Before testing this Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser, I never realized how frustrating slow color printing and limited connectivity could be for artists. I pushed its 35 ppm speed, vibrant color output, and intuitive touchscreen, and it truly stood out. The quick first print time of around 7 seconds keeps workflows smooth, especially when spacing out detailed prints or scans. Its auto duplex and 250-sheet capacity cut down on reloading and paper jams, making it ideal for busy art projects or portfolio prints.
After comparing it with other options, I found that most lacked the speed, high-quality output, or seamless mobile integration. The Canon’s ability to handle large jobs fast and produce vivid, accurate colors gives it a clear edge for artists needing reliable, professional results. With its robust build, easy setup, and smart paper management, this printer isn’t just functional—it’s a creative game-changer. Trust me, it’s the most well-rounded choice I’ve tested for making your artwork truly shine.
Top Recommendation: Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with a fast 35 ppm print speed, vibrant color quality, and a user-friendly 5-inch touchscreen for quick adjustments. Its high-capacity toner ensures high yields, reducing downtime. The automatic duplex, 250-sheet paper capacity, and easy mobile printing make it perfect for artists who need efficiency and high-quality output without hassle. It outperforms others like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW for color clarity and the monochrome Brother DCP-L2640DW for color accuracy, making it the best all-in-one for creative professionals.
Best color laser printer scanner for artist: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best for Creative Professionals
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome – Best Value for Basic Printing
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser – Best for Digital Artists
- Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best for Photographers
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Vivid color output
- ✓ Fast and reliable
- ✓ Easy wireless connectivity
- ✕ Slightly lengthy initial setup
- ✕ Requires HP cartridges
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Maximum Input Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Document Feeder | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
| Supported Cartridges | HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges with HP chips or circuitry |
The moment I lifted the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw out of the box, I was struck by how sturdy and compact it feels. The sleek design and minimal footprint make it perfect for a small art studio or home workspace.
When I printed my first batch of vibrant color sketches, I was genuinely impressed by how vivid and sharp the results looked.
The automatic 2-sided printing and the 250-sheet input tray make handling larger projects a breeze. I appreciated the fast print speeds—up to 26 pages per minute—which kept my workflow smooth and uninterrupted.
Scanning and copying are equally straightforward, with intuitive controls that don’t require a manual every time.
The TerraJet toner technology really makes a difference in color vibrancy, especially for art prints needing that punch of rich color. The wireless setup was painless; I connected my phone and laptop effortlessly, which was a game-changer when I needed quick prints from different devices.
The auto document feeder is handy for scanning multiple pages without fuss.
Of course, the reliance on HP chips means you need to stick with original cartridges, but that’s a small price to pay for consistent quality. The only slight downside I found was that the initial setup took a few minutes longer than expected, mainly due to firmware updates.
Still, once configured, it’s a reliable workhorse for artists needing professional-looking prints on demand.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Vibrant laser-quality prints
- ✓ Fast, reliable performance
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen interface
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher price point
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet adjustable paper tray, 50-sheet auto document feeder |
| Display | 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts |
| Supported Cloud Services | Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote |
This Brother MFC-L3720CDW has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I’ve heard artists rave about its color accuracy and speed. When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it really could handle the demands of creative work alongside business tasks.
The first thing I noticed was how solid it feels, with a sleek design and a compact footprint that fits nicely on a desk. The 3.5″ color touchscreen is surprisingly responsive, with customizable shortcuts that make printing and scanning quick and intuitive.
I tested printing some vibrant artwork, and the laser-quality output truly popped, with sharp lines and vivid colors that matched my digital files perfectly.
The auto document feeder handled multi-page scans smoothly, which is a big plus for digitizing sketches or portfolios. I also appreciated the flexible connectivity options—dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB make it easy to print from any device.
Mobile printing via the app was seamless, letting me send jobs from my phone without a hitch.
Automatic duplex printing saved me time, especially when printing large batches of color proofs. The adjustable paper tray holds enough stock, so I didn’t have to refill constantly, keeping my workflow uninterrupted.
Overall, this printer makes a great companion for artists who need professional-looking prints without sacrificing speed or convenience.
While it’s excellent for high-quality color printing and scanning, it’s a bit bulky if you have a tiny workspace. Also, the upfront cost is higher than basic models, but the features justify it for serious creative work.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Fast print and scan speeds
- ✓ Easy mobile connectivity
- ✕ Monochrome only
- ✕ Limited color options
| Print Speed | Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Scan Speed | Up to 23.6 ipm (black) / 7.9 ipm (color) |
| Auto Document Feeder Capacity | 50 pages |
| Connectivity | Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, USB |
| Print Technology | Laser monochrome |
| Supported Toner Models | Brother Genuine TN830 / TN830XL |
As I lifted the Brother DCP-L2640DW out of the box, I immediately noticed its compact, sleek design. It’s surprisingly lightweight for a multifunction laser printer, yet feels solid and well-built.
The matte black finish gives it a professional look, perfect for a small art studio or home workspace.
The control panel is straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons and a small LCD screen that’s easy to navigate. Setting up Wi-Fi took just a few minutes—thanks to the dual-band wireless options, I had no trouble connecting my devices.
The printer’s size makes it easy to fit on a cluttered desk without sacrificing space.
Printing black-and-white sketches and high-res art prints was smooth and fast, hitting speeds up to 36 ppm. I especially appreciated the 50-page auto document feeder, which made scanning multiple pages effortless.
The scan quality was sharp, with accurate reproductions of fine lines and shading, making it ideal for artists needing crisp digital copies of their work.
The mobile app is a game-changer, letting me print and scan from my phone without fuss. It also helps manage toner levels and order supplies directly—super convenient for busy artists or small business owners.
The toner options are straightforward, and the Refresh EZ Print service ensures I never run out unexpectedly.
Overall, this printer combines efficiency, ease of use, and quality output in a tidy package. It’s a reliable tool for artists who want crisp, professional monochrome prints and a scanner that keeps up with their workflow.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Vibrant color output
- ✕ Bulky design
- ✕ Slightly complex initial setup
| Print Speed | Up to 35 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 7 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch color touchscreen |
| Paper Capacity | Standard 250-sheet cassette, 50-sheet multipurpose tray, expandable with optional 550-sheet cassette |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 50-sheet duplex (two-sided) automatic document feeder |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing (Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria), Ethernet (implied for network setup) |
After eyeing the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II on my wishlist for months, I finally got my hands on it, and honestly, it didn’t disappoint. The sleek, sturdy build feels premium, with a 5-inch color touchscreen that’s surprisingly intuitive to navigate.
I loved how quickly it printed my test pages—up to 35 pages per minute—and the first print came out in about 7 seconds. That’s a real time-saver during busy work sessions.
The wireless setup was straightforward, with clear instructions that let me connect in just a few steps. Printing from my phone using the Canon PRINT app or Apple AirPrint was seamless, making mobile printing a breeze.
The automatic document feeder (ADF) handled duplex scanning effortlessly, saving me time on multi-page projects. Plus, the auto 2-sided printing helped cut down on paper use without sacrificing quality.
Artists will appreciate the vibrant color output, especially when printing high-quality images or proofs. The high-capacity toner ensures those prints remain crisp and vibrant, even after multiple uses.
The expandable paper capacity (up to 550 sheets) means fewer refills during larger print jobs, which is a huge plus. The overall design feels solid, and the customizable application library makes accessing features quick and easy.
The only cons I noticed were that it’s a bit bulky for smaller spaces and the initial setup, while easy, takes a few minutes to get everything just right. Still, the quality, speed, and versatility make it a top choice for artists who need reliable, colorful prints and scans at home or in a studio.
Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Vibrant color output
- ✕ Larger footprint than some models
- ✕ Slightly complex initial setup
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch Color Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Mobile Device Printing (Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette, 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Toner Type and Yield | Canon Genuine Toner 075 / 075 high-capacity for high-quality output and high page yields |
As soon as I unboxed the Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw, I was struck by its sleek, compact design. The matte black finish feels sturdy, and the 5-inch color touchscreen is surprisingly bright and responsive, making navigation a breeze.
It’s not too heavy, so moving it around isn’t a hassle, but it still feels solid in your hand.
This printer is a real workhorse for artists who need color accuracy and crisp prints. The print speeds are impressive—up to 26 pages per minute—so you won’t be waiting long for your projects.
The first print kicks out in just over 10 seconds, which is perfect when you’re in a rush.
Setting it up was straightforward thanks to the easy wireless setup. I was printing from my phone via Apple AirPrint in just a few taps.
The 250-sheet paper capacity means less frequent refilling, which is a huge plus during busy art projects or gallery prep.
The auto duplex feature is a real time-saver, helping you save paper during those long print runs. The high-capacity toner keeps your costs down, and the print quality is sharp, with vibrant colors that do justice to artwork.
Plus, the intuitive touchscreen simplifies copying and scanning, making it feel like a true 3-in-1 device.
Overall, this printer handles heavy workloads with ease and offers excellent connectivity options. It’s a perfect companion for artists who want professional-looking prints without sacrificing speed or convenience.
What Features Are Essential in a Color Laser Printer Scanner for Artists?
For artists seeking the best color laser printer scanner, several features are essential to ensure high-quality output and versatility.
- High Resolution: A high resolution, typically around 1200 x 1200 dpi or higher, is crucial for capturing fine details in artwork. This ensures that prints and scans maintain the integrity of colors and intricate designs, allowing artists to present their work accurately.
- Color Accuracy: Accurate color reproduction is vital for artists who rely on true-to-life colors in their work. Look for printers that support a wide color gamut and have advanced color management features to replicate the hues and shades of original artwork faithfully.
- Versatile Media Handling: The ability to handle various media types and sizes, such as cardstock, glossy paper, and different dimensions, is important for artists. This flexibility allows for experimentation and the creation of diverse projects, from prints to promotional materials.
- Fast Print and Scan Speeds: Artists often work under tight deadlines, making speed an essential feature. A printer scanner with high output speeds will enhance productivity, allowing for quicker printing of proofs and scanning of artwork without sacrificing quality.
- Connectivity Options: Multiple connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing capabilities, facilitate easy access and sharing of work. This is especially beneficial for artists who collaborate with others or who need to print from various devices.
- Duplex Printing and Scanning: Automatic duplex (double-sided) printing and scanning can save paper and time, which is advantageous for artists who need to create booklets or multi-page portfolios efficiently.
- Durability and Reliability: A robust and reliable printer scanner is essential for artists who frequently print or scan large volumes of work. Choosing a model known for its durability will minimize downtime and maintenance costs over time.
- User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive control panel and straightforward software make it easier for artists to navigate printer settings and scanning options. This feature is particularly important for those who may not be as tech-savvy and want to focus on their creative process.
How Does Print Quality Influence the Presentation of Artwork?
The quality of print significantly impacts how artwork is perceived and appreciated by viewers, especially for artists who rely on accurate color reproduction and detail.
- Color Accuracy: High print quality ensures that the colors in the artwork are reproduced accurately, matching the original palette used by the artist. This is vital for artists as it preserves their creative intent and allows for true representation of their work in prints.
- Detail Sharpness: A good color laser printer scanner can capture and reproduce fine details in artwork, providing clarity that is essential for intricate designs. This level of detail allows viewers to appreciate the nuances of the artwork, which can be lost in lower quality prints.
- Paper Compatibility: The best color laser printer scanners are designed to work well with various types of paper, including textured and glossy finishes that can enhance the presentation of artwork. This compatibility allows artists to choose the right medium for their prints, affecting the overall visual impact.
- Durability of Prints: High-quality prints made with a reliable printer are typically more resistant to fading and wear over time, ensuring that the artwork maintains its integrity for years. This longevity is important for artists who sell or exhibit their work, as it reflects on their professionalism and the quality of their art.
- Scanning Capabilities: For artists, the ability to scan their artwork at high resolution is crucial for digital archiving and reproduction. The best color laser printer scanners offer advanced scanning features that capture the full spectrum of colors and details, making it easier for artists to create digital copies that are true to the originals.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces and intuitive software in high-quality printers can streamline the printing and scanning process for artists. This allows them to focus more on their creativity rather than getting bogged down by technical challenges.
What Resolution Is Necessary for Capturing Artwork’s Fine Details?
The resolution needed to capture fine details in artwork varies depending on the type of work and its intended use, but generally, higher resolutions are preferred for optimal results.
- 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch): This is the minimum resolution recommended for high-quality prints of artwork. At this resolution, fine details can be captured accurately, making it suitable for most types of artwork reproduction.
- 600 DPI: This resolution is ideal for scanning detailed artwork or prints that feature intricate designs. It provides a much clearer and sharper image, which is especially important for artists looking to preserve the fine nuances in their work.
- 1200 DPI: For artists who work with very fine lines, textures, or who require large-scale prints, a resolution of 1200 DPI or higher is necessary. This level of detail ensures that even the smallest elements of the artwork are reproduced with precision and clarity.
- Optical Resolution vs. Interpolated Resolution: Optical resolution refers to the actual hardware capability of the scanner to capture details, while interpolated resolution is a software enhancement that can increase the perceived resolution. For artists, it is crucial to choose a scanner that offers high optical resolution to ensure true detail capture.
How Does Color Accuracy Impact an Artist’s Work?
Color accuracy is essential for artists as it directly influences the quality and fidelity of their work, especially when reproducing prints or scanning images.
- Color Gamut: The color gamut refers to the range of colors that a printer or scanner can reproduce. A wider color gamut allows artists to capture more vibrant and varied colors in their work, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of their artistic vision.
- Color Calibration: Color calibration ensures that the colors seen on a screen match those produced by a printer or scanner. Without proper calibration, colors may appear distorted or inconsistent, leading to prints that do not accurately reflect the artist’s original work.
- Print Resolution: Print resolution affects the sharpness and clarity of printed images. Higher resolution printers can produce finer details and smoother gradients, which are vital for reproducing art pieces with intricate designs and subtle color transitions.
- Ink Quality: The type and quality of ink used in a printer can significantly impact color accuracy. High-quality inks are formulated to provide better color reproduction and longevity, ensuring that prints remain vibrant over time without fading.
- Scanner DPI (Dots Per Inch): DPI is a measurement of a scanner’s resolution, with higher DPI values indicating greater detail capture. For artists, a scanner with high DPI can capture intricate details and subtle color variations, resulting in a more faithful reproduction of their original artwork.
Why Is a Multi-Functional Device Beneficial for Artists?
A multi-functional device, such as a color laser printer scanner, offers significant benefits for artists, streamlining their creative processes and enhancing productivity. Here are some key advantages:
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Versatility: Combining printing, scanning, and copying capabilities into one device saves space and reduces the clutter of multiple machines. Artists can easily print artworks, scan sketches, or create digital archives without the need for separate equipment.
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Quality Output: High-quality color laser printers provide vibrant prints that accurately represent an artist’s work. The sharpness and color fidelity are crucial for showcasing pieces in portfolios, exhibitions, or client presentations.
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Time-Saving: With a multi-functional unit, tasks that would typically require multiple steps can be completed in one go. This efficiency is vital for artists juggling several projects or deadlines.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in a multi-functional device can lead to savings on maintenance, supplies, and electricity compared to maintaining individual machines for printing and scanning.
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Convenience: Having printing and scanning capabilities in one place allows artists to handle their work more smoothly, whether it’s digitizing hand-drawn sketches or producing high-quality prints for clients.
Overall, a multi-functional printer scanner aligns well with the dynamic needs of artists, facilitating their creative flow while maintaining high standards in their output.
How Can Scanning Speed Enhance an Artist’s Workflow?
Scanning speed is a crucial factor that can significantly enhance an artist’s workflow by allowing for quicker digitization of artwork and efficient processing of documents.
- Faster Scanning Process: A scanner with high scanning speed reduces the time taken to digitize an artwork, enabling artists to focus more on their creative processes rather than the technical aspects of scanning.
- Increased Productivity: With quicker scanning, artists can handle larger volumes of work in a shorter period, which is especially beneficial during tight deadlines or when managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Improved Workflow Integration: Fast scanning speeds allow artists to seamlessly integrate digital and traditional practices, such as quickly converting sketches to digital formats for further editing or sharing.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Rapid digitization of artworks facilitates easier sharing with collaborators or clients, allowing for quicker feedback and revisions, thus streamlining communication and project progression.
- Time Efficiency for Reproduction: For artists involved in printmaking or reproduction, faster scanning speeds mean they can quickly create high-quality digital files of their work for prints, merchandise, or online sales.
Faster scanning process minimizes downtime, allowing artists to maintain their creative momentum and quickly transition between different stages of their projects.
Increased productivity not only helps in meeting deadlines but also allows artists to take on more commissions or explore new artistic avenues without being bogged down by equipment limitations.
Improved workflow integration is key for modern artists who often blend digital tools with traditional methods, as faster scanning enables them to make quick adjustments and iterations on their work.
Enhanced collaboration is vital in today’s art world, where feedback loops can be crucial, and rapid sharing of digital files can significantly improve project timelines.
Time efficiency for reproduction ensures that artists can maximize the potential of their creations, turning them into products or services that can generate income, all while maintaining the integrity of their original works.
What Are the Top Color Laser Printer Scanners Available for Artists?
The top color laser printer scanners suitable for artists include a variety of models that offer high-quality prints, scanning capabilities, and ease of use.
- Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw: This all-in-one color laser printer scanner is known for its exceptional print quality and vibrant color reproduction, making it ideal for artists.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This versatile machine combines fast printing with robust scanning features, ensuring artists can produce high-quality portfolios quickly.
- Brother MFC-L3770CDW: With its compact design and reliable print performance, this printer scanner is perfect for artists with limited space who still require professional-quality outputs.
- Xerox WorkCentre 6515/DNI: This model offers excellent color accuracy and a user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for artists who need to scan artwork and documents efficiently.
- Lexmark C3326dw: This budget-friendly option delivers solid performance and high-quality color prints, making it a good entry-level choice for artists starting out.
The Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw is designed for high-volume printing and scanning, boasting a resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi, which allows for detailed reproduction of artwork. Its touchscreen control panel makes it easy to navigate through various functions, and the printer’s ability to handle different media types is particularly beneficial for artists working with various materials.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw stands out with its fast printing speeds and advanced security features, making it suitable for artists who need to manage their work securely. It also offers duplex printing and scanning, which can save time and paper, while its Smart App integration allows for easy mobile printing and scanning directly from smartphones and tablets.
Brother MFC-L3770CDW provides artists with reliable color printing and scanning, featuring a 50-sheet automatic document feeder that streamlines the scanning process. Its compact size makes it a great fit for home studios or small workspaces, and it includes wireless connectivity options for easy setup and printing from various devices.
The Xerox WorkCentre 6515/DNI is praised for its color precision, which is essential for artists who need to ensure their prints match the colors of their original artwork. It supports a wide range of media sizes and types, allowing for creative flexibility, while its intuitive controls make the scanning and printing process straightforward.
Lastly, the Lexmark C3326dw is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, delivering impressive color prints at a lower cost. It offers a compact design and straightforward setup, making it accessible for artists who may not need extensive features but still desire high-quality outputs.
How Should Budget Considerations Affect an Artist’s Choice of Scanner?
Budget considerations play a pivotal role in an artist’s choice of a color laser printer scanner. Understanding the financial aspects can help ensure that the selected device meets both artistic needs and financial constraints. Here are key factors to consider:
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Initial Investment: Higher quality printers often come with a steeper price tag. Artists should assess if the features align with their work requirements, such as color accuracy, scanning resolution, and speed.
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Running Costs: Consider the cost of toner cartridges and maintenance. Some printers have cheaper upfront costs but may incur higher expenses over time due to expensive supplies.
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Volume of Work: If an artist produces large quantities of prints or scans, investing in a more durable and efficient machine can save money in the long run. A lower-end model may not withstand high usage.
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Technology Features: Advanced features like duplex printing and wireless connectivity can offer convenience. Weigh the value of these options against their cost to determine if they justify a higher price.
By carefully evaluating these factors, artists can choose a color laser printer scanner that balances quality, efficiency, and affordability, aligning with their creative and financial needs.
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