User defined print sizes?

My old Epson printer is nearing the end of its useful life and I am looking for a replacement for general creative use and the odd panoramic photo.

I would possibly go for one of the low end Canon machines (iP4300 or iP5300 - I only want a 4 separate ink machine) but Canon drivers only provide for the four basic print sizes - A4, 6X4, 5X7 and letter.


Both Epson and HP allow user defined sizes across the range, but they do not have a machine that otherwise fits my requirements - either too many inks or multi colour cartridges/

So, does anybody know of a generic printer driver/software (a printer version of Vuscan perhaps) that will over-ride, or replace, the Canon drivers?

Graham

Hi Graham,

I've got the Canon iP4200, which as far as I can tell is practically identical to the 4300. Looking back through your question, I'm guessing you want to do borderless prints on any size paper. I've just had a look in the print dialogue box for my printer, and there are several more sizes than you mentioned - I did a 'print screen', here it is:





If you just want to use different sized papers, and weren't worried about borderless, then you can set anything up to 210mm x 584mm, which accomodates panoramic paper. I've found it a brilliant printer, does CD's, has a paper tray (with which you can do duplex printing) and a seperate feeder with a fairly straight run through the printer, good for doing greetings cards, business cards and the like.

Just about the only bit of Canon kit I would own. Especially as you can get it for £59 from Amazon, P&P free. Light years ahead of my original Epson (a 640!), streets ahead of the Canon i850 I had before this one (and nearly a third of the price).

Dan

Hi Dan
Thanks for that, particularly the reference to Panoramic 210 X 594mm as that is what I am after. Pity it does not do edge-to-edge at that size, but I am not sure the other makes do in their lower end machines.

Having owned Canon printers, camertas, scanners, fax machines, and photo-copiers over the years, I agree the only thing I would get is a printer from them. A success of branding and techie thinking over imagination I think, but for printers it seems to work.

I must also look at the iP5300 - I think that might also fit the bill, but it might be short of the extra black cartidge.

One other question - what is it like for black and white prints? Can it be fitted with the appropriate grey inks?

Regards

Graham

I've only ever printed one black and white on it, as I've only had it a couple of months and haven't had the need. It wasn't too bad, but would need some playing to get it neutral - was a bit magentary. Don't know that you can get grey inks for it, I've only ever seen these advertised for Epsons. The tanks on the Canon are chipped, but I don't know what difference that would make.

Dan

Thanks
Graham

Hi. Just learned a new trick.
Download the appropriate driver and instal it (without the printer) then check properties. Its obvious when you think about it.
Now I guess all you bright guys out there already knew that, but since you did not mention it I have passed it on for the benefit of those who are stoooopid like me.
Graham

Never thought of that!

Dan