Canon Inc. (www.Canon-CNA.com) announced today that its SELPHY series of compact photo printers, which enables users to easily print high-quality photos and continues to offer a wide range of ways to enjoy photo printing, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024.
The SELPHY series was created in 2004 in response to heightened demand for photo prints due to the rapid spread of digital cameras in the early 2000s. As of April 2024, the SELPHY series has launched 31 products1 and sold a combined total of more than 17 million units2 worldwide.
The name SELPHY, a combination of “self” and “photography,” was given to convey Canon’s hope that easily printing photos on one’s own would allow people to experience new ways of enjoying photography. SELPHY printers produce photo prints that possess both high-quality and excellent durability through the adoption of a dye sublimation printing process, in which ink is printed by vaporising it with heat. They are also easy to use and feature a small, lightweight body which makes them convenient for transport. The SELPHY series has earned support from a wide variety of users as it offers user-friendly photo printing on the spot, which not only helps to share memorable moments but can also be used to produce a work of one’s choice or in various situations, from wedding decorations to ID photos.
Canon staked its claim as a pioneer in the market of photo printing when it introduced the CP-10 dye sublimation printer in April 2001. Then in 2004, it released SELPHY CP500 and SELPHY CP400 (October 2004). At the same time, Canon launched the SELPHY brand, weaving the product concept into the brand name.
From that point on, Canon continued to develop products in line with generational changes and technological advancement. SELPHY CP710, equipped with a colour LCD monitor and capable of printing photos directly from memory cards, was released in September 2005. Then, with the release of SELPHY CP900 in September 2012, SELPHY printers became compatible with wireless LAN (Wi-Fi3) and achieved wireless linkage with smartphones and tablet devices. SELPHY SQUARE QX10, a compact and lightweight model equipped with an internal battery, making it ideal for carrying, was newly added to the lineup in April 2020. Following that, Canon continued to further develop product functions and designs and in September 2022 released the SELPHY CP1500, the latest model in the CP series which enables vivid colour expression through its automated colour correction function.
Additionally, the SELPHY Photo Layout application, exclusively for the SELPHY series, features a function to create collages by automatically combining several photos and makes it possible to produce images using filters and stamps, as well as create layouts in various paper sizes such as for printable stickers. SELPHY printers also address demand that has risen alongside the popularisation of smartphones, by producing prints in square formats, for instance, which have become familiar thanks to social media.
Going forward, Canon will continue to provide new ways of enjoying and using photos and aim to make contributions to photo and video culture by continuing to expand the SELPHY series in line with evolving user needs.
1 Total number may differ by market or region
2 As of December 31, 2023
3 Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
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About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3SvVhrS) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: Canon-CNA.com
