Whether you are looking for high end or cheap scanners, you need to consider a few things to ensure your money's worth. It is also advisable to check out scanner reviews for the pros and cons of buying certain scanner models.
First and foremost, it should be capable of doing its job - to convert physical photos or documents into digital versions of themselves so that they can be manipulated easily on your PC.
These days, especially Facebook or multiply users find value in the use of scanners. How? Simple - with scanners, they can now archive old photographs in digital format. This means, these old photographs are not only fade-free, they can also be edited, compiled and organized now.
During the birth of scanners, we have noticed their flatbed models and large footprints. Though they are bulky and big, they are capable of scanning legal-sized documents. These scanners were also separate from photo scanners which are much smaller and have higher resolutions as well as color depth in terms of handling photographs. Over time, their specifications have increased even if their prices remained the same. When you think about it - most of the recently released photo scanners are actually high resolution flatbeds.
There are also sheet-fed scanners that are smaller models which feed a document or photograph through its thin, compact body. These models never made it to popularity but they are still around. Thus, though they don't have similar resolutions or versatility with that of full-sized flatbed scanners, they are actually more portable.
If you are into portability, then pen scanners may be a model to consider. These pen scanners are able to scan one line texts at a time. As for newer models, they can actually scan an entire document or image through a single pass. Thus, though they are very easy to carry around, you are necessitated to have a steady hand in order to capture the accurate image.
Now that newer flatbed scanners have 2,400 dpi (dots per inch) or higher resolutions, photographs are recreated accurately. When it comes to bit depth or color depth, this refers to the volume of color added to every pixel of the image. If there is a greater color depth, it would mean more realistic images. New scanners now have 24-bit to 48-bit color depths.
When buying high end or cheap scanners, it is also worth knowing the when you create a high resolution scan, it also consumes lots of hard drive space. This means, if you are scanning numerous full-sized images, you also need a PC with lots of hard disk space and power.
Important Specifications
Found below are important specifications you need to scrutinize when buying scanners. It is also helpful to check out scanner reviews for additional information about the models you are choosing from.
. Color depth - This is the determinant factor pertaining to the accuracy of the color shades and hues of the scanner. The best ones have a 42-bit color depth or 14 bits per color. If you are into graphic arts work or photographic scanning, you may need an extended color depth.
. ADF or Automatic Document Feeder - This is a mechanical device which can feed one document at a time into the scanner. If you need to perform other tasks like OCR or optical character recognition or faxing, you should consider this.
. Film scanner - This type of scanner is good for strip slides or films. They have extremely high optical resolutions. This can range from 2,400 dpi and up.
. OCR or Optical Character Recognition - This type comes with a software for scanning documents and turning texts into editable texts through a word processing program.
. Flatbed - This scanner type has a glass platen similar to that of a photocopier. You just place the document or photograph on the platen and it will be scanned following the moving of the scan head. This type can scan magazines or even books.
. One-touch - This is one feature of newer models of scanners. They have one or more buttons which are able to launch dedicated applications. You will see this in 4-in-1 machines that have scan, fax, copy features.
. And more.
There are lots of things to consider when you're looking to buy high end scanners; more so if you are considering cheap scanners. You may also consider the resolution, transparency adapter or the so-called TWAIN driver software. You can find out more about this through different scanner reviews.
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These days, you can't just choose between expensive scanners and cheap scanners , you also need to consider their specifications. For the best choice, it is wise to read different scanner reviews before you make your final choice.
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