Canon newer imagePROGRAF printer at Photokina 02 with Posterjet

Canon BJ-W9000 is much better than older BJ-W7000

Several years ago Canon finally produced a photo-quality wide format printer , the Canon BJ-W9000. All of their recent printers are superior to the former Selex-based BJ-W7000. Canon’s latest printers have proven they can match both HP and Epson in achieving photo-realistic prints.

The BJ-W7000 Selex-Canon printer was especially prone to banding defects, which was also a problem with most piezo-electric systems. In contrast, the new six color 1200 dpi W9000 system matches HP in virtually all aspects, especially high speed. All that was missing with the BJ-W9000 was UV pigmented inks for longevity. Only dye-based inks were available for the BJ-W9000. But this has change d since Canon introduced pigmented ink with their new imagePROGRAF w8200.

Newer imagePROGRAF W7250

Canon now offers a 24" dye ink model, the imagePROGRAF W7250. 24" is where all the entry level action is. In early 2004 Canon introduced a 24" pigmented ink model, their imagePROGRAF W6200.

HP has no 24" pigmented ink version of its top model 550 0, only 42" and 60" because P ay-for- Print, repro shops and all the commercial and in-house installations want the wider format. It's primarily individuals, SOH O , and beginners who prefer the 24" models. Epson has virtually gobbled up the entire 24" market with its pigmented ink version of the Epson 7600 due to HP’s lack of a 24” model and the Encad Chroma ’s weak 300 dpi and limited colors. But the Canon 6200 quality is as good as the Epson 7600, plus the ink costs less and the Canon is notably faster.

*Note: The FLAAR Report on the Canon W7250 is now available, is available as part of the Series on printers for signs.

Pigmented inks for the Canon imagePROGRAF printers

The general feeling is that the new Canon printers with their durable archival pigmented inks will be competitive against Roland, Mutoh, and Mimaki. They may also regain market share from Epson.

Another nice feature of the Canon series of inkjet printers is that they work well with PosterJet software RIP. The PosterJet Company’s United States distributor is Scarab Graphics. They provide information, help, tips, and answers to your queries. They are also a Canon dealer. Contact is Ken Stokes, tel .: (800) 350-1366 F ax: (805) 684-7090, e-mail ken@scarabgraphics.com .

If you have a Canon printer outside the United States, contact is RIPinfo@PosterJet.de . If you do not get response let us know by e-mailing ReaderService@FLAAR.org.

If you are unsure which FLAAR report is best for yo u please email us and explain what you intend to print, whether it is for commercial use or in a small business, whether you are new to large format printing, have another inkjet printer, and soon. This information will allow our staff to 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.