2 November 2003 23:46 GMT / By PRESS RELEASE
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new SmartBase MP360 and SmartBase MP370. With stylish contours and bold classy finishes, the new models' arresting new ‘Z' design unifies print, photo-print, flatbed scanning and copy technologies. With only one cable, one power source, one driver installation, and one investment required, these chic and surprisingly compact All-in-One devices save time, space and money, and are very easy to use.
The SmartBase MP370 features a host of direct photo printing features. It is the world's first Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) to support the industry standard PictBridge interface, which allows PC-free direct printing from any brand of PictBridge compatible digital camera or camcorder via USB cable. The card slot provides direct printing from all popular memory card types and the Photo Index Sheet simplifies photo and media selection. Both MFPs include a 4800x1200 dpi printer, 1200x2400 dpi CCD scanner, borderless high resolution photo-printing with 2pl ink droplets and a copier. The SmartBase MP360 comes in a rich navy blue while the SmartBase MP370 is jet black with a metallic platen lid.
“People want their home interiors to reflect a sense of style, so we need to design products to match,” explains Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The SmartBase MP360 and MP370 have design to seduce the eye with specifications to convince even the most discerning of consumers.”
Photo printing
The SmartBase MP370 is targeted at users who want no-fuss photo-printing as well as copy, scan and document print functions. It supports PictBridge, enabling direct printing from any brand of PictBridge compatible camera, and Canon's Bubble Jet Direct. The SmartBase MP370 also enables direct printing from CompactFlash™ Type I & II, Microdrive, SmartMedia, MultiMedia Card, SD, Memory Stick and xD-Picture Cards . To simplify direct printing from memory cards, a ‘tick the box' photo index sheet can first be printed, filled in and scanned to decide photo selection, paper size, paper type, date settings and copy numbers.
Professional photo quality
At the core of both MFPs is the same advanced print head technology found in Canon's new range of dedicated photo printers. Semiconductor manufacturing techniques produce a print head nozzle-density up to seven times that of competing brands, with a nozzle size 40% smaller than Canon's nearest rival and 2pl ink droplets for greater ink placement precision. 1.6 million more dots per square inch than some competing MFPs are ejected with 4800x1200 dpi resolution for photographs.
High speed
Both models boast 18ppm mono and 12ppm colour print speeds.
A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface streamlines communication between scanner and computer. Borderless photo prints on a variety of media up to A4 (including Photo Paper Pro card stock) are delivered. Unique to these new models, the new intelligent print tray automatically opens when a print job is submitted.
Documents, cards, photos and books up to A4 in size can all be scanned on the flatbed at 1200x2400 dpi resolution and 48/24 bit In/Out colour depth. Up to 9600 dpi is achievable with software techniques. Time saving Multi-Photo scans multiple photographs placed on the glass in a single pass, to create individual de-skewed files. The handy Z-lid makes it easier to scan and copy from books and magazines.
Taking digital to the limits
Photo Noise Reduction eliminates the effect of noise generated by the CCD in some digital cameras, while Vivid Photo Technology enhances natural colours in photo images, rendering printed images more appealing. Photo Optimizer PRO and Image Optimizer options analyse hues and brightness of digital images, automatically correcting colour hue, exposure and saturation. This results in a more faithful reproduction of images as people remember them.
Software
Easy-PhotoPrint software allows users to quickly select images and print them in just three easy steps. This software supports Exif 2.2, which enables users to reproduce more natural looking images. Easy-WebPrint software simplifies the printing of Internet pages by scaling the output so the entire page is printed even when it extends over multiple screens. In order to help new users get up and running immediately with optimum quality print output, Print Advisor has been included. This package assists with making the right setting choices for the image/document type being printed.
Pricing, availability and reader enquiries
The MP360 and MP370 will be available in mid-November 2003 for around £99 and £149 inc VAT respectively.
Related links
Latest in Cameras
Latest on Pocket-lint.co.uk
-
CAMERAS
Nikon Unveils D3X DSLR
-
CAMERAS
PHOTOS: Nikon's D3X flagship DSLR
-
CAMERAS
Nikon No 1 For DSLRs
Comments