Scanner Suggestions

[TxChick]

Looking for a scanner. Looking to scan older photos I have and burn to DVD, also not sure if I want flatbed only? I have a photo printer the Epson R1800 so I really think all I want/need it the flatbed only, unless you can think of another reason I have not yet?

I do have some negative to scan but for the most part just older photos that I want to preserve on DVD etc..

I've look at the Epson Perfection V500 on line that has 6400 x 9600 dpi, I've look at a Canon @ the Apple store they had out it had 4800 x 1200 dpi?

Any suggestions??

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by TxChick

Looking for a scanner. Looking to scan older photos I have and burn to DVD, also not sure if I want flatbed only? I have a photo printer the Epson R1800 so I really think all I want/need it the flatbed only, unless you can think of another reason I have not yet?

I do have some negative to scan but for the most part just older photos that I want to preserve on DVD etc..

I've look at the Epson Perfection V500 on line that has 6400 x 9600 dpi, I've look at a Canon @ the Apple store they had out it had 4800 x 1200 dpi?

Any suggestions??

If you are scanning existing prints you'll need a flatbed. Have you looked at the Epson 700's?

[venchka]

First: don't believe any of those DPI numbers. It's all done with smoke and mirrors.

Second: The software that comes with scanners is either A. Acceptable. B. Lousy and needs to be replaced immediately. Vuescan is cheap and liked by some. Silverfast costs more and is like by some.

Third: Prowl around the Epson web pages for a refurbished flatbed scanner that also does film. I think the V500 is a spruced up replacement for the 4990 flatbed with film scanner. It's not bad. The V700/V750 models are an improvement over the 4xxx or V500 series.

Fourth: Be prepaired for a very steep learning curve with scanning.

Fifth: For B&W photos, 300 DPI TIFF files are fine. Slow but fine.

Did you ever buy a tripod?

[TxChick]

Stovall, I've not look at the 700 is it that much better over the V500?

Wayne, I'm sorry I had'nt got back to you yet on the tripod, I've been sick in bed with this wicked virus that everyone seems to have. Yes turns out my Honey got me for Christmas the Gitzo GT3530S and I have not had a chance to even look at it or use it for 2 reason 1 being sick and the other is the RRS BH-55 ball head is on backorder!! It seems they had a mad rush at Christmas!!

Okay I'm a little puzzled on the scanner now, so ur telling me there not that great? More problems you think then their worth?

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by TxChick

Stovall, I've not look at the 700 is it that much better over the V500?

Wayne, I'm sorry I had'nt got back to you yet on the tripod, I've been sick in bed with this wicked virus that everyone seems to have. Yes turns out my Honey got me for Christmas the Gitzo GT3530S and I have not had a chance to even look at it or use it for 2 reason 1 being sick and the other is the RRS BH-55 ball head is on backorder!! It seems they had a mad rush at Christmas!!

Okay I'm a little puzzled on the scanner now, so ur telling me there not that great? More problems you think then their worth?

The 700 and the 750 are geared for film and the 750 will even let you do wet scans which is a must if you have old scratched negatives.

[venchka]

Sherrie,

Sorry to hear that you are sick. Get well soon! Yes, I remember last Christmas that RSS sold out before Christmas. That's why my Sweetie ordered, or rather let me order, before Thanksgiving. I'm glad I did.

Figure out exactly what you want to do with a scanner. Then go up the price scale until you get what you want. I haven't priced them lately, but I think the V700 is about $500.

DPI: Folks who know about these things say that all consumer grade scanners top out at 2,400 DPI. That is WAY overkill for flat art, documents, photos, etc. It's not enough for perfect scans of 35mm slides and big prints. 2,400 DPI is perfect for home use.