Buying a new copier or printer is hard. There are several highly touted manufacturers and dozens of product lines under each brand. How do you even start narrowing down the options?
By looking at reviews of course.
Keep reading for a brief overview of Canon Inc, a review of their key product lines and a summary of how the experts feel about Canon printing devices.
What is Canon Inc?
Canon is a Japanese corporation headquartered in Tokyo that has been producing high-quality imaging and optical products since 1937.
From steppers to cameras to medical equipment, Canon focuses on products that offer innovative solutions to the real problems that businesses face every day. Their office technology products include a full line of copiers, printers and multifunction devices for businesses of every size.
Redefining Imaging Equipment for Over 80 Years
Founded in 1937, Canon was initially known as the Precision Optical Industry Co. Ltd. then the company changed its name to the Canon Camera Company in 1947.
For the first 32 years of its life, Canon focused on creating cameras including the first indirect X-ray camera in 1940, the world’s first speed/light synchronized 35mm flash-and-shutter camera in 1952, made advances in television cameras throughout the 1950s, and in 1959 introduced the Canon Flex, their first SLR camera.
In 1962 they developed their first five-year plan in preparation for full-fledged entry into the business machine market, and in 1965 Canon USA was established. That same year, the Canofax 1000 was their introduction into the copying machine field.
In 1968 the Canon NP system, the original electro-photography technology, was introduced and Canon entered the plain-paper copier market. 1978 saw the company open its first product-specific business division and the legacy of Canon business technology was born.
Today, the company manufactures a full range of scanners, copiers, printers and multifunction devices for the consumer and business market.
A Review of Canon MFPs
Canon manufactures a full range of business printers, copiers, MFPs and scanners, from small-footprint personal desktop devices, to large high-output networkable units.
Colour imageRUNNER Advance Family
Canon’s C3525i III, C3530i III, C5535i III, and C5540i III offer users a customizable experience that can be tailored to individual preferences using the My ADVANCE app.
These MFPs support mobile solutions and integration with many third-party cloud-based services like Goggle Drive as well as integration with Canon and various other software with their embedded application program.
Features Include:
- 10.1” intuitive touchscreen
- Scan and convert documents into searchable digital files in a variety of formats
- Advanced standard security features to safeguard sensitive information and assist with regulatory compliance
- Control security policy settings with a dedicated password
- Canon’s signature reliability and engine technologies to keep productivity high and minimize downtime
Black and White imageRUNNER Advance Family
Along with their colour, MFPs Canon offers a family of black and white printers. The imageRUNNER Advance 4525i III, 4535i III, 4545i III, 4551i III and 6555i III models offer exceptional productivity for high-volume offices. Canon’s portfolio of imageRUNNER Advance multifunction printers can simplify the end-user experience, manage technology and control sensitive information and costs.
Features include:
- 10.1” intuitive touchscreen with smartphone-like usability
- A unique experience customized to meet your business’ needs using My ADVANCE software
- Support for mobile solutions and easy integration with many popular cloud services
- Scan and convert documents into searchable digital files in many file formats
- An advanced security feature set
- Technology to verify the device boot process, firmware and applications initialize without tampering
- Track and assess print, copy, scan and fax usage and allocate costs to specific projects or departments
- Remote diagnostics and parts life management for proactive maintenance
What the Experts and Users Are Saying
Betterbuys.com felt that “The Canon 3500 III series is updated to include four previously optional security features, now standard, in the refresh of their popular series of colour MFPs. They now include scanning to cloud functionality and increased emphasis on security.”
They also pointed out several shortcomings of this line: “These devices are not intended for offices looking for copying/printing speed of more than 30 ppm, and Canon does not offer the optional Fiery controller for these devices.”
User Brian Schaefer notes, “We have several different imageRUNNER models around our campus, and they exceed the requirements needed for our staff and students. For lighter use, the C3525 is perfect and gets the job done. It’s easy to use – easy to maintain. No experience clearing jams or changing out paper/toner? It will walk you through it! Takes up a minimal amount of space and is easily moved. “
On the flip side, however, he notes that “the default storage amount isn’t meant for large volume printing, but you can expand the capacity if needed.”
The experts at PR Newswire feel that “The Canon imageRunner Advance C5535i II is an easy-to-use printer that creates an intuitive user experience for customers that streamline workflow efficiency.”
However, one thing to note – and for some businesses, it may not be an explicit drawback – is the size and weight. “This printer weighs 313 pounds, and it’s 24 3/8 x 29 1/4 x 37 3/8 inches. If a business needs a printer that is easily moved or sits on a desk, this printer is not it.”
Still Not Sure Which Brand Is Right for You?
If you still don’t feel ready to commit to one brand of copier or printer, fret not, we have you covered. Check out the rest of our series reviewing the top copier and printer manufacturers!
Or if you can’t find the answer to your questions on our blog, give one of our team members a call, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Cory Porteous
Director of Marketing & Inbound Business Development
Office Interiors
