Scanners
Convert and preserve documents and photos
For some, scanners have become an integral part of an office for their convenience and simplicity. The ability to convert physical photos and documents to a digital format allows the alteration of media that was previously permanent and unchangeable.
Flatbed scanners are the most common type of scanner and are easy to use. Simply lift the lid, place the document face down, and the scanner does the rest. These scanners can also scan large, legal-sized documents, but you'll need a sizeable scanner that takes up more workspace.
A photo scanner is smaller but has higher resolution and color depth, making it ideal for scanning photographs. However, as scanning technology has advanced, flatbed scanners have become increasingly capable of handling the resolution and color of photo scanning. Most recent scanners specified for photo use are merely flatbeds with higher resolution.
Sheetfed scanners are also smaller than the standard flatbed, making them more convenient and mobile. The scanner is extremely thin, and the document is fed through the body of the scanner. Though sheetfed scanners are less common than the flatbed variety, they are convenient for those who scan large quantities of documents.
If quantity is a top priority, document imaging scanners are another option. These are scanners adapted to provide high-speed document copying. They come with document feeders and can scan many pages per minute.
Must-Have Features
- The higher the color bit depth, the better. Affordable 30-bit scanners are adequate, but 36- or 42-bit is better if your budget can accommodate it.
- For graphic artists or photo junkies, scanners with color management support can produce better, more accurate color.
- An optical resolution of 300 dpi is sufficient for prints, but 1,200 to 1,600 dpi or more is ideal for image quality and scanning 3D objects.
Major Considerations
- What kind of scanner is best suited to my needs?
- Is image quality or budget a higher priority for me?
- What's the largest scanner my home or business office can accommodate?
Top Manufacturers
- Nikon
- Fujitsu
- HP
- Canon
- Epson
Common Accessories or Add-Ons
Price Range
The price range for scanners is rather large: from as low as $50 for a basic model to a whopping $2,000 for a high-speed and high-resolution scanner with various features.
Summary
Scanning has a wide range of uses, from businesspeople in offices who need digital copies of documents to families at home who wish to preserve family photos. Serving the needs of such a wide spectrum of customers has given way to a multitude of available scanners, with features to suit any requirement.
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