If you're trying to print a big notice, a motivational poster or covers for an A4 document, an A4 printer just won't do. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of A3 devices around and they needn't cost the earth to buy.

Comparatively quick photo print; Telescopic paper supports for small footprint; 9,600dpi max resolution

No memory card slots or PictBridge; No LCD display; No wireless connection

If you need A3 printouts then the Canon Pixma iX6550 is a pretty decent option mainly due to its fairly speedy output and the high quality results it produces. However, given the lack of extras such as Wi-Fi and PictBridge support, it seems a bit pricey next to the competition.

Supports A3 printing; High 9,600-dpi maximum resolution; Fast printing speed

No memory cards slots or PictBridge support; No Wi-Fi connectivity

I have a Kodak hero 7.1 for general printing and scanning and I only got the Canon for printing photo,s ,this it does very well. I printed a photo on both the kodak and the canon and boy what a difference canon wins hands down, Very pleased with printer.

Great photo printer

Nothing so far

Canon's PIXMA iX6550 inkjet printer doesn't have a scanner, copier, automatic document feeder, auto-duplex or any other complicated circuitry to confuse you - all it does is print documents and photos from the tiny 6x4in size all the way to A3+.

Compact; Good print quality

No networking; Flimsy plastic build quality

Canon's PIXMA iX6550 inkjet printer doesn't have a scanner, copier, automatic document feeder, auto-duplex or any other complicated circuitry to confuse you - all it does is print documents and photos from the tiny 6x4in size all the way to A3+.

Compact; Good print quality

No networking; Flimsy plastic build quality

Canon's PIXMA iX6550 inkjet printer doesn't have a scanner, copier, automatic document feeder, auto-duplex or any other complicated circuitry to confuse you - all it does is print documents and photos from the tiny 6x4in size all the way to A3+.

The only real market for an A3 printer should be folks who regularly need to print at up to A3 size. For anyone else a number of multifunction printers, including several of Canon's own would serve their purposes better, with perhaps a trip to the local photo shop for any special A3 orders.

Up to A3 printing; Very compact for an A3 printer; Fair print speeds; especially for A3; Good print quality

USB cable not supplied; No other networking options; Confusing page yield quotes make office economising difficult; Plastic construction feels cheap

The Canon PIXMA iX6550 is announced as the most compact printer, this is the latest A3 model to be released. This printer has been designed for individuals and small companies. This printer is very reliable and probably one of my favourites, it is really good for those who want a decent A3 printer.

Photo quality is good

Low on features

Canon's PIXMA iX6550 inkjet printer doesn't have a scanner , copier, automatic document feeder, auto-duplex or any other complicated circuitry to confuse you - all it does is print documents and photos from the tiny 6x4in size all the way to A3+.

Compact; Good print quality

No networking; Flimsy plastic build quality

Canon's PIXMA iX6550 inkjet printer doesn't have a scanner, copier, automatic document feeder, auto-duplex or any other complicated circuitry to confuse you - all it does is print documents and photos from the tiny 6x4in size all the way to A3+.