Canon iPF6100 Printer Review
Those searching the market for a large-format inkjet printer that can handle a variety of different projects from blueprints and color graphics to presentations and photos stand to benefit from the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6100. This high-performance device works quickly to handle projects ranging in complexity and size, supporting media with a maximum width of 24 inches. While there are large-format units out there that can handle larger sizes up to 44 and 60 inches, this printer is one of the best options among comparable 24-inch models due to its sophisticated imagePROGRAF iPF6100 printer ink system, ample media handling and user-friendly design.
Users that own computers operating with Mac or Windows operating systems will be able to connect their device either remotely over a shared network or wired through the iPF6100's rear USB port. The unit provides a nice software package that can be installed onto a user's computer for editing tools and control over jobs, including Adobe Photoshop, Digital Professional and Digital Photo. Built into the front panel is a handful of buttons for basic walk-up control, including a 4-way pad for navigating menus, a color LCD for alerts on jobs and LEDs that will flash if a Canon iPF6100 ink color is running low.
The unit's versatile media handling will enable it to handle either cut sheet paper or a roll with widths between 8 inches and 24 inches. The iPF6100 uses one paper roll feed on the front of the device that can support a roll up to 62 feet long with a diameter of 6 inches. Users will also be able to feed individual pre-cut media through its top-loading manual input. To assist larger jobs using the paper roll, the device provides an automatic cutter and an output tray below to catch finished projects.
The machine uses pigment-based LUCIA printer ink that prints with a sharp minimum droplet size of 4 picoliters. This enables the device to print crisp and precision detail with a maximum resolution of 2400x1200 dpi using imagePROGRAF iPF6100 ink.
The unit's 12-color print system operates with individual cyan, photo cyan, magenta, photo magenta, yellow, black, matte black, red, green, blue, gray and photo gray Canon iPF6100 ink cartridges. Since replacing this many supplies can become expensive, users have the option to reduce costs if they purchase remanufactured Canon iPF6100 ink cartridges instead of pricey OEM supplies.
When comparing the iPF6100 to other similar large-format inkjet printers in its class, what stands out is its feature-rich software package and output quality. Those that want a device capable of supporting a greater range of media sizes or wireless printing options will need to look at more expensive large-format units.
