I'm thinking about getting a color laser printer.

[MacNerd1]

I've never had a laser printer, only inkjet printers.

I know that there are 2 ways for a laser printer to create text - with a laser or with a LED array. Which does Canon use? I read about the new OLED printer. NEAT!

I'll probably have more questions.

[mreg]

Canons are laser printers.  Printers that use LED or OLED are LED printers or OLED printers.

[MacNerd1]

Thank you for the quick reply.

I wonder why some companies choose to make laser printers with a laser & some companies choose to make a laser printer with a LED array.

During the course of my research, I found out that some toner cartridges are toner only & some toner cartridges include the photo drum. I read online that the photo drum should be replaced every 3 to 4 toner cartridges. So, of course, a toner cartridge plus photo drum will be more expensive than a cartridge with toner only. Which cartridge does Canon use - toner only or toner plus photo drum?

[normadel]

Whether a "laser" printer is actually a laser printer or an LED printer is not really important. The difference is how the image gets scanned onto the drum. Do you read any articles that compare laser vs LED quality-wise?

Yes, there are laser printers that have toner and drum in one replaceable unit, and printers with toner cartridges separate from drums. A toner/drum unit costs more than a toner-only cartridge. butthe drums do wear out and have to be replaced. Long-term cost difference per copy is not something I've seen written about anywhere.

It may seem wasteful to replace a toner/drum unit just because the toner is used up. At the other end, I have a separate toner/drum printer that has been telling me for quite a while that my drums (four of them) are in need of replacement. Like with low-toner warnings, I don't replace ANYTHING until I see print quality degradation. The warnings come way too soon for my pocketbook.

It's all a matter of how different printer makers decide to do it....laser vs LED, separate toner & drum vs. combined. What are their reasons? You'd have to see if they can/will tell you.

I have both kinds of printers and they both are great!

[mreg]

I agree.  You should probably buy whatever printer fits your needs and projected costs, without regard to whether it's laser or LCD.  I have owned LCD printers and they also had excellent print quality.  Personally I like the toner/drum combo, as a scratched or problematic drum will only affect that color.  I like having to never "replace a drum."   

[normadel]

You say "Personally I like the toner/drum combo, as a scratched or problematic drum will only affect that color. I like having to never "replace a drum."

I have a laser printer (Brother, not a Canon) that has separate toner cartridges and drums. Each color has its own drum. So your statement is not quite right. The drums are easily-replaceable wear items.

A color laser CAN have just one drum unit, though I don't know  about it on small home-type printers. I once had the use of a large Dell workgroup color laser that was a single-drum system.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Most Canon lasers use a laser.  However, newer models may also support LED array. 

Best thing to do is contact the Canon Sales team.  They can help identify and confirm printing technology.  

Then can also help you choose a printer that will meet your needs. Canon sales team (800) 385-2155