Choosing a Photo Scanner

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Learn How to Choose the Right Photo Scanner

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A photo scanner is a great way to take old photos, film and negatives and convert them into digital images. Digital images can then be shared online, via e-mail, manipulated to improve them, printed, or stored for safe keeping. What a great device!

This page will offer you some basic information on how to choose the right photo scanner based upon the type of work you want to do. Use the expandable Table of Contents below to quickly find the information or photo scanner you want on this page.

What Do You Want to Scan? 

The type of scanner you buy will be based on the type of work you want to do with it.

  • The most popular photo scanners are flatbed scanners. These scanners allow users to work with prints, paper documents, and even three dimensional objects. There are some that even have a transparency hood or adapter to scan slides and negatives.

  • If most of the work will involve scanning transparencies, film, and negatives a dedicated film scanner is the better option. The resolution on these scanners is more appropriate for film and negatives.

  • If the majority of scanning done will be from books then flatbed scanners with a sheet feed would be a poor choice. Sheet feed type scanners are good for large volume scanning of single documents and images but are more likely to jam.

  • Another popular option is a multi-function scanner which can scan, print, and copy.

    • Is It the Right Size? 

    Flatbed scanners are the most common type of photo scanner. If a flatbed scanner is chosen, then the bed size has to accomodate the items to be scanned. If the user will scan 12"x 17" documents, then the bedsize should be at least this large. Some scanners will produce enlargements of your photos. The bedsize on the scanner may be smaller than the enlargements you produce as the bedsize only needs to accommodate the size of your originals. It must however, be able to accomodate the paper size needed for the enlargment.

    Image Quality 

    The quality of the images a photo scanner can produce is determined primarily by color depth/bit depth and resolution. In general, 36 to 48 bit depth is more than enough for most purposes.

    A minimum resolution of 300dpi or 300spi is sufficient for text documents but 1200 dpi/spi is needed for photo reproduction. Film/negatives require at minmum of at least 2400dpi.

    Looking for a "dynamic range" of at least 3.2 is also advised for the best quality.

    Speed 

    If you have only an occasional need to scan and scan in small volumes, speed isn't so critical with the photo scanner you choose. However, if you have much to do speed becomes quite important.

    A good generally rule is that a photo scanner with an average speed of 10-20 seconds to scan an 8 x10" image is sufficient for most uses.

    Other Functions 

    Photo scanners like other home electronics are cabable of multi-tasking.

    Can the scanner scan to print, scan to file, fax, or e-mail? Does it come with software to allow it to scan, edit and even take text to a word processing file or convert to a PDF file. Some scanners come with software that allows quite a lot of restoration and editing. Some also allow you to enlarge images.

    Flatbed scanners are also available that can scan film or slides if shoppers check for such features.

    Compatibility 

    Obviously any photo scanner should have compatible connections to existing devices; particularly your computer. USB 2.0 or Firewire connectivity are recommended for faster transfer.

    Epson - Perfection V500 Photo - Photo Scanner 

    Click on the image to learn more or to buy

    This Epson Perfection V500 photo scanner features:
  • 6400 x 9600 dpi resolution
  • 17" x 22" enlargements from film
  • Dust and scratch removal with Digital ICE®
  • Easy Photo Fix® to restore faded color photos
  • New ReadyScan LED technology for fast scan speeds
  • Built-in TPU - scans slides, negatives and medium format film
  • Adobe® Photoshop® Elements included
  • True-to-life reproductions with 48-bit color
  • Optional ADF to scan multiple documents fast
  • Hi-Speed USB 2.0

    • Epson Perfection V200 Color Flatbed Photo Scanner 

    Epson Perfection V200 Color Scanner

    Epson Perfection V200 Color Scanner

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)Buy Now

    This Epson photo scanner is capable of scanning photos, film and even 3D objects with it's high-rise lid. It provides 4800 dpi resolution for outstanding quality.

    Other capabilities include:

  • Scanning images to e-mail
  • Copying photos and documents for archiving purposes
  • Scanning film for enlargements
  • Scanning books and magazine layouts
  • Restoring faded color photos
  • Scanning slides and negatives

    • HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner 

    Click on the image for more information or to buy

    This HP Photo Scanner offers 6-color, 96-bit scanning for high definition reproductions with 4800x9600 resolution. It features:
  • Text editing from scanned documents
  • Scanning of 35mm slides and negatives: other film sizes using a built-in adapter.
  • Dust and scratch removal
  • Photo restoration
  • HP Real Life for automatic red eye removal and enhancement of dark photos.
  • Easy scan, print, and copy functions
  • HP Photosmart for easy edit and e-mailing of
  • 3-D scanning of books and larger items

    • Learn More about the HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner 

    BuyTV CES Product Feature - HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner

    BuyTV CES Product Feature - HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner. Check it out at www.Buy.com.

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    More About the HP G Series Scanners 

    It's pretty goofy but it's a valid review of the features

    Hp Scanjet G Series Photo Scanners

    Scan even more slides, negatives and photos with superior color accuracy. Capture the most realistic color with HP-exclusive 6-color, 96-bit scanning and high-definition detail at 4800 x 9600 dpi.1 Get built-in dust and scratch removal, too. Interested in this product? click on links below to be directly connected to our product pages. HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2835752&CatId=294 HP Scanjet G4010 Photo Scanner http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2929633&CatId=294 HP Scanjet G3010 Photo Scanner http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2835751&CatId=294

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    Xeorx One Touch 7400 

    The Xeorx OneTouch 7400 photo scanner offers:
  • 1200dpi optical resolution
  • 48 bit color with 281 trillion colors
  • arcSoft Photo Impressions software
  • Scanning of photos and documents in 8.5"x11.69" sizes
  • e-mail, photo and document scanning and copy functions
  • compatibility with Windows 2000, Vista, and XP
  • the ability to scan 200dpi B&W images in 22.5 seconds, and 150dpi color images in 30.6 seconds
  • USB 2.0

    • Epson Expression 10000 XL 

    This Epson photo scanner is perfect for professional photographers and graphic artists with it's high quality, large volume scanning abilities. It offers
  • 2400dpi
  • 3.8Dmax and 48 bit color
  • auto focus optics
  • full version LaserSoft Imaging, SilverFast Ai6 application
  • the ability to scan photos and much more including transparencies
  • accommodates documents up to 12.2x17.2"
  • batch scanning
  • Windows and Mac compatibility
  • USB 2.0 and Firewire connectivity

    • HP Scanjet G3110F 

    This HP Scanjet features:
  • 9600dpi optical resolution
  • 48 bit color
  • the ability to scan photos, slides, 3-D objects and more
  • e-mail functions
  • conversion of documents to PDF files
  • photo restoration/correction such as red eye removal, color correction, removal of scratches and more
  • USB 2.0 connection
  • compatibility with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista
  • ability to work with doucments up to 8.5"x11.7"

    • Epson Perfection 4490 

    This photo scanner by Epson features:
  • 9600dpi image resolution
  • 48 bit color
  • software for image restoration and repair; Adobe Photoshop Elements, ABBYY FindReader Sprint, Epsong Easy PhotoFix
  • the ability to scan, enlarge, restore, and repair photos, film, and transparencies
  • maximum document size of 8.5"x11.7"
  • USB 2.0 connectivity
  • Windows and Mac compatibility

    • Epson Perfection V300 

    This affordable Epson V300 Photo Scanner offers:
  • 4800dpi
  • 48 bit color
  • the ability to scan film photos, 3-D objects, books and documents
  • a built in transparency unit to scan negative frames and slides
  • the ability to restore color in photos and produce enlargements up to 13"x9"
  • e-mail functions and the ability to convert documents to PDF files
  • maximum document size of 8.5"x11.7"
  • USB connectivity
  • Compatibility with Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Mac Mac OS® X 10.3.9 - 10.5.x

    • Canon Photo Scanners 

    Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Film/Negative/Photo Scanner (2168B002)

    Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Film/Negative/Photo Scanner (2168B002)

    Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Canon CanoScan 4400F Color Image Scanner (1306B002)

    Canon CanoScan 4400F Color Image Scanner (1306B002)

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Canon CanoScan LiDE 25 Color Image Scanner (0307B001)

    Canon CanoScan LiDE 25 Color Image Scanner (0307B001)

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Canon CanoScan LiDE 600F scanner (0302B002)

    Canon CanoScan LiDE 600F scanner (0302B002)

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Canon CanoScan LiDE90 Color Image Scanner (2167B002)

    Canon CanoScan LiDE90 Color Image Scanner (2167B002)

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    More Helpful Information About Photo Scanners 

    Care for a Photo Scanner
    Useful information about caring for a photo scanner and how to avoid damage.
    Choosing the Right Resolution
    Find out more about choosing the right resolution when scanning images.
    How Stuff Works
    Learn more about how a photo scanner works.
    Pop Photo
    The latest product reviews and tests.

    Photo Scanners in the News 

    Epson Deal: Perfection V300 Flatbed Photo Scanner » Smarter ...
    From $69 A great discount scanner deal for the money, the Epson Perfection V300 Flatbed Photo Scanner has 4800 x 9600 DPI optical resoluti...
    Epson Perfection Photo Scanner Reviews - Perfection V300 ...
    The Epson Perfection V300 Photo scanner is priced at $100. It features a stark improvement over other scanners of the same range.
    scanner world » Archive du blog » New Sealed Hp Scanjet G4010 ...
    New sealed hp scanjet g4010 photo scanner 4800 dpi photo blurt out scanners. Windows & macintosh includes integrated ocr, hp photosmart allocation, faded color restoration, dust and up to snuff throwing over, hp adaptive lighting. ...
    scanner world » Archive du blog » New Sealed Hp Scanjet G4010 ...
    New Sealed Hp Scanjet G4010 Photo Scanner 4800 Dpi - Franklin Monios. Resolution, and do it well-versed. The g4010 is crackerjack fo scanning a. Full-color 4 x 6 inch photo ni as teeny as 11 seconds! Xp untroubled b in & extraordinary, ...
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    Photo Scanner: Did You Find the Scanner You Want? Let Us Know! 

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    Lensmaster

    jaye3000 wrote...

    Thanks for this lens! I'm looking to get an all-in one, and was leaning toward HP. I'm bookmarking this so my hubby can take a look ( I have no idea about this stuff :)

    ReplyPosted May 07, 2009

    Lensmaster

    hoopahybrid wrote

    i have a h p deskjet f380 all in one need shortcut to learn how to put photos ,allready developed on my website
    g

    Reply Posted December 02, 2008

    Lensmaster

    Lisa_Jo wrote...

    This is a wonderful lens:)

    ReplyPosted August 02, 2008

    Lensmaster

    bdkz wrote...

    Great lens! I love my scanner.

    ReplyPosted March 20, 2008

     

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    Introduction: lokate366.

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