Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
Quick take
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is a 17-inch wide professional wireless inkjet photo printer designed for photographers who want strong color range, detailed darker areas, and consistent gloss output using an 11-color pigment ink system with Chroma Optimizer.
It can be slower than smaller printers and it costs more to keep running, so it is best for low-to-medium volume printing in a dedicated studio space. The biggest practical tradeoff is the printer’s large, heavy footprint.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 11 pigment-based ink system aimed at broad color gamut and improved gloss uniformity.
- Pro-focused features for print workflow, including media configuration and color calibration tools.
- Paper handling is praised as solid for large-format prints, helping with accurate ink placement.
- Setup and use are described as manageable for buyers with normal computer skills, including Windows 11.
Cons
- It is very large and heavy, so you need space and help to position it.
- Ink and maintenance can add up, especially if you print only occasionally.
- Print speed is not the priority, making it a better fit for quality-focused output than quick, high-volume runs.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback is strongly centered on print quality and usability for serious photo output. Multiple buyers describe the results as gallery quality, with rich, vibrant color and excellent detail for their artistic work. Paper handling and the overall reliability of the workflow are also recurring positives, including confidence that the printer can run large prints well once it is properly set up.
On the practical side, reviewers commonly mention that initial setup takes time but is straightforward if you are comfortable with computer configuration. Software control is another theme, with particular praise for Canon’s professional print workflow tools. The clearest recurring caveats are cost of ownership (ink and maintenance) and the printer’s size and weight, which affects where it can realistically live.
One specific concern that some buyers have raised in the past, “banding,” was not observed in the reports included here, but the review evidence in this dataset is not broad enough to confirm how frequently it may occur across all situations. If your process is highly sensitive to uniform band-free gradients, it is worth validating your own workflow and paper pairing.
Key features that matter for photographers
A professional 11-color pigment ink system
The PRO-1100 uses an 11 pigment-based ink system designed to support a wide color gamut, improved gloss uniformity, and enhanced darker areas. It also includes Chroma Optimizer ink, which is intended to improve gloss consistency by helping flatten the print surface and expanding the effective color range.
Designed for durable-looking photo output
Ink handling and print stability matter for fine-art and photo work, and this model is built around a Fine print head for controlled ink ejection plus anti-clogging technology. For buyers, that translates to a focus on consistent results rather than casual, on-demand home printing.
Workflow and printer management tools
Canon positions the PRO-1100 for professional production, and the feature set reflects that. Buyers get tools such as media configuration and color calibration, plus accounting management to track workflow details. There is also support for a standalone pro printing solution that can integrate as a plug-in with other Canon or creative applications.
Large-format support with borderless printing
With a maximum media size listed up to 17 x 22 inches, this printer is aimed at photographers who want to go beyond smaller 13 x 19 workflows. It supports borderless printing, which can simplify presentation for exhibition-ready pieces.
Pros and cons in plain terms
- Best for: Photographers, fine-art creators, and studios that print low to medium volume but care about color richness, darker detail, and polished gloss output.
- Best for: Anyone who wants a dedicated, stay-in-one-place printer with strong paper handling for larger sizes up to 17 x 22.
- Who should buy: Users who are comfortable spending time on setup and who want more control over media settings and color management.
- Who should avoid: Buyers who want a compact printer, easy “leave it on the desk” placement, or a budget-first model with minimal ongoing ink costs.
Ink and maintenance costs are the main ownership tradeoff
Reviewers repeatedly flag that high-end photo inkjets can use ink during maintenance routines, and that operating expense is part of the deal. If you print infrequently, plan for the reality that upkeep can still consume ink even when you are not actively producing many prints.
Speed is not the headline feature
For quality-focused work, the printer may take longer to produce larger, full-color outputs. If your goal is fast, everyday prints, you may find other desktop printers better suited to quick turnaround rather than fine-art fidelity.
Setup, software, and day-to-day use
Setup is manageable, but plan time
Reviewers describe initial setup as straightforward, though time-consuming. If you are comfortable configuring drivers and workflow settings on a Windows PC, you will likely adapt quickly. Expect a little more effort than a basic consumer inkjet, because you are setting up a pro-level print path.
Professional print tools can make a difference
When buyers leverage Canon’s professional print and layout software, they report easier control and better results. If you already maintain a color-managed workflow, those tools are more likely to feel like an advantage than an extra step.
Price and availability
Pricing varies by retailer and can change over time, so check the latest listing before committing. Since the printer is positioned as a premium pro photo model, value depends heavily on your print frequency and the papers you plan to use.
Alternatives to consider (by buyer needs)
Since no specific competitors were provided here, the best alternatives depend on what you prioritize:
- If you need smaller maximum sizes: Look for a 13 x 19 class pro photo printer to reduce space requirements and slightly narrow costs.
- If your priority is speed over fine-art detail: Consider an option in the same “photo inkjet” family that is marketed for quicker output, but be ready for tradeoffs in gloss or color handling.
- If ink cost sensitivity is high: Compare ongoing ink and maintenance behavior across models, especially if you print only occasionally.
- If you want simpler placement: Choose a model with a more compact footprint for desktop living, since this one is designed for a dedicated studio area.
Verdict
Choose the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 if you want a 17-inch pro wireless inkjet that focuses on color gamut, darker detail, and gloss consistency, and if you are willing to dedicate space and budget to ongoing ink and maintenance. It is a strong fit for photographers printing larger art pieces and those who enjoy dialing in a color-managed workflow. If you need something compact, fast, or inexpensive to run, you may want to look at a smaller-format or lower-cost photo printer class first.
FAQs
What is the maximum print size for the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100?
It supports media up to 17 x 22 inches.
Does the PRO-1100 support wireless printing?
Yes, it is designed for wireless device compatibility.
What ink system does this printer use?
It uses an 11 pigment-based ink system, including Chroma Optimizer ink, with support for Canon PFI-4100 ink cartridges.
Is this printer good for black-and-white prints?
Yes. Buyers specifically mention strong black and white output, and the printer is built to handle both color and darker areas with its pigment-based system.
Is it suitable for frequent high-volume printing?
Reviewers describe it as slower than speed-focused printers, making it a better fit for low-to-medium volume printing where print quality matters more than rapid turnaround.
How heavy is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100?
It is about 83 pounds, so moving and placement generally require help.
Specifications
| Product Title | Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer |
|---|---|
| Category | Office Products > Office Electronics > Printers & Accessories > Printers > Photo Printers > Desktop Photo Printers |
| Brand | Canon |
| Manufacturer | Canon USA |
| Model Name | ImagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
| Model Number | 6856C002 |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 83 Pounds |
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Borderless Printing |
| Printer Output Type | Color |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 17.1"D x 28.5"W x 11.2"H |
| Print media | Glossy photo paper |
| Scanner Type | Photo |
| Maximum Copy Speed Black and White | 1 ppm |
| Compatible Devices | Wireless Devices |
| Warranty Type | 1-year warranty |
| EU Spare Part Availability Duration | 1 Years |
| Ink Color | Black |
| Additional Printer Functions | Print Only |
| Control Method | App |
| Compatible Cartridge | PGI-4100, MBK, PBK, C, M, Y, PC, PM, GY, PGY, R, B, CO |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
| Resolution | 4800 x 2400 |
| Maximum Media Size | 17 X 22 Inch |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 250 |
| Paper Size | A5, A4, A3 (13” x 19”), A2, B5, B4, B3, Letter (8.5” x 11”), Legal (8.5” x 14”), Ledger (11” x 17”), Hagaki/Return Hagaki/A3+/L/2L/4" x 6", 5" x 7", 9" x 13", 11" x 14", 13" x 19" Super B/US Photo 16" x 20", 17" x 22", 17" x 25", 7" x 10", 8" x 10", 10" x 12", 12" x 12", 14" x 17", 17” x 22” Inches |
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