Lexmark Z65

Photo printing hasn't been a strong point of Lexmark printers in the past, with Epson and Canon being the forerunners in this area. However, thanks to Lexmark's new print head, the Z65's photo results were much improved.

Our A4 photo test printed in nine minutes and 48 seconds at the maximum settings using Epson glossy photo paper, and the results looked great at a distance. However, taking a closer look revealed some fine banding, and the composite colour make-up was also evident in some areas, although not to the same degree as HP's DeskJet 960c (see Labs, issue 92, p76). In fact, general photo quality was slightly better than both the Epson C70 and the HP DeskJet 960c - a statement that certainly couldn't have been made about Lexmark's previous inkjets.

Naturally, six- or seven-colour photo printers, such as Epson's stunning Stylus Photo 950, produce much richer, fuller and pleasing results, but considering the Z65's price its photo results are excellent.

The Lexmark Z65 is distinctly different from the inkjet printers we're accustomed to from Lexmark. By redesigning the print head, the company has brought the photo quality into line with other four-colour printers from HP, Epson and Canon.

However, Lexmark's traditional black text quality seems to have suffered as a result, lagging behind similarly priced competition from HP and Epson. For £99, the Z65 is still a good printer, but Epson's C70 or HP's DeskJet 960c are better all-rounders.

Author: Gareth Ogden