If you're looking into wide-format printing, the canon colorado price is probably one of the first things on your mind, and for good reason—it's a big-ticket item. Whether you are running a busy sign shop or looking to bring your production in-house, jumping into the world of UVgel technology isn't something you do on a whim. It's a serious investment that can either skyrocket your productivity or leave a massive dent in your budget if you haven't done the math correctly.
The thing about these machines is that you won't usually find a "Buy Now" button with a fixed price tag on a website. Most dealers want to talk to you first, and prices can fluctuate based on your location, the current promotions running, and the specific configuration you need. But let's get into the ballpark figures and what actually goes into that cost so you can decide if it's the right move for your business.
Why the price tag varies so much
First off, we have to talk about the fact that there isn't just "one" Canon Colorado. The family has grown over the last few years. You've got the 1630, which is the entry-level model, the 1650, which has been the industry workhorse for a while, and the newer M-series which introduced white ink to the mix.
If you're looking at a base model canon colorado price for something like the 1630, you might be looking at figures starting somewhere in the $35,000 to $45,000 range. Move up to the 1650, and you're likely crossing into the $55,000 to $65,000 territory. If you want the bells and whistles of the M-series—especially with that white ink capability and the modular upgrades—you could easily be looking at $75,000 or more.
These aren't small numbers. However, the price isn't just for the metal and the plastic; it's for the proprietary UVgel technology. Unlike traditional latex or solvent printers, these machines don't rely on heat to evaporate liquids. They use a gel that turns into a liquid when it hits the printhead and then instantly pins to the media. This leads to a lot of savings elsewhere, but the upfront cost reflects that high-end engineering.
Breaking down the different models
When you're trying to figure out which canon colorado price fits your business, you need to know what you're actually paying for in each tier.
The Colorado 1630
This is the "budget-friendly" version, though "budget" is a relative term here. It's designed for shops that want the quality of UVgel but don't necessarily need the blistering speed of the higher-end models. It's modular, meaning you can start with a basic version and add features later—like double-sided printing or the FLXfinish tech—which is great for cash flow. You pay less upfront, but you have the option to grow.
The Colorado 1650
For a long time, this was the gold standard. The reason people pay the premium for the 1650 is the FLXfinish feature. This allows you to print both matte and gloss finishes using the same ink set without changing the media. It's a huge selling point for high-end wallcoverings and decals. When you look at the canon colorado price for a 1650, you're paying for that versatility and a significant jump in speed over the 1630.
The Colorado M-Series
The M-series is the new kid on the block, and it's shifted the pricing conversation again. It's modular (that's what the "M" stands for), so you can buy the speed and features you need today and upgrade via a software key or hardware add-on later. The inclusion of white ink is the big driver here. White ink has traditionally been a nightmare for maintenance, but Canon's approach is much more reliable, though it certainly adds to the initial invoice.
Is the UVgel technology worth the premium?
It's easy to look at a cheaper eco-solvent printer and wonder why the canon colorado price is so much higher. The answer usually comes down to "Total Cost of Ownership" (TCO). Honestly, if you're only printing a few banners a week, a Colorado is probably overkill. But if you're running the machine several hours a day, the math starts to shift in Canon's favor.
The UVgel ink is incredibly efficient. Because it doesn't soak into the media or evaporate like water-based inks, you actually use significantly less ink to get the same color density. Many users report using 30% to 50% less ink compared to latex printers. Over a year or two of heavy production, those ink savings can actually "pay back" the difference in the initial machine price.
Then there's the labor side of things. Since the prints come off the machine dry and cured, you don't have to wait 24 hours to laminate or ship them. You can pull a roll off the printer and put it straight onto the laminator or the cutting table. In a fast-paced shop, time is literally money, and the Colorado is a beast when it comes to turnaround times.
Don't forget the "hidden" costs
When you get a quote for a canon colorado price, make sure you're asking what's included. It's rarely just the printer. You need to factor in:
- Shipping and Rigging: These machines are heavy—really heavy. You can't just move them with a standard pallet jack and a couple of friends. You'll likely need professional riggers, and shipping a crate that size isn't cheap.
- Installation and Training: Most dealers will bundle this in, but you want to be sure. You'll want a certified tech to set it up and spend a couple of days showing your team how to use the RIP software and maintain the heads.
- Electrical Requirements: You might need to call an electrician. These machines often require specific power outlets (usually 220v) that your standard wall plug won't handle.
- RIP Software: To get the most out of the printer, you'll need a solid RIP like Onyx or Caldera. Sometimes a basic version is included; sometimes it's a $3,000 add-on.
Financing vs. Buying Outright
Given that the canon colorado price is essentially the cost of a luxury SUV, most businesses choose to lease rather than pay cash. Leasing can be a smart move because it allows you to keep your capital for other things, like marketing or hiring staff.
A typical lease payment on a Colorado might range from $800 to $1,500 a month depending on the model and your credit. If the machine allows you to take on just one or two big wall graphic jobs a month, it has already covered its own lease payment. Plus, there are often tax advantages to leasing equipment (like Section 179 in the US) that can make the "real" cost even lower at the end of the year.
The secondary market and used units
You might see a used canon colorado price that looks like a total steal. While you can save $20,000 or more by buying used, you have to be careful. UVgel printheads are amazing, but they are expensive to replace if the previous owner didn't take care of the machine or let it sit idle for months without proper shutdown procedures.
If you go the used route, try to buy a certified pre-owned unit from a reputable dealer who offers at least a 90-day warranty. Buying a blind auction unit might seem like a bargain until you realize you need $10,000 in parts just to get it to fire correctly.
Final thoughts on the investment
At the end of the day, the canon colorado price is a reflection of its position as a high-production tool. It's not meant for the hobbyist or the occasional printer. It's built for the shop that is tired of the maintenance headaches of solvent or the high energy costs and slow speeds of latex.
Yes, the entry price is steep. You're going to spend a good chunk of change upfront. But when you look at the ink savings, the lack of a "wait time" for drying, and the sheer durability of the prints, the Colorado often ends up being the more economical choice for high-volume environments.
Before you pull the trigger, get a few different quotes, ask for a "cost per square foot" analysis based on your specific print volume, and maybe even send some of your own files to a dealer to see how they look. When you see the output and the speed, that price tag starts to make a lot more sense.