scanners

You probably have photos developed from traditional and/or digital cameras and you need an easy way to print photos or publish them on the Internet while maintaining photo quality. A simple, cost-effective way to accommodate these needs is to use a scanner. Like printers, different types of scanners fit different needs and budgets. If you're confused about bit depth, dpi or scanner types, you'll find your answers here.

FAQ

Flatbed, sheetfed, photo -- which type of scanner should I choose?
Unless you need to scan slides or text for editing, a flatbed scanner is the way to go. For photo scans on paper up to 8.5 x 14 inches, a flexible color flatbed is a popular and affordable choice.

Sheetfed scanners are ideal for scanning text documents and are not recommended for photo scanning.

When should I consider a photo scanner?
If you want to scan only photos, this type of scanner might be the answer. Photo scanners provide high-quality scans and often scan negatives and slides. However, the photo size is usually limited to 5x7 or smaller. If large or text scans are required, a flatbed scanner remains the best solution.

What resolution do I need?
Obviously, as resolution increases, so does the image quality. Generally, a 300 dpi (also referred to as spi) scanner should offer sufficient resolution to display images on-screen. Chances are, you will not require higher resolution than the recommended 600 dpi, which provides high-detail scans for printing and on-screen display.

What is bit depth and how much will I need?
Bit depth distinguishes color shades and refers to the number of bits a scanner remembers per pixel. For most users, 24 bits are sufficient. Scanners with 30 bits are ideal for any scanning needs, including slides and negatives.

How many dpi should I use when creating Web site images?
To suit average monitors, Web images are typically 72 dpi. However, you should consider quality scanners with high dpi ranges. You will appreciate features such as color-correction software and high-quality optics for consistent scans.

Is speed a consideration when choosing a scanner?
If a high volume of scans are required, a fast scanner would be important. Note that the higher the resolution, the slower the scanner speed.

Should I use USB, SCSI, Parallel or FireWire scanners?
The type of interface you recommend depends on importance of connection speeds and whether your computer contains a compatible port. Parallel port interfaces are common and easy-to-use, though slower than SCSI and USB ports. SCSI interfaces are fast, but may require purchase of a SCSI controller card if your computer doesn't already have a SCSI port.

USB ports, though not as fast as SCSI interfaces, are flexible and easy to install. FireWire provides the fastest speed, but ensure your computer supports FireWire before choosing this technology.

What's all this talk about CCD and CIS?
Charged coupled devices (CCD) and contact image sensors (CIS) are methods of scanning. Because of the technology used in CIS scanners, they are usually more affordable and compact than CCD scanners. However, CCD scanners provide higher-quality images than their counterparts and are usually recommended.

What about costs?
Most flatbed scanners appropriate for color photos will cost between $100 and $300. Photo scanners usually cost more, averaging around $400 to $500.
 

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