Re: EPSON 4870 PRO versus Microtek i900 (Was Re: modifying scanner)

I'll quickly add a "me too" to Bill's comment on density range. For me
and my need to scanning film, particularly medium and large format
film, this "spec" is more important than resolution.

On Wednesday, November 17, 2004, at 02:13 PM, BKPhoto@aol.com wrote:

> I understand and hope that you'll be able to resolve your problem with
> them.
>
> I've used a variety of scanners over the past six years (Linocolor,
> Scitex, Epson, Polaroid, Microtek, Nikon, Konica Minolta and Imacon).
> They all had limitations but were able to produce good scans once the
> software was understood and used properly. By the way, I would add
> that the Imacon is, hands down, the best scanner I've used (although
> the Nikon 9000 that we purchased for our students is remarkable for
> the money).
>
> You can test scanners, and should, rather than relying on manufacturer
> information. True optical resolution is often inflated (sometimes
> seriously) but the real problem is optical density range (the
> scanner's ability to record shadow and highlight information without
> noise). My experience, to date, is that the Microtek scanners
> outperform the Epson's on both accounts but, again, using the software
> properly is critical.
>
>
>
> Bill Kennedy
> Associate Professor of Photocommunications
> St. Edward's University
> 512/448-8680
>
--------------
Tom Ferguson
http://www.ferguson-photo-design.com
Received on Wed Nov 17 16:41:31 2004