| 7 Slide Scanners Compared | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Products | Mouse | List | Contact | Film Formats | ColorSync Compatable |
Batch
|
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
|
|
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. |
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