Found a nice frontal image of the machine. Thinking of using it in an advert.

I have found a discussion group for the IPF5000 (the smaller version on the 8000). They also have some good advice on paper and canvas, amongst other things.

http://canonipf5000.wikispaces.com/Reviews

Wondering what the hell this is all about? Well here is the product description from Canon UK’s website

Canon imagePROGRAF 8000

Designed primarily for Photography, Fine Art, Poster and Sign Making the iPF8000 uses the Canon LUCIA 12-colour pigment ink system that produces stunning 44” prints that can’t fail to turn heads.
Features

* Industry’s first 12-colour pigment ink 44” printer
* Encompassing a twin print-head design, the iPF8000 delivers exceptional quality at blistering speeds – 10sqm per hour
* Incredible 2,400 x 1,200 dpi reproduction thanks to new twin print-head 12-colour pigment ink system
* Outstanding colour stability, ultra glossy feel and high abrasion resistance
* Continuous performance thanks to ink-tank replacement during printing
* Designed with users in mind – large LCD panel plus loading and output are all carried out at the front of the device.

The imagePROGRAF iPF8000 is 12-colour pigment ink 44” large format printer which now offers one of the widest colour gamut in it class, providing accurate colour reproduction on a variety of media.

No compromise on Quality vs Productivity
The print quality of the iPF8000 is simply exceptional. This 44” printer incorporates Canon’s 12-colour pigment ink system, which is capable of delivering one of the widest colour gamut’s in its class. Two new high density print heads produce a droplet size of 4pl and have an incredible 30,720 nozzles in total, allowing the iPF8000 to combine quality with levels of productivity that far exceed expectation, well outstripping many competitive models.
Optimum productivity is made possible by a number of powerful controller options, which can be configured to suit your exact large format printing requirements. Additionally, the LUCIA inks deliver prints with smooth gradation, and with reduced graininess and metamerism.

Highly Flexible
The iPF8000 has been in particular been designed to be ideal for the production of point-of-purchase displays and posters yet their quality is also of a high enough standard to give it appeal to proofing specialists, designers, fine art producers and, of course, photographers.

Continuous, consistent performance
The iPF8000 has been designed to work hard, allowing operators to replace ink tanks whilst the machine is still printing and the ink tanks are available in 2 sizes (330ml and 700ml). An advanced roll media delivery system means loading and printing is carried out at the front of the device, making it easy to use, and easy to accommodate where space is a premium.

Easy to use
The imagePROGRAF range comes with a range of solutions to ensure that set up and use are as simple as possible. These include imagePROGRAF Print Plug-In for Photoshop, which allows users to export 16-bit RGB images processed with Adobe Photoshop directly to the imagePROGRAF printer, without changing its broader colour gamut and retaining a smoother gradation. It provides an efficient printing environment for Adobe Photoshop users, as well colour adjustments and preview functions.

Additionally, the Canon software PosterArtist and Digital Photo Print Professional are packaged as standard and can be configured to an existing network to ensure ease-of-use and effective print management.

(Reproduced without permission from Canon UK – Please see their website to more information about this product).

Dear Reader,

Welcome to my blog about the Canon IPF8000 Large Format Printer.

I have started this blog as I have found it extremely difficult to find a good source of information about using the product. My aim here is to endevour here to compile not only my experiences will the product, but useful information I pick up on the way.

I would welcome comments and suggestions from anyone that has used this machine, or is considering purchasing one. Also I would welcome comments about it’s sister printers, the IPF5000 and IPF9000.

Thanks for looking in and I hope our journey together will be productive and informative.

Marcus Treamer.