Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8400 & iPF8400S Color Printer Review
Exceptional Quality for Large-Format Graphics and Production Printing
The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8400 and Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8400S are the ideal 44-inch printing solution for archival-quality graphic arts applications and production printing, respectively.
The iPF8400 and iPF8400S are built on the same platform and share many qualities. Both feature a maximum print resolution of 2400x1200 dpi with borderless printing up to their maximum width paper width of 44”. Each support a 59-foot media roll up to 5.9 inches in diameter.
Both printer models support high-capacity 330mL ink cartridges, with the option to upgrade to ultra-high-capacity 700mL cartridges. They also utilize a sub-ink tank, allowing you to switch cartridges on the fly while printing, reducing or eliminating downtime caused by ink cartridge changes.
Productivity Software Improves Print Workflow and Throughput
Both of these professional-grade large-format printers feature a suite of plug-ins to improve workflow and reduce software overhead. Professional printers will appreciate native support within Adobe Photoshop. The Photoshop plug-in’s “gallery wrap” feature makes printing to canvas or gallery wrap stretching seamless, and eliminates the need for additional software.
The suite also includes a native plug-in for Microsoft Office (PC only), a kit of helpful extras such as advanced preview and Color imageRUNNER Enlargement Copy. Stay ahead of costs using the Account Manager software included in the suite. The Account Manager helps you track materials consumed per print, completion time, and job costs in terms of media and ink used.
Durable LUCIA EX Ink Withstands the Test of Time
Professional printmakers and fine artists looking for museum-quality finishes choose LUCIA EX pigment ink. LUCIA EX ink is designed to last more than 250-300 years in a museum setting, and 35-250 years or more when unprotected or under glass, depending upon print media.
LUCIA EX ink is very resistant to high humidity and displays outstanding water resistance, especially when compared to dye-based inks.
This ink is ideally suited for producing giclée prints in either 8-color or 12-color formats. The ink formulas themselves have been improved for better scratch resistance and reduced bronzing, as well as to reduce the difference in color gamut compared to dye-based inks.
Differences for Graphic Arts and Production Applications
The chief difference between the iPF8400 and iPF8400S is in the number of print colors available. Like the 24-inch iPF6400 and 60-inch iPF9400, the iPF8400 features 12-color printing which, when combined with LUCIA EX pigment ink, produces museum-quality archival prints ideal for fine artists, professional photographers, ad agencies and other businesses for whom maximum print quality is top priority.
The iPF8400S, like the iPF6400S and iPF9400S features 8-color printing. 8-color printers deliver ultra-high-quality prints, 40% faster than the 12-color models.
A third model, the iPF8400SE is a 6-color printer and is the first Canon large-format printer to use red pigment.
While all three printers employ 384MB of buffer RAM, the iPF8400S and iPF8400SE come with a larger internal hard drive: 160GB compared to 80GB for the iPF8400.
Print Quality Sets iPF8400 & iPF8400S Apart from Other imagePROGRAF Models
The entire Canon imagePROGRAF line of large-format printers is renowned for their professional print applications. The exceptional print quality and ability to print borderless up to 44 inches on the iPF8400 line is what sets it apart from the 5-color iPF680 and iPF685 24-inch printers and iPF780 and iPF785 36-inch printers.
Professional print marketing and advertising agencies, sign makers, fine artists and other professional fields requiring high-quality print production will find no better large-format printer in its class than the imagePROGRAF iPF8400 and iPF8400S.