When Canon introduced the Colorado M-Series, they set a new benchmark for UV large format printing.
But not every print service provider needs or can justify the premium features of the M-Series models.
That’s where the Canon Colorado 1650 comes in.
As the base model that preceded the Colorado M-Series, the 1650 delivers exceptional performance and Canon’s innovative UVgel technology at a more accessible price point.
For businesses seeking powerful large format capabilities without the six-figure investment of the M-Series, the 1650 represents a compelling option.
In this honest review, we’ll break down what the Colorado 1650 offers, how it compares to its premium siblings, and whether it’s the right choice for your operation.
What Makes the Canon Colorado 1650 Stand Out
The Canon Colorado 1650 holds the distinction of being the fastest 64-inch printer in its class.
This model is the combination of Canon’s UVgel technology and FLXfinish+ capabilities. It delivers real-world productivity gains that can translate directly to your bottom line.
The Power of UVgel Technology
Canon’s UVgel technology is what sets the Colorado line apart from traditional UV printers.
Unlike conventional UV inks that sit on top of the media, UVgel 460 inks are formulated to be flexible and stretchable, creating prints that maintain perfect image stability even when folded, bent, or stretched.
This unique ink chemistry delivers several practical advantages:
- Exceptional Dot Quality: UVgel produces precise, sharp dots that create consistently excellent color quality with a wider color gamut than many competing technologies.
Dark colors show strong saturation, and skin tones reproduce with remarkable accuracy, critical for high-end signage and display graphics.
- Immediate Finishing: Fast output speed combined with nearly instantaneous drying means you can move straight to finishing operations without waiting.
This workflow efficiency can dramatically increase your daily throughput.
- Media Versatility: The flexible ink formulation works beautifully across a huge range of substrates, including thin and heat-sensitive materials up to 64 inches wide.
Whether you’re producing indoor displays or outdoor signage, the 1650 handles both applications with ease.
FLXfinish+: Choose Your Surface
One of the Colorado 1650’s most impressive features is FLXfinish+ technology, which gives you complete control over the final appearance of your prints.
You can choose between velvety matte, vibrant gloss, or even combine both finishes within a single print.
This capability eliminates the need for separate printers or post-processing to achieve different surface textures.
Want a glossy image with matte text? The 1650 can produce it in one pass. This flexibility opens up creative possibilities while reducing your equipment footprint and operational complexity.
Canon Colorado 1650 Specifications and Capabilities
Let’s look at the technical specifications that make the 1650 such a productivity powerhouse:
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- Print Width: Up to 64 inches wide, accommodating most standard large format applications
- Ink Technology: UVgel 460 piezoelectric inkjet system with four-color configuration (CMYK)
- Productivity Features:
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- Dual-roll drawer for minimizing media changeover downtime
- Double-sided printing capability
- Fast output speeds that keep production moving
- Application Range: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications across a diverse range of media types
- Operating Costs: Designed for lower total cost of ownership through reduced ink and energy requirements, plus built-in printhead reliability that minimizes maintenance and maximizes uptime
Colorado 1650 vs. Colorado M-Series: Understanding the Difference
The most common question we hear is: “How does the 1650 compare to the M-Series?”
The Colorado 1650 serves as the foundation model that came before Canon developed the premium M-Series line.
While both use UVgel technology and share FLXfinish+ capabilities, there are two key differences:
- Price Point: The 1650 typically comes in at $50,000-$60,000 with options, making it significantly more accessible than M-Series models which can exceed $100,000 depending on configuration.
- White Ink Option: The M-Series models offer the ability to add white ink, which enhances color vibrancy by providing an opaque base layer.
This makes colors appear more crisp and vibrant, especially when printing on transparent or dark substrates.
The 1650 operates as a four-color (CMYK) system without the white ink option.
- Speed: While the 1650 is already remarkably fast, the M-Series models push speed even further for ultra-high-volume operations.
For many print service providers, the 1650’s four-color system handles the vast majority of their application needs.
The white ink capability becomes essential primarily for specialized applications like window graphics, backlit displays, or printing on dark materials.
Who Should Choose the Canon Colorado 1650?
The Colorado 1650 is an excellent fit for:
- Growing Print Service Providers: If you’re expanding your UV printing capabilities but aren’t ready for the premium investment of the M-Series, the 1650 offers a strategic entry point with room to grow.
- High-Volume Standard Applications: Operations focused on banners, posters, retail displays, and standard signage will find the 1650’s four-color system more than adequate for their needs.
- Cost-Conscious Businesses: When you need the quality and speed of Canon’s UVgel technology but have budget constraints, the 1650 delivers exceptional value without compromising on core capabilities.
- Shops Prioritizing Versatility: The wide media compatibility and FLXfinish+ options make the 1650 ideal for businesses serving diverse client needs with a single printer.
Upgrade Your Printing Capabilities with the Canon Colorado 1650
The Canon Colorado 1650 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone.
It’s a focused, capable production printer that delivers Canon’s premium UVgel technology and FLXfinish+ capabilities at a price point that makes sense for more businesses.
Yes, you give up the white ink option available in the M-Series. But for the majority of print applications, the 1650’s four-color system produces stunning results with exceptional media versatility and industry-leading speed.
If you’re currently operating an older large format printer, the productivity and quality gains of the Colorado 1650 could transform your operation. We may be able to help you trade up your existing equipment.
Contact us today or call us at 800-491-8785 to discuss your specific needs and explore trade-in options that can make upgrading to the Colorado 1650 more affordable than you might think.