Canon announced the imagePROGRAF Pro-1100 printer this week, the long-awaited replacement for the imagePROGRAF Pro-1000, which was first released in 2016. The Pro-1100, which, like its predecessor, can print up to 17 inches wide.
Priced at $1300, the new printer shares the same chassis and printhead as the Pro-1000, but includes a slightly updated vacuum-feed mechanism that Canon says helps prevent skewing and increases the accuracy of the dot placement. The feed mechanism in the previous model was the best in the industry at the desktop level, and I expect that the Pro-1100 will be the same. (It’s worth noting that Canon still doesn’t support roll-feed with their top-tier 17″ printers.)
The Pro-1100 has a new ink set (Lucia Pro II) that Canon says improves print longevity and black density, especially on fine-art (matte) papers. It has 11 inks (10 printing), plus a Chroma Optimizer designed to minimize bronzing on glossy paper types. The ink cartridges have a hefty 80ml capacity, similar to Epson’s SureColor P900.
The printer has started shipping in small quantities, and should be available more widely this fall. It will go head to head with the P900, which is currently at the same price point. Epson’s model boasts an excellent ink set and decent paper handling, and, while it’s only four years old, it is solidly entrenched in the desktop photo printer space. The Pro-1000, while a bit long in the tooth for some, was an excellent printer, and it will be interesting to test this new printer to see how the print quality matches up (to both the Pro-1000 and the P700/P900). If it does, the Pro-1100 might actually pull a bit more market share from Epson.
Canon’s press release follows:
MELVILLE, N.Y., August 29, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the launch of the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 Professional Inkjet Printer, a 17-inch, large format solution with 11-colors plus a “Chroma Optimizer,” the newest product in Canon’s “imagePROGRAF series” large format printers for photographers and fine art.
By adopting the newly developed pigment ink, “LUCIA PRO II”1, the new printer is designed to meet the needs of professional photographers who want to print high-quality photos, while preserving the appeal of their work for the future. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is designed to provide superior light resistance for long-term preservation of high-quality printed works.
“The PRO-1100 builds on off the success of the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 and makes it even better. This new printer offers photography professionals an incredible solution designed to deliver top-quality and long-lasting photos, to fit in almost any home or studio,” said Shuji “Steve” Suda, vice president of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 highlights Canon’s commitment to empowering the imaging community with innovative solutions that are designed to consistently deliver exceptional results.”
Designed to Expand Color Reproduction
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 adopts a newly developed LUCIA PRO II pigment ink system designed to help improve the image quality from previous models while also enhancing resistance to light. Improved black density on art paper was achieved by changing the formulation and material of matte black ink. The reformulated Chroma Optimizer is designed to give the surface a clear coat of transparent ink that helps suppress bronze phenomena and helps reduce uneven glossiness.
Designed for Light and Scratch Resistance
The new pigment ink designed to provide improved light resistance and scratch resistance provides excellent image robustness, and allows for long-term appreciation and preservation. In addition, the glossy/semi-glossy printing surface is designed to be slippery and more resistant to scratches, making it easier to handle in framing, packaging, transportation, display, and other work where the print could be easily damaged.
Canon is proud to announce the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 has earned an EPEAT Gold designation as a product that has met EPEAT’s most demanding set of criteria for sustainability leadership in electronics2. The new model contributes to Canon’s commitment to sustainability by eliminating the use of polystyrene foam in product packing.
Availability and Pricing
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is scheduled to be available September 2024 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,299.99.