Canon TC-20m printer review. 24" roll paper, pigment ink based ink-tank printer.

[@evolutionofarrin3759]

Thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - appreciate that!

[@GeryTeague]

Hi Keith, I've watched so many of your videos (all of the TC-20) and read your review on your amazing site. It looks like the main differences between the TC-20 and TA-20 are: [1] The TA-20 has an adapter to take the 3inch cores and has more room for them. [2] The TA-20 can take significantly thicker stock. [3] The TA-20 has five inks instead of four. [4] The TA-20 can print borderless. [5] The TA-20 can print on several different sized cut sheets. Now, [4] and [5] are not quality differences, but [1] [2] and [3] are because with [1] you have a broader selection of paper types with 3" cores and [2] you can also use a wider variety of paper and [3] possibly the 5th ink would help. What are your thoughts on the TA-20 vs the TC-20. Much appreciated. I LOVE your detailed write-ups -- if you couldn't tell! Cheers!

[@KeithCooper]

The TA-20 looks more flexible in many ways, but no ink tanks. Only 4 inks are used at the same time. The TC-20M inks are relatively expensive though I've not tested one though, so I don't know much more than by a look at the specs

[@GeryTeague]

@@KeithCooperthank you so much for taking the time to respond. I've read elsewhere that they have the same print heads and I can see from the specs that they have the same dpi which makes me think that the TA-20 would be very similar in print resolution and quality and have the added benefit of different sized cut sheets and thicker paper. Thanks again Keith!! Your content is amazing!

[@aiCorner]

Great review Keith! I have seen most of your videos in last few days, especially TC-20M ones where you covered every possible details incredibly! Thank you very much for your kind review. I am wondering how good is TC-20M's scanner. In a photo in your written review (under the title 'Scanning') I see a picture where you showed original, scanned and printed-from-scan photos side by side. Looks like scan from TC-20M makes darker areas way more darker - it's not neutral at all - hence the print came out dark as well. What could be the reason? Or am I missing something? BTW I am planning to buy a TC-20 or 20M. Your advice is highly appreciated.

[@KeithCooper]

thanks - in the example, I'm using the scanner purely as a copier - there are some adjustments for this, but I'd not expect particularly great results in this area. If I was scanning photos I'd be exporting the images into software, to then print with an icc profile. The scanner seems to work quite well, but using the printer to make photo enlargements from it is going to be hit and miss.

[@aiCorner]

@@KeithCooperThank you very much! I have ordered a TC-20M and an Asus ProArt monitor.

[@eyedearsb]

Great review. I am curious how it would compare to the gp-200 that includes the pinkfluorescent ink. Any ideas if it would be a better choice for a budget photo printer

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks The pink ink is purely for graphic use - it's almost impossible to profile the printer for photo use with it enabled... For this printer, see my actual [written] review

[@eyedearsb]

@@KeithCooper been searching all over your site. Couldn’t find it. Could you provide a link

[@KeithCooper]

Of the TC-20M - www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@kjincanada]

Thank you Keith for the great video. I just bought this printer and trying to print on a 11x17 sheet, but the printer keeps asking to load the roll paper. I already chose the paper type and it keeps showing the error. Do you know if I am able to print sheets without loading roll paper? Appreciate it.

[@KeithCooper]

it takes A3 - 11x17 isn't a size here, so I don't know. Is it listed in the driver? Did you see my actual [written] review? www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/ It covers all my testing.

[@rachelblack3816]

This may be a late reply, but I understand this printer requires roll paper for the initial set-up; after the set-up is finished, sheet paper can be used as well as roll.

[@kjincanada]

@@rachelblack3816 thank you Rachel!!!

[@ThoughtCastles]

Red River paper makes 2inch adapter for their 3inch rolls. With this printer, would I still run into the issue of the rolls being too thick or wide to feed, regardless of the core adapter?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - there is a limited physical space

[@ThoughtCastles]

@@KeithCooper thank you for the response, before I invested! Love your videos- thank you for making them.

[@eltroopertekken]

Muchas gracias por el review, ha sido de mucha ayuda. 🎉

[@KeithCooper]

thanks

[@krzysiekgnat]

I heard the opinion that Canon TM-300 (PFI-120) ink can be poured into PFI-050 containers and used in the TC-20 plotter. Have any of you tried it?

[@KeithCooper]

Nope - the printer I had here was a loan from Canon ;-) Interesting idea though ;-)

[@krzysiekgnat]

@@KeithCooper local dealer in Poland told mi that the head is similar to TM300 and its the cheapest way to print on genuine Canon ink :)

[@matjazgrafik]

No borderless print, but feeder for A4 an A3 format, which TM series don't have.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - this is the only one of these I've tested.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Did Canon give up producing the p9000 style printers?

[@KeithCooper]

"p9000' - Not a range I know, I'm afraid - maybe a different number here?

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@KeithCooper hmmm, pixma pro 9000. I don’t see these type on Canon’s web site anymore. Looks like Epson is the deal now.

[@KeithCooper]

IIRC the [2006] 9000 became the [2009] 9000 mkII, then the [2013] PRO-100 which became the [2020] PRO-200 See the timeline at the top of: www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-printer-news-updates-and-rumours/

[@thomastuorto9929]

thanks.@@KeithCooper

[@leniealexisdesigns]

What is the big difference between the cartridge and the bottles. I am trying to figure out if I should buy this one or the other one.

[@KeithCooper]

Ink carts generally work out a lot more expensive for ink Work out the price per ml. of ink...

[@RoommateWiLLE]

Thank you for the review! Can this print on printable vinyl to heat press on shirts?

[@KeithCooper]

Couldn't say - that's not a media I've ever tested

[@RoommateWiLLE]

@@KeithCooper thank you for responding promptly.

[@pinshaw]

Keith, thank you for review, do you know i the ink tanks have a level sensor on them to detect when ink is low? I know hte epson version doesnt and it has caused issues. do you know if you could run jsut black ink only? or if all inks need to have ink in them? interested in using it for silkscreen applications. thank you in advance

[@KeithCooper]

There are no sensors in any ink tank printer that I know of - levels are always estimates. Missing inks will likely blow a print head...

[@parteekarora367]

I need a printer to print outdoor banners/ large printable stickers on Vinyl. you don't recommend this printer since its not purpose built for that kind of of use. However, what if you where to laminate it. will that last outdoors?

[@KeithCooper]

That might help, but the inks are probably not that lightfast in such use There are good reasons printers and ink-sets are made for such use... ;-)

[@parteekarora367]

@@KeithCooper You absolutely right and i agree 100%, but those printer (Roland/Mimaki - eco solvent/latex etc) cost at least north of 5k. my need is seasonal signage, which only need to last for 6 to 10 months outdoors at max. Do you think these inks can at lease last that long when coupled with a UV reflective lamination?

[@KeithCooper]

I suspect they would - Printed on a 'waterproof' paper and they were out a couple of weeks - but in UK weather! - see the written review for details

[@kandymau]

Hey Keith, in my small business I make agendas and currently use the Epson 1300. However, I'm considering switching to the TC-20m. I need to use high-quality printing, so I work with adhesive and couche paper, wich came in sheets. Can I use the TC-20m with only sheets? Do you recommend making the switch, or is there a better model?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - I've no idea what "couche paper" is and never used any adhesive papers... The TC-20M is limited to A3 See the range of media I tried in the main [i.e. written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@Dstonephoto]

Simple question. If image sensors and displays rely on three colors for their filters, why cant printers. Could imaging sensors or displays render better color if they utilised more dyes in their color filter arrays?

[@KeithCooper]

It's the difference between additive and subtractive colours and the imperfect nature of inks in their spectral response Multispectral imaging is a thing, but the role of most cameras is to produce images which look right to the human eye not which accurately reflect the spectral makeup of incident light. This is one where my next step is to recommend getting a copy of 'Real World Color Management' [Fraser et al.] That and look up the CIE model on WP en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIE_1931_color_space

[@Dstonephoto]

@@KeithCooper thanks. I presumed that maybe the additive vs subtractive nature would come into play, but then got confused. Its one of those topics i think that i understand - until I dont. I thought digital displays used additive colors, like imaging sensors. I assume that the workflow pipeline also comes into play here, hence why RGB is still so common, due to displays , drivers , etc? Thanks for the book recommendation.

[@Sqeek17]

Hi Keith! I'm an illustration student looking for a printer to sell prints, stickers and mabe books of my own, i was thinking of getting this printer since its price is good- my print knowledge isnt great so i have some questions Why is 4 inks a bad thing? Dont the inks combine to make all colours needed? The 2 inch roll limits what papers can be used, cant i just cut the papers i wanf to use to size and run it through? Or tape the apper i want to a tube that fits? Thirdly, you dont reccomend this printer for fine art prints... but from your video i thoight the prints were quite high quality! You have a better eye for it im sure- do you have any printers youd reccomend more than this one within the 2k price range for an at-home illustrator?

[@KeithCooper]

CMYK only give all the colours you need in a perfect world with perfect inks ;-) It's about the entire gamut [gradients etc] not just the boundary It's an RGB device unless you have a RIP for CMYK processing I'd want pigment ink for sellable prints - I want them to last. See more about the limitations for media at www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/ I've not tested anything similar - there is an Epson one which is worth looking at [no idea about prices - I don't track them]

[@Sqeek17]

@@KeithCooper thank you for the info 🙏 I'll keep searching

[@southbridgeforestHOA]

do the ink bottles have tops that unscrew so one can refill with cheaper 3rd party inks?

[@KeithCooper]

I think they do, but I've not got one here to check

[@ovidiu.13]

Hello Mr, is this a good printer for canvas printing? Thank you for your reviews! Greetings from Romania.

[@KeithCooper]

Depends on if you can get canvas on a 2" core roll Also, I'm not sure if the cutter is robust enough for regular use You'll also need to arrange for profiling, if image quality is of any concern...

[@ovidiu.13]

​@@KeithCooper Just ordered one! And some canvas rolls 2" core 180 gsm and 210 gsm ,18 metters x 610 mm polyester. Thank you!

[@juanpablogbdev]

If you evaluate only the print quality, which one is better for photos, ET-8550 vs Canon TC-20?

[@KeithCooper]

Easy to ask, but what do you actually mean by 'print quality'? In my experience it means a different thing to almost every person who asks... On what media?

[@juanpablogbdev]

​@@KeithCooper you are right, my question was a little ambiguous. I will reformat my question, "If we print the same image using the same A3 photo paper type and with seting up high quality print resolution what ever is for each printer, In which one would the ink drops be more noticeable in a normal distance view?". I would not compare the color because it wouldn't be fair. It is very tentative to have a 24" printer.

[@KeithCooper]

With good profiles most people would not spot the difference Of course that depends on the choice of paper and using a known good test image There are obviously some differences, but you'll have to read [not watch] my 8550 and tc-20m reviews for that... www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@juanpablogbdev]

@@KeithCooper Ok thank you for your help, I will read the 8550 review. I've already read the tc-20 review. I relly like to watch all your videos. Hopefully we have soon some news about de replacement of the Canon Pro-1000.

[@under_the_teepeeparty3177]

What can of paper roll do you use

[@KeithCooper]

For this review, see the ones I tried at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@MrComarter]

How thick paper can tc-20M print? Is it possible to print 210g PETs?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, I tried heavier than that, see www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@MrComarter]

@@KeithCooper Oh, Thank you

[@TomTRIPZ]

Keith what printer should I get for my art in A1. I have a £1000 budget.

[@KeithCooper]

Can't help much - I don't sell printers, so I don't track current prices. More importantly though, the TC-20M is the only 'budget' 24" printer I've looked at, so I don't have any similarly cheap options to suggest, where I know how well they work. See the main [written] TC-20M review for more about what I tested in this one www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@TomTRIPZ]

@@KeithCooper brilliant. Thank you kindly.

[@tevielugg3065]

can the tc-20 print on poly canvas roll?

[@KeithCooper]

Only if you can get it on 2" core

[@tevielugg3065]

​@KeithCooper Thanks for responding. I just bought this printer to print on canvases, and it works very well. It prints a little dark, though. Do you have an icc profile for it

[@Kustomdecal01]

Is there any chance this printer could print on canvas roll?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes it does - if you can get it onto a 2" core and it's not too thick. I'd suspect the cutter is not up to regular cutting of canvas though

[@iliashigin]

There is also a version of this printer without scanner (TC-20). And it is substantially cheaper.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - however, this is the one Canon lent me ;-)

[@user-tz9jh6pv2j]

@@KeithCooper Is the only difference between the TC-20 and the TC-20M the scanner?

[@KeithCooper]

@@user-tz9jh6pv2j You'll have to read the specs from Canon - I've only seen the one version.