Canon I9900

The Canon i9900, originally released in 2004, remains a relevant legacy device for photo enthusiasts due to its unique 8-color ChromaPlus ink system and wide-format capabilities. In 2026, the market for this printer has shifted from a mainstream consumer product to a niche "vintage" asset valued for its specific color gamut and reliability.

Product Overview

The i9900 is defined by its ability to produce high-resolution (4800 x 2400 dpi) borderless prints up to 13" x 19" at speeds that were class-leading for its time—approximately 3 minutes for a poster-size print CreativeproCanon.

* Ink System: It uses the BCI-6 individual dye-based ink tanks, which include specialized Red and Green cartridges. This expands the color gamut significantly in warmer and natural tones compared to standard 6-color photo printers CnetCreativepro.

* Connectivity: Modern users should note it relies on USB 2.0 and FireWire, lacking built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet CnetCanon.

Market Trends & Insights (2026)

* Secondary Market Value: Used units are currently trading between $450 and $600 on platforms like eBay, often commanding a premium if "New In Box" due to their rarity and specialized output Ebay.

* Maintenance & Sourcing: While official support has ended, the market for compatible BCI-6 cartridges remains robust. Sourcing from B2B suppliers shows competitive pricing for bulk compatible tanks (as low as $0.37 - $0.54 per tank for large orders), which helps keep operational costs low for hobbyists .

* Consumer Sentiment: Users in the current market value the i9900 for its resistance to print-head clogging compared to newer pigment-based models, though they note the dye-based inks have lower archival longevity than modern pigment alternatives RedditCnet.

The broader printer market in 2026 is trending toward smarter personalization and variable data printing, with a global market size projected to reach over $78 billion GminsightsFacebook. The i9900 occupies a specialized segment of this market—users who prioritize wide-format dye-based vibrancy over modern networking features.