Sharp MX-C304W — Features, specifications, performance and business fit

The Sharp MX-C304W is a compact A4 color multifunction printer (MFP) aimed at small offices, branch locations and workgroups that need a full suite of document functions — print, copy, scan and fax — without the footprint of a larger A3 device. It pairs a small desktop form factor with surprisingly full-featured capabilities: 30 pages per minute in both color and black-and-white, a tiltable 7-inch color touchscreen, fast duplex scanning, integrated wireless and mobile printing options, and a security-focused software stack that helps protect document workflows. These attributes make the MX-C304W a modern “all-rounder” for everyday business document tasks. 

Design and build: compact but capable

The MX-C304W is built to sit comfortably on a desk or counter rather than occupy a large equipment room. Its enclosure emphasizes a low footprint while giving users access to an intuitive control surface — a 7-inch color LCD touchscreen that tilts for easier viewing and supports thumbnail previews and simple, icon-driven workflows. Paper handling in the base configuration is modest (250-sheet main drawer plus a 50-sheet bypass for specialty stock), but Sharp offers optional trays that can scale total capacity up to 2,700 sheets for heavier deployment scenarios. A 100-sheet Duplexing Single Pass Feeder (DSPF) speeds two-sided scanning without multiple passes. 

Key features that stand out

• Balanced speed: The MX-C304W prints at up to 30 pages per minute in both color and mono, which is fast for an A4 desktop unit and is useful for mixed black-and-white and color workloads. 

• High-speed duplex scanning: The single-pass duplex feeder scans both sides in one pass — Sharp rates the scanning throughput up to roughly 110 images per minute depending on mode — making bulk digitalization jobs much quicker than single-pass devices. 

• Sharp OSA / Embedded apps: Support for Sharp’s Open Systems Architecture lets organizations integrate custom apps and cloud services directly from the control panel, simplifying common workflows like scan-to-cloud, secure print release or document routing. 

• Mobile and cloud printing: Native support for AirPrint, Sharpdesk Mobile, and other mobile frameworks allows users to print from smartphones and tablets; the device also supports optional cloud connectors for direct printing from cloud storage. 

• Robust security: The MX-C304W includes multiple security layers — encrypted network communications, user authentication options, HDD data encryption and overwrite, and features such as a self-healing firmware architecture that helps protect the device and the network it’s on. 

Detailed specifications (what procurement and IT teams need to know)

• Engine type: A4 color laser MFP (desktop). 

• Print speed: Up to 30 ppm (color and mono) for A4. 

• Print resolution: 600 × 600 dpi native, with Sharp’s “equivalent” processing for finer halftone reproduction. 

• First copy time: ~5.5 seconds (mono) and ~6.7 seconds (color) from the platen. 

• Standard paper capacity: 300 sheets (250-sheet main drawer + 50-sheet bypass). Expandable to 2,700 sheets with optional trays. 

• Duplexing and feeder: Automatic duplexing standard; 100-sheet Duplexing Single Pass Feeder (DSPF) for fast two-sided scanning. 

• Memory / Storage: Typically shipped with adequate RAM for office jobs and a 500 GB HDD to store print/scan jobs and to enable Sharp OSA apps. (Exact memory configuration may vary by region.) 

• Interfaces: Ethernet, USB host/device, and built-in wireless LAN on the “W” variants — enabling flexible placement and mobile workflows. 

• Duty cycle / monthly volume: Rated for demanding monthly volumes (Sharp lists high maximums appropriate for shared workgroup use); consult regional datasheets for manufacturer-specified maximums and recommended monthly volumes. 

Real-world performance and print quality

For everyday office documents — contracts, proposals, internal reports, and color charts — the MX-C304W delivers clean, legible output. Text clarity is strong at typical office font sizes, while color graphics reproduce with reasonable vibrancy and detail for desktop-class marketing collateral and client handouts. Where it differs from larger production devices is in heavy grayscale photo or high-end graphics reproduction: while perfectly adequate for most business needs, it’s not a replacement for a high-end proofing device.

In multi-user settings the 30 ppm speed becomes valuable: combined with quick first-page times, users perceive snappy responsiveness even during bursts of printing. The DSPF further improves throughput for scan-heavy teams by dramatically cutting scanning time compared with single-pass or dual-pass feeders. Field reports and reseller testing show the machine handles mixed departmental workloads reliably, provided routine maintenance and appropriate consumable management are observed. 

Workflow, connectivity and software ecosystem

Sharp positions the MX-C304W as more than a hardware box: its software integration is a selling point. The Sharp OSA (Open Systems Architecture) enables third-party and custom applications to run on the device’s panel, so businesses can create one-touch routines for frequent tasks (scan-to-HR folder, print-and-archive, or secure release). Sharp’s desktop utility (Sharpdesk) and Sharpdesk Mobile help users find, assemble and submit documents directly from laptops and mobile devices. Adobe Embedded Printer Engine (AEPE) support in some firmware versions accelerates rendering of PDFs and complex files, reducing perceived print latency for mobile, cloud and USB sources. 

From an IT perspective, standard management protocols (SNMP and network administration tools), support for universal print drivers and fleet management utilities simplify deploying and monitoring MX-C304W units across multiple sites. Wireless LAN and mobile printing compatibility make the unit a fit for modern hot-desking and BYOD environments where flexibility is valued.

Security and compliance considerations

Sharp has been explicit about embedding security into the MX-C304W. Features include network encryption (TLS/SSL), HDD overwrite and encryption options, user authentication for access control and secure print release, and firmware integrity checks with self-healing capabilities. For businesses in regulated sectors — legal, finance, healthcare — these layers reduce the risk of data leakage from printed materials or intercepted network traffic. IT teams should still ensure devices receive firmware updates and are placed behind appropriate network segmentation and firewall rules as part of a broader security posture. 

Consumables, maintenance and TCO

Consumables for the MX-C304W follow the typical color MFP model: separate cyan/magenta/yellow/black toners and periodic replacement of drums and maintenance kits. Toner yields will vary by region and cartridge type; typical estimates from resellers indicate color cartridges with mid-to-high yields suitable for busy offices. Because the device includes a hard drive and advanced electronics, service contracts and timely preventive maintenance will keep the TCO predictable. When calculating cost per page, factor in toners, drum lifetimes, optional finishing or paper trays and any managed print service fees. 

Who should consider the MX-C304W?

The MX-C304W fits several business profiles well:

• Small/medium offices and branch sites that need color capability, secure network features and mobile printing without a full A3 installation. 

• Workgroups with scanning needs, such as HR, finance or admin teams, where the DSPF will cut document capture time. 

• Organizations that value integration — firms wanting to embed cloud workflows or custom capture/print routines using Sharp OSA. 

• Flexible work environments where wireless placement and mobile printing are advantages. 

It’s less ideal as a standalone device for teams that need high-end photographic prints or complex finishing (stapling/booklet making) straight out of the box — finishing options exist but larger MFDs will provide more advanced stapling and folding choices.

Final verdict

The Sharp MX-C304W is an impressively capable A4 color MFP that blends a compact footprint with features normally found in larger machines: solid 30 ppm speed in both color and B/W, fast duplex scanning, cloud/mobile printing and a strong security and integration story. For small offices, satellite sites and departments within larger organizations that need a dependable all-in-one device, it’s a practical balance of performance, features and manageability. As always, confirm regional specs and pricing, request a demo of the touchscreen workflows if possible, and compare total cost of ownership (toner, drums, service contracts) against competing units before procurement.