SECOND PURCHASE: The Scanner
All reviews by Sally Weiner Grotta PC Magazine
If the images that you're working with come from a library of already existing photos, you'll need a scanner. There are two classes of scanners to choose from: those who will be inputting prints need a flatbed scanner, and those working with slides and negatives usually need a film scanner. Although some flatbeds come equipped with transparency adaptors that can handle slides, they can't really match a film scanner's ability to produce top-quality, high-resolution images.
The Canon CanoScan D660U (AU$299) is an excellent device for lightweight office duties that may occasionally involve scanning the odd 35mm transparency. The CanoScan is a 42-bit, 600 x 1200 flatbed scanner with a small illuminated window for 35mm slides and negatives. The CanoScan is a bit slower than the Microtek ScanMaker X12 USL: 46 seconds for an 8 x 10in colour photo, versus 35 seconds for the ScanMaker. Colours were pleasing and skin tones generally realistic, with a slight hue shift toward red. All in all, the CanoScan is an inexpensive graphics and business scanner that handles 35mm film just fine.
The Microtek ScanMaker X12USL ($617) is a heavy-duty production unit--not an occasional office scanner. It's a solid, 42-bit, 2400 x 1200 device that can scan up to legal-size originals and accommodates a transparency adaptor and an automatic document feeder. It has both USB and SCSI interfaces, and it even includes a SCSI board. On top is a blue one-touch Go button that automatically launches ScanWizard 5, which displays either a remarkably easy-to-use interface or a professional one with pre-scan tools.
Considerably faster than the CanoScan, the ScanMaker is also relatively silent. Pictures were crisp, with excellent details in shadows, and colours were pleasing. To top it off, Microtek includes great software such as Photoshop 5.0 LE.
Canon CanoScan D660U
Company: Canon Australia
Ph: 02 9805 2000
Price: AU$299
Rating:
Microtek ScanMaker X12USL
Company: Proscan
Ph: 1300 132 001
Price: AU$617
Rating:
1%
4%
