35mm Slide & Film Scanners under $500... What's good?

[filmcan]

Anyone know of a good 35mm film & slide scanner for under $500? HP has one (think it's the S20), but the price hasn't dropped in over a year. Must be something better out there. Anyone know of any good links about film scanners?

 

[SloppyB]

That a huge request?a good film/slide scanner for under $500. I have a Minolta Dimâge Scan Dual that is pretty good. However, after using it for a year or so I am ready to sell it and buy the Nikon LS4000 (when it finally comes out). You just want to look for a high Dmax (the LS4000 is 4.2 while most low end scanners are in the low 3?s) and scanning speed. You may to check out Photography Review and then look at the Minolta Dimâge Scan Dual II. You can get that for about $455.

 

[randypj]

SloppyB--Thanks for the comments and link. My Dad is looking for a good scanner to digitize his numerous slides. Have you been satisfied with the quality for the most part? To give you an idea of his quality requirments, we got him a Fuji camera....can't remember the model, but it was a Hot Deal on Anandtech over a year ago. I think it does 1280 x 720? Anyway, he's pretty satisfied with it, but, is considering upgrading. Not quite the quality he wants. Close...but not quite.
--Randy