Scanner Buying Guide

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When choosing a scanner first thing you have to consider is the utility that you will give. Requirements and / or needs will be very different if you need as an auxiliary tool of study or be a working tool where you need an excellent image quality, for example photographs, graphics, etc. It is for scanning documents for further editing in electronic format. The normal scan documents for archiving and storage on the hard drive, as the paper can be lost, spoiled. Imagine that you suddenly manual order to transfer the entire archive of documents in electronic form and stored on a hard drive. In this case, you will come to the rescue and scanner.

First of all, when choosing a scanner, you should very clearly understand the specific purpose for which you plan to use your scanner. If you have to decide whether what the main tasks will be to stand in front of your scanner. From this very much will depend on its price. After the scanner - this is a very interesting thing in the sense that illiterate, you can overpay a lot of money when buying a scanner for those of its functions, which he never in his life will not be used. So, remember that the iron rule "the more expensive the better," which is true of many computer components such as memory or hard disk when you buy the scanner is not working. You just have to look at both and think that the extra money and do not overpay and buy a good scanner.

So, you need to clearly define the purpose for which purchased the scanner. If you plan on using this scanner to scan only the black and white text for subsequent editing in any text editor, for this purpose is for you, in principle, absolutely any scanner from those which are now offered in the computer market, even the cheapest. Ideally, of course, take a flatbed scanner - it is, in my opinion, the most convenient to use. Besides, now the price of amateur models of flatbed scanners are quite low and you can afford to pick up quite a decent scanner to scan the text.

The fact that this scanner to scan the selected text does not mean that using it will not be able to scan a color picture. In fact, now no longer exists in the sale of black and white flatbed scanners, and, as a rule, all the proposed models in color. But the question is how well the color picture will be scanned on the cheapest tablet remains open. In any case, be prepared for the fact that the quality of scanned color images in the case of acquisition of such a scanner, you can be very frustrating. In general, the choice of scanner to scan text, you should not pay attention to the scanner settings such as color or dynamic range. The most important thing - you should pay attention to what a given optical resolution scanner, and how fast it works.

To scan text, as a rule, it will be enough to buy a scanner with optical resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch - dpi), as this is sufficient for most programs, OCR (for example, the most famous program for OCR now like ABBYY FineReader). With a resolution of 300 dpi, you can scan quite clearly, even very small text. Only in rare and exceptional cases, almost, for a very small text, you will need a scanner with high optical resolution. Still, the scanning speed in combination with the quality and speed of scanning software, in my opinion - the main condition for the choice of scanner to scan and further editing.

In the same case, if you're going to use quite often scan a color picture and want to get a good result, then your job is on the choice of scanner is much more complicated, and you should pay attention to some other characteristics of the scanner. Let us elaborate on the most fundamental characteristics, namely those that need your attention when choosing a scanner.

Tips to choose a prefect Scanner

Maximum resolution: Resolution is the quality that indicates the image refers to the number of dots per inch scanner can capture the more dots per inch the more accurate definition of the captured image. The resolution can be interpolated (achieved through software and the quality is not optimal), or optical, in which we can say that the resolution is real. In this case it is of better quality.

Capture Software: The scanner usually comes with a software (interface) through which we can control the scanner and perform common tasks. It is important that this software is easy to use and this in a language they understand. If you come with a manual or help better.
Connection: In this case we recommend a scanner with USB2.0 or Firewire port (higher speed than USB). These ports are faster than traditional parallel port once used by the scanners.

Reader Type: Basically there are 2 reading technologies. CCD, CIS, CIS technology is more compact and inexpensive, but offers less quality. If you need high quality photo scan CCD technology is best suited for your scanner

Color: The color depth refers to the ability of a scanner to recognize the breadth of nuances of the original document in terms of contrast. A depth of 24 bits is suitable for good quality work. This indicator is responsible for color perception scanner, namely the number of colors that the scanner will recognize and be able to handle it. Naturally, the depth of color affects the quality of the image.

Optical density: It a kind of range, where the scanner with extreme precision recognizes colors and shades. The so-called contrast ratio scanner. The necessity of this measure is that it is responsible for the quality of your scan photographs, slides, films whose quality is difficult to determine at a glance. Here at the role comes with your scanner is an excellent indicator of the optical density. Limits of optical density scanners range from 0 (white) to 4 (black). If you are demanding of the quality of the material and kind to his work, then try to choose a scanner with a maximum density. 600x600 dpi OPTICAL minimum for A4, 1200x2400 or higher (optical) so it is often necessary to scan small areas. Depth should be minimum 24-bit (16 million colors).

Type of digitized documents: All flatbed scanners, scanners to scroll.
Scan speed: It usually does not take much time. Shows how to quickly produce a preliminary scan of the scanner to view the image. The minimum scan speed lies in seconds. It is often indicated in the characteristics of the scanner. But the maximum speed of course by the time scanning is achieved when you want to get the most (to achieve the highest quality, resolution, your color photos or text with a color picture or graph). And as you probably already realized, the scanning speed is directly dependent on your requirements for image quality and the best you can adjust this figure.

Interfaces: There are several types of interfaces for scanners. Avoid scanners that plug into the parallel port, those who prefer to connect to the USB port or SCSI if your computer has a controller of this type. Most scanners today are connected via a USB-port and through the same feed from the computer itself. It does not use any power supply and adapters, which significantly saves space (no holds sockets) to avoid confusion in the wires. You just need to connect the scanner to your system unit via USB. Only pre-install the necessary drivers for your operating system, and use. Of course, this aspect does not affect much of the productive capabilities scanner.

Types of Scanners

1. Handheld scanner: Almost completely disappeared. We had to move over the surface to be scanned. Ultimately, the quality and reliability of these scanners were not good.
2. Sheetfed: Capable of scanning a sheet by sliding in a slot, it takes up less space on a desk but still very limited by its mode of use.
3. Flatbed Scanner: The scanner is the most common. It can scan all types of opaque paper up to A4 size (mostly).
4. Flatbed scanner backpack transparent (light): Offers the most versatile today. Provided that the resolution of 1200x2400 is, it can scan all documents and documents on opaque films (24x36 transparent and negative, some models also accept negative "medium format").
5. Film Scanner: Specializing in negative 24x36 (in 98% of cases), it can reach very high resolutions (2400x2400 dpi more). The quality of these scanners is excellent, but their use is reserved for professionals (because of the price).

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Top Scanners that you can choose from:

Canon CanoScan 8800F: Price $179.99

The Canon CanoScan 8800F offers a scanning area of A4 size (approx 21x30 cm), from which it can but only a relatively small part in the middle also. The usable area is limited by the size of this built into the lid of the transparency unit - it is only 8.2 inches wide and extends centrally along the entire length of the scan area. Unlike the Canon CanoScan 9950F, it is no longer possible to use the entire surface of films. Correspondingly less film material can thus be placed at the same time, and correspondingly greater is the cost when using multiple films. Large format films cannot be scanned with the 8800F.

The selection of the included film holder is therefore limited to a holder for up to four framed small slides, one for two small film strips, each with a maximum of six images and a holder for a medium format film strips up to 22 cm in length. The film holder is placed just so they can be fixed on the top and bottom positioning equipment on the glass plate.

The specified maximum optical resolution of the CanoScan 8800F is according to the manufacturer at 4800x9600 ppi. Such high resolutions only make sense when scanning film material - QARE you will rarely need more than 300ppi. How close the scanner approach is actually very high in this rather theoretical value, our dissolution test will show further below. The CanoScan 8800F is working with the FARE technology. This is Canon's own hardware-based dust and scratch correction, like the ICE technology works with an infrared beam to detect dust and scratches on the original and correct. The FARE technology we know already from older Canon scanners.

Canon CanoScan LiDE 100: Price $ 59.99 Approx

Ultra-compact device CanoScan LiDE 210 has a unique double-hinged lid a new type of Z-lid, which allows you to scan thick documents and books. Moreover, its design does not affect the appearance of the scanner and reduces comfort. Height CanoScan LiDE 210 is only 39 mm. The model comes with a convenient stand, which provides the possibility of vertical scanning, and releasing valuable space on your desktop. The scanner is powered via USB. Thus, it is economical both in terms of occupied space, and in respect of electricity. The PDF-scan even the option is available, the memory requirements of the file up to 90 percent without (according to Canon) to reduce "significant quality losses." This is of particular advantage before, if the file is then sent via e-mail. Practical: With the second PDF button can be created directly on the scanner multipage PDFs.

At the resolution again, Canon has not changed anything. Remains at 4,800 dpi and 48 bit color depth circuit, but for the digitization of photos and documents more than sufficient, even if enlargements are to be produced. With a rich set of features to scan optimization, including two new for photos and documents, waiting for the CanoScan Lide 210 also still on. So shall the software can recognize faces and landscapes, and improve skin tones or contrasts, while documents in text and image (s) more precisely differentiated and the various spheres are then optimized independently.

Canon DR-1210C: Price $ 449 Approx

Canon DR-1210C is an full featured functional scanner that is best for an office use. Three buttons fixed work extends the functionality of the system - scan to print, scan to file and scan to e-mail - as well as 50 additional commands that can be customized according to user needs, for example, scanning of specific files and email addresses. An automatic document feeder (ADF), which ensures efficient scanning sets of documents, and scanning of all documents such as passports, cards and books. This dual function makes the device is as versatile and productive as possible. Moreover, as the most durable scanner in its class, the DR-1210C can scan at a speed of 12 pages per minute (ppm) in color, black and white and grayscale images at 300dpi and has a maximum of 600dpi.

Installation is very simple thanks to the Easy Installer software - an installation guide - which is attached on the device. As part of the solution also includes BizCard Reader. This software allows scanning of more than eight cards at the same time and makes it possible to capture information from the contact details. Once scanned, information is stored within the contacts database for easy retrieval later. The additional software included on the device is Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Std, Canon CapturePerfect 3.0 and OmniPage SE (version 4) as standard.

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Canon imageFormula DR-3010C: Price $ 995

The speed of the DR-3010C is very close to 40 pages per minute and 80 images per minute. In reality, if the utility you are using a Canon scanner default settings, speed of processing of documents is much lower. Despite this, even with the default settings, the software fast enough to be useful. The dimensions are 20-31-29 cm scanner with closed bins. As you can see, it compact enough to keep the device if not on the desktop, then next to it.

Canon includes a set of several useful software: PaperPort 11 - Document Management, BizCard 5 SE - for business cards, Nuance OmniPage SE4 - OCR, Ecopy PDF Pro Office - for editing and file management format PDF, Kofax Virtual ReScan - for improved scanning difficult to read text. Most scanners, for example, make the selected text in a solid block of black. Utility Virtual ReScan can ignore this nuance and read the highlighted text. It should be noted that the OmniPage and BizCard - one of the best programs in its class. This software package makes the DR-3010C an excellent choice for any working group.

Canon imageFormula P-150 Scan-tini : Price $ 280.00

The most compact, fast and portable scanner A4 with the possibility of duplex scanning for users of Mac. With its unique built-in software and power via USB, this multi-platform mobile scanner capable of operating at speeds of 15 pages / minute / 30 ipm / min. It can connect to systems like Mac, and PC. Stylish black finish and compact design make this model ideal for Mac users on the road, at work or at home. With its light body and a small footprint scanner P-150M is the fastest and most portable unit for double-sided document scanning A4-size devices in the market for users of Mac.

It is simply necessary to those whose activities are related to traveling and is perfect for home or office where space saving is important. Due to the unique portability of this model, staff can easily perform a scan out of the office. This helps to speed up processing of important documents such as purchase orders, invoices, receipts and expenditure, improve productivity and reduce costs. Model P-150M with an attractive design and stylish black finish can complete more and save time. Users can simultaneously scan both sides of the paper with up to 15 pages / min (30 ipm / min), using only the power supply via USB. For maximum convenience, mobile users can connect the scanner P-150M to any computer running Mac and immediately start scanning. Embedded software enables CaptureOnTouch Lite to work quickly and easily without any additional drivers or software.

Canon P-150 Scanner : Price $ 280.00

The P-150 is available for the Windows world for some months. The great success has led Canon to introduce in addition to Windows and a Mac version. With a click of the feeder tray is folded up. The scanner must be connected only via USB cable to the Mac. And voila - it's ready. The scanner is powered via the aforementioned USB cable. Through another slot of the scanner can be re-connected via USB to a computer. This connector is used but only the higher power to increase the scan performance. On the Mac, no driver or the like must be installed. The P-150M brings with him myself, he is on the device an m small space preinstalled. Once you have connected the scanner to the Mac, will - as in the connection of an external hard drive - an icon on the desktop, which opens automatically.

In it we find the driver software, which can be started with just one click. The Mac version is the addition of "M" recognizable. With the standard software CaptureOnTouch Lite (installed on the scanner), the document will be scanned for a very simple and flexible way. The scanned documents can be stored anywhere as PDF, TIFF or JPG. Also, the desired compression to be selected.

Small and lightweight, quickly unpacked, now in operation and very good scan results! Canon impresses with its new scanner in the Mac world. It is recommended to any who often must scan the road or in the office may or privately like little space and is willing to pay a higher price for this luxury compared to other documents or flatbed scanner models. The pre-scanning software is quite sufficient to make daily scans and store them in standard formats. In my view, an absolutely successful product!

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Epson Perfection V300 Photo Scanner : Price $99.99

This inexpensive scanner in a sleek design easily captures every detail. The Epson Matrix CCD technology delivers exceptional quality scanning with optical resolution of up to 4800 dpi. Also included is the Epson Easy Photo Fix software that can fix faded photos and remove dust and scratches from damaged films. Your scanned photos look better than your originals. The adjustable lid hinges make it easy to scan documents, magazines and books from more than 25 mm thick with the lid closed. With the Epson ReadyScan technology to scan virtually no warm-up time immediately and less power consumption.

The scanner is equipped with a slide module with the ability to scan up to four slides or six 35-mm frame in one pass. Sizes are small scanner, except that height is not too small, but do not forget that it is integrated slide-module. The scanner is made of thick black plastic with a slightly rough surface. The surface of the scanner lid is smooth, but not glossy, as happens in some models of scanner. Not very conveniently placed control buttons (power, scanning for transmission over the e-mail, scan to PDF-file and scan to print), which in arrangement that the side that the face plate to the edge of the table are far from the user. If the housing to rotate 180 degrees and then again shows the location of a failed power supply socket and USB-cable.

Epson Perfection V500 Photo Scanner : Price 179.99

The Epson Perfection V500 Photo is thus an all-round device with the primary goal, to scan paper originals directly to do at your desk quickly and conveniently. The ability to digitize slides and negatives, is handy for the occasional application. For the scanning of film material in a good quality of the V500 seems to me due to its performance not to be suitable. It has with the Epson Perfection V700 Photo and the Perfection V750 Pro better devices in its product portfolio. The Epson ReadyScan LED technology is characterized by the use of white LEDs.

This has, according to Epson positive effect on energy consumption and the switch, but not on the scan quality; If the device is available in the office can also create on the fly by pressing a button to scan, and according to Epson keys offer on the front to even comfort functions how to automatically create a PDF, to automatically scan and the same as sending mail and a copy button on the printer with direct printing. And who buys the device even with the optional cut-sheet feeder can automatically generate serial scans in the stack.

The optical resolution of 6400 dpi is heard but gigantic in, but you can already expect that effective at best, fourth remains of it, so that one obtains in the small-screen images of effective only 2-3 megapixels. The maximum optical density of 3.4 puts the Epson V500 Photo for scanning slides and negatives at all in the third-class, because the derived, the estimated density scale ranges from 2.8 to 3.0 is definitely not enough to digitize footage in high quality ; Good film scanners have a density range of 3.5 to above 4.

Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner : Price $ 199.99

This is a flatbed scanner can scan black and white or color up to A4. Nothing transcendental, except that the CCD is associated with a light source made up not of the traditional cold cathode fluorescent tube, but a light source composed of white LEDs. At equal brightness, the light source consumes - dixit Epson - less energy, but mostly offers the advantage of eliminating warm-up time. Ultimately, this would do the job faster and more economically. Despite this, the Perfection V600 Photo is still hungry enough to need an external power supply (the USB port was not enough in itself).

A series of four buttons located on the front of the device can perform scans directly related to specific software (Scan to email, Scan to PDF, Scan and Copy software to). Thus, it is possible to scan directly to PDF, send a page or photo by e-mail just after its launch a scan or OCR a page of text. The software bundle consists of Epson Event Manager 2.3 (management scan buttons), Adobe Photoshop Elements 7, ABBYY Fine Reader 6 Sprint Plus OCR, and especially ... Epson Scan 3.8. It supports both the latest Windows 7 PC's that the last system Snow Leopard for Mac. Epson Scan 3.8 is the key which manages the scanning, exposure and most of the settings of the scanner.

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Epson WorkForce GT-1500 : Price $ 299.99

Features, high resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, scan up to 20 ppm does, easy to use software for document management, automatic document feeder, high capacity scanning documents with the touch of a button, scan sizes versatility 5.9 X 5.9 to 8.5 x14, led scan technology ready, no warm, earth-friendly LED technology, etc. GT-1500 is a color document scanner designed to simplify the tedious task of scanning stacks of documents in an office environment. Epson working GT-1500It?? ™ is easy to scan documents and use. Easy to use and easy to focus, in the GT-1500 is an adequate job of photo and document scanning. It provides fast, high bit scans.

As the name implies, this scanner is an office center, and not photo centric, and it is aimed at small offices rather than any of the Epson usual target markets: home users, artists and photographers. I do not think that Epson is fumbling. Automatic document feeder (ADF) scans only one side of the page. Manual duplex printing hidden and somewhat cumbersome. The employment Epson GT-1500 is a little slow, but affordable enough to make it an attractive choice if your small office needs a document scanner that includes a tablet.

Conclusion

Some scanners are fine, for other purposes, there are a profusion of buttons on the front. It depends on what you want to do but none of this comes into account in the quality of the scanner: you are free to choose one model over another on these criteria, you know better than anyone the use you intend for him. The various parameters mentioned above cover most of the scanners. Hoping to have made the rounds of questions to ask yourself, we wish you well take advantage of every opportunity that you offer these devices.

Other criteria may become less critical consideration for choosing the most from your scanner. The format for example. Depending on your needs, we must take into account this criterion. An A4 scanner will do for the use of traditional materials. By cons, some professionals such as architects or graphic designers in turn will require models to A3 in order to easily scan their sketches at large. Scanner models in much less bulky format and adaptable with laptops, are also available on the market to easily scan certain documents as texts. Ergonomics, finally, among the criteria that accessory can be taken into account in the choice of scanner: for, large, square, rectangular, with lots of buttons. It's a matter of taste.