Canon has at last produced a photo-quality wide format printer, the Canon BJ-W9000. After stumbling with the low quality Selex-based BJ-W7000, Canon has now proven it can match both HP and Epson in photo-realistic quality. The earlier BJ-W7000 and earlier Canon models are reportedly developed around the older Selex system, which was okay several years ago perhaps but is not as good as even an Encad today.

The Selex-Canon was especially prone to banding defects, also a problem with most piezo-electric systems. In distinction, the new six color 1200 dpi system matches HP in virtually all aspects, especially high speed. All that is missing with the new Canon is UV pigmented inks for longevity. Only dye-based inks are available for the BJ-W9000. But that will soon change, since Canon introduced pigmented ink with their new imagePROGRAF W8200 already in Europe (at CeBIT in March).

Newer imagePROGRAF W7250

Canon now offers a 24" model, the image PROGRAF W7250. 24" is where all the entry level action is. HP has no 24" pigmented ink version of its top model 5000 either, only 42" and 60". This is because pay-for-print, repro shops and all the commercial and in-house installations want the wider format. It’s primarily individuals, SOHO, and beginners who prefer the 24" models. Thus Epson has gobbled up virtually this entire 24" market with its pigmented ink version of the Epson 7600, since the Encad Chroma 24 offers only a weak 300 dpi and just four colors.

The FLAAR Report on the Canon W7250 is now available, as part of the Series on printers for signs. Actually the printer is targeted for proofing, quick print, print for pay, and comparable markets.

Finally, pigmented inks for the Canon imagePROGRAF printers

CeBIT is a tradeshow in Europe. Canon used this venue to show its prototype for pigmented inks. It is called the imagePROGRAF W8200 Pigment. Here is a quote from a person who saw the printer at work: “The colors looked great. Bright gamuts, fast drying time and no problems at all during the complete CeBit. Printer was literally printing 8 hours a day.” (Robert Eisfeld, Bonn, Germany)

Another nice feature of the Canon series of inkjet printers is that they work well with PosterJet software RIP. The PosterJet company has an outlet in the USA, namely Scarab Graphics. Here you can get info, help, tips, and answers to your queries. Contact is Ken Stokes, telephone (800) 350-1366 FAX (805) 684-7090, e-mail ken@scarabgraphics.com

If you have a Canon printer outside the USA, e-mail contact is RIPinfo@PosterJet.de. If you do not get response let us know (FLAARtest@aol.com) and we will see if there is another e-mail for them.

The general feel is that if Canon can produce a full 1200 x 1200 dpi (more than 1200 x 600) or a true 2400 dpi printer, with durable archival pigmented inks, that this will be competitive against Roland, Mutoh, and Mimaki, plus regain market share from Epson.

If you are unsure which FLAAR report is best for you, just write us and explain what you intend to print, whether this is for commercial use or in a small fledging business, whether you are new to this or already have another inkjet printer, and so on. This way our staff can judge which FLAAR reports are most appropriate for you.

Canon is introducing two new printers in summer 2005: Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 and Canon imagePROGRAF W6400.