Main Review

Both scans and photo prints offer good dynamic range and deep blacks, and a welcome lack of over-saturation that can blight cheap printers. And the RX520 achieves very good photo print quality while making do without extra ‘photo’ ink shades. On the downside, the RX420 is slow, taking seven minutes to print a borderless A4 print using best quality driver settings. Another concern is the longevity of the RX520’s dye-based inks compared to some rivals. Scanning speed was more respectable, only being beaten by the HP 3210 at 300ppi, for example. Despite its tiny LCD screen’ the RX520 worked well when direct printing from memory cards. As long as you’re patient when it comes to printing times, the RX520 is well worth looking at.

Verdict

Ignoring print speed, the Epson RX520 proved to be a great all-round performer, with sharp scans and prints, and refreshingly neutral colours and deep blacks. But the RX520 makes you wait for your prints, though the scanner section proved fast.

Reviewer: WDC Team