Prices, in-depth review and comparison. This guide covers everything you need to know when choosing a Multi-Function Office Printer.
Introduction
Ricoh launched the IM C Series of colour A3 Multi-Function Printers in 2023; essentially, it’s a three year old model.
Konica introduced the Bizhub C551i and C651i in July 2024. The Konica Minolta CXX1i Series is based heavily on the previous CXX0i Series, with no hardware changes, but improvements to the Firmware and Software.
We pit the Konica C551i and C651i against two of Ricoh’s light heavyweight Multi-Function Office Printer models, the 55 page per minute IM C5510 and 60 page per minute IM C6010.
The only difference between the two Ricoh models is the pages per minute speed 55PPM & 60PPM. It hardly seems worthwhile for Ricoh to create two nearly identical models. The C5510 was a later addition to the IM CXX10 range. The only explanation we can come up with is that it’s to compete with the wide variation of speeds offered by different manufacturers.
This in-depth review and analysis will provide you with a comprehensive comparison, including the best prices, service costs, and all relevant statistics, so you have everything you need to know for buying a Multi-Function Office Printer for your office.
This review will also help you if you’re looking to buy, lease or rent any of the following Ricoh office multi-function printers;
Ricoh IM Series C2010 / Ricoh IM Series C2510 / Ricoh IM Series C3010 / Ricoh IM Series C3510 / Ricoh IM Series C4510 / Ricoh IM Series 7010
Or buy or rent any of the following Konica Bizhub Multi-Function Office Printers;
Bizhub C251i / C301i / C361i / C451i / C751i
If you want to see how Ricoh compares with Xerox – check out our in-depth review Xerox AltaLink C8255 Vs Ricoh IM C5510 C6010.
Key hardware and software differences
Included Hardware and Software
Trying to find detailed specifications for the Ricoh IM C5510 / 6010 is a tough task. It would appear that Ricoh don’t want you to dissect their product specifications. In particular, it is nigh on impossible to find out detailed security information.
I’ve said this on nearly every comparison, without exception, all manufacturers, including the Ricoh and Konica tested here, do not provide a complete machine out of the box; you have to add several extras just to make it a “workable” machine.
The following items, highlighted in bold and red, are the minimum options you need to add to both the Konica C551i / C651i and the Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010.
Paper Cassettes / Cabinet
Ricoh
The Ricoh IM Series C5510 / C6010 comes without a cabinet and has two SRA3 paper cassettes with 550 sheets capacity and a 100 sheet bypass. The bypass and cassettes can handle up to 300gsm and SRA3. This means you get a total standard paper capacity of just 1,200 sheets. In my opinion, at a minimum you should add either of the following;
The minimum we recommend adding to the Ricoh is the dual tray PB3320, which has 2 x 550 sheet drawers / SRA3 / 300gsm. Giving a total capacity of 2,300 sheets.
Ricoh offers an Optional A4 side feeder LCIT RT3050, which holds 1,650 sheets / A4 / 300gsm.
Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 can take 300 gsm paper in all trays, including the bypass. Duplex is limited to a maximum of 256GSM.
The maximum paper capacity of the Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 is 4,850.
Konica
The Konica C551i / 651i also comes without a cabinet and has a standard paper capacity of 1,150 sheets. The cassettes can only handle up to 256gsm and A3, whereas the bypass can handle 300gsm and SRA3. The minimum we recommend adding is the PC-216 Universal tray 2x 500 sheets / A3 / 256gsm. Giving a total capacity of 2,150 sheets
The Konica C551i / C651i can be equipped with an optional A4 Hi-Capacity side Feeder, the LU-302 Large capacity tray, which holds 3,000 sheets, A4, 52-256 g/m²
Konica also offers the LU-207 Large capacity tray 2,500 sheets, which takes A4–SRA3, 52–256 g/m²
The Konica C551i / C651i can only take 300gsm through the bypass; all other trays are limited to 256gsm. Duplex is limited to a maximum of 256GSM.
The maximum paper capacity of the Konica Minolta Bizhub C551i / C651i is 6,650 sheets.
A really valuable feature unique to Konica is the IM-103 Media Sensor. The sensor detects the weight and type of paper being fed through the machine and adjusts the machine to the optimal setting for quality and reliability.
Print Separation Tray
A useful feature for busy offices is having an inner job separation tray. This helps users to separate print jobs from copy jobs.
The tray is an extra cost option on the Ricoh IMC5510 / IMC6010 (BN3150 – 125 sheets).
It is also an extra cost option on the Konica Minolta Bizhub C551i / C651i (JS-508 Job separator (150 sheets).
Secure Hard Drive
The Konica Minolta Bizhub C551i / C651i has an AES 256 FIPS secured hard drive as standard. Surprisingly, a Secure Hard Drive (Type M52) is an optional extra on the Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010.
Genuine Adobe® PostScript®3
If you print PDF’s that require even the slightest accuracy, line drawings, designs etc., or you use any programmes from the Adobe suite, you’ll need Genuine Adobe Postscript. Mac users will also go wanting; Mac’s default print language is Postscript. Genuine Adobe Postscript is standard on the Konica C551i / C651i. Another surprise is that it’s an extra cost option on the Ricoh IM C5510 and C6010 – you’ll need to order Ricoh’s Optional – PostScript3 Unit Type M58.
Software integrations & Cloud Services
Apps
Both Konica and Ricoh have integrations and apps for the most popular software.
Some apps are pre-loaded, others you will have to download from the respective manufacturer’s dedicated sites.
Konica calls their printer app store “marketplace”. The site can be found here https://konicaminoltamarketplace.com/
Ricoh calls their printer app store the “Smart Application Site” – it can be found here https://www.ricoh-europe.com/products/application-site/
Konica offers an app building and customisation service, Ricoh doesn’t.
Cloud Print and integration
Both Ricoh and Konica are ranked as “Leaders” in Quocirca’s Cloud Print Services 2024 Landscape Report.
Ricoh and Konica have native integration with Microsoft Universal Print.
Security
Both Ricoh and Konica are ranked as “Leaders” in Quocirca’s Global Print Security Landscape 2024 Report. https://www.xerox.com/en-us/services/managed-print-services/quocirca-security-report –
We were unable to find a comprehensive web page or brochure regarding the security certification and standards for the Ricoh IM C7010, there is no definitive list or statement from Ricoh. It appears that Ricoh are taking you down the path of having them manage your Security infrastructure and protecting you that way.
Certification for Common Criteria Security (ISO/IEC 15408) comes as standard on the whole Bizhub CXX1i series. To achieve (ISO/IEC 15408) on the Ricoh you need to add the Type M52 option.
Monthly print Capability
Ricoh states a recommended volume on the Ricoh IM C5510 is 12,000 prints per month (C6010 of 15,000). Konica make a bold claim of 50,000 prints for the C551i and 53,000 for the C651i.
Basic Specifications
| Key Features | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Model launch date | Sep-24 | May-23 |
| Speed – pages per minute A4 Colour | 55 / 65 | 55 / 60 |
| Speed – pages per minute A4 Mono | 55 / 65 | 55 / 60 |
| Recommended Average Monthly Print Volume (AMPV) Pages | 50,000 / 53,000 | 12,000 / 15,000 |
| First Copy out time Colour (seconds) | 4.3 / 3.8 | 4.2 |
| First Copy out time Black (seconds) | 3.3 / 2.8 | 2.9 |
| Print Resolution (D.P.I.) | 1,200 x 2,400 | 4,800 x 1,200 Equivalent |
| Inner output tray capacity (sheets) | 150 | Optional 1 Bin Tray BN3150
125 sheets |
| External face up Catch Tray capacity (sheets) | N/A | N/A |
Screen features and access control
| Screen & Access Features | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Screen Size (inches) Tilting or Fixed | 10.1 / Tilting | 10.1 / Tilting |
| Pinch and Zoom assistive technology | Yes | Not Specified |
| Personalised layout for each user when logged on | Yes | Yes |
| Feature Customisation | Yes | Not Specified |
| Ability to lock features to unauthorised users | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to create one touch workflows | Yes | Yes |
| External Keyboard | Optional | No |
| Voice Activation | No | No |
| External Keypad | Optional | No |
| NFC Mobile unlock – Tap to Pair | Yes | Yes |
| Login with PIN | Yes | Yes |
| Login with Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated RFID Card Reader | Standard | Optional – Type M52 |
| Single Sign On SSO to Cloud Services – Oauth2 | Yes | No – Oauth2 to Microsoft only |
| Cloud idp Integration | Okta, Ping, Microsoft Azure | Yes |
| Full integration to LDAP | Yes | Yes |
| Access Cloud repositories for printing | Yes | Yes |
| Active Directory | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to create one touch apps for commonly performed tasks | Yes | Yes |
| Embedded Web Server | Yes | Yes |
The Konica Bizhub C551i / C651i and Ricoh IM Series C5510 / C6010 both have tilting 10.1 inch screens. You can also supplement the Bizhub with a keyboard and / or number pad.
Apps and Ai features
| Apps & Ai Features | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Customer-facing app portal | Yes | Yes |
| Ability for app creation | Yes | No |
Printing Features and cloud print services
| Printing Features | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM Series C5510 / C6010 |
| Application defaults configurable (e.g. print emails in mono) | Customisable | Customisable |
| Rules Based Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Configurable user permissions (user, group, time & date, Colour or Mono) | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Universal Print Support | Yes | Yes – via App |
| Apple AirPrint | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Printing from 3rd party Cloud services | Yes | Yes |
| Genuine Adobe® PostScript®3TM | Standard | Optional – PostScript3 Unit Type M58 |
Both the Konica Bizhub C551i / C651i and the Ricoh IM Series C5510 & C6010 Multi-Function Office Printers integrate with Micrososft Universal Print. At this level of machine, we expect a manufacturer to include Genuine Adobe PostScript. It’s included with the Konica Bizhub C551i / C651i, but Ricoh charge extra for this. Users who are in the business of design, architecture, building or graphic arts, will need Genuine Adobe PostScript.
Scanning features and cloud services
| Scanning Features | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Single Pass Scanning Document Feeder | Standard | Standard |
| Document Feeder capacity – sheets | 250 | 220 |
| Document Feeder Speed Mono (Single sided images per minute) | 140 | 150 |
| Document Feeder Speed Mono (Double sided images per minute) | 280 | 300 |
| Scanning Resolution D.P.I. | 600 x 600 | 600 x 600 |
| Simplified auto set up to Gmail, iCloud, Microsoft, Yahoo | Yes | No |
| Scan to 3rd party Cloud services | Yes | Yes |
| OCR Scanning | Optional LK-105v4 OCR text recognition | Optional – OCR Unit Type M52 |
| Encrypted PDF | Yes | Yes |
| Scan Preview | Yes | Yes |
If you are scanning documents to a storage repository and you want to be able to search or reference the contents of that document in future, for example the text in a letter or invoice, you’ll need an OCR tool. OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. What OCR does is to “read” the contents of a document as it’s being scanned and creates a searchable data file (meta file). OCR is an optional extra on both the Konica Bizhub C551i / C651i and Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010.
Memory, Hard Drive & Processor capability
| Memory & Processor & WiFi | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Genuine Adobe PostScript 3 | Standard | Optional PostScript3 Unit Type M52 / M58 |
| Hard Drive Capacity | 256GB | 256 GB |
| Hard Drive Type | SSD | SSD |
| AES 256 Encrypted Hard Drive | Standard | Enhanced Security SSD SATA Option Type M52 256 GB |
| Hard Drive Option | 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Processor | ARM Cortex A72 Quad Core / 1.6 GHz | ApolloLake E3940 1.6 GHz |
| RAM Memory | 8GB | 8GB |
| Wireless Option | LAN or WiFi Direct | Optional Wireless Interface Unit Type M52
Wireless or LAN – Not concurrent |
| Wi-Fi Direct without connection to LAN | No | No |
| i-Beacon | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
The headline specifications are evenly matched. Whilst the hard drive capacities are the same, the Hard drive on the Konica Bizhub C551i / C651i is encrypted. Surprisingly, Ricoh does not include a secure hard drive as standard on the IM Series C5510 / C6010. An enhanced security SSD Option Type M52 256 GB is available at additional cost.
Paper Capacities & Options
| Paper Capacities | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Standard Capacity | 1,150 | 1,200 |
| Tray 2 (Max Sheets / Max Size / Max Weight) | 500 / A3 / 256gsm | 550 / SRA3 / 300gsm |
| Tray 3 (Max Sheets / Max Size / Max Weight) Optional PC-216 | 500 / A3 / 256gsm | Optional
PB3330 2,000 Sheets / A4 / 300gsm OR PB3320 2 x 550 / SRA3 / 300gsm |
| Tray 4 (Max Sheets / Max Size / Max Weight) Optional PC-216 | 500 / A3 / 256gsm | |
| Side Feeder – Tray 5 (Max Sheets / Max Size / Max Weight) | (LU-302 – 3,000 / A4 / 256GSM) (LU-207 2,500 / SRA3 / 256gsm) | Optional LCIT RT3050
1,650 / A4 / 300gsm |
| Maximum possible paper capacity including bypass (sheets) | 6,750 | 4,850 |
| Maximum Paper Weight single sided Through cassettes (gsm) | 256 | 300 |
| Maximum Paper Weight duplex (gsm) | 256 | 256 |
| Bypass capacity )Sheets) | 100 | 100 |
| Bypass Maximum Size / Weight | SRA3 / 300GSM + Banners | SRA3 / 300GSM + Banners |
| Print onto SRA3 | Yes | To print crop marks on to SRA3 you need to purchase a Type M19 Imageable area extension unit |
| Banner Feeding | Optional Long sheets/banners
297mm x 1,200mm 106 – 300 gsm |
Optional M52
148mm – 1,260mm 128 – 230 gsm |
| Image Media Sensor | Yes | No |
Weight & Dimensions
| Weight & Dimensions | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Width with 4 cassettes | 615MM | 587MM |
| Depth with 4 cassettes | 688MM | 701MM |
| Height with 4 cassettes | 1196MM | 1,210MM |
| Weight | 122KG (PC-216) | 129KG (PB3330) |
For a busy office looking to buy a Multi-Function Office Printer, you’ll want to ensure that it meets all the latest security protocols, and the supplier can keep it up to date with all the latest security patches. Both Konica Minolta and Ricoh have robust security, but Konica have more out of the box, requiring less IT time in installing add-ons. If you or your IT team have a specific requirement, let us know, and we’ll make sure that the installation meets your needs.
Security and Access Control
| Security & Access Control | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Simplified and Guided Security Set-up | Pre-Defined Templates | No |
| Biometric Authentication | Optional AU0102
Fingerprint Scanner |
No |
| Anti-Virus / Whitelisting | Bitedefender | None |
| End of Life Secure Data Erasure | Standard | Optional & Chargeable |
| Job and Access Audit Log | Document / User / Function | Document / User / Function |
| On-box Single Sign-On | Yes | No |
| FIPS 140-3 Enhanced Encrypted Security | Yes – FIPS 140-3 | FIPS 140-2 – Requires optional Type M52 module |
| TPM module (v2.0) compliant with ISO/IEC 11889 | Yes | Yes |
| RFID Card Reader port | Optional | Optional |
| NFC (Tap to Pair) | Standard | Optional M52 |
| Transport Layer Security TLS | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| Common Criteria (ISO/IEC 15408) | Full System | Only when Optional
HDD Type M52 320 GB is installed |
| Fleet Orchestrator | Yes | Not Stated |
| SIEM Support | Yes | No |
| Clone Capability for Enterprise wide cloned device roll out | Yes | No |
| Security set up wizard | Yes | No |
| Device Sanitisation – remove all customer information on demand | Yes | Requires HDD Type M52 |
Neither Konica nor Ricoh appear to produce a detailed comprehensive guide to their security offerings, rather they produce a generic security brief.
Toner capacities and supplies lifespan
| Supplies | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Black Toner Capacity – A4 Pages | 28,000 | 42,000 |
| Cyan Toner Capacity – A4 Pages | 28,000 | 28,000 |
| Magenta Toner Capacity – A4 Pages | 28,000 | |
| Yellow Toner Capacity – A4 Pages | 28,000 | |
| Drum Life Black – pages | 240,000 | Not Stated |
| Drum Life Colour – pages | 165,000 | Not Stated |
| Transfer Unit | 330,000 | Not Stated |
| Fuser | 800,000 | Not Stated |
| Waste Toner Container | 44,000 | Not Stated |
Toner capacities may not be the top of one’s considerations when it comes to choosing an office duty Multi-Function Printer; however, it does mean that you’ll be changing the black toner slightly less frequently with the Ricoh IM C5510 / 6010.
Environmental and power consumption
| Environmental | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Warm up time (Cold) Seconds | 8.5 | 23 |
| Warm up time (Standby) Seconds | 4.5 | 12 |
| Proximity Sensor for auto wake up | Yes | No |
| Energy Star | Yes | Yes |
| EPEAT Gold (Europe) | Yes | No |
| Blue Angel | Yes | Yes |
| Power Consumption (TEC) kWh/Week | 0.74 / 0.9 | 0.62 / 0.67 |
| Noise Level operational db | 64.6 / 65.7 | Not stated |
| Noise Level Standby db | 51.5 / 52.6 | Not Stated |
Optional Extras
| Finishing | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| Convenience Stapler (requires Work Surface) | FS-P04l | No |
| Work Surface / Utility Tray | WT-506 | No |
| Centre tray | JS-508 | Optional 1 Bin Tray BN3140 / BN3150 |
| Staple less finisher | No | SR3320 up to 5 sheets |
| Internal Finisher | FS-533 (C551i only) | SR3370 |
| Light Duty Finisher | FS-539 | SR3320 |
| Light Duty Booklet Maker | FS-539SD | SR3330 |
| 2 / 4 hole Punch for Light Duty Finisher | PK-524 | Optional |
| Heavy Duty Finisher | FS-540 | SR3340 |
| Heavy Duty Booklet Maker | FS-540SD | SR3350 |
| Hole Punch | PK-526 | Optional for all finishers |
| Z Folder for Heavy Duty Finisher(s) | ZU-609 | Optional FD3020 works with or without finisher |
| Post Inserter | PI-507 | No |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Wireless Connectivity Kit | Optional | Optional |
| Second Ethernet port | No | Optional |
| 1TB Hard Disk | Optional | Optional |
| External Keyboard Kit | Optional | No |
| Fax Kit | Optional | Optional |
| Voice Operation | Optional | No |
Fiery Print Controller Options
For the uninitiated, a Fiery is best described as a print driver / print engine on steroids. It’s not only going to get you highly accurate colour matching, it handles those large complex files with ease. The Konica Bizhub C551i / C651i and Ricoh IM Series C5510 / C6010 can be fitted with a Fiery Controller.
| Fiery Options | Bizhub C551i / C651i | Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 |
| EFI Fiery Network Server | Optional IC-420 | Optional E-26C |
| Platform | FS-350 | FS-500 |
| Memory | 4GB RAM – 500GB Hard Drive | 4GB RAM – 500GB |
| Processor | AMD® GX-424CC processor, 2.4 GHz,
Quad-Core, 2M cache |
Intel Pentium G5400 |
| Impose / Compose | Optional | Optional |
| Fiery Options Bundle – Includes – Spot On – Virtual Folders – Auto Trapping | Optional | ColorRight / Automation / JobExpert |
| EFI Colour Profiler Suite | Optional | Optional |
If you intend to double up your machine as an in-house marketing printer, then both Konica and Ricoh have you covered. Ricoh are offering their E-26C Controller, which uses the newer FS 500Platform, whereas Konica uses the FS-350 platform.
Both manufacturers offer a wide range of Controller software and hardware upgrades. We believe that if you need any of the additional software, then you probably need to consider a proper digital press, such as the Konica Minolta AccurioPrint C4065 – Digital Colour Press
Prices
Advertised prices are not always what they seem. We did a mystery shop and found that the prices stated on several suppliers websites were not genuine. Upon contacting the supplier they attempted to switch us to a different make and model, putting us off our original choice, advising that it wasn’t a particularly good machine.
Ricoh IM C5510 Best price
The best genuine price we could find for the Ricoh C5510 was £5,885. Adding a PB3320 paper stand bumps up the price by £1,113. Total price for the Ricoh IM C5510 is therefore £6,998.
Bear in mind that this does not include Genuine Adobe PostScript (circa £475). You should also be vigilant about the security and protection of employee and customer data, making an Encrypted hard drive (Circa £395) an option not to be skipped. The total comparable price to the Konica Bizhub C551i for the Ricoh IM C5510 is therefore £7,868.
Ricoh IM C6010 Best price
The best price we could find for the Ricoh IM C6010 was £6,985. To this you would need to add a PB3320 paper stand (£1,113). Total price for the Ricoh IM C6010 is therefore £8,098
As with the Ricoh IM C5510 the standard Specification does not include Genuine Adobe PostScript (circa £475). We also consider the Encrypted hard drive an essential item in today’s security environment (Circa £395). Bringing the total comparable price for the Ricoh IM C6010 to £8,968.
Konica Minolta Bizhub C551i Best Price
Scriptum can supply the C551i for £5,500. We suggest you add the PC-216 two tray cabinet £728, bringing the total to £6,228
You can buy a Konica Minolta C551i from us here Konica Minolta bizhub C551i A3 Colour Multi-Function Printer
Konica Minolta Bizhub C651i Best Price
Scriptum can supply the C651i for £6,650. We suggest you add the PC-216 two tray cabinet £728, bringing the total to £7,378
You can buy a Konica Minolta C651i from us here Konica Minolta bizhub C651i A3 Colour Multi-Function Printer
Running costs and Service
As important as the cost of the machine is, it’s just as important to check the running cost. Over the life of the printer, you will spend around double the purchase cost of the printer running it. You didn’t misread that. Over its life, the running cost of the printer will be your biggest outlay, easily outstripping the initial purchase cost, or the monthly rental. So, you should do your due diligence and make sure that you get complete transparency from a supplier as to what they include, what’s extra, and what the tie in to the contract involves.
Running costs for a full service and maintenance agreement on the Konica Minolta Bizhub C551i / C651i start as low as 2.9p per colour print. The best service price we obtained on the Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010 was 2.99p per colour print.
Conclusion
The Ricoh IM C5510 / IM C6010 and Konica Minolta Bizhub C551i / C651i are great machines, you wouldn’t get sacked for buying either, UNLESS you ignore the security shortfall on the Ricoh.
Neither Ricoh model comes with a FIPS Encrypted Hard drive, so they do not meet Common Criteria Specifications, that is a serious security concern for any business.
The fact that Konica include an encrypted hard drive means that it meets the basic security concerns of most businesses.
Secondly, if you have the need to print anything drawing or design related, or are MAC users, you must have Genuine Adobe Postscript. Konica include this, whereas it’s an extra cost option on the Ricoh IM C5510 / C6010.
For the vast majority of users, the Konica Minolta Bizhub will serve you better, and it knocks out the Ricoh.
