Pros & Cons
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- Works as standalone fax machine and color copier and includes a 50-page ADF.
- Text and photo output are in the top tier for color lasers.
- Includes network connector.
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- Network installation is clumsy.
- Color copies shift toward blue.
- Can't scan to a PC over the network.
Canon ImageCLASS MF8170c Specs
| Connection Type: | Ethernet |
| Connection Type: | USB |
| Maximum Scan Area: | 8.5" x 14" |
| Maximum Standard Paper Size: | Legal |
| Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color): | 4 ppm |
| Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono): | 16 ppm |
| Scanner Optical Resolution: | 1200 pixels per inch |
| Scanner Type: | Flatbed with ADF (Standard or Optional) |
| Standalone Copier and Fax: | Copier |
| Standalone Copier and Fax: | Fax |
| Type: | All-In-One |
Somebody had to be first to introduce a color-laser-based AIO for $1,000 or less. That somebody is Canon, with the Canon Color imageClass MF8170c ($1,000 street). Built around a four-pass color laser engine with a scanner mounted on top, a 50-page ADF, and a front panel that also lets it work as a standalone fax machine and color copier, the MF8170c is of obvious interest to anyone who's looking for a color laser AIO at an affordable price.
The 25.2- by 20.1- by 20.2-inch (HWD) MF8170c is no bigger than most monochrome laser-based AIOs. Physical setup is simple. If you want to connect by network, however, the setup process may be an issue. Unlike printers with state-of-the art network installation routines, the MF8170c requires that you dive into the LCD-based menus to change settings that may be confusing if you're not familiar with networks. Don't be surprised if you need to call Canon for help.
As the first representative of its breed, the MF8170c's performance exists in a bit of a vacuum. Even so, it compares surprisingly well to printers with faster engine ratings than its own 16 pages per minute for monochrome and 4 ppm for color. Its total time on our business applications suite (using QualityLogic's hardware and software for timing, www.qualitylogic.com) was 29 minutes 29 seconds. That's significantly faster than the
The MF8170c also did well on output quality. Text was excellent, with more than half the fonts we test easily readable at 4 points and none requiring more than 8 points. Photo quality was at the high end of good, which is as high a score as we've seen for any color laser. Graphics quality managed only a good rating, based on several minor problems rather than any serious flaws.
One poorly thought-out design choice is that scanning works only over a USB connection, so if you want to use the MF8170c strictly on a network, you lose the ability to scan. You can, however, fax over a network. We'd like the MF8170c a lot more if it would scan over a network too, but we still like it enough to consider it a good choice for a small office.
Sub-ratings:
Text: 
Graphics: 
Photos: 
More multi-function printer reviews:
Final Thoughts
Canon ImageCLASS MF8170c
The Canon Color imageClass MF8170c earns points as the first color laser AIO for $1,000 or less. It's an attractive package overall, with high-quality output and fax, color-copying, and scan features. Unfortunately, there are also some rough edges—like network installation—that could be improved.