Cameras, printers go wireless at Canon’s 15th anniversary show

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese electronics company Canon recently unveiled a slew of consumer gadgets that ditch the age-old companion cables in favor of wireless connectivity just in time for the brand’s 15th anniversary in the Philippines.

On top of the wireless gadgets list are the two new Canon IXUS cameras–the 510 HS and 240 HS–which allow users to instantly transfer images or videos directly to smartphones and tablet devices using an app developed specifically for such purpose.

Canon executives said this is in response to growing consumer preference toward smartphones, which are now sporting better cameras whose image quality can be comparable to that of compact digital cameras.

“The ability to wirelessly transfer photos and videos while on the move allows users to share their experiences with their friends and family more easily than ever before without compromising on image quality,” said Bong Serevo, vice president and image communications products head at Canon.

The 10.1-megapixel IXUS 510 HS comes with 12x optical zoom and new 28mm lens, while the 16.1-megapixel IXUS 240 HS comes with 5x optical zoom and a wide-angle 24mm lens. The two new cameras retail for P21,498 and P18,498, respectively.

Meanwhile, Canon also outed during the show its two new Inkjet printers that no longer need a computer in order to receive printing jobs, as they are equipped with wireless connectivity that can receive photos or documents from mobile devices.

The new printers — the PIXMA MG6270, MX897, MX517, and MX437 — come with a feature called Canon Easy-PhotoPrint and a companion app for iOS and Android devices where users can easily choose which photos and documents they want printed as well as adjust printing settings.

The four printers are also capable of utilizing a unique feature of Apple devices called AirPrint, which allows direct printing from any iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

The PIXMA MG6270 and MX897, however, come with an added feature called PIXMA Cloud Link, which allows users to print with the printers without the use of a PC, and even when they are literally far away from the printer.

“These printers are compatible with Google Cloud Print, so users can access this service with their smartphones or laptops while they are on the move, and print documents that way,” Canon said.

Canon executives said they are hoping the new WiFi-powered gadgets would cement their lead in the inkjet printers and compact digital camera market, where they are both currently ranked first place.

“Our Canon PIXMA Printer Inkjet line in 2011 grew by 27 percent over 2010 in spite of a 7 percent decrease in total inkjet market size. This is a testament to Canon’s dedication to grow our inkjet business and to be no. 1 in all product lines,” said Alan Chng, president and chief executive of Canon Marketing Philippines.

“We are thrilled and thankful to receive such a huge honor,” Severo added. “This year, we have strengthened our line-up further with the introduction of new WiFi-capable VIXIA camcorders for easier uploading and sharing of content, a new feature that’s sure to become a hit among video enthusiasts.”