Scanner-What to look for

[SueS]

I am looking to buy a new scanner. I mainly want to scan in photos to use in slideshow presentations. Does anyone have any recommendations on which are the best scanners to buy? Are there any features that I need or any that I should avoid? Of course, the cheaper the better.

Sue

[Chuck Engels]

Hi Sue,
Might you want to scan negatives or slides ever?
A scanner that can scan negatives and slides is a huge plus.

There is a link to a great deal on the Epson 4900 in another thread,
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1592

I bought one to give away as a muvipix video contest prize.

[Steve Grisetti]

Unless you're in need of a professional-quality model (and I'm not exactly sure what that means since, when our "pro" model broke down, we temporarily replaced it with a consumer model that gave great results) there are really just a few things to look for.

1. Resolution. This used to be a bigger deal, but even bargain basement models offer at least 1200x1200 resolution -- which is plenty of resolution, unless you're scanning photos that you want to turn into posters. 4800x4800 models can be had for about $150, but it's up to you if you think you need that much power.

2. Slide capability. Your basic scanner is a a flatbed. You put things on and scan. Full-featured models come with a tray so that you scan transparencies and slides (in which the light comes from behind). If you think you might need it, go for it.

A nice piece to have is a combination printer, scanner and fax machine. But only if you need it.

Does it sound like I'm saying that you can't go wrong -- particularly if you're scanning for video (which is pretty low demand)? I am.

Name brands don't mean a lot but, if you prefer a name brand, HP, Canon and Epson are the A listers.

[Steve Grisetti]

And, should you want a pro model that does it all and use "Digital Ice" technology for fast, gorgeous reproductions, here's the professional model we use here at work.
http://www.amazon.com/Epson-Perfection- ... 922&sr=8-2

[Chuck Engels]

The 4900 I listed in the post above is just as good and 1/2 the price, still has Digital Ice too

[Steve Grisetti]

If it's still a current model, that's an excellent buy!

[jackfalbey]

For the slideshows I produce for my clients, I use the Canon Canoscan 4400 http://www.nextag.com/canon-canoscan-44 ... earch-html. It's a 4800x9600 flatbed, does slides and negatives, and I've also used it (along with my Canon iP4200 printer) to scan and print 8x10 copies of family portraits that were taken at a professional photography studio without any noticeable loss of image quality. The included software is extensive, but I usually scan right from Photoshop Elements 5.0 with no problems at all.

[SueS]

Thanks Everyone,

I think I'm going with the refurbished Epson. For $98 it looks to be the best buy.

Sue

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Just a final consideration. If there is any possibility that you may wish to scan negatives bigger than 35mm (for example 6x6 - 120 roll film) then ensure that your planned scanner can do it.

I bought a (recommended) Canon 8000F (I think) to replace a very old Epson that had no negative scanning capability. The replacement Canon had two major faults as far as I was concerned.

Firstly the option to change the size of the negatives from the default 35mm was greyed out (advice from Canon was to buy the 9000F.Thanks Canon).

Secondly in operation it drove me demented with a message before each scan "Scanner is warming up" - the message stayed on screen for about fifteen seconds before the scanner would fire into life so it slowed the whole process right down. In the end I gave the Canon away and bought an Epson 4490 with which I have been very happy.

HTH.

[Chuck Engels]

The refurbished Epson will scan medium format as well as 35mm negatives and slides