Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

Canon
Canon imageCLASS LBP312dn Monochrome Laser Printer

Fast wired mono duplex printer with 650 sheets of standard input. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

The Canon imageCLASS LBP312dn is a monochrome printer for a busy wired queue. Canon rates Letter output up to 45 pages per minute in simplex and 36 pages per minute in duplex, with automatic two-sided printing. The 550-sheet cassette and 100-sheet multipurpose tray provide 650 standard input sheets, while Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 support wired deployment. Canon recommends 1,500 to 7,500 pages per month. It does not add copy, scan or fax functions, and Wi-Fi is not listed. Choose it when regular monochrome output matters more than an all-in-one role.

Consider it for

A wired workgroup printer for monochrome reports that benefits from fast rated duplex output, a large standard paper supply and a published monthly recommendation..

Look elsewhere if

Skip it if you need color, wireless networking, copy or scan functions, or a compact low-volume printer.

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Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Canon publishes separate Letter simplex and duplex speeds for the exact LBP312dn.
  • The standard 550-sheet cassette and 100-sheet multipurpose tray reduce reloads between paper types.
  • Gigabit Ethernet and a 1,500–7,500-page monthly range support a wired office assessment.

What to weigh up

  • The model is print-only and monochrome, without copy, scan or fax functions.
  • Canon does not list built-in Wi-Fi for this exact configuration.
  • The printer's size and paper supply may be unnecessary for occasional personal pages.
Specifications and exact model details

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredimageCLASS LBP312dn
Main functionsMonochrome laser printer for print-only work; up to 45 ppm Letter simplex
Print outputAutomatic duplex rated up to 36 ppm; 550-sheet cassette plus 100-sheet multipurpose tray
Two-sided printingGigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0; recommended 1,500–7,500 pages per month

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 15, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

Full review: how the features affect your choice

What the features mean for you

A dedicated monochrome printer

Canon identifies the LBP312dn as a monochrome laser printer, not an MFP. It is intended for print jobs rather than copying, scanning or faxing. A separate printer can be a straightforward fit where those functions already live elsewhere, but it cannot replace them when a shared desk needs a single device. Check the LBP312dn suffix on an offer because nearby imageCLASS models can have different functions and connections. ([Canon U.S. LBP312dn specifications](https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/imageclass-lbp312dn)).

Rated simplex and duplex throughput

Canon rates the printer up to 45 pages per minute on Letter paper in simplex and up to 36 pages per minute in duplex. The separate figures help compare one-sided and two-sided job handling instead of treating a single speed as universal. Automatic duplex turns pages for the second side without a manual refeed. These are manufacturer ratings; file complexity and setup affect actual jobs. The 36 ppm duplex rating is a useful comparison point for longer two-sided reports.

A larger standard paper supply

The standard paper path includes a 550-sheet cassette and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray. That provides 650 sheets before any additional equipment and lets a user keep a second stock in the multipurpose feed. For a recurring office queue this can mean fewer drawer reloads than on a small desktop device. It also takes more room and is more capacity than many occasional users need. Confirm the cassette and tray guides are included and intact on a used unit.

Wired Ethernet and USB setup

Canon lists Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 for the exact LBP312dn and does not list Wi-Fi. Ethernet supports a shared network queue, while USB suits a direct computer connection. This split matters when choosing a location: the printer is a wired-network option, not a wireless desktop model. Verify the needed cable, switch port and driver setup for the intended office. Do not infer a wireless feature from a different imageCLASS suffix.

Use Canon's recommended monthly range

Canon recommends 1,500 to 7,500 pages per month. That range is more appropriate for workload planning than a maximum duty-cycle value because the manufacturer describes it as the recommended volume. The printer's rated speeds and 650-sheet supply make it worth comparing for regular office documents, but neither proves it is a fit for every high-volume queue. If expected use falls far below the range or requires scanning and color, a smaller or multifunction model may better match the routine.

Compare for your needs

For color output choose a color laser printer; for wireless placement select an exact model with built-in Wi-Fi documented.

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Before you buy

How fast does the LBP312dn print two-sided pages?

Canon rates Letter duplex printing up to 36 pages per minute and simplex printing up to 45 ppm.

Does this model include Wi-Fi?

Canon lists Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0; built-in Wi-Fi is not listed for the LBP312dn.

How much paper fits in its standard input?

Canon lists a 550-sheet cassette and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, 650 sheets combined.

What monthly range does Canon recommend?

Canon gives the LBP312dn a recommended monthly range of 1,500 to 7,500 pages.

Where can I check the current price?

Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.

Sources and review basis

Sources & review basis

We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.

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Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

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