Hardware - - Scanner and printer rec?

imann08 · #1 04-15-2006, 10:06 PM

Does anyone have any recommendations of a good flatbed photo scanner that can do 16bit as well a laser color printer that you could recommend? Preferrably I would like one that has both in one but can't seem to find one. I also don't really have a lot of knowledge in this area so any help is appreciated. I originally was looking at a slide scanner and am confident about that when the time comes but I should first get these things. I don't have any totally restricting price limits although I'm not going to get one that's many thousands or anything.

I saw that many recommended the Epson 3200 in the other thread on this subject but I wanted to make sure that it is 16bit. I don't know if it is a standard thing on all flatbeds nowadays or not.

Thanks
Isaac

bart_hickman · #2 04-16-2006, 12:09 PM

For any scanner good enough for photos, it'll support 16-bit per channel (48 bit total).

If price isn't an issue, I think I read some good reviews on the Epson V700 and/or V750.

Otherwise, at least make sure you get a scanner with the digital ICE feature--I think it's a requirement for doing negatives and slides. I was thinking of getting the Epson 4490 which is their least expensive scanner with this feature.

Bart

imann08 · #3 04-16-2006, 11:56 PM

Do you have any experience with either of these or do you have one that you like in particular that you have used? I was also wondering if digital ICE was necessary for the flatbed and you say it is. Is it relevant for scanning prints as well or just negatives and slides?

bart_hickman · #4 04-19-2006, 02:42 PM

I don't have any experience with the V700, but I read a glowing review about it (you can probably find it with google.)

I only have the Epson 4180, which doesn't have the digital ICE and not getting it was a big mistake. Once I have time to start scanning negatives and slides again, I'll buy the 4490 (or whatever happens to be available that does have digital ICE.) It's virtually impossible to get all of the dust off of a negative and the scanner itself and software-based dust removal doesn't work that well IMO.

You don't need digital ICE for scanning prints because the dust is not very visible.

Bart

imann08 · #5 04-19-2006, 07:43 PM

Right now I think I'm trying to decide between the 4990 and v700 and it's a toss up. They are both similarly priced. I just have to get more info on the differences between the two and what the big deal is about the 4990 regular and pro versions.

I've got another question that I will also ask on the general question forum but I'll throw it by you here. I may have to do a picture that the client says is 25x?. Have you ever had to deal with pictures this big? How do you scan them? In quarters or do you take it somewhere special to have it done in one piece.

bart_hickman · #6 04-19-2006, 09:36 PM

I've never scanned anything big. Katrin Eismann's co-author, Wayne Palmer, uses what looks like a homemade mount for his DSLR (EOS 10D) to hold it level over a carefully lit table for large things. That book also suggests a service bureau or professional photo lab to do unusual scanning.

I've read wonderful reviews on the 4990 too. The V700 is newer. It's hard to figure out why Epson is selling two scanners with such similar prices. Maybe the 4990 appeals more to office customers who want a rugged document scanner too.

Bart

imann08 · #7 04-20-2006, 01:49 AM

I've got that book by Katrin and seen what you are talking about with using your SLR to scan but I don't have the equipment or experience for that kind of work. I do have the camera but that's it.

I may ask around about prices for a scan from a photolab. It may be easier that way if it isn't too expensive.

Finally, I really don't know what the differences are between the two scanners (the 4990 and v700). As you said, they are so close in cost it's hard to tell. The only major and noticeable difference is the fact that the v700 can scan at a 6400dpi optical resolution. I can't possibly see that mattering to me though. 4800 turns your standard 5x7 into many feet by many feet at 300dpi. I can't see needing more than that. Who knows though, I live in southern California. A lot of egos here. LOL

Sanda · #8 04-21-2006, 06:10 PM

I'm not sure but I don't think lazer printers are the best with photos. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

imann08 · #9 04-21-2006, 06:56 PM

That's the opinion that I have received. I've been told by others that laser printers are too heavy with the ink or whatever it is they drop down.

videosean · #10 04-21-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imann08

I've got that book by Katrin and seen what you are talking about with using your SLR to scan but I don't have the equipment or experience for that kind of work. I do have the camera but that's it.

If you have a digital SLR and a tripod you're at least halfway there for shooting over scanning. Just as you can scan in multiple passes, you can shoot multiple shots and stitch together if you need more resolution and you have little or no distortion problems with your lens. For keeping the image flat, you could pick up some foam core board for $5 to $10 I'd imagine and to secure the image to the board you could probably use mini binder clips - http://www.buyonlinenow.com/viewprod...p?SKU=ACC72010 - like those around the edges. On a good day, the sun will provide all the light you need for taking a good shot with little possibility of odd reflections... and that's free