your creative and professional needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.