Large Format Flatbed Scanner

While a graphic artist may prefer the more expensive Epson Expression scanner, the price tag on that scanner may be too high for many others. If you are looking for an affordable large format scanner, the Mustek ScanExpress A3 1200 Pro is about the lowest price you will find.

So who is using this scanner? From the reviews online this scanner seems to be popular among artists, scrapbookers, and comic book collectors.

The Mustek ScanExpress has gotten mix reviews. Some people love it, others have had some issues. Most users seem to be happy with the quality of scans but some people have had issues with installation and/or compatibility.

So depending on your computer system and level of technical savviness, the ScanExpress A3 may fit your needs. You certainly can't beat the price.

Okay, so the Mustek ScanExpress 1200 A3 scanner is the most affordable large flatbed scanner. So what is the next step up?

Well, that would be the ScanExpress 2400.

The Mustek ScanExpress 2400 appears to be quite similar to the ScanExpress 1200. The difference is indicated in the names: the Mustek 2400 has 2400 dpi optical resolution while the Mustek 1200 has 1200 dpi optical resolution.

Now, how much resolution you need depends on what you plan to do with your scans. If you will be printing out your scans then there is no point in scanning at a higher resolution than your printer is capable of. If you are just looking to scan print for OCR, 2400 dpi may be overkill. Determine your intent and you will know whether you need 1200 or 2400 dpi resolution.

If you decide you would like to scan at a higher resolution, then go with the ScanExpress 2400. But it will come at a price as the higher resolution Mustek model costs about $100 more than the 1200 model.

Using a scanner for scrapbooking allows a number of different elements to be used that normally would be unavailable. Photos and other printed items are fast and easy to include and the images can be manipulated with various graphics programs to create unusual effects. A large format flatbed scanner can even allow for the inclusion of items that are normally too bulky and can be utilized for keeping a copy of an entire scrapbook page.

Using a scanner to create electronic copies of items that are used in the scrapbook allows easy practice layouts to be created, which is useful to make sure that a bad crop doesn't ruin an item that can't be replaced. Keeping an electronic copy also allows for copies to be easily printed as needed. Copies can also be put on websites or emailed to other scrapbookers who may like use your unique images.

When scanning, remember to keep your scanner clean and protected. Hard objects may easily scratch the scanning glass, so keep it protected with a sheet of transparency. A scanner also needs protecting from anything messy, like sand or hand prints. Any scratches and smudges will show up on scans, even tiny ones, so keep the glass clean by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Some scrapbook lovers have found that owning their own large format scanner is ideal for capturing images of all sizes. A larger scanner is certainly easier for scans of the scrapbook itself due to the size of scrapbook pages. A Mustek scanner is a very affordable choice for most scrapbookers looking for a scanner that can handle larger scan sizes whether it be to scan their own pages or even extra large objects.

The use of scanning allows multiple copies of a single item within a scrapbook and the incorporation of unusual or fragile items. Utilizing a scanner means that things like a theatre program can easily be used as different pages from the program can be used on different scrapbook pages without destroying the document. And scanning whole pages from a scrapbook allows copies to be shared with different people who also have interest in the events being captured (like sharing your new baby's scrapbook with his or her grandparents).

There are many valuable documents that must be kept safely and cannot be included in a scrapbook. However scanning means that copies of these documents can be included - things like birth and marriage certificates, for example. It is also possible to scan papers that may be too fragile to last if handled repeatedly, or things like newsprint which may damage other items in the scrapbook.

Unusual objects can also be incorporated into a scrapbook by scanning. Examples are: driftwood that is too bulky, food that would go off and spoil, flowers that would whither and die, and items like jewelry that you still want to use. This is especially useful when scrapbooks are created around childhood memories - the cookies baked with Grandma will be eaten, but a scan of them can survive.

In addition, unusual textures can be created with a scanner. For example, scanning the fabric from a wedding dress and then using that image as the background for the pages of a wedding scrapbook. Or a collection of school equipment like pencils, erasers etc could be used for a first day of school book. The possibilities are endless.

In the end, the secret to successfully using a scanner for scrapbooking is to experiment. Experiment with different settings on the scanner and scanning software to get the best scan results and to achieve different effects. Experiment also with different items and see what results can be gained. By using a scanner in your day-to-day scrapbooking you can end up with unique designs that capture the moments to a new degree.