Canon PIXMA PRO-100 wireless photo printer: features, specs and uses

The Canon PIXMA PRO-100 is a large-format inkjet printer for photographs. It prints up to 13 x 19 inches with eight dye-based inks, and connects over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB. Canon aims it at photographers and designers who want prints that match what they see on screen, at sizes from 4x6 up to A3-plus.

The eight-ink system

Canon's ChromaLife100+ system uses eight dye-based inks: black, gray, light gray, cyan, photo cyan, magenta, photo magenta and yellow. Using more inks than the usual four gives smoother gradients and a wider range of colours. Canon says three of the eight are dedicated monochrome inks (black, gray and light gray) for black-and-white prints, which it says give deep black density and neutral tones.

Dye-based inks are known for vivid colour and a smooth finish on glossy photo papers. Canon names the system for print longevity, but exact lifespan depends on paper, display and storage conditions.

Resolution and the print head

The printer is rated at 4800 x 2400 dpi. Canon's FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head makes microscopic droplets, with 768 nozzles per colour and 6,144 in total. Higher dpi figures describe the precision of droplet placement, not a simple measure of quality, but fine nozzles generally support fine detail.

Colour handling

Canon says the Optimum Image Generating (OIG) System analyses each area of the image and picks the ink combination and placement. A Chroma Optimizer layer creates uniform ink height to regulate surface reflection and keep colours natural. Print Studio Pro plug-in software, which works with photo applications, is meant to simplify the workflow.

Paper and sizes

There are two paper paths: a rear tray for fine art and glossy photo papers, and a manual feed slot for thicker media. Canon gives these capacities: 150 sheets of plain paper, 20 sheets of 4x6 photo paper, 10 sheets of letter or 8x10 and 1 sheet of A3. The manual feeder takes one sheet of photo paper of any size. The maximum print size is 13 x 19 inches.

Connectivity and ink tanks

Options are Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB, plus AirPrint and mobile printing. The printer uses individual CLI-42 ink tanks, so you replace only the colour that runs out. Canon also sells value packs of the tanks.

Size

This is a big printer. The listing gives roughly 15.2 x 27.2 x 8.5 inches and about 21 lb, so it needs a stable, deep surface, with room at the rear for paper and in front for output.

Who it suits

It suits photographers, artists and small studios who print their own work at larger sizes. It's less suited to everyday document printing, where a general-purpose printer fits better.

What to check before you buy

• Space: measure the desk or shelf, including the clearance for the tray.
• Inks: eight separate tanks are used, so check the tank type (CLI-42) and the supply.
• Paper: check that your preferred paper sizes and thickness are supported.
• Software: confirm that your computer system works with the printer's drivers and Print Studio Pro.
• Use pattern: inkjet printers prefer regular use, so check the manual's maintenance advice.
• Network: decide on Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB, and check your router.

The short version

• 13 x 19-inch photo printer with eight dye-based inks, three of them for monochrome.
• 4800 x 2400 dpi with 6,144 nozzles in total.
• Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB and AirPrint.
• Individual CLI-42 ink tanks; rear tray plus manual feed.
• Large, about 21 lb, so it needs real desk space.

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