Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8000S Questions And Answers page 8

compare the number of ink colors and conclude that the printer with more colors always has
better image quality.
In this case, however, 12-color models in the imagePROGRAF series do offer the high print quality
sought by professionals in design, comp, photo, and artwork production. The color gamut has
been expanded by adding three special RGB ink colors for pure, clear color reproduction
throughout the gamut. The use of two types of gray ink (GY and PGY) produces stable gray
balance and a rich gray gradation while reducing graininess and metamerism. Meanwhile, 8-color
models in the imagePROGRAF series are designed with productivity in mind, for settings such as
print-for-pay shops and photo labs. These models have been refined for high-speed printing.
While offering faster output, these models also offer a level of print quality suited to these printing
applications.
Q. Do fewer colors than the 12-color models translate directly into lower running costs?
Running costs are not necessarily determined solely by the number of ink colors. Other factors
include how images are processed and rendered.
The iPF8000S and iPF9000S now feature Economy mode, for lower ink consumption without
much loss of print quality. This meets the needs of users for whom running costs are a priority.
Q. Comparing the results of printing in Economy mode on the iPF8000S or iPF9000S to that of
models that use 5-color dye and pigment reactive ink (the iPF510, iPF610, or iPF710), which has
better print quality?
The iPF8000S and iPF9000S are pigment ink models. On the other hand, the iPF510, iPF610, and
iPF710 use dye ink except for the black ink. Comparing the print quality of these models, which
use different types of ink, one could not unconditionally claim one group is better. We encourage
users to choose the model that suits their particular needs and applications.
Here, we can mention some general considerations. Dye ink is absorbed more easily by paper, and it
permeates the paper down to the fibers. Colors look exceptionally vivid, and the finish, clear and
lustrous. However, pigment ink is more colorfast or permanent, and this is the advantage of this type
of ink. Pigment ink resists fading from exposure to light or atmospheric gas, and it is a good choice for
long periods of storage. On the other hand, because the ink adheres to the surface of paper, it does
tend to be more susceptible to scratching. In terms of glossiness or color vividness, it does not match
dye ink.
Q. How do users know which of the two types of black ink to use?
Although this model is equipped with two black inks (with BK good for photo media and MBK good
for matte paper, on which it produces deep, rich black), one type of black ink is automatically
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