14 DAY TRIAL // Canon yesterday announced two additions to their imagePROGRAF series of large format printers, namely the imagePROGRAF iPF9100 and imagePROGRAF iPF8100.
The new models will replace the imagePROGRAF iPF9000 and iPF8000 models, and incorporate an 80 GB hard drive, and the newly reformulated Gray, Photo Gray, Black and Matte Black LUCIA inks for enhanced monochrome prints.
According the company's press release, "the reformulated inks help the iPF9100 and iPF8100 reduce the occurrence of "bronzing," a phenomenon in which printed colors take on a metallic hue depending on the angle at which they are viewed. Canon's LUCIA inks help the imagePROGRAF printers achieve smooth natural image expression with minimal graininess, and better ink adhesion for improved scratch resistance."
In terms of features, the two models are virtually identical and can only be differentiated by the maximum print dimensions. The imagePROGRAF iPF9100 is able to output prints at up to 60 inches, around 1.5 meters, in width while the iPF8100 printer stops at 44 inches, 1.1 meters.
Both models use Canon's new 12-color inkset featuring LUCIA pigmented inks with Red, Blue, Green, Cyan, Photo Cyan, Magenta, Photo Magenta, Yellow, and reformulated Black, Matte Black, Gray and Photo Gray. The brand's proprietary L-COA controller processes high resolution files quickly and accurately. For the iPF9100 and iPF8100 models, L-COA's new intelligent screen dot pattern and precise ink drop control eliminate visible dot graininess to an even higher level than their predecessor's.
The imagePROGRAF iPF9000 and iPF8000 units make use of the proprietary FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print-head technology and dual print head design incorporating a total of 30,720 ink nozzles, (2,560 nozzles per color). The new print heads help the imagePROGRAF iPF9100 and iPF8100 achieve a maximum resolution of up to 2400 x 1200 dpi, while the new print head design includes an improved dithering pattern and uniform four picoliter droplet size. Each printer features automatic clogged nozzle detection to help reduce wear-and-tear on the print heads, and ensure excellent print quality throughout their long life.
Professional prints don't come cheap and the imagePROGRAF iPF9100 and iPF8100 printers only reinforce this idea. The two models will be available through authorized Canon U.S.A. dealers in November 2007 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $14,995 and $5,995, respectively.
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