Dubai, UAE, 18 November, 2006: Canon Middle East today defines a new standard for compact photo printing with the launch of the Compact Photo Printer SELPHY ES1. Based around the concept of stress-free printing, the new flagship of the SELPHY range supports new all-in-one ink and media cassettes, 50-sheet capacity and one-touch operation for unparalleled ease of use. The stylish vertical design incorporates a carry handle and retractable USB cable for further convenience, while Canon's DIGIC II image processor and a newly developed print head controller contribute to the highest print quality ever achieved by a Canon SELPHY compact photo printer. A broad range of creative options and image enhancement tools are selectable from the printer's tilt-up 2.5" colour LCD.
Other key features include
- Low running cost of 0.29 per print[1]
- Wireless printing with IrDA, Bluetooth[2] or Digital IXUS WIRELESS
- Optional battery pack for portable printing
- Dedicated Creative Print button
- Automatic red eye correction
- 100-year[3] prints with instantly dry, protective coating
Compact photo printing is currently the biggest growth market in digital imaging in Europe[4], with year on year growth of 126% from 2004 to 2005[5].
The SELPHY ES1 creates a completely new category for Canon's range - the ES (Easy System) series. "European consumers have readily embraced the idea of creating photo prints at home," explains Anurag Agrawal, General Manager Sales and Marketing, CME. "The SELPHY ES1 will appeal to digital camera owners seeking the highest possible standards of print quality, functionality and usability, with the minimum of effort."
Easy Photo Packs
Specifically developed for the SELPHY ES1, the new Easy Photo Packs combine ink and paper in one cartridge - users simply slot the cartridge into the printer to begin printing. Up to 50 prints can be produced at once (depending on cartridge used), allowing users to print an entire photo album without having to oversee the whole process. This convenient system also reduces the risk of spoiled prints since the paper is not exposed to dust or other environmental particles.
A choice of seven Easy Photo Packs is available[6] in sizes ranging from postcard to credit card, each colour coded for easy identification in-store and at home. The range includes a dedicated Black and White Easy Photo Pack for artistic monochrome prints.
Superior quality prints
The SELPHY ES1 uses dye-sublimation technology to achieve smooth, glossy photos with a similar look and feel to traditional lab prints. Each dot has up to 256 gradation (intensity) levels per colour dependent on the amount of heat applied, allowing for a total colour range of up to 16.8 million colours. Photos are ready to handle the moment printing finishes, and feature a protective coating to guard against splashes, spills and fingerprints.
The SELPHY ES1 is only the second printer ever to incorporate Canon's renowned DIGIC II image processing engine. Based on the same technology used in Canon's professional digital SLRs, DIGIC II drives markedly improved print quality while also contributing to near-instant start up and fast operation. A new print head controller allows the SELPHY ES1 to achieve a class-leading print resolution of 300x600dpi. The effects of ambient temperatures are eliminated, ensuring consistent quality print after print.
Style with convenience
The SELPHY ES1's sleek, contemporary styling is designed to suit the look of any modern home. With the smallest footprint to date for a 10x15cm (4"x6") compact photo printer (199x113mm), it can be stored and operated from tight spaces, such as a living room bookshelf. The innovative vertical design is made possible through a unique paper feed mechanism that rotates the paper 90 before printing begins. The convenient carrying handle is complemented by an optional battery pack for printing on the move, while a retractable USB cable eliminates the need for separate leads.
Playback and creative options
In addition to full PictBridge and Direct Print support, users can print directly from most popular memory cards[7] using the high quality 2.5" colour LCD. In addition to a tilt-up mechanism, the bright LCD features a wide viewing angle for comfortable image preview and selection. Enhanced LCD playback options include full screen display, slideshows, thumbnail views and support for Auto Rotated images. The intuitive user interface also displays helpful information on battery levels and the amount of ink and media remaining.
A vast range of creative options includes 10 My Colors photo effects for dramatic colour changes, including Black & White and Positive Film. Images can also be trimmed prior to printing or enhanced with new optimisation features such as Automatic Red-Eye Correction. A dedicated Creative Print button provides instant access to a wide selection of fun design layouts, including calendars, albums, and speech bubble templates.
Additional Information
Media
The range of Easy Photo Packs includes:
- Post Card Size - (Easy Photo Pack E-P50, Easy Photo Pack E-P100)
- Post Card Size (Black and White) - (Easy Photo Pack E-P25BW)
- L Size (89x119mm) - (Easy Photo Pack E-L50, Easy Photo Pack E-L100)
- Credit Card Size (54x86mm) - (Easy Photo Pack E-C25)
- Credit Card Size Labels (54x86mm) - (Easy Photo Pack E-C25L)
Software
The SELPHY ES1 comes supplied with Canon's Solution Disk, containing easy to use software for managing, storing and printing images via PC. Software includes:
- ZoomBrowser EX 5.6 (Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 / XP (Incl. SP1/SP2)
- Easy-PhotoPrint 3.4
- EOS Utility 1.0
- SELPHY ES1 Printer Driver 1.0
- ImageBrowser 5.6 (Mac OS X (Version 10.2-10.4))
Purchasers are also eligible for membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY[8], 100MB of online 'personal gallery' space for sharing still images and video with family and friends.
Technologies Explained
DIGIC II
Canon's purpose-built DIGIC II (DIGital Imaging Core) image processor is the key to the SELPHY ES1's outstanding print quality. All images undergo Canon's advanced image processing algorithms during the printing process, ensuring that the best possible results are achieved regardless of the camera used to capture the image. DIGIC II's high-speed processing delivers smooth and responsive operation, with rapid start-up, memory card reading and LCD playback. When used with the optional battery back, DIGIC II operates efficiently for extended performance on a single charge.
[1] The price of 29 euro cents per print is based on Canon's recommended retail price for Easy Photo Pack EP-100..
[2] Requires Bluetooth Unit BU-20 (sold separately).
[3] 100 year figure is an estimation based on accelerated tests and not guaranteed. For further details refer to product specifications.
[4] EU 14 = GER, FRA, UK, ITA, SPA, NL, BEL, SWI, AUS, SWE, DK, FIN, POR, GRE
[5] Source: GfK.
[6] See Additional Information
[7] Accepts Compact Flash, Microdrive, Multimedia Card, SD memory card, SDHC memory card, Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO. miniSD memory card, RS-MMC, xD Picture Card, Memory Stick DUO and Memory Stick PRO Duo can be used with the addition of the appropriate adaptors, sold separately.
[8] CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is not available in all European countries. Please see www.cig.canon-europe.com for available countries. Movie upload requires users to download and install the movie upload task, available after registration from the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY site.
-Ends-
About Canon Middle East
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for individuals and businesses. Canon provides both individual products and complete networked technology solutions for information input, management and output. Its product range is divided between Business Solutions (developing IT products, solutions and services for both the office and professional print environments) and Consumer Imaging (photography, video and digital camera, Bubble Jet printers). Canon Middle East is the operational headquarters for Canon in this region, and is based in Dubai, UAE. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at: www.canon-me.com
For more iformation please contact:
Canon Contact:
Ruta Bublyte
Marketing Department
Canon Middle East FZ-LLC
Tel: + 971 4 3915050
Fax: + 971 4 3916715
e-mail: bublyter@canon-me.com
Agency Contact:
Linsey Worgan
G2 Dubai
Tel: (9714) 331 0331
Email: linsey.worgan@g2dubai.com
© Press Release 2006
