Choosing the right Canon Pro large format printer depends on what you print, how large you need to print, and whether your priority is absolute image quality, production speed, or long-term running efficiency. Canon’s imagePROGRAF PRO range is built for photographers, fine art studios, galleries, print shops, designers, and businesses that need professional colour accuracy at larger sizes. This guide compares the key Canon Pro large format models and explains the main benefits of each.
Canon Pro Large Format Printers Compared.
Canon’s current professional large format range is centred around the imagePROGRAF PRO series, with the main models being the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600, PRO-4600, and PRO-6600. These are the premium 12-colour models designed for photographers, artists, proofing studios, and high-end print environments where colour accuracy, smooth gradients, deep blacks, and fine detail are essential. The main difference between them is print width: the PRO-2600 is 24 inches, the PRO-4600 is 44 inches, and the PRO-6600 is 60 inches.
Alongside these, Canon also offers higher-production “S” models such as the imagePROGRAF PRO-4600S and PRO-6600S. These printers are designed more for volume output than maximum colour depth, typically using a reduced ink set compared with the 12-colour versions. They are a strong choice for print shops, poster producers, retail graphics, event graphics, and businesses that need professional-quality output at larger sizes but want faster production and potentially simpler ink management.
Previous-generation models are also still commonly found in studios and resale channels, including the PRO-2100, PRO-4100, PRO-6100, PRO-4100S, and PRO-6100S. These remain capable professional printers, but the newer PRO-2600, PRO-4600, and PRO-6600 models bring updated ink technology, improved colour performance, and modern workflow advantages. If you are buying new, the latest generation is usually the better long-term investment; if you are buying used or replacing an older machine, the earlier PRO models can still be excellent depending on condition, ink costs, and service availability.
Key Differences and Benefits of Each Model.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 is the best fit for photographers, artists, studios, schools, and smaller businesses that need professional output but do not require the largest print widths. Its 24-inch format is ideal for fine art prints, photographic enlargements, proofing, posters, and exhibition work at a manageable size. The key benefit is that it offers the premium 12-colour Canon Pro print quality in a smaller footprint, making it easier to place in a studio while still delivering excellent colour accuracy, black density, and smooth tonal transitions.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 is the most versatile option for many professional users because its 44-inch width opens up larger fine art, photography, canvas, signage, and display applications. It is a strong middle ground: larger and more flexible than the PRO-2600, but easier to accommodate than the 60-inch PRO-6600. For photographers, galleries, and commercial print providers, the PRO-4600 is often the sweet spot because it can handle high-value gallery prints and wide-format work without moving into the biggest and most expensive category.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6600 is the flagship choice for users who need maximum print width and uncompromising image quality. At 60 inches wide, it is built for large exhibition prints, museum-quality reproductions, premium canvas, oversized photographic work, and high-end display graphics. For businesses that regularly sell large-format wall art or produce statement pieces, the PRO-6600 provides the biggest creative and commercial opportunity in the 12-colour Pro range, while the PRO-4600S and PRO-6600S are better suited to users who prioritise faster production of posters, graphics, and commercial output over the absolute widest colour gamut.
In simple terms, choose the PRO-2600 if you want premium Canon Pro quality in a compact 24-inch model, choose the PRO-4600 if you need a balanced 44-inch professional printer for photography, art, and commercial work, and choose the PRO-6600 if you need the largest 60-inch output with top-tier image quality. If your business focuses more on higher-volume posters, retail graphics, or production printing, the PRO-4600S and PRO-6600S are worth considering. The best model ultimately comes down to print size, workload, available space, and whether your priority is maximum colour quality or faster production.