Seeking Scanner Recommendation

[jjsimas]

I want to know the best scanner that can do slides -- for home use.

Jason

 

[Lalakai]

HA!!!!! does this sound familiar I've been looking at the same thing.

First decision is what quality you want and what the end product will be used for.

If you want any type of quality at all, avoid the scanners that just a magnifying mirror to copy the slide. An actual transparency adaptor will give you moderate quality that can be used to store slides and use the images for limited reproductions.

To get "slide" like quality you'll have to opt for a stand alone slide copier (I'm researching prices/quality/options right now).

A decent scanner with transparency adapter will run at least 299. The Epson 1200U has a good reputation but even their techs will tell you to go for the stand alone for high quality copies. HP is supposed to have 2 mid priced models, but the lower priced models will use the mirror system.

hope this helps.

 

[jjsimas]

Hmmm..

I did a little research today...
You have some good information...

One possible find is the HP 5370Cxi, which seems to be a new release.

Right now I'm wondering whether the Epson 1200U would be better than the HP 5370Cxi..
They're both about the same price... $275 and both are USB.

On the side of specialized scanners, it seems the Minolta Dual Image II, or something is a decent choice.. $400

If you have any more information or want to help me out further, please continue to write in this thread... I'm subscribed to it.

Jason

 

[Lalakai]

Someone else had recommended the 5370 also.

Talked with some techs and they said the scanners with optimum slide capabilities will start around $500.

Polaroid has some dedicated scanners that give extremely good results but they start at $1400. Considering that we'll be tying the system together and using it for GIS support (and using aerial slides for land measurements and soils related determinations), I may see if we can squeeze the funds for the Polaroid.

I'll keep you posted if I find anything new.

 

[TheBigZ]

I also seek scanner recommendations... since I upgraded to win2k.

I've been using a Logi Pagescan Pro, but there will apparantly never be any 2k support. I don't need anything fancy. I use it mainly for faxing with the occasional picture scan. I prefer a sheetfed scanner because of space issues, but USB is a must. Been lookin at the Visioneer Strobe Pro (their site says it works in 2k usb only), but the price of ~$175 is a bit more than I can justify for something that gets used 90% of the time to just scan for faxes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Z