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CANON CANADA INTRODUCES TWO NEW imagePROGRAF LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS
Latest Models Feature New LUCIA EX Ink Set, Improved Quality and Performance
MISSISSAUGA, ON, February 22, 2010 – Canon Canada Inc., a leader in digital imaging and advanced office solutions, today answers the increasing demand for large format prints in the photographic, proofing and graphic arts market with the introduction of two new imagePROGRAF large format models – the 112-centimetre (44-inch) imagePROGRAF iPF8300 and the 61-centimetre (24-inch) iPF6300. Designed for precise, ultra high-quality print performance and increased productivity, each model features Canon’s new, 12-Colour LUCIA EX pigment ink set and advanced printing technologies specifically developed to produce prints with an enhanced colour range and improved durability.
Enhanced Colour Spectrum
With increasing consumer demand for professional and high-quality print jobs, high-end graphic and photographic studios continue to seek the capability to accurately produce vivid output of consumers’ most demanding projects. To enhance its available colour spectrum, the new imagePROGRAF models feature a revolutionary all-new 12-Colour LUCIA EX pigment ink set increasing the achievable color gamut by approximately 20 per cent from the previous imagePROGRAF iPFx100 series and enabling over 90 per cent coverage of PANTONE ® (*) colors to produce rich expression. Additionally, to better meet the needs of the professional print market, the new models feature a reinforced mechanical structure to enable precise ink placement for improved text and line accuracy, making these new devices a powerful proofing solution.
Exquisite Photographic Output
The introduction of the new LUCIA EX ink provides photographers with the ability to precisely achieve their desired results by producing more expressive and crisp blacks, smooth colour gradations, and the capability to reproduce 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 ensuring durable, stable output.
Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR), the world’s leading independent image permanence testing laboratory, has been evaluating the new Canon LUCIA EX expanded-gamut, 12-colour pigment inks. Henry Wilhelm, president of WIR commented, “A review of preliminary data from the still ongoing tests indicates that prints made with LUCIA EX pigment inks and select photo and fine art papers will achieve WIR Display Permanence Ratings in excess of 75 years for colour images and well beyond 200 years for black-and-white images. In addition, LUCIA EX pigment inks exhibit excellent short-term colour drift (“dry-down”) behavior, which is critically important for colour-managed workflows and in proofing applications. The new LUCIA EX inks also achieved WIR’s highest rating for resistance to damage from atmospheric ozone, a particular concern in urban environments in situations where prints might be displayed unframed and exposed to ambient indoor air.”
Simplified Workflows
Recognizing the expanding array of media options for large format printers and to further improve the versatility of these new imagePROGRAF models, Canon has developed a new Media Configuration Tool which allows customers to not only utilize genuine Canon-branded media, but provides the ability to add and make adjustments to paper settings to enhance the precision and quality of output achieved with third-party media. Upon release of the new printer, ICC profiles of popular media types from Intelicoat, Ilford, LexJet and Moab will be available for download on their respective corporate Web sites.
To expand print options and improve proofing capabilities, the iPF8300, and iPF6300 come bundled with a new Print Plug-In for Photoshop®, Digital Photo Professional and support for Adobe Color Management Module, enabling features such as Black Point Compensation. Through the Photoshop Plug-In, each new model allows 16-bit RGB images edited in Photoshop to be sent directly to the imagePROGRAF printers, preserving smooth and high gradation.
Brian Hampton, an award-winning nature photographer printing with a Canon imagePROGRAF for the first time stated, “The quality of the print is amazing. I was particularly impressed by the iPF8300’s ability to reproduce shadow details in a way that exceeds anything I’ve seen previously on the market. It’s quite a step above the competition.” Hampton also noted the built-in workflow solutions and commented, “The ability to export out of Photoshop via the plug-in is outstanding. Many of its capabilities perform as well as an RIP program without the additional cost.”
Maximize Productivity
In order to support high-volume printing and streamline workflows the Canon iPF8300 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.
Precision Technology
To fully capitalize on the dynamic colour range of the new LUCIA EX ink set, each new imagePROGRAF model employs two advanced 2.5-centimetre (one-inch) print heads, each featuring 2,560 nozzles per colour and outputting a super fine four picoliter (pl) droplet at a full 2400×1200 dots-per-inch resolution (dpi) to reproduce details with extraordinary accuracy and clarity. Paired with enhanced plug-ins and new, High Precision Printing Modes, these new imagePROGRAF models provide an extremely high level of photographic and proofing quality prints.
About Canon Canada Inc.
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company employs 1,200 people at its offices nation-wide, servicing the Canadian market from coast to coast. Innovation and cutting-edge technology have been essential ingredients in Canon’s success. Canon’s leadership in imaging, optical and document management technology and solutions is based in large part on the thousands of patents the company has secured throughout its history. For the 16th consecutive year, Canon Inc. is among the top three US patent recipients.
The company’s comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital copiers (colour and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems and facsimile machines; calculators, digital camcorders, digital and analogue cameras and lenses; semiconductor, broadcast and other specialized industrial products.
Canon supports programs that help preserve and protect the environment. The company instituted the Clean Earth Campaign in 1990, which assists various environmental and recycling initiatives. The Campaign has also supported leading environmental organizations, such as World Wildlife Fund – Canada and the Canon Envirothon.
For more information, visit www.canon.ca
