The Canon PIXMA iP6600D printer is announced today. The Canon iP6600D offers 6 ink photo quality, 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution, 1 picolitre Micro Nozzles and FINE print head. Direct printing is supported on the iP6600D with a range of built-in image enhancement features, including Red-eye Correction, Image Optimiser and Face Brightener via a large 8.9 cm colour LCD. The Canon PIXMA iP6600D uses the new ChromaLife100 systemt for prints resist fading for 100 years when album-stored. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP6600D printer to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new photo direct PIXMA iP6600D – with ultimate connectivity.

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the addition of a new high-speed photo direct printer to the PIXMA line-up: the PIXMA iP6600D. The stylish printer features cutting edge FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology for fast, superb quality photo prints. With a host of in-built photo enhancement features, the iP6600D can print direct from a range of sources: popular memory cards , PictBridge compliant digital cameras, or mobile phones using a built in IrDA port or optional Bluetooth adaptor.

The personal photolab also features:
§ High speed direct prints: a 10 x 15 cm borderless photo prints directly in approx. 46 seconds
§ Exceptional 6 ink photo quality: maximum 9600 x 2400 dpi, 1 picolitre Micro Nozzles and FINE print head
§ 8.9 cm LCD display to aid printing without a PC, with colour display and intuitive user interface
§ Long lasting photos, with the new ChromaLife100 system
§ Canon’s new Single Ink system, with built-in LEDs
§ Dual paper trays, an integrated duplex unit and DVD/CD printing.

“This new photo direct PIXMA printer confirms Canon’s commitment to driving the rapidly developing personal photo printing market,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The print quality, connectivity and speed advantage of this printer will help secure the PIXMA brand’s success.“

Advanced direct printing technology
Direct printing is supported with a range of built-in image enhancement features, so photographs can be improved without resorting to the PC. Red-eye Correction automatically detects and corrects red eyes caused by flash reflection, while the face brightener can distinguish and increase the brightness of faces when they are in shadow. Prints of low-resolution images, such as those taken on a camera phone, are optimised with the Image Optimiser function – softening jagged outlines and reducing JPEG block noises.

Wireless printing from Bluetooth compatible camera phones is available with the optional new super compact BU-20 Bluetooth adapter, which plugs into the printer’s PictBridge port.

FINE for speed and quality
Canon’s patented FINE semi-conductor manufacturing technique creates extraordinary print speeds by producing exceptionally long print heads with exceptionally high nozzle numbers and density. These get more ink on the page in less time than is possible with traditional ink jet technology, delivering fast borderless photo prints up to A4 size.

FINE also achieves virtually grain free photolab quality by delivering millions of microscopic picolitre droplets each second with extremely high consistency and accuracy from Micro-Nozzles.

The 6 inks used in the iP6600D contribute to the professional level photo print quality, providing high optical density and wide colour gamut. 

Quality that lasts
For improved fade resistance, the printer supports Canon’s new ChromaLife100: a system of genuine Canon dye-based inks, which deliver exceptionally broad colour gamut, and specialised photo paper designed to work together with FINE print heads. This technology ‘triangle’ of nozzle design, ink and media produces prints that rival silver halide quality and longevity. Prints resist fading for 100 years when album-stored, 30 years when displayed under glass and 10 years when exposed to the effects of the air .

Designer photo direct
Continuing the PIXMA tradition of sophisticated design, the new PIXMA photo direct model is furnished with a style and finish suitable for the home environment. For ease of use, operation panels and LCD displays are located in the centre of the printers.

The large 8.9 cm colour LCD can be used to
§ preview images and page layouts
§ create printable DVD/CDs
§ preview image trimming or cropping.

The iP6600D incorporates Canon’s Advanced Media Handling system, with dual paper trays – so the printer can be loaded with plain paper and photo media simultaneously – as well as auto duplex printing and integrated DVD/CD printing.

Ink efficiency
The iP6600D’s individual ink tanks ensure that only those inks which run out need to be replaced. They feature LEDs that only light up when the tanks are installed correctly. Users can monitor ink levels during stand-alone use as the LEDs flash slowly to warn when the tank runs low, and more rapidly to indicate when the cartridge is empty.

Matching media
Canon’s competitive advantage in printer hardware technology is fully realised when genuine Canon photo grade media and inks are used. The diverse and growing range of Canon media – including the new affordable Glossy Photo Paper Everyday Use (GP-501) – is developed specifically to work in combination with Canon’s FINE ink jet print technology. Photo papers and media are available in a wide range of sizes (from credit card to A4), formats (including mini stickers) and finishes (from matt to semi-gloss to super-high gloss). They include double-sided photo paper (PP-101D 13x18cm and PP-101D A4) and the flagship Photo Paper Pro (PR-101) for the highest grade, ultimate durability professional results.

Quality personal photolab software
As well as working direct with input devices such as digital cameras, memory cards and camera phones, the printer works seamlessly with PC and Macintosh computers. A comprehensive suite of photolab software includes Easy-PhotoPrint for simplifying photo prints, Easy-WebPrint, PhotoRecord for creating albums, CD-LabelPrint and Easy-Print Toolbox to keep all applications together in a single menu bar.

The iP6600D is compatible with Windows 98/Me/2000/XP, and Mac OS X v10.2.1 or later.