Canon PIXMA MG5151 — Features, Specs, Performance & Business Use

The Canon PIXMA MG5151 sits in Canon’s mid-range PIXMA family as a compact, photo-capable all-in-one (AIO) designed for home offices, creative hobbyists and micro-businesses that need a small-footprint device able to print photos and everyday documents with good color. It isn’t a heavy-duty business MFP, but it offers an attractive mix of photo-quality output, wireless convenience and basic multifunction capabilities (print/scan/copy) that make it a flexible choice for light commercial use, reception desks and single-user offices.

Below is a deep dive into the MG5151’s features, practical specifications, real-world performance, recommended business use cases, cost considerations and deployment tips so you can decide whether it fits your workflow.

What the MG5151 is (and who should consider it)

Canon positioned the MG5151 as a consumer-leaning AIO that pushes the envelope on photo and graphics quality while keeping the footprint and price low. If your day-to-day printing is a mix of invoices, short reports, color flyers and occasional photos or proofs — and you value attractive color output more than raw monthly page capacity or enterprise features — the MG5151 is worth considering.

It’s ideal when:

You need a small machine for a home office, creative studio or reception area.
Photo or color print quality matters for client-facing materials and proofs.
Monthly volumes are light to moderate (dozens to a few hundred pages), not thousands.

Key features — what stands out

Compact multifunction design — print, scan and copy in a modest desktop footprint that fits small offices or home desks.
Photo-quality printing — Canon’s consumer PIXMA series focuses on high photographic quality: fine nozzle arrays, driver support for high-resolution photo modes and borderless printing on common photo sizes.
Wireless connectivity & mobile printing — Wi-Fi support enables printing from multiple PCs, laptops and mobile devices using Canon’s mobile apps and cloud services.
Onboard controls and LCD — an easy-to-use control cluster and a small color display simplify standalone tasks like copying or printing from memory cards (where supported by the SKU).
Versatile media handling — support for plain paper, envelopes and a variety of photo papers allowing quick swaps between marketing collateral and photographic prints.

Practical specifications (what matters day-to-day)

Exact SKUs and regional bundles vary, so the vendor’s official spec sheet is the final authority. Below are the practical technical characteristics you can expect from a PIXMA MG5151-class device:

Print engine: FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology — Canon’s core consumer inkjet platform that produces fine droplet placement and smooth gradients.
Color system: Consumer PIXMAs typically use a multi-cartridge system (either 4 or 5 cartridges depending on the variant). This allows replacing only depleted colors instead of an all-in-one cartridge.
Maximum resolution: High effective photo resolution (commonly cited in consumer PIXMAs with “up to 4800 × 1200 dpi” or equivalent driver-enhanced figures). This yields good detail for photos and color graphics.
Print speed: Consumer inkjets prioritise quality over raw speed. Expect typical document speeds suitable for light office use (single-digit to low double-digit pages per minute in draft/standard modes), with photo modes taking longer (tens of seconds per 4×6). Manufacturer ISO numbers give a baseline but real throughput depends on settings, duplexing and job complexity.
Scanner: Flatbed color scanner adequate for document archiving, proofs and photo scanning; optical resolutions commonly allow high-resolution scans suitable for archiving and reprinting.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (wireless), USB 2.0 — mobile and cloud printing typically supported through Canon’s apps and PIXMA cloud services.
Media & paper handling: Front or rear paper feed options supporting plain paper, glossy photo paper and envelopes; borderless photo printing for popular sizes (4×6, 5×7, A4).
Onboard controls: Small LCD or status indicators plus buttons for quick copy/photo printing and maintenance operations.

Note: manufacturers sometimes sell visually identical models with slightly different internal trim per market (cartridge sets, included software). Always verify your region’s PDF spec sheet when purchasing.

Real-world performance — text, graphics and photos

Text and office documents
The MG5151 produces clear, well-defined text suitable for letters, invoices and general office documents. Dark text areas show good density on plain paper; however, very long text runs are where inkjets begin to trail laser printers on speed and cost. For small offices with light to moderate document printing, the MG5151 is serviceable.

Color graphics and marketing collateral
This is where the MG5151 shines relative to strictly office-focused printers. The FINE head and driver color management enable attractive charts, brochures and short-run flyers. Colors are vivid and gradients smooth; edge definition for graphics is generally good. For brand-critical proofs or color-managed print production, an external proofing workflow or a print shop is still recommended, but for in-house client handouts the MG5151 usually produces excellent results.

Photo printing
When paired with Canon photo paper, the MG5151 can produce detailed 4×6 and 5×7 prints with pleasing skin tones and rich color. Photo printing in the high-quality modes is slower (measured in tens of seconds per print) but the quality is competitive with other consumer-grade photo-capable inkjets.

Speed & throughput caveats
Consumer inkjets trade throughput for quality. Duplex (two-sided) or high-quality photo modes reduce speed substantially. Real world users report that multi-page color jobs and complex PDFs can take longer than advertised, particularly over Wi-Fi or when spooled from small laptops. For frequent multi-page printing, consider a laser MFP for cost and speed advantages.

Reliability & maintenance
Inkjet heads benefit from regular use: leaving the printer idle for extended periods increases the chance of nozzle clogging and cleaning cycles (which consume ink). Canon’s cleaning utilities are straightforward. Using genuine Canon consumables reduces the likelihood of compatibility problems and often extends reliable service life.

Business use cases — where MG5151 fits best

The MG5151 makes sense in several light commercial scenarios:

Home-based businesses & freelancers: ideal for entrepreneurs who need attractive color materials (product photos, flyers, client proofs) alongside everyday documents. Its small footprint and photo strength are big pluses.
Retail or service reception desks (low volume): for printing appointment cards, receipts, small brochures and promotional postcards, the MG5151 covers essential tasks without a large footprint.
Creative studios and photographers (proofing): good for quick client proofs and short internal print runs where color quality matters but archival longevity/proof accuracy are not mission-critical.
Classroom, education and project work: teachers and students benefit from the color/photo capability for classroom handouts, project posters and photo assignments.

It is not the right choice for:

Large shared offices with heavy daily page counts (hundreds or thousands per month).
Workgroups that require secure printing, centralized fleet management, or advanced authentication.
Environments where lowest cost per page is paramount — high monochrome volumes are cheaper on laser printers.

Consumables & operating cost considerations

Ink cartridges
PIXMA models typically use separate ink cartridges so you only replace colors that run out. This is more economical than tri-color packs in many casual use cases. Cartridge yields vary by model and whether you choose standard or XL cartridges — buying XL cartridges usually reduces per-page ink costs.

Paper & media
Photo paper (glossy or matte) and heavier media increase the per-page cost but improve end results. Use Canon-recommended media for best color fidelity and drying characteristics.

Running cost tip
If your monthly print volume is small (under a few hundred pages), total ownership cost remains attractive. At higher volumes, calculate per-page ink costs and compare to entry-level color lasers or outsourcing short color runs.

Deployment & maintenance tips for small business owners

Position for use: Place the MG5151 where users can access both the scanner and paper trays easily. A reception desk or small office shelf is ideal.
Connectivity strategy: Use Wi-Fi for convenience, but for frequent large jobs connect via USB or a wired bridge if network performance is variable.
Consumable readiness: Keep at least one spare black cartridge and one color (or an XL cartridge) on hand if uptime matters.
Routine use: Run a quick nozzle check and small test print weekly if the printer will sit idle for days to prevent clogs.
Paper workflow: Keep plain paper in the main tray and a small stack of photo stock in the rear or secondary feed to avoid continual media swaps.

Strengths & limitations — quick summary

Strengths

Excellent photo and color output for its class.
Compact, affordable and easy to deploy in small spaces.
Wireless and mobile printing support for modern workflows.
Replaceable individual cartridges lower waste and can reduce costs for mixed color/mono usage.

Limitations

Slower and more costly per page than lasers for heavy monochrome volumes.
Lacks enterprise features like secure print release, advanced network management and user authentication.
Requires periodic maintenance to avoid nozzle clogs if left idle.

Conclusion — who should buy the MG5151?

The Canon PIXMA MG5151 is a smart pick for home entrepreneurs, creative freelancers and small offices that value color and photo print quality but don’t require the heavy-duty throughput or administrative controls of business-class MFPs. It balances compact design and attractive output, making it especially useful where appearance matters — client proposals, product mockups, marketing flyers and photo proofs.

If your workplace prints hundreds or thousands of pages every month, depends on centralized manageability or needs guaranteed lowest cost per page, evaluate a small color laser or a business-focused MFP instead. But for mixed-use small deployments and anyone who needs occasional high-quality color in a compact device, the MG5151 delivers a strong value proposition.

Canon PIXMA MG5151 Driver & Software Download - Windows, Mac, Linux

www.driverstool.com provide a download link for Canon PIXMA MG5150 Series publishing directly from Canon website with easy-to-download, to get the download link can be found below.

Operating System	Download
MG5151 series MP Driver Ver. 1.02 (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP/XP x64)	Download
MG5151 series XPS Printer Driver Ver. 5.56 (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64)	Download
MG5151 series CUPS Printer Driver Ver.16.20.0.0 (Mac)14.93 MB	Download
MG5151 series Scanner Driver Ver. 17.7.1b (Mac)11.12 MB	Download
ICA Driver Ver. 4.0.0a (Mac)7.05 MB	Download

Looking for the steps for installation of the driver and software Canon PIXMA MG5151 ? Here we go.

Steps by Step to Install Canon PIXMA MG5151

Method 1: Installing Canon PIXMA MG5151 by Downloading the Software for Free

For the first method, you will need to try installing the software for your MG5151 without using the automatic wizard that you usually get from the CD.

The things that you need are:

The first of all, you will need the setup file for the driver and software that you will need to install Canon PIXMA MG5151 . If you do not have the file that you need, then you need to download it first from the official website of Canon.
The second thing that you need is the USB cable that can connect your printer to the computer or laptop where the software will be installed. Make sure it is compatible, or you can use the cable from the package when you buy the printer.

If you already have all of those requirements above, then you just need to install Canon PIXMA MG5151 using the setup file that you already have.

The first thing that you need to do is turning on the laptop or computer where the software will be installed and your PIXMA MG5151 .
Before you do anything, you need to make sure that the USB cable is unplugged. That is because you will need to plug the USB cable later on, but not now.
The next thing that you need to do is downloading the necessary setup file for your Canon PIXMA MG5151 and run the file to start the installation program. You just need to follow all of the simple instructions when the installation program starts.
After the installation is finished, you will be prompted to plug in the USB cable and you should do that. Soon after that, the program will automatically check on the USB cable connection automatically. After you plug in the cable, the installation will continue to the further process.
You just need to follow the later instructions to finish the whole installation process.
When all of the processes are finished, then the installation is finished too and you can start using your Canon MG5151 for printing.

Method 2: Installing PIXMA MG5151 Using Manual Driver Installation

If you want to install the printer using the manual installation, then you will need to pick the “Add a Printer” option that you can find on the setting or control panel of your computer. This is something that you can always have in your computer.

The things that you need are:

You need to firstly have the driver setup for Canon PIXMA MG5151 or the software setup to install the printer. You can find the specific link on the official website of Canon.
The next thing that you need is the printer USB cable that will connect the printer to the computer or laptop.

Installation Steps:

The first thing that you need to do is turning on the computer or laptop where you will install the software and the PIXMA MG5151 printer.
After that, you need to connect the USB cable from the printer to the computer.
Once the cable has been connected, you will need to start extracting the data and setup file that you have downloaded for Canon PIXMA MG5151 .
If you are running on Windows 7 or Vista for the operating system, then you will need to go to Control Panel and search for View Devices and Printer. For those who are running their computer on XP operating system, you need to find Fax and Printer options on Control Panel.
Once you have found the main option, you will need to pick Add a Printer to start the installation.
Before you start the installation process, you will need to lead the program to the extracted data file that the installation software needs. Therefore, take the tab to the location where you extracted the setup file earlier.
After waiting for some time, you will notice that the printer has been installed on your computer and you are ready to use the PIXMA MG5151 printer.

Method 3: Canon MG5151 Software Installation Using Automatic Wizard

Simple steps of installing Canon PIXMA MG5151 using the automatic wizard (using CD)

The things that you need are:

First of all, you will need to have the CD/DVD drive to be installed on your computer. Most computers have this kind of device.
The second thing that you need is the software CD for installing Canon PIXMA MG5151 printer. The CD is usually included on the bundle package when you buy the printer.
The third thing that you need is the USB cable that will connect Canon PIXMA MG5151 to the computer when you are installing the printer.

Follow these simple steps for installing your Canon PIXMA MG5151 using the CD or automatic wizard.

The first thing that you need to do is turning on the computer and your Canon PIXMA MG5151 printer. Make sure you do not forget those things.
You should not connect the USB cable from Canon PIXMA MG5151 to the computer now. That is because you will be prompted to do that later on.
The next thing that you need to do is inserting the installation CD to your CD/DVD drive. After that, the CD will run automatically and start the automatic wizard to install Canon PIXMA MG5151 . You just need to follow all of the instructions until the whole process is finished.
When the automatic wizard prompts you to insert or connect the USB cable from PIXMA MG5151 to your printer, then you will need to do so.
Wait for the automatic wizard detects the USB cable after it is connected. When the wizard has detected the USB cable, you just need to follow the further steps.
After few moments, you will get the finish notification. That means, your Canon PIXMA MG5151 is already installed and ready to use.

Setup / Installation Canon PIXMA MG5151 for Mac

To begin the installation, you need first the respective file driver. So, download the file, prior, and at the time you think about the installation, trace the file that you save in particular folder. Or check your computer setting.
Next, hit the downloaded file twice, and ensure that you mount the driver file on Disk Image.
Afterward on the mounted Disk Image give another double click.
And finally, apply two-time click on packaged drivel file. Just wait, since the installation will be automatically started.

That being said, depend on what platform that you use to install Canon PIXMA MG5151 , the manual instructions for the installation and the other way around, can differ. The aforementioned installations procedures are applied on Mac and Windows 7. For Windows 8 or Windows XP, the driver file installation is pretty similar.

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