Standard Office Systems Blog

Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C3830i Review [Strengths + Weaknesses]

Written by Daniel Gray | 6/7/22 3:05 PM

If you're looking for an honest review of the Canon imageRUNNER Advance DX C3830i, then keeping reading. The DX C3830i has been a benchmark in quality and reliability for small and medium-sized workgroups with only a few minor flaws, and we breakdown why that's the case. 

If you are looking for how this machine stacks up against other in its class, feel free to check out our Top 10 Office Copiers for Small Businesses.

Like all of our machine reviews, we rely on the unbiased knowledge of our friends at Keypoint Intelligence (formerly Buyer's Lab). As an independent research firm, the data they provide the multifunction printer industry is invaluable and honest.

So, (at the time this article was published) as the third largest Canon provider in the US, why would we want to list the good and the bad about a machine we sell? At Standard Office Systems, we are committed to offering customers an unbiased point-of-view on the machine's we sell.

We have found that when customers go into a buying decision with as much information as possible (even the bad), they prove to be much more satisfied over time. Plus, we understand that no machine is perfect, and if someone is making you believe that such a machine exists, run!

Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C3830i Review

Market Entry: August 2021
Speed: 30 ppm
Dimensions: 35 3/8" x 22 1/4" x 28 1/2"

The C3830i has a legacy for standing out in terms of reliability with an array of features designed to boost productivity. With a large touch screen panel and intuitive interface, users will appreciate its easy of use. Additionally, onscreen maintenance videos demonstrate simple tasks to users, like how to replace toner.

Strengths

  • Fastest recovery time from daytime sleep in its class
  • Faster-than-average two-sided copy speeds
  • Above average standard paper capacity
  • Fast first-copy times in color mode
  • Scan speeds for two-sided documents among the fastest in its class

Weaknesses

  • Slower-than-average first page time when printing a PDF file
  • Below-average maximum paper capacity and hard drive storage
  • Previews for scans and copies do not support on-screen editing or rotation
  • Below-average media weight support throughout the drawers

 

Consider Copier Service

It would be no surprise to us if you were already considering copier service. For some, however, they feel like they can save some money by maintaining their machine alone. Usually, this the thought process of smaller organizations that do less printing.

It's important to note that even if your volume is lower, you should still consider a service agreement. Much like a car that sits for long periods of time, if a copier site idle for too long, things like parts and toner can can freeze up and not work properly.

Routine maintenance is important because you avoid more costly repairs as a result of neglect. Additionally, if you work through a dealer, you may be able to enroll in an auto-toner replenishment program. This is great for busy office or IT manager who are responsible for keeping toner supplies current. 

Dealers are also capable of offering toner at lower costs do to their significant purchasing power with manufacturers - a benefit not afforded to consumers purchasing from a big box retailer or online.

Is the 'who' that important?

Most importantly, who your service provider is critical. Reading reviews and purchasing the device with the highest rating is great!

But it will do you little good if the service and support provided is from a dealer with a less than stellar reputation. Not all providers are created equally and you may be surprised to find out that working directly with the copier manufacturer isn't as much of an advantage as you may think.

RELATED: Copier Dealers or Manufacturers 

At the end of the day, average service will take an otherwise exceptional machine and make it - - well, average. The inverse of that is also true, as we have seen machines with B+ reputations become A+ machines due to the value a great service provider can offer.

Before starting a conversation with a copier dealer, make sure you understand how to select the best copier dealer in your area. Do your homework to ensure that you're not only getting the best machine, but the best service to compliment it.