Development objectives
The PIXUS MP980 (Photo 1) is positioned as the top model of the PIXUS all-in-one series, which includes all the functions demanded from an MFP -printer, copier, scanner, and direct printing - in a design with ahigher order of utility and usability. The MP980 can deliver high-gradeprints with stunning image quality for both color photos and first-rateB&W photos thanks to the inclusion of our newly developed dye-based inks.
The new Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101) is Canon's new flagship photo paper. Alumina is adopted as the main material in the ink-receiving layers.Furthermore, the ink-receiving layers are separated into two layers by function,the color-reproduction layer and the absorbing layer.
Features of the PIXUS MP980
(1) New dye-based inks and FINE print head technology
The PIXUS MP980's new dye-based inks (BCI-321) bring out the full performance of the FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology. These new inks' reproducible color gamut is about 30 percent larger than the previous inks (BCI-7e) when printed on Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101) (Figure 1). The inks perform particularly well in the red area of the spectrum (yellows, reds, and magentas). Furthermore, the combination of FINE's minimum ink droplet size of one picoliter and maximum resolution of 9600* x 2400 dpi creates highly detailed, vivid photo prints.
*Prints with a minimum dot (ink droplet) interval of 1/9600th of an inch.
(2)Revolutionary six-ink system with a new gray ink
The MP980 features a revolutionary six-ink system (Photo 2) that uses five new dye-based inks - yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and gray - plus a pigment-based black ink. The new gray ink lends color prints richer expressiveness and better color stability.
In B&W printing, the gray ink minimizes graininess in areas of gradation and provides a stable gray balance with no roughness.
(3) ChromaLife100+ offers longevity of 300 years or more for album-protected photos
The combination of our newly developed dye-based inks and genuine Canon photo paper, as well as richer and more vivid color reproduction, extends the life of photo prints over previous combinations.
Album life of over 300 years*When stored in an archival album with plastic cover sheet and kept in the dark, prints will last 300 years or more when printed on Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (PP-101), 200 years or more when printed on Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101) or Photo Paper Plus Semi-gloss (SG-201), and 100 years or more when printed on Photo Paper Pro II (PR-201) or Glossy Photo Paper (GP-501).
*Please check our catalogs and Web site for details of the measurement conditions.
(4) Faster prints
The MP980 can output an L-size borderless print in just 17 seconds* while maintaining high-fidelity print quality. This is the result of a precision paper-feeding system using ''double encoders,'' which means encoders are added for in the feeding roller assembly, and of our Three-Size Droplet technology, which efficiently deploys ink droplet in different sizes - one picoliter, two picoliters, and five picoliters.
*Please check our catalogs and Web site for details of the measurement conditions.
(5) Auto Photo Fix feature
The Auto Photo Fix feature performs face detection and scene analysis to make automatic corrections to photo images. Also Auto Photo Fix can concurrently make red-eye corrections , so the user can print beautiful-looking photos in a single operation.
The Auto Photo Fix feature can be applied when printing directly from a digital camera or memory card, when printing from a computer, or when copying, reprinting photos, or scanning film.
(6)Multiple direct print features
Camera direct (Photo 3)The MP980 supports PictBridge, the industry standard for direct printing, so that users can enjoy direct printing by simply connecting any PictBridge-compliant digital camera or digital video camera (still images only) regardless of manufacturer.
Card direct (Photo 4)The card direct feature enables the user to insert a memory card* into the card slot and make borderless prints or create stickers just by selecting images.
*Supported memory cards: CF, SD, SDHC, MS, and others (please check our catalogs and Web site for details)
Film direct printingThe film direct function allows users, without a PC to check scanned 35mm-film images (negatives or positives) on the LCD monitor and to make prints with no fuss.
(7)Enhanced copying
The PIXUS MP980 achieves outstanding color reproduction performance with the use of Canon's Dual color Gamut Processing Technology. It also automatically distinguishes between text and images in the original and adaptively processes the copy for blacker and sharper text and lines and for smoother looking photos.
The two types of black ink - pigment-based and dye-based - and the small size ink droplets allow the MP980 to produce beautiful copies of both photos and text that are faithful to the original. The MFP also supports plain paper duplex copying and DVD/CD label copying.
(8)Scanner functions
High-resolution scans from a 4800 dpi optical resolution CCD sensor High-resolution scans are achieved with a CCD sensor that has an optical resolution of 4800 dpi. And with the addition of our advanced image processing technology, the MFP can reproduce smooth-looking images that are faithful to the original. Fast data transfer is also possible over the Hi-Speed USB interface.
Film scanningThe MP980 can batch scan six unmounted 35-mm film frames or four mounted slides with the dedicated film guide that accepts both slides and unmounted film strips (photos 5 and 6).
Bundled software provides a variety of image correction featuresThe included software provides a host of useful image correction features, such as Discoloration Correction, which corrects color fading and color seepage in photographic prints and restores color vibrancy, Grain Correction, and Backlight correction.
The software also Dust and Scratch Removal, which corrects and reduces, in software, noise created by dust and other particles when scanning to give images a clean finish.
(9) Easy-Scroll Wheel and 3.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor (Photo 7)
The PIXUS MP980 features the Easy-Scroll Wheel, which gives quick control over the MFP's operation. The icons on the LCD monitor follow the motion of the wheel, making its operation more intuitive.
Also included is a wide viewing angle 3.5-inch TFT color LCD.
(10) Wireless LAN connectivity
The PIXUS MP980 comes equipped with wireless LAN connectivity that is compatible with IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b for trouble-free printing without worrying about where to put the printer. The wireless LAN can be set up using a USB cable connection or with WPS or WCN without a USB cable. (Wireless and wired LANs cannot be operated simultaneously.)
(11) Improved paper handling
Front-loading paper cassetteThe PIXUS MP980 includes a regular, top-loading rear tray and a front-loading paper cassette that accepts only plain paper.
Auto duplex printingAuto duplex printing is standard in the MP980, which prints on both the front and back of a sheet. The user can automatically print on both sides of plain paper and postcards.
DVD/CD label printingThe MP980 can print photos and text directly on printable DVDs and CDs.
(12)Extensive line of bundled software
Easy-PhotoPrint ProEasy-PhotoPrint Pro previously only supported PIXUS Pro models. As a plug-in for Digital Photo Professional (Ver. 2.1 and later) or Adobe Photoshop CS/CS2/CS3, this software allows professional and serious amateur photographers to efficiently make advanced image adjustments and obtain high-grade prints that accurately reflect the adjustments.
Easy-PhotoPrint EXThis high-performance composition software allows users to make various types of prints with simple menu-driven operations for categories such as photo prints, photo albums, business cards, and calendars.
MP Navigator EXThis comprehensive input software performs scans and permits users to search and display thumbnails of JPEG/PDF files, correct/retouch images, and edit PDF files. It is possible to search scanned images by file name, scan date, or Exif information and to search for text in PDF files. The security function for PDF files can be used to set passwords on viewing, printing, and editing PDF files.
MP Navigator EX also has functions for automatically categorizing and displaying scanned documents or photographs. It can automatically categorize and view documents, based on whether they are business cards or postcards, and photographs, based on whether they contain people or not.
(13) Environmentally conscious design
Canon has taken three steps to reduce the environmental burden created by the product over its lifecycle from initial design to final disposal: used recycled plastic in the cover of AC adapter; lowered power consumption levels to meet the International Energy Star Program criteria; and cut total CO2 emissions during transport by reducing the size of the unit and its packaging.
Features of Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101)
Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101) is Canon's finest photo paper surpassing the previous top-of-the-line photo paper, Photo Paper Pro II (PR-201).
Alumina is adopted as the main material in the ink-receiving layers. Furthermore, the ink-receiving layers are separated into two layers byfunction, the color-reproduction layer and the absorbing layer.Resin-coated paper with a chromogenic enhancer is used as the base paperto give the paper a stiff, thick feel. This paper can be used forhigh-grade photographic prints with stunning color reproduction andclarity (Figure 2).
Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101) is available in L, KG, 2L, 8 x 10, A4, 10 x 12, 14 x 17, A3, and 13 x 19 sheets.
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*Please see our catalog or Web site for detail scanner and copier specifications.
This concludes our look at the PIXUS MP980 this month. Table 2 shows the performance comparison list of the main model.