how to enable higher resolutions on Canon's 8800F scanner

[NTB]

I'm in the process of scanning a bunch of old family photos, and I noticed something: although this scanner is capable of scanning at 4800dpi, if I'm scanning a regular image like a 3.5x5 photo, the highest resolution available is only 1200dpi. It seems like the only time higher resolutions are accessible is when scanning negatives. Is there something I'm missing here?

 

[NoelS]

Don't think so - the higher dpi specs are probably for transparacies because they do require higher dpi's due to their nature. Check your scanner literature.

Besides, you'd have humungus size files if you scanned everything at those higher resolutions. Old (or new) family pics shouldn't require more than 300 dpi. Your printer won't print them any better even if you go to 600 dpi or higher on the scan. Try it and see. Your printer probably is incapable of doing better, even though it advertises at 1200-1800 dpi, etc. There is a difference between scanning dpi (which is photo resolution) and printing dpi (which is related to ink drop size).

If I'm incorrect, I;'m sure someone will correct me...

Noel

 

[montag451]

NoelS is right.

Its recommended that you scan at approx 1/3 of your printers top resolution.
eg, printer prints photos as 2400dpi, scan at no more than 800dpi.

As a rough guide, I did a whole load of olde family photos, some nearly 100 years old, with scratches/tears etc.
The 8800F is a brilliant scanner. Comparing it to the Epson (can't remember the model number) that is on the same level - I sent the Epson back.

I scanned a whole load of photos at 800dpi for future proofing, then reduced them to 600dpi to hand around to family members with semi-modern computers, along with a 60dpi folder for looking at on monitors/email.