Am currently getting my slides scanned at Costco. Somehow am not happy with the quality of the scans. So would it be worthwhile to invest in a scanner something in the range of 500$ that would give better results than costco ? I've done some preliminary research and the only good scanners happen to be in the 1000$ upwards range, ( Nikon coolscan 5000 etc ). I tried a canon flatbed scanner with a slide mount but was unhappy with the results. Any information in this regard would be greatly helpful.
thanks,
pradeep
Posted by Dan Borzynski on March 28, 2006 at 3:04 PM
Assuming that you want to scan 35 mm:
The Nikon Coolscan V runs about $550 at B&H. As far as I can tell, it is equivalent to the Coolscan 4000, which was the hot model 3-4 years ago. I own the 4000, and have been extremely happy with the results. Even if it is not the same model, I would still recommend this one, given your budget.
For 35 mm, I would definately stay away from flatbeds. Even a very good one, such as the Epson 4990, just won't compare. Especially given your pricepoint, go for the the dedicated unit.
All bets are off for 120 film or 4x5 and larger. A quality flatbed will handle 4x5 well (yeah, I know, but drum scans are expensive). For 120 film on a flatbed, I am not sure. That is something I have not done.
Posted by Cliff Beittel on March 28, 2006 at 3:19 PM
Another vote for the Coolscan V. I own the 4000, never bothered to upgrade to the 5000; like Dan, I believe the V is essentially the 4000 and a great buy.
I no longer shoot film or scan much of it but I own a CoolScan V and have been very happy with it. No qualms at all about recommending it.
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 28, 2006 at 6:46 PM
Look on the Classified forum - Marc Adamus was trying to sell his Nikon 8000 or 9000; don't remember which. I think he was asking $800 - might have already sold, but it may be worth looking at.
The minolta scanner had very good reviews and is much used over here . May get this at a good price in view of recent events. I use a canoscan 4000 which is good quality but horribly slow. Depends on how many slides you do. I do the odd one so I can print to a good size but batch scanning would be v slow.
Posted by Svein-Frode on March 29, 2006 at 7:54 AM
Check out the new Epson V700, http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Epson%20V700/page_1.htm
Discussion
7 repliesthanks,
pradeep
The Nikon Coolscan V runs about $550 at B&H. As far as I can tell, it is equivalent to the Coolscan 4000, which was the hot model 3-4 years ago. I own the 4000, and have been extremely happy with the results. Even if it is not the same model, I would still recommend this one, given your budget.
For 35 mm, I would definately stay away from flatbeds. Even a very good one, such as the Epson 4990, just won't compare. Especially given your pricepoint, go for the the dedicated unit.
All bets are off for 120 film or 4x5 and larger. A quality flatbed will handle 4x5 well (yeah, I know, but drum scans are expensive). For 120 film on a flatbed, I am not sure. That is something I have not done.
Svein - The Epson review is very exhaustive and in the comparison tests, Nikon coolscan fared better