After getting the Canon i960 printer, I had to try this paper. One it was cheap. And two, the diverse reviews here intrigued me to no end. After making a few prints on this paper, I began to think I knew why the paper was so cheap...it was THAT bad!
Then, when I came to do a review, I fortunately read the one that cautioned printing on the right side of the paper. There was a right side? I then read the directions with the paper--there is indeed a right side, and it is whiter than the back. It will be hard for some to tell the difference. But the difference from printing on the right side and the wrong side is truly astounding! I'm a big glossy paper fan, but there is a nice look to this matte paper. And it is MUCH cheaper than the Photo Paper Pro. It is also much cheaper than buying greeting card paper.
But be aware, the money you save not buying more expensive photo paper will be going to buying more ink. Compared to glossy paper, this paper drinks ink. I've been making calendars with it, and was shocked to see the way the ink was consumed. Yet, I can't see making calendars with any paper than this. It makes beautiful calendars! I print a borderless 8x10 photo, using my Canon photo software on the bright white side, and a calendar page, using my calendar software, on the opposite side. The pages bind very easily with a 1/4 inch plastic binding comb. And as I said, it makes a strikingly beautiful photo calendar.
Thus, if you have only one type of Canon paper on hand, I would have this one. But if you can't give up the glossy look for photos, it won't work for you. Personally, I prefer using Kodak paper when making glossy prints on my Canon. And Kodak has a satin finished paper, but there is the Kodak name all over the back. One of the great things about this Canon paper is you can print on both sides. But do make certain you know the front from the back, before printing a photo. Canon Matte Photo Paper, 8.5 x 11 Inches, 50 Sheets (7981A004)
I have a Canon PowerShot G3 and a Canon S900 printer. I've tried all of the Canon papers, and they all produce excellent output. I had been using mostly the Photo Paper Pro, assuming that the most expensive paper produced the best output. However, my testing shows that for most photos, I actually prefer the output of this Matte Photo Paper. I found that the color of most objects and people looks more natural with the matte paper. Best of all, this paper is less than 25% the cost of the Photo Paper Pro on a per sheet basis. If you're using one of the Canon photo printers, you definitely need to try this paper out. I think you'll find the output excellent and the value outstanding.
I use this paper with my Canon printer. It is so reasonably priced that I use it to "proof" prints before printing on a more expensive glossy paper. It gives good color depth and fidelity. The color fidelity is good enough to use it for a final print or as a preview paper. Highlights and shadows are good. I haven't had the prints exposed long enough to see how color fast they are. I have had problems with some of the Canon color papers when it comes to color durability whent the prints were exposed to light and L.A. "air" (smog) for even short periods of time. The particular problem was with blacks degrading over a period of only a few monthes with their Canon Photo Paper Plus glossy paper. Plain copy paper prints held up fine but I want to test this matte paper in the same conditions. If you can't hang your pictures on your refrigerator with magnets, what else is left in life? Canon only tests for colorfast under glass and carefully evades quesions about exposed prints like the plague. (4 emails to Canon Tech Dept....evaded answering my question specifically times 4)
Under incandescent light, it can be very difficult to tell which side of the paper to print on. I use a cheap, battery-powered blacklight. One side is very dull under blacklight, the other side is brilliant. That's the side to print on.
When you go choose to print photos at a local developer, a lot of times you get to choose "matte" or "glossy". Matte usually being a textured form of glossy, and sometimes giving the photo a more lifelike appearance. When you get professional photos ordered, they are usually more of a "matte" finish rather than a shiny glossy. This matte "photo" paper is more like card stock. It is a very thick paper, but nothing like a matte paper that you would order professionally. Now, granted this paper is very inexpensive at 8.99 per 50 pages and the other canon papers are a bit more expensive - at 55 cents per page of 8.5 x 11 Canon Photo Pro paper and 40 cents per page of Photo Plus Glossy. I've used all 3 papers and have found the Photo Paper Plus Glossy to be the best for your money. The Plus Glossy really looks just as good as the Pro does and is less expensive. I haven't tested the papers with long term quality to see if pictures fade over time, but as for now the prints are amazing. I am using the Canon Rebel XT camera and the Canon MP500 printer. They have produced professional looking prints that look truly amazing. I am very satisfied with Canon (I've also tried HP). But the Matte paper isn't Canon's best product.
Pros: Inexpensive. Good for non-photo printing - cards, calenders, etc.
Cons: Not professional Matte quality. Plus Glossy is best photo printing for your $. - Matte - Printer Paper - Canon Paper - Canon'
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