Therefore, when selecting this essential piece of office equipment, remember to not only consider your copying needs carefully, but also what you get for your hard cash.  Photocopiers range from being ultra-expensive, around £30,000, to the lower end of the spectrum, £750.  So even though copiers are now a necessity rather than just a desire, if you choose wisely then you can get what's right for your business, without having to spend a fortune.  The important thing to consider isn't just the cost, but whether you are getting good value for money from the product you choose.

Before undertaking your search, take several minutes to decide on your company's needs.

Consider if you'll need to produce leaflets, brochures, protect legal documents, etc?  Then adapt your search accordingly.

To save time trawling through endless specs to find that perfect model, here is a shortlist of three top Canon multifunctional photocopiers which provide good value for money, especially when leasing.

1. Canon C3525i Imagerunner Advance

If you want compact design and excellent print quality, this office colour printer is for you!  The Canon C3525i is an easy to use, A3 colour multifunctional printer, producing high quality colour communications and streamlined document workflows.  It's an ideal device for busy offices as it utilises cost control features and stringent security.  Its robust design has a maximum paper capacity of 2,300 sheets, perfect for heavy workloads. The imaging technology always ensures high quality documents, and its 'image RUNNER ADVANCE platform' reduces printing costs, with its capability for document publishing, device management and seamless document capture, whilst keeping your information secure.

A summary of its features…

• 25 pages per minute in colour and mono
• Advanced security features
• Customisable 17.8 cm tilting colour WVGA touch screen
• Flexible media of up to 2,300 sheets at one time.
• The Canon C3525i has a powerful in-house publishing and finishing capabilities
• Smart document capturing/ handling processes
• Fleet management options
• Quick and easy consumable replacement procedure
• Exceptional print quality with postscript as standard

So for a reliable, efficient machine, giving good value for money for the amount of features you receive, then the Canon C3525i Image Runner Advance could be a good option.

2. Canon C3520i Imagerunner Advance low volume colour photocopier

The C3520i is built using bio and recycled plastics.  Its 'smart user authentication' allows control of user access, allowing restricted access to specific functions (eg use of colour), thus reducing print costs.  It also features the 'image RUNNER ADVANCE platform' helping to reduce your total print costs, with the same capabilities as the C3525i, (see above).  The colour touch-screen, intuitive menus and smart user authentication provide a unique personalised experience.  Document capture is effortless with rapid scanning and conversion into a range of formats including Office Open XML PPT and Word, ready for digital re-use.  The Canon C3520i provides flexible mobile working solutions, bringing simplicity to mobile workers who can print/scan from their mobile devices. This model helps you to create professional-looking booklets/finished documents automatically.  The new staple-on-demand functionality and staple-less Eco stapler make finishing easier, also reducing waste.  Thanks to easily replaceable consumables and its low maintenance design, you can also be assured of less 'downtime', keeping offices running smoothly and efficiently. The C3520i is perfect for heavy workloads, with its maximum paper capacity of 2,300 sheets.  This 'ENERGY STAR' qualified device offers a class-leading TEC rating and consumes 1W or less in sleep mode.

A summary of its features…

• 20 pages per minute colour/black
• Duplex document feeder
• Maximum cassette paper size A3+ (305mm x 457mm)
• Maximum bypass paper size SRA3 (320mm x 450mm)
• 2x 550 sheet cassettes
• 100 sheet manual feed
• Duplex
• Copy, print, and colour scanning
• Scan to SMB / FTP / Email
• Searchable PDF
• Secured printing and Adobe PostScript

A less expensive product than the C3525i, yet don't let this mislead you, as this machine is still capable of delivering up to 20 pages per minute and has an excellent range of features, providing great value for money.

3. Canon C5535i Low Volume Multi-Functional

This is a high grade multi -functional device which supports your document workflows and enhances business communication, helping to make your workday easier!  It has a superb 1200dpi print quality, great reliability and ease of use. It copies/ prints/scans at 35 pages per minute in colour/ mono, ensuring that there is less time spent photocopying.  It offers numerous document finishing options, like advanced staple finishing and booklet maker. The printer can sort documents into individual sets as a standard feature.  The C5535i offers you the resources to do far more, quicker and more efficiently than ever before. This impressive, complete document solution device has the ability to organise complicated personal workflows or time consuming jobs, using just one button!  It scans to various destinations including email, ftp, PDF or shared folders.  It can be effortlessly set up so staff must gain access by identifying themselves, thus protecting sensitive documentation which is held securely on its large hard drive.  The C5535i conforms to international environment standards such as Energy Star and ROHS, whilst its new toner technology helps to lower energy costs.

A summary of its features…

• 35 pages per minute in colour/mono
• Automatic Document Feeder
• Duplex
• 2x550 sheet Paper Cassettes
• Full Network Printing, Scanning, Copying
• 100 Sheet Bypass
• Secured Printing/ Pin Code Access
• Scan to SMB/ EMAIL/ FTP
• 1200 X DPI Print
• SRA3 Maximum paper size

Certainly the most expensive option out of the three, yet it delivers everything you could possibly wish for in a MFP. It's perfect for small and large businesses alike and if you crave gizmos and gadgets to get jobs done fast and efficiently, then you won't go far wrong!  You certainly get the performance and extras to accompany that extra amount on the price tag. 

Each of the above copiers should fulfil all your printing requirements and offer great value, especially if you go down the leasing route.  Just opt for the one that best suits your business budget and your most important printing requirements. Your stresses and strains about printing can then be left behind you…in that dusty old filing cabinet!

• London Printer Rentals Comment

Canon is certainly one of the most trusted names in the printer and photocopying market - and for good reason.  They not only offer some of the most reliable, advanced machines in today's technological market, but they also provide excellent value for money, with their range of features which are often built in as standard. 

If you choose us, we'll do the same!  Offering you a service that is second to none, and with unbeatable prices to match, for both outright purchases, photocopier leasing and short term photocopier rental, London Printer Rentals provides as standard;

• Free delivery & installation
• Quick delivery, professional installation
• Nationwide service agreements
• No small print, No contract cancellation fee
• Excellent after sales support
• Nationwide 4 hour response time

What's more, if you decide that any of these photocopiers are for you, yet you can't afford to buy outright, London Printer Rentals offers a range of photocopier leasing options which can be tailored specifically to your needs.  Through leasing your machine, you can get a higher spec model such as the Canon colour C5535i photocopier for a more manageable, monthly outlay.  In fact, it is a proven fact that small offices can save up to 30% by renting a printer or leasing a photocopier instead of buying! 

So Contact us today to find out how leasing a Canon colour photocopier is the right choice for your office.