19th Dec 2025

Color vs. Black and White A3 Canon Copiers: Which is Right for You?

Canon’s imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX series offers reliable A3 multifunction copiers (supporting up to 11x17-inch paper) that can print, copy, scan, and fax. When choosing between color and black-and-white (monochrome) models, the best option depends entirely on your specific use case, print volume, and budget.

Black and White A3 Canon Copiers

Ideal for text-heavy, high-volume environments.

Advantages:

  • Lower purchase or lease cost
  • Significantly cheaper per-page printing (toner only)
  • Faster print speeds
  • Simpler maintenance
  • Excellent for reports, contracts, invoices, and internal documents

Drawbacks:

  • No color capability
  • Color jobs must be outsourced

Best for: Law firms, accounting offices, or any business where 95%+ of prints are black-and-white and cost efficiency is critical.

Popular series: imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX 4900/6700/6800/8900 (up to 80+ ppm).

Color A3 Canon Copiers

Versatile machines that handle both color and black-and-white printing.

Advantages:

  • Full-color output for brochures, presentations, charts, and marketing materials
  • One device covers all needs—no outsourcing required
  • Professional, polished look for client-facing documents
  • Most models default to black-and-white to keep costs down

Drawbacks:

  • Higher upfront and per-page costs (especially for color pages)
  • Slightly slower when printing in color
  • More complex maintenance

Best for: Marketing teams, schools, real estate agencies, or offices that occasionally need color but want everything in-house.

Popular series: imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C58xx/C39xx (up to 60+ ppm).

Making the Right Choice

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your workflow:

  • If you rarely need color and prioritize speed and low running costs, go with a black-and-white model.
  • If you produce marketing materials, presentations, or any color documents in-house (even occasionally), a color model offers greater flexibility and convenience.

Many businesses find that a color copier pays for itself over time by eliminating outsourcing fees, while others save significantly with monochrome for pure text workloads.

Evaluate your monthly print volume and color usage percentage, then consult a Canon dealer for a tailored recommendation and quote. The right A3 copier should fit your needs today and scale with your business tomorrow.

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