Scanners
You’ve got lots of old documents and old photos taken from film cameras to digitalize and store in your hard disk for archive purposes. You know you need a good scanner that can transform those documents and photos into formats that are easily read and viewed. With so many scanners coming out in recent years, how do you choose some of the best scanners from so many out there so that all your docs and prints can be captured clearly for retrieval later?
Scanner Buying Guide
1) Types Of Scanner
There are 3 main types of scanners on the market right now namely sheetfed, flatbed and film scanners. Sheetfed scanner, as the name implies, allows you to put your sheets (documents) into a feeder and from then on scan the document one by one. The most common seems to be the flatbed scanner whereby you place any type and size (A4, A3) document or photo onto the screen and then the device will scan it. Lastly, film scanners are used by professionals to digitalize APS or 24×36 negatives, giving rise to extremely high quality output.
2) Resolution
If your main goal is to scan text or graphic documents, then a 600 dpi (dot per inch) scanner is sufficient. If scanning photos, film, negatives and slides down to minute details are your main consideration, then you should opt for a higher resolution scanner of 1200 dpi and above.
3) Color Sampling Depth
This refers to the number of color gradation that a particular scanner is able to distinguish. A higher number indicates better color restoration from original docs or prints. Color sampling depth is measured in terms of bits with their corresponding color gradation: 10-bit (1,024 colors), 24-bit (16.7 Million colors) and 42-bit (440 Billion colors). For text scanning, it’s sufficient to go for 10-bit scanner. Slides, photos and color graphics should are best scanned using at least 24-bit scanner.
Scanner Reviews & Ratings
We found the best scanner reviews from CNET, Consumer Reports, Imaging Resource, ITReviews, PCMag and PC World. Expert reviewers there tested some of the best scanner models from high-quality and established makers such as Canon, Epson, Fujitsu, HP, Kodak, Microtek, Plustek and Xerox. Scanner ratings based on photo/text quality, film/slide quality, speed and ease of use determines the best scanners in their class.
Best Scanner (Film)
Scanner Reviews #1: Scanning its way to the top with flawless precision including getting marvelous scanner reviews from experts and users is the best rated Epson Perfection V700 Photo Color Scanner. If you truly desire perfection for your film, negatives, photos and slides scanning needs, all you need is this Epson scanner to make it happen. This best scanner from Epson boasts an incredible 6400 dpi optical resolution with 4.0 Dmax for precise detail and brilliant color scanning every time. Comes with Dual Lens system for optimal resolution scanning. Digital ICE technology ensures even damaged films and prints receive complete restoration with creases, dust, folds, scratches and tears automatically corrected. Truly the best film scanner ever.
Scanner Reviews #2: Beating high expectations with impressive scanner reviews from pros and users is the top rated Nikon Coolscan V ED Film Scanner. For high quality film, negatives and slides scanning, let this Nikon scanner bring it to life. This top rated scanner from Nikon features 4000 dpi optical resolution with 14-bit A/D input and 8/16-bit output for truly exceptional scanning results. Digital ICE4 technology ensures complete restoration of old slides to their ultimate glory. Scans fast in 38 seconds flat.
Best Scanner (Flatbed Photo)
Scanner Reviews #3: Setting the benchmark in photo scanning standard with outstanding scanner reviews from users and experts is the best rated Canon Canoscan 8800F Color Image Scanner. Make light work of your scanning tasks with this Canon scanner that’s sure to excite you. With high-luminance white LED lamps, start-up is immediate (no warm up) at the push of the start button. This best scanner fronm Canon features impressive 4800 x 9600 color dpi resolution and 48-bit color sampling depth (281 trillion colors) for spectacularly rich and vivid scanning results. With FARE (Film Automatic Retouching & Enhancement) Level 3 technology, even old photos will look new when received a "touch-up" such as backlight correction, dust & scratch removal and faded images revival. 7 key buttons automate everything. Able to batch-scan up to 12 frames of 35 mm films.
Scanner Reviews #4: Matching top expectations with superb scanner reviews from owners and pro reviewers is the best value Canon Canoscan 4400F Color Image Scanner. For all your scanning needs fast and easy, look no further than this Canon scanner for the answer. This best scanner from Canon features 4800 x 9600 color dpi resolution with 48-bit color depth (281 trillion colors) for superior scanning results. Comes with built-in retouching technology to restore faded images to their original masterpiece. 7 large buttons automate scanning process. With Advanced Z-Lid expansion top that can be raised up to 1 inch vertically, scanning thick books and documents is possible. Able to batch-scan up to 6 frames of 35 mm films.
Best Scanner (Sheetfed Document)
Scanner Reviews #5: Scanning documents with ruthless efficiency while getting top scanner reviews from users is the best rated Fujitsu Scansnap S510 Color Image Scanner. For home and office scanning needs without hassle, this Fujitsu scanner is the perfect companion. This best scanner from Fujitsu features 150 dpi (color) and 300 dpi (monochrome) at normal mode up to 600 dpi (color) and 1200 dpi (monochrome) at excellent mode for sharper scanning results. Comes equipped with Adobe Acrobat 8.0 & ABBYY Fine Reader 7.x Engine software for added functionality. Scans color documents fast at 18 pages per minute.
Resources: Image Scanner (Wikipedia)