Here are the two press releases from Canon, click on each of the printers for further details. I will be doing a full interactive review on one of the new PIXMA printers as soon as one is available. My initial thoughts are that the design is more streamlined than the first PIXMA printers, I like the silver trim and rounded corners and especially some of the features in the new printer software. It will also be interesting to see just how much difference there is between the BJ6 and ChromaLife inks. The only downer on this whole story is that the ChromaLife inks are not backward compatible with older printers (including the first PIXMA range)

Stay tuned.

Canon launches 13 designer PIXMA photo lab printers

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of 13 designer PIXMA photo printer models, including 5 multifunctionals. The launch meets a rapidly accelerating photo printer market, which has grown by over 123% in 2004.

The next generation PIXMA printers are up to 58% faster than previous models, in some cases producing borderless photolab quality prints 10x15cm in approx 36 seconds. “People are placing increasing importance on speed and print quality,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “That we can increase both simultaneously is the key competitive advantage of Canon’s FINE technology”.

With this new PIXMA range Canon will focus on communicating photo print speeds rather than traditional document page per minute (ppm) figures.” With the increasing demand for photo printers consumers expect a more transparent indicator of how fast they can print a photo” said Jensen.

In a move that illustrates Canon’s commitment to photo printing, the imaging giant recently announced a $100 million (US) investment in a new ink jet manufacturing facility in Vietnam. ”With this new PIXMA range, our objective is to take number 1 position in Europe in home photo printing,” noted Jensen.

Patented by Canon, FINE is a semi-conductor manufacturing technique that produces super-charged print heads with as many as 6144 microscopic nozzles.

Introduced in July 2004, the PIXMA brand combined elegant styling with FINE’s super-fast photolab quality printing. “This comprehensive overhaul and expansion of the PIXMA product range just one year after its introduction is the clearest sign yet of our commitment to photo printing,” said Jensen.

The introduction of Canon’s new ChromaLife100 system across the range also improves fade resistance. ChromaLife100 produces prints that resist fading for 100 years when stored in an album. Prints exposed unframed to the air resist fading for 10 years if printed on Photo Paper Pro (PR-101).

Intended to cover every market segment and consumer preference, the range includes:

• 5 x multifunctional “photo centres” with up to 9600x2400 dpi 1 picolitre photo printing, from entry level MP150 through to premium model MP800 all featuring excellent connectivity and stand-alone photo functionality
• 3 x photo direct printers: 6-ink, excellent connectivity, up to 9600 4x2400dpi and 1 picolitre 5
• 3 x premium photo printers: 9600 4x2400dpi, 1 picolitre 5, 5-ink, PictBridge compatible and wireless connectivity (iP5200R)
• 2 x slim-line, 4800x1200dpi, 2 picolitre 5 entry level photo printers

FINE technology also ensures that all PIXMA printers also have exceptional document print speeds and quality.

Photo capability

Together with the significant speed improvements and excellent quality levels derived from FINE technology, photo printing functionality and versatility is a key capability across the range. Extensive connectivity options such as PictBridge, IrDA, memory card slots and optional Bluetooth ® provide direct connection for digital cameras, digital video cameras and mobile phone. All products feature

• Faster, borderless A4 photo printing,
• Maximum printing resolutions of 4800 6 dpi or better with 2 or 1 picolitre droplets 5,
• Extensive software that works seamlessly with the printers to maximise output quality and ensure ease of use.

Advanced media handling

Consistent with the PIXMA line introduced last year, most products in the range feature ‘advanced media handling’ – a term used by Canon to describe the extensive media processing options available. For many models, these include

• Capacity to print to special DVD/CD media
• Both 'J' pass and 'U' turn paper paths, allowing storage and operation on a shelf or other areas where space is at a premium
• Auto duplex printing

The new PIXMA range – long lasting photos from fast, elegant printers

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of a full range of 13 stylish PIXMA personal photolab printers and multifunctionals. Walks to the high street photo lab are a thing of the past with these state-of-the-art photo printers, which deliver prints at high speeds: models such as the PIXMA MP800 will print a 10 x 15cm borderless lab quality photo in approx 36 seconds.

To keep things simple, most devices will print straight from most contemporary digital cameras without the need for a PC and some even have wireless connectivity (IrDA and/or optional Bluetooth ®) – ideal for printing photos direct from camera mobile phones. Many print direct from digital camera memory cards and the MP800 will even print straight from old negatives.

Following in the PIXMA tradition of matching elegant design with leading edge technology, these stylish devices are designed to feel right at home, even in the most contemporary interiors.

A complete range

The extensive PIXMA range has a printer or multifunctional to suit every need.

• 5 x multifunctional “photo centres” with up to 9600x2400 dpi 1 picolitre photo printing, from entry level MP150 through to premium model MP800 all featuring excellent connectivity and stand-alone photo functionality
• 3 x photo direct printers: 6-ink, excellent connectivity, up to 9600 2x2400dpi and 1 picolitre 3
• 3 x premium photo printers: 9600 2x2400dpi, 1 picolitre 3, 5-ink, PictBridge compatible and wireless connectivity (iP5200R)
• 2 x slim-line, 4800x1200dpi, 2 picolitre 3 entry level photo printers

Outstanding photos in the home

Each of the printers can generate flawless A4 borderless prints, exceptionally high resolution using microscopic one or two picolitre 4 ink droplets – meaning that all the images are high contrast and free of grain. All PIXMA devices also print fast, superb quality documents.

No fading

21 August, 2005