The Great Scanner debate - round one

I'm looking at buying a new scanner and I'd like to get some feedback. (I'm
sure we'll all be of one mind in the end...)

I'm looking for a high quality scanner that also gives good resolution on
slides and film
How much $$$ do I have to spend to get a "good" one?
What do I need to look for?
What should I reject outright?
How important is dynamic range in my decision?
Am I missing the obvious important features?

I wouldn't be surprised to get suggestions of other units, but this is what
I've looked at so far:
In price order:

1.) Epson 3200 pro $430
    3200x6400 dpi 12,800x12,800 interpolated
    cold cathode flourescent 6 line alternated with 81,600 pixels CCD
andOn-Chip Microlens

2.) Epson 4870 (see below) $440
    4800x9600 dpi 12,800x12,800 interpolated
    cold cathode flourescent matrix CCD

3.) Epson 4896 $450
    4800x9600 dpi 12,800x12,800 interpolated
    cold cathode flourescent matrix CCD

4.) Microtek i900 $550
        6400x3200 dpi no interpolated
        cold cathode flourescent tri-linear CCD

 5.) Epson 4870 pro (see above) $600 (what makes it worth the
extra $?)
    4800x9600 dpi 12,800x12,800 interpolated
    cold cathode flourescent matrix CCD

6.) Epson 1680 pro $750
    1600x3200 dpi 13,600x18,720 interpolated 48 bit
    xenon tube color matrix CCD

7.) HP 8250c $900
    4800x4800 dpi 999,999 interpolated
    cold cathode florescent linear CCD

8.) Microtek Artixscan 1800f $930
    3600x1800 dpi 14,400x14,400 interpolated
     cold cathode flourescent tri-linear CCD

  9.) Microtek 9800XL $1030
    1600x3200 dpi 12,800x12,800 interpolated
    cold cathode flouescent linear CCD

10.) Epson 1600 $1050
    1600x3200 dpi 13,600x18,720 interpolated
     xenon cold cathode color matrix CCD

BTW there are untis up to $22,000 U.S. dollars. UN-believable!

Oh, and about silly paper wetting questions: ask your dog.

Barry Kleider
Photographer. Arts Educator.
612.722.9701
email: bkleider@sihope.com
Web: www.barryphotography.com
Received on Fri Mar 19 14:28:36 2004