Choosing a Photo Scanner

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and others have built in restoration features.

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

Obviously any photo scanner should have compatible connections to existing devices; particularly your computer and be compatible with the OS as well. USB 2.0 or Firewire connectivity are recommended for faster transfer.

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

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

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

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

Photo Credits:
Introduction: lokate366.