Canon launches three new imagePROGRAF large format models - the 44-inch imagePROGRAF iPF8300, and the 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and iPF6300. Designed to deliver the highest quality output achievable in today’s aqueous large format printing market, the models feature Canon’s new 12-colour LUCIA EX pigment ink system and innovative printing technology to produce prints with increased accuracy and an extended colour range to fulfil professional users' demands for more sophisticated print quality.

• Three new large format models - 44-inch imagePROGRAF iPF8300, and the 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and iPF6300 - for professional photographic, proofing and graphic arts markets
• Increased rigidity of printer carriage delivers print precision required for proofing
• New 12-colour LUCIA EX pigment ink system produces outstanding colour and print quality
• Broader compatibility with third party solutions

Responding to the growing demand for high quality, large format prints in the professional photographic, proofing and fine art markets, Canon’s newly developed, 12-colour LUCIA EX pigment ink system enables the imagePROGRAF iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 to deliver a colour gamut approximately 20% wider than the previous imagePROGRAF iPFx100 series and to offer superior colour reproduction. The introduction of the LUCIA EX ink system enables the production of higher quality prints with denser, sharper blacks and smooth colour gradations, as well as the reproduction of the finest details in the shadow areas of photographs.  The new inks are also designed with an innovative polymer structure that results in greater scratch resistance and protection from colour fading, while also reducing bronzing and metamerism to ensure durable, stable output.

The rigidity of the mechanical structure of the new models has also been increased to enable more precise ink placement, resulting in improved line and text accuracy and colour uniformity.  With this superior level of image precision, the new imagePROGRAF devices merit consideration by any professional seeking a colour proofing solution.

Extending the imagePROGRAF’s compatibility with third party RIP vendors, the new models are all supported  by RIPs released by major vendors such as CGS, ColorGATE, DEV studio, EFI, Eisfeld (PosterJet), GMG, ONYX Graphics and SCP to facilitate a range of print applications, including proofs, designs and commercial photos.  This level of compatibility means that users will be able to take advantage of the exceptional print quality of the new imagePROGRAF devices without changing their existing workflows.

Acknowledging also the growing range of media options for large format printers and to further improve the versatility of the new imagePROGRAF models, Canon has developed a new Media Configuration Tool, which allows customers not only to use genuine Canon-branded media, but also to add and make adjustments to paper settings to enhance the precision and quality of output achieved with third party media.  Compatible ICC profiles of popular media types from InteliCoat, Hahnemuehle, Ilford and Sihl are available for download on their respective corporate web sites, and Canon has also collaborated with hardware manufacturers, Colortrac and Contex, in developing a complete scan to print solution.

The new line-up features a colour calibration function that uses an internal high-performance multi-sensor to precisely detect, adjust and compensate for variations in density among print heads, providing stable colour reproduction and accurate colour matching.  The colour calibration function is easily accessible through the printer operation panel and the entire calibration process can be easily completed in ten minutes.

To fully capitalize on the dynamic colour gamut of the new LUCIA EX ink set, each new imagePROGRAF model employs two advanced one-inch print heads, each featuring 2,560 nozzles per colour and outputting a super fine four picolitre (pl) droplet at a full 2400x1200 dots-per-inch resolution (dpi) to reproduce details with a high degree of accuracy and clarity.

To support high-volume printing and streamline workflows, the Canon iPF8300 and iPF6350 come equipped with an 80 GB high-capacity hard disk drive (HDD) that allows for faster spooling of large files as well as the ability to reprint jobs directly from the printer.  To ensure the highest level of productivity and reduce overall print time, all new models are also equipped with a standard gigabit Ethernet network interface and an automatic dual-blade cutter.

“Key findings in Canon’s own Insight research reports over the past two years have pinpointed large format as a growing business opportunity for a number of print-related market sectors.  We are therefore responding to that demand by introducing innovative digital imaging technology in this new line of imagePROGRAF large format solutions.  Delivering large format prints of outstanding quality and with the broadest available colour gamut, while maintaining optimum running costs and productivity, the new devices will help professional users to meet the demands of their customers and improve their business performance, without the need to invest in new workflows.” - Yuichi Miyano, Director of Large Format Solutions, Canon Europe Ltd.

The new imagePROGRAF 8300, 6350 and 6300 models will be available at Digit Bt. from 1st April 2010.