Michelle Ryther, Internet Marketing manager for Samy’s Camera, a leading resource for photographers on the Web gives Canon’s PIXMA iP5000 photo-printer top marks:

“Canon is on the leading edge technologically,” she says. “Their PIXMA iP5000 is a powerhouse printer that combines next-generation print head technology with advanced 5-color printing, for fast, high-definition photos.”

A press release further adds: “Canon Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) uses a high-performance 1,856-nozzle print head that ejects precise, consistent droplets of ink and prints an amazing resolution of up to 9600 x 2400 color dpi, for detail and clarity unmatched by comparable printers.”

Check out this $55 price cut.

An InfoTrend report from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas suggests that the market for digital cameras may be maturing.

U.S. shipments of digital still cameras are expected to peak this year as fewer consumers look to replace older film cameras. “The marketplace for digital still cameras is starting to mature,” claimed analyst Ed Lee.

With growth in Japan past its peak, U.S. growth slowing, and Europe, Middle East and Africa region seen maturing next year, a shakeout may be on tap among camera makers, Lee said. “It has been harder for all those vendors to maintain a profitable business.”

InfoTrends noted that a handful of companies have left the digital still camera business. Market leaders like Kodak, Sony and Canon have diversified by introducing other products and services or are forming JVs with service providers. More and more consumers have a camera built into their mobile phone, but that isn’t the chief cause for slowing demand for still cameras.

“Consumers are purchasing camera phones and getting their feet wet” with digital imaging, said analyst Jill Aldort. “Camera phones will add to the total number of digital images taken.”

If you live in the UK or Ireland, you can enter a Daily Mail competition to win a Canon EOS 350D digital SLR camera, plus a Canon PIXMA i8500 photo printer.

Entries must be in by January 6. Simply text: CANON YOUR NAME, (for example, CANON JOHN SMITH, note the space after CANON) to 83088.

There are four prizes and the winners will be contacted shortly after the closing date.

Update: Please note this competition is now closed.