Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6600 60" Large Format Printer

The Canon Pro 6600 replaces a 14 year old Epson 11880. The Canon 60 answers all the deficiencies of the Epson and raises the bar in each case. Looking at the range of choices available in current printer offerings, it becomes clear that Canon has pulled ahead with its wide format printer designs. The most dramatic improvements are as follows: 1. Onboard linearization of the print head for truly consistent color across devices and media. Taking into account wider color gamut and a greater D-max on the matt black ink, the Canon delivered an almost exact match with color from my 11880 following the initial linearization upon setup. With tuning of paper profiles the results only got better. 2. Vastly improved media handling with the ability to load and track length on two rolls of media simultaneously and the ability to switch between rolls and sheets without having back the roll media out of the paper feed. 3. Automatic media detection. After a paper type has been registered with the printer it is able to detect both size and surface. 4. Comprehensive media configuration software. Creating and tracking media profiles with the new Media Configuration Tool and printing with Professional Print and Layout delivers the control and performance associated with RIP software. 5. User replaceable print head (no more €3500 service calls). There are many other details that recommend the printer but those are most dramatic. The only flaw is the fussy fabric paper basket with too many setup options and awkward implementation. The solution on the 11880 was elegant and strait forward. That said, paper basket is literally the only misstep on the Canon Pro 6600.