Canon Europe Press Release

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 9600 x2400 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 96004x2400dpi and 1 picolitre5
· 3 x premium photo printers: 96004x2400dpi, 1 picolitre5, 5-ink, PictBridge compatible and wireless connectivity (iP5200R)
· 2 x slim-line, 4800 x1200dpi, 2 picolitre5 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 48006 dpi or better with 2 or 1 picolitre droplets5,
· 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

1 Full-Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering.
2 All figures are estimates based on accelerated tests and are not guaranteed. 100 year figure applies to PR-101, PP-101, SG-101, GP-401, GP-501 media, images stored behind plastic cover sheet. 3 3 30 year figure applies to PR-101 and PP-101 media, 10 year figure to PR-101 only. Lightfastness and gasfastness figures assume a typical indoor environment avoiding direct sunlight.
4 Ink droplets can be placed with a minimum pitch of 1/9600 inch (maximum printing resolution).
5 Minimum droplet size.
6 Ink droplets can be placed with a minimum pitch of 1/4800 inch (maximum printing resolution).