The market for large-format poster printers is a competitive one, and if you are presently seeking out a 24” A1 device in this category, you will naturally be anxious to ensure your eventual choice of machine is easy to use, secure, and produces impressive results.

For a lot of our customers browsing our range of A1 wide-format printers right now, however, their decision ultimately boils down to either the HP DesignJet Z6 or the Canon ImagePROGRAF GP-200.

Both of these machines undoubtedly have their strengths, but also some significant differences you should probably bear in mind. So, what are they?

The merits of HP’s highly rated Z6

If you do opt for the HP DesignJet Z6, you will certainly be getting a device of excellent quality; you will be able to depend on it to consistently create superb-looking prints at a swift pace, while minimising the volume of ink that needs to be used.

The Z6 incorporates powerful processing architecture and the Adobe PDF Print Engine 3, so you won’t have to worry about its ability to handle even the most complicated files.

Dual roll support and automatic roll switching will enable you to save time that you might have otherwise needed to spend on media changes and adjustments. And as for the print results themselves, high-definition HP printheads allow the Z6 to produce clear detail with remarkable high-contrast colour.

The GP-200 rates highly in more ways than one

However, as rightly acclaimed as HP DesignJet printersare, it is important to note that in the shape of the Canon ImagePROGRAF GP-200, the Z6 has a worthy challenger.

The Canon machine’s specifications are on a par with the very best rivals, this six-colour printer incorporating such features as high-precision paper edge protection for freesize borderless printing, and a built-in HDD for the most convenient and efficient printing of saved data.

There are also other aspects of the GP-200 that allow it to compare particularly well to its HP competitor. There is no option with the Z6, for example, to use it on a desktop; it has to be stand mounted, which means it takes up a greater amount of space. Indeed, the Canon is also 24% slimmer overall than the Z6, so if you require a 24” A1 printer for desktops or smaller office spaces, it really could be an excellent choice.

Finally, we can’t not mention that the Canon ImagePROGRAF GP Series – of which the GP-200 is a member – is also the first large-format printer range in the world to use

aqueous pigment fluorescent ink. This opens up exciting possibilities for graphics when you choose the GP-200, the newly developed fluorescent pink ink effectively expanding the colour gamut well beyond pink and other standard hues.

For those customers of ours, then, who would especially appreciate having the ability to produce really eye-popping colours across their printed matter – including the use of Spot Colour to draw attention to detail and give their posters an absolute ‘wow’ factor – they might struggle to look past the Canon GP-200. And with pastels also being part of the palette that would be available to you as a GP-200 owner, you won’t be restricted to neon.

We’re here to guide you if you’re still trying to decide

Are you comparing Canon and HP DesignJet printers in our store, or still thinking about other options? Whatever the situation for you, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Prizma Graphics for advice and guidance. We can help ensure you make the choice of device that is best matched to your circumstances and needs, when you call 01296 393700.