Professional scanner at consumer prices
Written: Jan 19 '01 (Updated Jan 19 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fast, clear high-quality scans
Cons: Expensive
The Bottom Line: Produces extremely high-quality scans at a fraction of the price of "pro" scanners, yet with the same results.
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| professor101's Full Review: Epson Expression 800 Flatbed Scanner |
Last year I was in the market for my first personal scanner. Being a graphics designer by profession I demand high visual quality.
I poured over all the reviews I could on the internet and they all seemed favorable and rated Epson scanners high.
I chose this model in order to get the transparency unit to scan personal slides and negatives. I weighed the option of getting a cheaper scanner and dedicated negative scanner, but my main use would be scanning photos, not negatives. If I needed to, the option was available.
When the scanner arrived it was straight forward and easy to set-up and install. As I scanned my first test photo I was instantly impressed and knew I had made the right decision.
With many of the scanners I've used in the past I would have to alter and massage the scan after the fact to fix what the scanner lacked.
The Epson creates scans that do not need fixing. If you do want to enhance and do some color correction, white-balance, saturation, etc. this can all be done in the excellent scanning software included all BEFORE you scan the final image.
I recently scanned about 20 photos for use in a large 4-color brochure. I scanned at the recommended settings and sent the final product to the print vendor. When my proofs arrived back I was amazed at the sharpness, clarity and color saturation of the scans. I was very impressed.
The transparency unit is also easy to use, but requires removing the original cover screws and installing the unit (which isn't that hard). The quality is equal to that of the photo scan. I did a test of scanning the photo, then scanning the negative and I couldn't tell the difference. The main difference is it takes longer to set up your negative to scan. So unless you don't have the original photo and only a negative, you'll find it easier to simply scan the photo.
The Epson Expression 800 is a fast scanner, and the SCSI connection is a plus. The unit is well built and robust, not light and flimsy like cheaper models.
You can choose to purchase a much cheaper scanner, but I believe you will be sacrificing high-quality scans and reliability. I didn't want that frustration, so I simply choose to spend more money to get a quality product that I would be happy with. And I continue to be extremely satisfied, scan after scan.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 800.00
Interface: SCSI
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Epinions.com ID:
professor101
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Member: Chris Arndt
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 3 members
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