Scanners

[Niki Burony]

HI all - I'm not sure if this is the best area for me to post my questions, but I use PSE4 and I am looking to purchase a new scanner. What I am mostly interested in being able to do is scan negatives 35mm. Does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonable priced scanner that would suite my needs? I won't be scanning "tons" of negatives, but will just do 20-30 from time to time.

I looked at an Epson Perfection Flatbed Photo Scanner V200 - for $89 at Circuit City - any thoughts on that scanner vs others? I'd love any suggestions you can give me.

Thanks
Niki

[Bob]

Hi Niki,

The Epson V200 is an entry level scanner. Fine for typical home type uses. But, since you are especially interested in scanning negatives, you can do better. Dedicated film scanners are generally considered to be better than flatbeds, but the current crop of flatbed scanners aren't too bad. If you want to stay in the Epson family, take a look at the V500. It has a Dmax of 3.4 which will give you a better negative scan and it includes the "Digital ICE" technology which will allow common film scanning tasks to be done in the scanner which is a definite advantage. The V500 also has a white LED backlight instead of the cold cathode backlight in the V200. That means instant on and more uniform scans. Newegg has the V500 on sale for $50 off and there is an Epson mail in rebate for an additional $50 off. That brings the final price down to $150. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... %20scanner

I haven't looked at Canon or other brands, but I'm sure others will jump in with comments/recommendations.

[Chuck Engels]

Actually Bob the V500 is a great scanner and more of a intermediate level than entry level piece of equipment.
It does have Digital Ice Technology and scans slides and negative, even medium format.
The Epson Store has refurb models for $150, so $89 is a great deal and I might go get one myself
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/cons ... y=Products

[Bob]

Chuck, I said the V200 ($89) was an entry level scanner. The V500 is what I suggested Niki look at. And, after both rebates, the new V500 from Newegg matches the refurbished price from Epson ($150). And, it's free shipping from both. What more could you ask for.

[Niki Burony]

Ok - I appreciate the feedback. I certainly don't want to get something cheap and then wish I had upgraded later - the extra few bucks isn't worth the aggravation.

One last question - I noticed on searching some of the other postings regardings scanners that there is some discussion about the EPSON V500 vs the EPSON 4490 - which I also found at a decend price. Any last suggestions/comparison on those 2 before I make my final decision?

Niki

[Chuck Engels]

Sorry Bob, when I looked at those posts I could have swore they said V500

Niki, I dont' think there is a lot of difference between the two.
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/cons ... d=53540925
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/cons ... d=63070478

Looks like the V500 might have a slight edge over the 4490

[Bob]

The V500 has a much higher optical resolution, 6400 dpi vs 4800 for the Epson 4490. The V500 also has the White LED backlight. The 4490 has a cold cathode fluorescent backlight. Bottom line, the V500 is a much better scanner.

List price for the V500 is $250 and the 4490 is $150. But, Newegg is listing $200 and there is an Epson $50 mail-in rebate which brings the cost to $150. Newegg's cost for the 4490 is $125. For the $25 difference, I'd get the V500.

Epson also has a refurbished V500 for $150 with no rebate. Newegg has an open box V500 for $160 -- I personally don't trust open box for this sort of equipment.

[Chuck Engels]

Thanks for the detailed info Bob, looks like the V500 is definitely a better choice.

Diana (forum member anim8) won a Epson 4490 in this years video contest, maybe she can comment on that one.
Or you could private message her and ask

[Niki Burony]

Thanks guys - I went for the V500 from Newegg. I should have it in a few days - I'm VERY excited! Thanks as always for your advice/help.

Niki