Canon announces three massive 'professional grade' large format photo printers

Canon has just updated it's ImagePROGRAF series with three large format printers that are designed for photography and fine art.

The imagePROGRAF 60-inch PRO-6600 (152cm print width), 44-inch PRO-4600 (111cm print width), and 24-inch PRO-2600 (60cm print width) are all huge machines that feature 12 ink tanks (11 colour and 1 Chroma Optimiser).

The largest in the series, the PRO-6600, weighs in at 171kg and is nearly 2 meters long! Fortunately this model includes a 'multifunction roll unit' in the box so you can wheel it around if need be.

Touted as the six series, the new printers feature reformulated LUCIA PRO II inks that helps improve image quality and durability.

Specifically, a crystalline wax has been added to the ink that gives the printed surface better resistance to scratches and abrasions on semi-gloss and gloss papers. This also helps with the archival properties of the finished print due to improved 'lightfastness'.

The Chroma Optimiser, which is a layer of clear ink that is applied over the other ink to increase durability and reduce uneven glossiness, has also been improved.

Other upgrades to this series include: the ability to see ink tanks through translucent covers; an interior LED light for previewing output while printing; reduced media feed processing time; and an ink sensing system that ensures uniformity and consistency of prints.

Australian prices have not been released as yet, but prices will be around $20,000+ for the PRO-6600 (152cm) , $10,000+ for the 44-inch PRO-4600 (111cm), and $5,000+ for the 24-inch PRO-2600. 

You can read more about these new printers on the Canon USA website.