The need for a copier is inevitable in a company. However, it works quite differently when you are thinking of purchasing a colour photocopier as it requires more research and honest introspection. When the topic of colour photocopier pops up, it is understood that it would cost more than a black and white photocopier and would perhaps be used less( for example, printing normal documents that do not need colours)except for businesses that require a lot of colour printing like design or photography agencies. However, the interest in colour photocopiers is on the increase – multifunction printers and easy lease costs are getting a lot of attention as it makes the use of colour printing more affordable. With quite a large number of excellent colour copiers in the market, you will need to delve deep into their functions to pick the right one.

    There are a number of factors that need to be considered while buying a photocopier that will yield the results that you are seeking. Let’s take a look at the most important ones –

    Printing Technology

    Most office copy machines use laser printing technology as it ensures a faster process, albeit more expensive, but it offers a lower cost per page.  The printed text is also more crisp. On the other hand, there are inkjet machines as well which are cheaper in comparison, have higher costs per page, but they provide crisper prints of detailed images like photographs.

    Quality of Copy

    Businesses requiring colour copiers will obviously need more than just the average print quality – they will be needing high quality prints. Therefore, copy quality is a very important aspect to look into with extra focus on maximum printing resolution and maximum scanning resolution.

    Running Costs

    A vital criterion, running costs need to be considered seriously while selecting the perfect model. Price of ink supplies is a crucial information, along with ink supply capacity for number of printed pages and planned maintenance costs which cumulatively give you the cost per page approximate – a very important figure.

    Paper Capacity and Document Management

    Paper capacity is a critical feature if you are looking at productivity. A traditional copier can hold thousands of pages of varying formats in dedicated trays, something that a multifunction printer cannot match. Also, the automatic document feeder(ADF) is an important component which provides automatic copying of several documents. Some ADFs even come with automatic double-sided copying and scanning. If finishing tools matter to you, you need to take all these factors into consideration.

    Controls

    A photocopier needs intuitive controls that can enable anybody to work with it effortlessly. The introduction of touchscreen control displays has made the use of complex functions simple, and if you require simplicity in your copier, you need to check the ease of controls specifically.

    Security

    The importance of security and a secure copier is never overrated. In an office where the copier might be accessible to a number of people, it is imperative that your documents are protected from wrongful use and are limited to only those who are in charge of them. Functions like password protection and usage records are necessary to keep documents private.

    Connectivity

    A smart device needs to have connectivity. Wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth or NFC are good-to-have additions since they allow easy printing from a bunch of mobile devices.

    Companies to Consider

    There are some stalwarts in the copier category and few of them have been mentioned below: 

    Xerox

    An American company, Xerox is synonymous with copying. An active player in the field of colour copier business, they have exhaustively looked into producing high-end copiers which provide impeccable service. Xerox has both cheap and pricey models, depending on your needs.

    HP

    Quite possibly, HP is the biggest manufacturer of printers across the world. Their ‘enterprise’ line carries some of the most efficient colour copiers.

    Konica Minolta

    Nothing beats the user-friendliness of a Konica Minolta photocopier. Their copiers usually feature large touchscreen interfaces with distinctly labelled buttons that promote simplicity. Their machines are convenient, efficient, sustainable and highly innovative. 

    Canon

    Another brand that has earned notoriety for their superbly functional copiers is Canon. They are also well-known for their highly detailed, beautiful photo prints and copies. Their high-end models are impeccable but come with a high price tag.

    Richard is an experienced tech journalist and blogger who is passionate about new and emerging technologies. He provides insightful and engaging content for Connection Cafe and is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.