I have just purchased an HP5180. I have been looking and comparing prices and features the last 2months! I went in and had the store do a scan and a photo print so I could compare different machines. The photo quality on mine is good along with the copying. The 5180 and 6180 are very similar except for a few extras on the 6180.The 6180 has a fax and I think if I remember right an automatic paper feed that the 5180 doesn't have. Of course you pay more for those features. I have a fax and didn't want to pay the extra and in my own way of thinking, I thought the automatic paper feed was one more thing to go wrong and if the paper doesn't feed properly
The Cannon MP600 was good too, but my 15 yr old printer was hp and hp is still highly reccomended--I don't think you can go wrong on it.