[Web4lib] Scanner Recommendations?

[Matt Russell]

We have found that, rather than paying the high price for an 11x17 
scanner, we use a good digital camera for images more than 8.5x14.  
There are several advantages to this:

* Cost - a reasonably good digital camera (like a Canon T2i for $900  
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/675618-REG/Canon_4462B003_EOS_Rebel_T2i_Digital.html) 
has 18MP, which is over 5000 pixels in the long direction.  That 
resolves a 17" image into over 300 dpi, which is just fine for all but 
the most demanding archival work.  The eye cannot resolve 300dpi.    For 
$300-$500 you could get a 12MP camera.  If you pay more than $500 you 
will be able to capture in RAW format, which avoids compression and 
color balance artifacts.  For really good quality and a flat field (eg. 
no barrel distortion at the edges) you could pay $250 more for a good 
50mm macro lens. 

* Depth of field - A DSLR (digital single-lens-reflex) will allows a 
much wider depth of field than a scanner, so that bound books can be 
shot with the text in focus as it curves into the spine.  Also, textured 
objects can be better captured. 

* Speed - Scanning 11x17 takes a LONG time.  Shooting it is a snap.  
Shooting a book is literally click, click, click.  Shooting artwork, 
maps, etc. is so much quicker than scanning.

* Versatility - Having a nice camera around can be handing for lots more 
than just capturing large images.  The T2 also lets you shoot high def 
video. 

For a scanner, we use the Epson V700, which is exceptionally good, works 
well with Linux and XSANE and costs only $500. 


/Matt Russell/
Lawrence History Center
www.lawrencehistory.org


Bob Rasmussen wrote:
> Apparently you haven't received a flood of responses, so I'll jump in. 
> Here's what I know of the scanner market:
>
> 1) Almost all lower-cost scanners are limited to 8.5" width; usually 14" 
> height. If you want 11x17" you're in a much more rarified market.
>
> 2) For 8.5x14", there are some low-cost auto-feed units, even with duplex 
> (2-sided scanning). I like the HP Scanjet 5590.
>
> 3) If you want 11x17" and auto-feed, good luck!
>
> 4) Most if not all scanners will turn the light off.
>
> 5) Whether it scans to PDF depends entirely on the software that's 
> included. Note that some software produces only image PDFs, which are not 
> searchable. To search a PDF, something has to have performed Optical 
> Character Recognition on it.
>
> I hope that helps.
>
> On Tue, 11 May 2010, Pruntel,Alison wrote:
>
>   
>> Hi - Apologies in advance to my posting to several listservs.
>>
>> Our public information coordinator is looking for a new flatbed scanner. My familiarity with scanners is basically zilch. She currently uses an HP Scanjet 8250 that is on its last legs. She scans images, etc., as well as written correspondence/documents (i.e., letters received by our director who wants an ecopy, etc.) . In an ideal world, she'd like a scanner that:
>>
>>
>> *         Scans black and white as well as color;
>>
>> *         Can scan to PDF;
>>
>> *         Creates clear/crisp photo scans;
>>
>> *         Accomodates documents up to 11 X 17;
>>
>> *         Autoloads documents (her current scanner is manual);
>>
>> *         Relatively fast and quiet;
>>
>> *         Comes with software, but don't necessarily need photo editing software;
>>
>> *         Doesn't keep lamp on all the time/is energy efficient;
>>
>> And did I mention that she also wants something cheap? I believe her budget is under $2K, but we'd look at the best option for us, would consider various price ranges.
>>
>> Thanks for any/all responses,
>>
>>
>> Alison Pruntel
>> Electronic Resources Librarian
>> Fauquier County Public Library
>> 11 Winchester Street
>> Warrenton, VA 20186
>> 540-349-2770 (voice)
>> 540-349-3278 (fax)
>> FCPL Web Site: http://library.fauquiercounty.gov
>> My Blog: http://fcpleresources.blogspot.com
>> New Stuff at FCPL: http://www.wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?p=2786
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>>     
>
> Regards,
> ....Bob Rasmussen,   President,   Rasmussen Software, Inc.
>
> personal e-mail: ras at anzio.com
>  company e-mail: rsi at anzio.com
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>             web: http://www.anzio.com
>  street address: Rasmussen Software, Inc.
>                  10240 SW Nimbus, Suite L9
>                  Portland, OR  97223  USA
>
>
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