Canon markets the LBP5975 as a compact desktop laser printer. We can tell you that it’s neither compact nor destined for the desktop. However, for those offices in need of a high-volume, colour laser printer without the added functionality of a copier or scanner, the LBP5975 is an excellent choice.

Though still quite large for a workgroup printer, the LBP5975 manages to fit a number of features into a surprisingly short package. Standing at 251mm, the printer provides A3 printing, USB and Ethernet connectivity, automatic duplex and even a finishing device that can collate and staple documents. The base model configuration has a total input capacity of 320 sheets through two paper input trays, but this is expandable by an extra 1650 sheets through three optional paper trays. Canon also offers an optional 30GB hard drive for use as a secure print storage device.

Toners are easily accessible through a side panel, though at a rated 10,000 pages for the black and 6000 for colour toners they need to be. Drums aren’t as easily accessible, though there’s no real risk of breaking any components during replacement; even the extended paper output tray automatically folds up to avoid any accidents. Canon even offers the LBP5975 on a service contract that works out at 15c per page with the replacement of all consumables included, making it cheaper than HP’s Colour LaserJet CP3505dn.

As is common with many workgroup printers, the LBP5975 lacks a full-sized control panel, making face-to-face printer configuration and maintenance a hassle. Usually this problem is solved through a Web interface; however, the LBP5975's Web interface isn't as comprehensive as it could be. Users and administrators can monitor the device’s usage and access various print and network settings fairly easily through the interface. Unfortunately, this printer doesn’t have security features like HTTPS remote monitoring or e-mail notification that make printers like HP’s LaserJet P4515x useful for larger offices. It will still suit small businesses, but those hoping to consolidate an entire print fleet under one remote administration service may have to look elsewhere.

Text documents at 600 dots per inch will print at roughly 33.3 pages per minute, with the first page out in 15.2 seconds. This speed is more than halved when printing at 1200dpi with smoothing settings on, at about 15ppm. Graphical documents follow a similar pattern, with draft test pages printing at 30ppm, and best quality documents at 15ppm. Although draft speeds are fairly reasonable, they don’t really match our expectations for a high volume printer and could certainly be better.

It takes some time to come to terms with the multitude of quality settings offered by the LBP5975. The printer can print at 1200dpi with the ability to print half-tone pixels — much in the same way as HP’s proprietary ImageRET technology — while also providing users with the ability to configure smoothing, gradation and render rate settings.

The results are pleasing. Text documents are extremely accurate and very readable, and graphics documents exhibit vibrant colours. Yellows appear somewhat darker than they should, which results in darker greens as well. Apart from this, though, there are no real grounds for complaint. The LBP5975 provides photo-specific profiles — and even allows media thickness up to 220gsm — but photo quality isn’t perfect on either high-resolution plain paper or dedicated photo paper. Blacks are largely inaccurate, and in general photos are darker than they should be. Careful configuration can rectify this somewhat, but the LBP5975 still isn’t up to the task as a dedicated photo printer.