PIXMA

PIXMA. PIXMA is a prominent series of inkjet printers and multifunction devices developed and manufactured by the Japanese multinational corporation Canon Inc.. Launched in the 2000s, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality photo printing for both consumer and professional markets, integrating advanced MEMS fabrication technology. The product line is distinguished by its use of individual ink tanks and sophisticated print head engineering, competing directly with offerings from HP, Epson, and Brother Industries.

Overview

The PIXMA series represents Canon's core inkjet technology platform, designed to deliver precise color reproduction and sharp text output. These devices are engineered to cater to a wide spectrum of users, from home offices requiring reliable document printing to photographers demanding gallery-quality Giclée prints. A key architectural feature across many models is the separation of the print head from the ink cartridges, a design philosophy that aims to reduce long-term printing costs. This approach has positioned the series favorably in comparisons conducted by independent reviewers from organizations like PC Magazine and CNET.

Product Line

The PIXMA range is segmented into several distinct series, each targeting specific user needs and market segments. The flagship PIXMA PRO series is aimed at professional photographers and fine artists, supporting a wide gamut of inks including specialty UltraChrome pigments and Lucia dyes for exceptional archival quality. For general home and small office use, the PIXMA TS and PIXMA TR series offer compact, all-in-one functionality with features like automatic document feeders and Cloud printing support for services like Google Cloud Print. The PIXMA G series, utilizing the MegaTank system, focuses on high-volume printing with refillable ink tanks, challenging the Ecotank series from Epson.

Technology

PIXMA printers are built upon Canon's proprietary FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology. This manufacturing process, derived from semiconductor photolithography, allows for an extremely high nozzle density, enabling precise droplet placement as small as one picoliter. This results in high-resolution output with minimal banding or dithering artifacts. The ink systems often employ a multi-tank configuration, using separate cartridges for colors like Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, and frequently additional inks such as Photo Black, Gray, or ChromaLife 100+ dyes to enhance grayscale and color longevity. Many models also integrate advanced scanning technology using CIS or CCD sensors.

History

The PIXMA brand was officially introduced by Canon Inc. in 2003, succeeding the earlier Bubble Jet and MultiPASS series, as part of a strategic overhaul of its consumer imaging division. A significant early milestone was the launch of the PIXMA iP8500 in 2004, an eight-ink printer that garnered awards for its photographic output. Throughout the 2010s, the line expanded rapidly to address the growing SOHO market and the decline of dedicated photo kiosks, with innovations like the PIXMA PRO-1 12-ink printer and the ink-tank based PIXMA G series. Development has been closely tied to Canon's facilities, including its Shimomaruko plant in Tokyo and research centers in Ōta.

Market Position and Reception

Within the highly competitive global printer market, the PIXMA series holds a strong position, particularly in the photo printing segment, where it frequently receives top accolades from technical press and imaging associations. It faces sustained competition from SureColor printers and OfficeJet models. The introduction of high-yield tank models was a direct response to the market disruption caused by Epson's Ecotank and Brother's Inkvestment lines. Critical reception often highlights the brand's color accuracy and driver software, though some analyses from Wirecutter and Consumer Reports have noted variations in cost-per-page compared to laser alternatives from Xerox or Samsung.

Category:Canon Inc. Category:Inkjet printers Category:Computer printers Category:Digital photography