Canon introduces three entry-level PIXMA All-In-Ones, offering intelligent, high quality printing for everyone

The PIXMA MP250, PIXMA MP270 and PIXMA MP490 all offer Canon's high image quality printing and copying at affordable prices and ease-of-use, delivered straight out of the box.

All three printers feature Canon's class-leading FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology which delivers virtually grain-free photo-lab quality prints using 4800 dpi cartridges with a 2pl drop size. The cartridges - comprising of pigment black and dye-based cyan, magenta and yellow inks - all feature integrated print heads, making them easy to install and use.

The PIXMA MP250, PIXMA MP270 and PIXMA MP490 feature Canon's Quick Start technology, which enables users to begin printing quickly with minimal initialisation time. The three All-In-Ones also include Auto Scan Mode, which automatically detects the size and type of content placed on the scanner glass; plus a self-opening paper output tray for intuitive, hassle-free printing.

Other new features designed to make these All-In-One devices even easier to use are Auto Photo Fix II, which offers automatic correction of underexposed images. It works by dividing the image into multiple zones then uses smart algorithms to then calculate the amount of underexposure in each zone and adjusts the image's contrast, brightness and colour automatically to give users beautifully balanced results.

It's joined by Easy-WebPrint EX - a software download available from the website that enables users to automatically clip chosen frames in a website page and then either print or save them to a computer. Easy-WebPrint EX even enables users to combine multiple clips or content from different web pages and place them on a single page - saving both paper and ink.

Canon has become one of the first printer manufacturers to adopt the ISO/IEC 24734 and 24735 speed test measurements, which enable users to make direct printer-to-printer comparison using industry-wide standards.

PIXMA MP250

The first of the three entry-level PIXMA All-In-Ones for 2009, the PIXMA MP250 has a print resolution of 4800dpi using Canon's 2pl FINE print technology, and is capable of producing 10x15cm (4x6") prints in approximately 56 seconds, approximately 7.0ipm (images per minute) in mono and 4.8ipm in colour using ISO/IEC 24734 and 24735 speed measurement tests.

The PIXMA MP250's integrated CIS scanner has a maximum optical resolution of 600dpi and features Canon's Dual Colour Gamut Processing Technology, which faithfully reproduces the colours of scanned originals, while also delivering laser-quality text reproduction - even with second generation copies.

Other key features include a 7-segment LCD display and a hi-speed USB port for connection to the user's computer. The PIXMA MP250 is finished in matte white with black highlights.

PIXMA MP270

The step-up model from the PIXMA MP250 is PIXMA MP270, which adds a PictBridge port for direct connection to compatible digital cameras and digital video camcorders. PIXMA MP270 also offers a 1200dpi scanner and improved 10x15cm (4x6") print speed of approximately 45 seconds, approximately 8.4ipm in mono and approximately 4.8ipm in colour using ISO/IEC 24734 and 24735 speed measurement tests.

With a more rounded design, the PIXMA MP270 is finished in part gloss and part matt white.

PIXMA MP490

The PIXMA MP490 All-In-One builds on the features of its two siblings, and adds a 4.5cm (1.8") colour TFT LCD - making the printer even easier to setup and use.

PIXMA MP490 offers an improved output time of approximately 43 seconds per 10x15cm (4x6") print. Images per minute are set at approximately 8.4ipm in mono and 4.8ipm in colour using ISO/IEC 24734 and 24735 speed measurement tests.

The PIXMA MP490 also includes a memory card slot that enables you to print directly from images stored on flash memory cards in four simple steps: 1) insert memory card; 2) select images 3) check settings 4) press Start. Images from the 1200dpi CIS scanner can also be saved to flash memory cards. The PIXMA MP490 retains the modern, rounded design of PIXMA MP270 but with an all gloss white finish.

Additional information

The PIXMA MP250, PIXMA MP270 and PIXMA MP490 are bundled with the following software:

• Canon MP Navigator EX - software included with PIXMA All-In-Ones and CanoScan scanners, which presents a common user interface for image input. Enables users to scan in documents and photos or access images on a memory card or PC. Other features include one-click Auto Scan Mode - which automatically recognises the original document format (photo, magazine, etc), then scans and saves using optimal settings - and over 15 language OCR Support.

• Canon Easy-PhotoPrint EX - fully integrated user-friendly software for photo printing and creative projects, such as calendars or photo albums. As well as assisting with options such as paper type selection and size, Easy-PhotoPrint EX includes Auto Photo Fix II, which analyses a photo and automatically adopts the optimal correction based on whether it's a portrait or scene. Auto Photo Fix II features automatic red-eye correction.

Compatibility

Canon's PIXMA MP250, PIXMA MP270 and PIXMA MP490 are compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Mac OS X 10.3.9 to 10.5.