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06/21/2004 11:46:27 AM · #1 |
Can anyone recommend a good quality, fast and reliable scanner?
I have a chest full of thousands and thousands of photos and want to start saving them to my PC so i can back everything up.
Thanks,
Bio. |
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06/21/2004 12:12:21 PM · #2 |
Sam,
Are you planning to scan prints, negatives or slides? I do all three and prefer a good flatbed scanner for prints.
If at all possible, you will get better results by scanning the negatives (or slides) using a film scanner. I have an old HP S20 film scanner which does an excellent job (if I keep it clean). I donĂ¢€™t think HP offers it anymore and they have not replaced it. If I had my choice, I would purchase a Nikon Coolscan for film scanning. It is high quality and much faster than the HP.
As for flatbeds, take a test print to a store and try them out until you find one you like. They are all pretty similar. I am (understandably) biased in favor of HP as I worked there for 30 years but most any name brand will offer about the same quality at about the same price.
Dick
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06/21/2004 12:14:27 PM · #3 |
Most of my experience is with AGFA scanners, and they don't make them any more ... :)
Assuming data size is no object, look for one which has 48-bit capability, and a "native" or optical dpi of at least 1200. I would NOT get one which does both prints and transparencies ... they are a pain, and it's about as cheap to but the two separately these days.
Probably the most important stat is the Dynamic Range it can capture, as pulling out shadow detail is one of the harder parts of getting good scans from prints. I think you want a value of at least 3.8 for that ...
I'm sure some of the photography and PC magazines have reviewed scanners within the last year, and probably Consumer Reports has as well. Check online or at your local library. |
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06/24/2004 05:59:41 AM · #4 |
| Thanks guys. I will be mostly scanning prints but if the negatives are there I would like to use them if the quality is better. |
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06/24/2004 07:55:47 AM · #5 |
I have an Epson perfection 3200 photo scanner which is great it scans photos, slides & negatives but it was just replaced by the Epson 4870 basically still the same scanner. There is a pro version and a regualr version the only difference is the scanning software. But they are great.
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06/24/2004 05:30:21 PM · #6 |
Concur and second the Epson 3200.
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