Canon’s imagePROGRAF lineup can appear confusing at first glance, especially when there are four different 44‑inch printers with four different ink combinations. With the realities of getting a 44-inch printers up-stairs, through doorways, around furniture; you don't want to have to do it twice.
However, as similar as they look, these four models are built for very distinct production goals, ranging from fine‑art & photography printing to high‑speed plan printing. Understanding the ink options, target applications, and print priorities is essential to choosing the right printer for you.
1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO‑4600 – 12 Colour Fine Art & Photography Flagship
The PRO‑4600 is Canon’s top‑tier professional photographic printer in the 44‑inch category. It is designed for fine‑art photographers, galleries, museums, and high‑end print studios where colour depth, neutrality, and archival quality are paramount.
Key Characteristics
- Colour Combination: 11‑colour + Chroma Optimizer LUCIA PRO II pigment inks
- Primary strength: Maximum image quality and tonal subtlety
- Output focus: Photography, fine‑art reproduction, exhibition prints
The PRO‑4600 excels at deep blacks, smooth gradients, and neutral black‑and‑white prints. The Chroma Optimizer minimizes bronzing and gloss differential on glossy and semi‑gloss media—something the other models lack. Print longevity is rated up to 200 years under museum conditions, making it ideal for archival work.
Best for: Photographers and artists who care more about image fidelity than production speed.
2. Canon imagePROGRAF GP‑4000 – 11 Colour Poster & Graphic Design Specialist
The GP‑4000 targets graphics, signage, and colour‑critical branding work, rather than photography. It was Canon’s first wide‑format printer to feature fluorescent pink ink, dramatically expanding colour gamut.
Key Characteristics
- Ink system: 10 colours + Fluorescent Pink
- Primary strength: Extremely wide colour gamut. Up to 99% of the Pantone Formula Guide (Solid Coated)
- Output focus: Posters, signage, advertising graphics
Canon’s radiant Infusion technology layers fluorescent pink beneath other inks, producing vivid reds, neons, and oranges that standard ink sets cannot reproduce. This makes the GP‑4000 a powerful tool for retail, entertainment, and promotional environments.
However, it is not optimised for photography; skin tones, grayscale transitions, and subtle highlights are better handled by the PRO series.
Best for: Poster production, branding agencies, and high‑impact colour graphics.
3. Canon imagePROGRAF GP‑4600S – 7 Colour High‑Speed Poster Production
The GP‑4600S is the production‑oriented evolution of the GP lineup. Rather than expanding colour range with fluorescent inks, Canon refocused this model on speed, durability, and cost‑efficient production.
Key Characteristics
- Ink system: 7‑colour LUCIA PRO II pigment inks
- Primary strength: Fast, consistent poster output.
- Output focus: In‑house posters, graphics, signage
The GP‑4600S emphasises scratch resistance, lightfastness, and smooth colour consistency across long print runs. While its gamut is narrower than the GP‑4000’s, it offers faster processing via Canon’s L‑COA PRO engine and lower operating costs high for volume environments. Still achieving approx. 96% of the Pantone Formula Guide
Best for: Retail chains, print‑for‑pay shops, and production poster workflows.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF TX‑4200 – 5 Colour CAD, GIS & Technical Workhorse
The TX‑4200 is fundamentally different from the other three. It is engineered for technical drawings, CAD plans, GIS maps, and fast monochrome output at speeds over eight times faster than the PRO-4600.
Key Characteristics
- Ink system: 5‑colour LUCIA TD pigment ink
- Primary strength: Speed, precision, and line accuracy
- Output focus: CAD, AEC, GIS, technical documentation
The TX‑4200 prioritises sharp lines, and productivity. Its ink set lacks photo grey or optimiser inks but excels in water resistance and durable output for construction and field use.
Best for: Architects, engineers, councils, and corporate CAD departments.
Choosing between these models comes down to what matters most in your output:
- If image quality and archival standards are non‑negotiable, the PRO‑4600 stands alone.
- If eye‑catching colour and Pantone matching drive your work, the GP‑4000 is unmatched.
- If speed and consistency matter more than maximum gamut, the GP‑4600S is the smarter production tool.
- If your priority is technical accuracy and sheer throughput, the TX‑4200 is purpose‑built for the job.
