Canon PIXMA MG6650 — Review: Features, Specs, Performance
Canon PIXMA MG6650 Review
The Canon PIXMA MG6650 is a sleek all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home users and small offices who want a good balance of photo quality, wireless connectivity, and ease of use. Canon markets it as a creative companion for everyday printing—whether documents, photos, or even direct printing from mobile devices and cloud services. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its design, performance, print quality, features, running costs, and how it compares with rivals in its class.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon MG6650 looks modern and compact, following Canon’s familiar low-profile aesthetic. It measures about 455 × 369 × 148 mm and weighs roughly 6.4 kg, making it small enough for a desk or shelf. The scanner lid and paper trays fold neatly into the body, reducing its footprint when not in use. The chassis feels sturdy, with smooth matte-plastic surfaces that resist fingerprints better than the glossy finish found on older PIXMA models.
Front and center sits a 3-inch color touchscreen that replaces the old button-heavy interface of previous generations. The panel tilts upward for better visibility and provides quick access to print, scan, and copy functions. Menus are intuitive, icons are large, and response time is snappy. Beneath the display are dual paper trays—one for A4 documents and another for 4×6-inch photo paper—so users can keep two media types loaded simultaneously. The automatic front output tray extends when printing starts, a small but convenient feature.
Overall, Canon’s design philosophy here emphasizes usability and clean aesthetics. The printer feels premium compared with many budget models in the same range.
Setup and Connectivity
Setting up the PIXMA MG6650 is simple. After inserting the five individual ink cartridges (black pigment, black dye, cyan, magenta, and yellow), the printer automatically aligns the print head and performs a quick test pattern. Canon’s software walks users through connection options, including USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Wireless Direct.
Wireless setup can be done through WPS push-button, standard Wi-Fi setup, or directly from a smartphone using Canon’s mobile apps. The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app (available for iOS and Android) makes it easy to print photos, documents, and even scan directly to your device. The printer also supports Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria Print Service, ensuring broad compatibility.
The MG6650 includes SD card and USB flash drive slots, so you can print photos directly without a computer. These ports are conveniently located behind a flip-down cover on the front panel. Overall, Canon deserves credit for making connectivity options as flexible as possible for both PC and mobile users.
Features and Functionality
As an all-in-one, the PIXMA MG6650 handles printing, copying, and scanning. Here’s a closer look at each function:
1. Printing
The printer uses a five-ink system: one pigment-based black for sharp text and four dye-based inks for rich color images. This hybrid system allows the MG6650 to produce crisp documents while maintaining excellent photo reproduction. The maximum print resolution is 4800 × 1200 dpi, more than enough for high-quality photos.
It supports borderless printing up to A4 size, and a 10 × 15 cm borderless photo typically prints in about 44 seconds. Document speed is rated at 15 ipm (mono) and 9.7 ipm (color)—not record-breaking, but perfectly acceptable for home use.
2. Scanning
The flatbed CIS scanner offers 1200 × 2400 dpi optical resolution. It’s fast and quiet, ideal for digitizing photos or small documents. Scanning to USB, SD card, or email is possible, and the Canon Scan Utility software provides decent control over resolution, color balance, and file format (JPEG, PDF, or TIFF).
3. Copying
Copying functions are straightforward. You can adjust copy count, brightness, and zoom directly from the touchscreen. The first copy takes around 20 seconds, and subsequent copies follow quickly. For small runs and home use, it’s more than adequate.
4. Creative Tools
Canon bundles its My Image Garden software, enabling photo enhancement, collage creation, and easy access to online albums like Facebook and Flickr. There’s also Creative Park Premium, which provides free templates for cards, crafts, and calendars—perfect for home hobbyists or parents wanting to print creative projects.
Print Quality
The Canon PIXMA MG6650 truly shines in print quality. Text documents are sharp, dark, and smear-resistant, thanks to the pigment black ink. Small fonts (as tiny as 6 pt) remain legible with no feathering. Color documents display smooth gradients and excellent vibrancy without oversaturation.
Photo output is particularly impressive. Using Canon’s Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, the printer produces near-lab-quality results—deep blacks, accurate skin tones, and subtle shading transitions. Blues and greens appear rich without clipping, and color accuracy remains consistent across different photo sizes. Even black-and-white prints show neutral tones with minimal color cast.
For a consumer-grade printer, this level of quality rivals mid-range photo printers from Epson and HP. Canon’s long experience with inkjet photo technology clearly pays off here.
Performance and Speed
In everyday use, the MG6650 performs reliably. The first page typically emerges within 10–12 seconds from standby, and duplex (two-sided) printing is fully automatic—helpful for saving paper. Noise levels are low, particularly in “Quiet Mode,” which slightly reduces speed but keeps operation discreet for late-night printing.
Large photo prints take longer, but quality justifies the wait. When printing at 4800 dpi, expect a full-page photo to finish in about two minutes. The scanner, while not lightning-fast, handles 300 dpi color scans in roughly 15 seconds.
Overall, performance strikes a good balance between speed and quality. It’s not built for high-volume office work, but for home or creative use, it’s more than capable.
Running Costs
Running costs are a key consideration for any inkjet. The PIXMA MG6650 uses individual ink tanks, meaning you only replace the color that runs out. This design reduces waste and long-term expenses compared to tri-color cartridges.
Canon’s PGI-550 PGBK and CLI-551 BK/C/M/Y cartridges are available in both standard and XL sizes. Using XL cartridges significantly lowers cost per page. Average running costs are approximately 3–4 p per mono page and 8–10 p per color page, depending on print density. That’s competitive for its class, especially given the photo quality it delivers.
As with all inkjets, frequent printing helps prevent nozzle clogging. The printer includes an automatic maintenance cycle to keep the print head clean, though this consumes a small amount of ink.
Compatibility and Software Ecosystem
The MG6650 integrates well into both Windows and macOS environments. Canon’s drivers remain lightweight and stable, offering advanced options like duplex control, image optimization, and color management. For users in creative fields, ICC profiles are available for Canon’s premium papers.
Mobile printing is seamless through the Canon PRINT app, which also supports scanning directly to your phone or tablet. Cloud printing via PIXMA Cloud Link enables direct access to Google Drive, Dropbox, and social media platforms. This cloud connectivity makes it ideal for students or small businesses that rely on digital workflows.
Maintenance and Reliability
Canon’s reliability record with the MG series is strong. The MG6650 continues that trend with solid paper handling, minimal jams, and consistent output even after extended use. The print head is user-replaceable, which adds to long-term serviceability. Firmware updates are available through Canon’s support website, ensuring continued compatibility with modern operating systems.
Regular maintenance involves cleaning the print head and ensuring paper dust doesn’t accumulate inside the tray. For a home environment, the device is low-maintenance overall.
Environmental Considerations
The MG6650 carries Canon’s Energy Star certification and consumes roughly 0.8 W in standby mode. Automatic duplexing reduces paper waste, and the printer supports recycling programs for used cartridges. Power consumption during active printing is modest (≈ 16 W), reflecting Canon’s focus on energy efficiency.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
Excellent photo and text print quality
-
Individual ink tanks for cost efficiency
-
Compact, stylish design with intuitive touchscreen
-
Strong wireless and mobile connectivity
-
Automatic duplex printing
-
Reliable paper handling and build quality
Cons
-
No automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning/copying
-
Print speed slower than some rivals in high-volume jobs
-
Relatively small paper capacity (100 sheets)
-
Lacks Ethernet for wired networking
Comparisons
Against competitors like the Epson Expression Premium XP-610 or HP Envy 5640, the Canon PIXMA MG6650 holds its own:
-
Print Quality: Canon leads in photo realism and sharp text.
-
Speed: Epson tends to be slightly faster, especially in duplex printing.
-
Running Costs: HP’s Instant Ink plans may reduce costs, but Canon’s XL cartridges remain flexible and widely available.
-
Ease of Use: Canon’s touchscreen interface feels more refined than Epson’s button-based systems.
For users who prioritize photo printing, the Canon MG6650 is arguably the most balanced option.
Verdict
The Canon PIXMA MG6650 exemplifies what a modern home all-in-one printer should be: stylish, versatile, and capable of delivering professional-looking output without breaking the bank. Its five-ink system produces excellent results on both plain and photo paper, while wireless and cloud connectivity keep it relevant in a mobile world.
While it lacks a document feeder and ultra-high speed, its target audience—families, students, photographers, and small creative studios—will appreciate its consistent performance, intuitive interface, and outstanding photo prints.
In summary:
Canon PIXMA MG6650 is a dependable all-in-one printer for users who value print quality and versatility above raw speed. Whether you’re printing school projects, business documents, or glossy photos, it performs gracefully and looks good doing it.
Canon PIXMA MG6650 Operating System Compatibility:
Windows 7 / Windows 7 (x64) / Windows 8 / Windows 8 (x64) / Windows 8.1 / Windows 8.1 (x64) / Windows 10 / Windows 10 (x64) / Windows Vista / Windows Vista (x64) / Windows XP / Mac OS X v10.11 / Mac OS X v10.10 /Mac OS X v10.9 / Mac OS X v10.8 / Mac OS X v10.7 / Mac OS X v10.6 / Linux.Canon PIXMA MG6650 Driver Download
| Operating System | Download |
|---|---|
| My Image Garden (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP) | Download |
| Easy-WebPrint EX (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP) | Download |
| MG6650 series Full Driver & Software Package (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP) | Download |
| Quick Menu (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP) | Download |
| MG6650 series MP Drivers (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP) | Download |
| Windows Printers and Multifunction Printers security patch Ver.1.0.2 | Download |
| MG6650 series XPS Printer Driver (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64) | Download |
| My Printer (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP) | Download |
| Printer Firmware Updater (Windows) for MG6600 series Ver.1.0 | Download |
| Easy-PhotoPrint EX (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP) | Download |
Steps by Step to Install Canon PIXMA MG6650
- The first of all, you will need the setup file for the driver and software that you will need to install Canon PIXMA MG6650 .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.
- The first thing that you need to do is turning on the laptop or computer where the software will be installed and your PIXMA MG6650 .
- 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 MG6650 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 MG6650 for printing.
Method 2: Installing PIXMA MG6650 Using Manual Driver Installation
- You need to firstly have the driver setup for Canon PIXMA MG6650 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.
- The first thing that you need to do is turning on the computer or laptop where you will install the software and the PIXMA MG6650 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 PIXMA MG6650 .
- 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 MG6650 printer.
Method 3: Canon MG6650 Software Installation Using Automatic Wizard
- 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 MG6650 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 PIXMA MG6650 to the computer when you are installing the printer.
- The first thing that you need to do is turning on the computer and your Canon PIXMA MG6650 printer. Make sure you do not forget those things.
- You should not connect the USB cable from PIXMA MG6650 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 MG6650 .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 MG6650 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 MG6650 is already installed and ready to use.
Setup / Installation Canon PIXMA MG6650 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.
Comments
Post a Comment