Digital Copiers

By Sylvia Rosen

Canon is synonymous with excellence in office equipment. Canon's high-quality reputation when it comes to imaging products goes back to 1933, when they introduced the first 35 mm focal plane camera in Japan. Their longevity lends credence to their brand as well as the popularity of their color copiers and color laser printers.

First called Kwanon, the company changed its name to Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory and then in 1947 to the Canon Camera Co., Inc. then lastly to Canon, Inc. in 1969. Through the years, Canon has expanded its reputation in the fields of X-Ray cameras, camcorders and digital multi-functional devices, such as their line of imageRUNNERs.

Print engines developed by Canon dominated the laser printers used by industry leaders for years. Apple and HP were among the high-profile brands using the Canon LBP-CX engine in their laser printers. As they upgraded their laser printers, Canon was right there with new versions of print engines. Given the popularity of their components even among their competitors, it is a small wonder that Canon laser copiers have achieved a reputation for excellence in the industry.

Over the last two decades, Canon color copiers and laser printers have owned the largest market share in their segments. This is not surprising when you consider that most of the radical technological developments in digital imaging were invented by Canon. The company has aggressively pursued the future by investing in copying and printing technologies. In 2009, Canon acquired Océ, a company based in the Netherlands that develops hardware and software for printing and copying, including printing and copying systems. The acquisition has created the largest company in the printing industry. The division responsible for Canon color copiers contributes the largest share to the company's revenues.

The machine of choice in today's business world is the imageRUNNER. ImageRUNNERs have the ability to print, fax, and scan images. The equipment streamlines tasks and helps you multitask using only the one piece of equipment, saving time, money and space in your office environment.

Compare and decide

The following table will help you decide the option that is best for your office. From print speeds, scanning capability and price, there is a Canon imageRUNNER option that will fit your business needs:

Breaking down the table above

With many more models to consider, Canon has options for any type of business setting. Here are some additional dimensions to consider:

• Black and white or color: imageRUNNERs such as the Color C1022 series offer monochrome and brilliant color copying not available for the black-and-white kinds. If your office tasks demand high-quality color output, then a color model is important. The C1022i, for example, has Color Modes of auto color, full color, and black and white. The imageRUNNER 1025 or 1025iF series may instead suffice if your business primarily scans images to paper in black and white. These models also have color scanning capabilities built in. Keep in mind that the color options are not as diverse as imageRUNNERs that have "Color" within the titles.
• Necessary speed of imageRUNNER: Another consideration in buying the copier is its printing speed, which Canon measures by number of pages per minute (PPM) and images per minute (IPM). The black-and-white Canon 1730iFprints up to 32 PPM for letter size and scans 32 IPM. Compare speeds of Canon machines to see which one meets efficiency requirements for your business. imageRUNNER Advance models have higher page copier speeds per minute than the classic Runner Advance series of models.
• Paper capacity requirements: Choose a Canon imageRUNNER with a large paper tray if your office output levels per month are high. Read the counter under the platen glass on your current copier to determine the office volume. For a network copier, multiply the total by 30 to 50 percent to allow for business growth and any issues. The Advance C9065 PRO provides one of the highest paper capacities of the imageRUNNER models. Its maximum capacity is 9,300 sheets. The black-and-white 1740 series, by contrast, has a maximum paper capacity of only 2,300 sheets. A larger paper tray for a copier means that time between paper runs is longer and efficiency stays high in office. On the other hand, if paper volume per month is low, then invest in an Image Roller with smaller trays to lower machine costs.
• Dimensions of digital copier: When buying an imageRUNNER, the dimensions of the model are also important to consider. Choose a copier that fits in the available office space, even when drawers are open. The color 1022 series is a relatively small machine that suits office spaces with little extra room. It can sit on a desktop or be put onto a cabinet for central access.

There is a Canon imageRUNNER that can meet your needs and stay within your budget. BuyerZone can connect you with qualified copier dealers who will work with you to evaluate your exact needs.