Singapore, 19 January 2007 -- By incorporating an image processor, Canon’s SELPHY ES1 compact photo printer takes personal photo printing to a whole new level. Powered by Canon’s powerful proprietary DIGIC II image processor, users can now correct and enhance images for print automatically without the need for software enhancement on a PC. Beyond image enhancement, SELPHY ES1 has added several fun options like calendar prints and speech bubbles to help users do more and say more with their pictures. Like the previous SELPHYs, SELPHY ES1 takes just approximately a minute for a 4R print.

“Canon’s SELPHY ES1 allows you to turn a photo into a story with creative printing options like speech bubbles and multiple formats,” explains Andrew Koh, Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Division at Canon Singapore. “At Canon, we are focused on bringing delight and convenience to our users – SELPHY ES1 does just that, opening up more possibilities for users as they can now print directly from their cameras without the need of a computer.”

DIGIC II and “My Colours” now in a printer

Powered by the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s cameras, SELPHY ES1 now has Canon’s advanced colour reproduction qualities without the need to be connected to a PC. With its My Colours function found in many of Canon’s cameras, users can now enhance their images at the point of print. The reds, blues and greens can be made more vivid, and skin tones can be made more natural. With My Colours, photos can be easily printed in sepia or black and white.

SELPHY ES1 can also correct red eye at the point of printing and correct exposure problems caused by backlighting and low-light shooting conditions.

Say more and do more with your photos

With SELPHY ES1, users have more creative options when printing their pictures. One interesting feature that will help to tell better stories is the ability to add speech bubbles into a photo, and there are six different types of speech bubbles to choose from.

Other Creative Print functions allow users to stamp their personalities and stretch their imagination by printing with a variety of layouts directly from SELPHY ES1. Users can simply tap a button to create a calendar, tap another to create a photo album or for those who can’t decide, choose to print up to eight images on a single page.

Compact design that is ready to go

The printer’s vertical design and integrated ink and paper cassette makes watching the printing process fun for all. Users can choose from various print sizes – L-size (similar to 3R), postcard size (similar to 4R) and credit card size – to suit their needs. The all-in-one ink and paper cassette eliminates the need for a separate paper tray and allows for fast and simple ink and paper replacement. The self-contained ink cartridge prevents any possibility of dust settling on the printout which may ruin that perfect picture. The result is a beautiful photo with a protective UV clear coat that lasts a lifetime.

The high resolution tilt-up 2.5-inch LCD screen allows users to easily navigate through the printer’s menu system to select and edit photos or display a slide show from a compatible memory card. This screen also allows people to view and instantly edit their photos to a variety of sizes while the auto rotate function automatically flips the photo for the correct way for viewing. The screen also displays useful information such as battery, ink and paper level.

Users can easily take the SELPHY ES1 anywhere they go with its retractable carrying handle. Coupled with the optional rechargeable battery, users have a printer that is portable, fun and stylish. The built-in retractable USB cable easily connects to most digital cameras so users do not have to carry extra cables, and the memory card slots accept most of today’s flash memory cards. Users can conveniently print directly from any Pictbridge camera or mobile phone, PDA or laptop with the built-in IrDA and optional Bluetooth support.

Refills for the SELPHY ES1 compact photo printer are easily obtainable from authorized dealers. Users will recognize the new easy-to-spot packages that are clearly labeled for SELPHY ES1 with large letters that correspond to the paper type. Ink and paper cartridges for postcards come in both 25 and 50 sheet packs. Optional packages include the dedicated black and white cartridge for exceptional monochrome prints.

Pricing and availability

The Canon SELPHY ES1 is now available at Canon authorized dealers at a recommended retail price of SG$399, with an optional battery pack priced at SG$129.