Canon Imageprograf IPF9000

Canon is well know for producing high quality cameras, printers and other hardware. The ImagePROGRAF IPF9000 sports some impressive characteristics. First and foremost it is a super wide format machine with a maximum print width of 60". The next notable feature is the use of a 12 ink system with the simultaneous presence of black and matte inks. This is an ideal situation for giclee printing as it allows for production on matte and glossy substrates.

The assumption that a printer with more inks should outperform others with say 7 or 8 inks is theoretically sound but not true in most cases. This said the Canon IPF9000 has many strengths but unfortunately at this time it is not possible to test its full capabilties by using my favorite RIP, Imageprint. Colorbyte software is coming out with new drivers which hopefully will exploit the widest possible gamut.

Canon employs a dual print head technology called FINE, for a true resolution of 1200 DPI. Thermal heads are used, opposite to Epson's piezo heads. Thermal heads and a fast processor insure high print speeds and great quality. Piezo heads are still regarded by many experts as being able to produce a better dot but others argue whether it really matters if you can only see the difference with a lupe.

The Canon IPF9000 uses LUCIA pigmented inks and initial reports by leading print permanence researchers point to great longevity.

One advantage of the IPF9000 is that it comes with a good value in software, which could theoretically spare many users from having to purchase a RIP. This said, I strongly recommend one as there is no option to lay out multiple images to fully utilize the width of the printer. The only way around to doing this is to lay out the images in Photoshop on a white canvas.

Many professional giclee shops have purchased the ImagePROGRAF IPF9000. We are waiting to see what Epson has in the works (rumors point at an announcement in July '07), before making a decision on what to purchase.