| 7 Slide Scanners Compared | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Products | Mouse | List | Contact | Film Formats | ColorSync Compatable | Batch Abilities | Optical Resolution a | Dmax b | Bit Depth | Comments |
| FlexTight Photo |  | $11,995 | 888/462-2668 | 35mm, medium format |  | c | 3,200 | 4.1 | 14 | A no-compromise scanner, especially for the serious (and bank-rolled) medium-format shooter. | |
| FlexTight Precision II | | $16,995 | 888/462-2668 | 35mm, medium format, 4 x 5; reflective up to size A4 | | c | 5,760 | 4.1 | 14 | Awesome resolution and dynamic range with a price tag to match. A state-of-the-art scanner | |
| Dimâge Scan Speed |  | $1,095 | 201/825-4000 | 35mm, Advanced Photo System |  | | 2,829 | 3.6 | 12 | Decent hardware crippled by primitive software | |
| Coolscan III |  | $999 | 800/526-4566 | 35mm, Advanced Photo System | | d | 2,700 | 3.0 | 10 | Low dynamic range makes scanning slides problematic. Digital ICE technology is a big bonus. | |
Super Coolscan 2000  | | $1,899 | 800/526-4566 | 35mm, Advanced Photo System | | d | 2,700 | 3.6 | 12 | Despite software shortcomings, a very capable scanner. Digital ICE is a big bonus. | |
| Polaroid SprintScan 45 Pro Multi-Format Film Scanner |  | $9,995 | 800/432-5355 | 35mm, medium format, 4 x 5 | | | 2,000 x 4,000 e | 3.4 | 12 | Decent hardware marred by subpar software that is unacceptable at this price range. Scans appeared rather soft. | |
| SprintScan 4000 | | $2,495 | 800/432-5355 | 35mm, Advanced Photo System | | | 4,000 | 3.4 | 12 | Hardware shows potential, but the software needs a massive overhaul | |
| = yes; = no.
a In dots per inch.
b Optical density of the densest piece of film the scanner can read, according to the scanner’s manufacturer.
c Unmounted film only. Number of scans limited by size of holder.
d For negative strips; multiple slides require optional batch adapter.
e Scanner captures image information asymmetrically. It compensates for this with digital interpolation. | |||||||||||