In conjunction with their announcement of the PowerShot S30 and S40 (above) Canon has today also announced the Bubble Jet S820D direct photo printer. This printer can be connected directly to the PowerShot S30 or S40 (no computer required) via USB, connection enables new menu options on the cameras which can then send prints directly to the printer. The S820D is based on Canon's flagship S800 and can also print directly from Compact Flash Type I or II, SmartMedia and Memory Stick (all via PCMCIA adapters).

Exclusive: screen captures from PowerShot S40 connected to S820D

Press release:

Canon launches the world's first truly
connectable direct photo printer

With the Canon Bubble Jet S820D it's now possible for advanced amateur photographers to print directly from a Canon PowerShot S30 and PowerShot S40 digital camera without the need for a PC in between.

This new photo printer provides the ultimate in print quality and is by far the fastest direct photo printer in its class. In addition to providing an A4 direct print solution for the PowerShot S30 and S40 the Bubble Jet S820D can also be used with other digital cameras.

Along with the PowerShot S30 and S40 the Bubble Jet S820D supports DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) allowing the pre-selection of images directly from Type I & II CompactFlash™ cards, SmartMedia™ or Memory Stick™.

With the specifically designed LCD control panel on the printer itself users can easily select print quality, paper type, and image layout, as well as selecting which images are to be printed from the memory card in use. To further enhance flexibility, an optional TFT colour LCD viewing panel is available allowing images on the memory card to be viewed during the selection process.

The S820D combines superior quality (6 colours and 2400 X 1200 dpi, i.e. 2.88 million dots per square inch) with high-speed photo printing. It's capable of delivering a full-size 1200 x 1200 dpi A4 photo within two minutes, making the S820D significantly faster than it's competitors.

'As one of the world's leading researchers, Canon registers more than 7 technology patents every working day. Heavy investment in R&D has resulted in unique technology advantages such as the extremely high nozzle density print heads designed for the S series. Proof of technology leadership can be seen in colours which are deeper, richer, more accurate and more intense, giving an extremely natural look to any photographic print' says Mr Komatsuzaki Canon's Executive Vice President, Consumer Imaging.

The S820D is an excellent example of Canon's investment in LSI head production as it features Canons MicroFine Droplet Technology™. This ink delivery process delivers microscopic 4 picolitre ink droplets onto the paper more accurately than any other system in use today. This advanced droplet technology combined with high resolution dot placement, 6-colour print process, and 1/6 density inks ensure that the S820D produces better photos than any other inkjet printer in its class. Canon technology ensures photo prints with smoother ink coverage, reduced image 'noise' and grainy texture as well as greatly improved gradation between mid-tones. This gives the user deeper, richer, more accurate and more intense colours, and ensures an extremely natural look to any photographic print.

Not only does print quality rival that of traditional silver halide photos, independent tests also confirm long photo lifespans - upwards of 25 years' light fastness with Photo Paper Pro (subject to display conditions).

The S820D also offers true borderless printing, making it possible to effectively print 'full-bleed' images that are indistinguishable from traditional prints. Utilising Canon's Single Ink technology the S820D is economical as well as innovative.

The S820D supports Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Mac OS.

Captures of PowerShot S40 printing direct to the Bubble Jet S820D

The LCD monitor captures below show the new menu options and printing features available on the Canon PowerShot S40 when connected directly (via USB) to a Canon Bubble Jet S820D. You can now select from several different paper sizes as well as bordered or borderless, date stamp and the number of copies to be printed. You can also use the built-in trimming feature to print just a portion of your image.

Canon Bubble Jet S820D specifications