scanner depth of field

[br]

Does anyone know which (if any) of these scanner/printers would have
the best scanner depth of field for scanning "3D" objects, like
jewelry? CANON MP500/MP530 or LEXMARK P6350/P4350 I'm looking for a
scanner/copier/printer to use mostly as a color copier for small parts
and objects.
Thanks
BR

 

[me]

Does anyone know which (if any) of these scanner/printers would have
the best scanner depth of field for scanning "3D" objects, like
jewelry? CANON MP500/MP530 or LEXMARK P6350/P4350 I'm looking for a
scanner/copier/printer to use mostly as a color copier for small parts
and objects.

Does it really need to be a single device? You should get much better
results with a camera.

 

[br]

Does it really need to be a single device? You should get much better
results with a camera.

I'm not looking for very high quality scans or photos, I'm already
equipped for that (camera, dedicated printer). That is always a long
and complicated process. I need to "photocopy" small parts, in color,
quickly, with a zoom possibility (all this without paying $10000 for a
color laser photocopier).

BR

 

[zakezuke]

I'm not looking for very high quality scans or photos, I'm already

equipped for that (camera, dedicated printer). That is always a long
and complicated process. I need to "photocopy" small parts, in color,
quickly, with a zoom possibility (all this without paying $10000 for a
color laser photocopier)

The last time I tried anything like this was on a microtek scanner...
600z / e6 (iirc) and z6 or some such... I did recieve passible results
scanning watch faces with a distance from the scanner as far as 3mm. I
used a black matte lid with the edges buffered with velvet, as well as
a jewerly box made of blue velvet and cut to fit black matte cardboard.
But given that depth of field is not a documented parameter, you're
going to have to try your self and see what works. Most stores permit
you to do a photo so long as you leave the prints there, so why not
bring some photo paper and see how decent each printer is in this area.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

In general, CCD scanner sensors usually found in teh older somewhat
thicker scanners, have more DoF than the new thin bodies solid state
sensor types.

Art

 

[br]

Thanks, Art,
In fact, the best results I've ever had were with an old AGFA snapscan
1212P. Unfortunately, they won't work with XP. And yes, my VERY THIN HP
SCANJET 4600 has a DOF of about 1 mm. (anything thicker than a sheet of
paper is out of focus). Do you know which manufacturers still use the
CCD sensors? Unfortunately, I live in France, and the stores here will
not let you try their scanners! (as suggested above by "zakezuke")
BR

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I *think* Microtek and Epson still use CCD sensors and mirrors.

I don't know if Umax is still making scanners or not. They used CCDs
for years.

Forget Canon, they use a solid state scan bar.

Art

 

[Yianni]

I would like to answer before, but I wasn't sure. I also *think* that the
Epson perfection models have a wide depth of field. I'm about 99% sure for
the perfection models. In the past I was thinking to buy the chepeast
perfection model (28xx or 36xx; something like this), but I finaly haven't
bought any.

 

[Michael Grey]

Canon still uses CCD sensors in the CS series.
They use solid state (CIS) in the LIDE series.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I just tested an Epson 1660 Perfection Photo, and the depth of focus is
about 1/2", perhaps very slightly less, from the outer glass surface.

Art

 

[br]

Thanx, Art.
1/2 inch would be even more than I need!
I'll try to figure out now, if one of their "multi-function"
scanner/printer combos uses the same "CCD line scanner" technology they
(Epson) indicate for the 1660.
I'm waiting for an answer from Canon about their PIXMA MP780. I
sincerely doubt that they'll bother to respond, so if someone has some
experience with one, I would be glad to hear about it.
BR

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The way they continually squeeze the all in one units in terms of size,
they may use solid state scanner elements rather than the CCD and lens
and optical mirror system, just to save space.

I don't know if Epson lists this as part of their specs or not, but if
they do, their website contains specs on most of their products

www.epson.com , then select the country (I find the US website is pretty
complete for English language use)

Art

 

[br]

Epson e-mailed me to say "small objects can be scanned with (their)
RX620, 640, and 700, though they weren't really designed for that.
There is also a risk of damaging the scanner window". I'm still waiting
for an answer from Canon.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Well, or course the glass can get scratched or even break if you place
the lid down to hard, but good to know these models seems ot use a CCD
sensor.

Art

 

[br]

I've ordered an EPSON RX620 to test; I'll repost about the depth of
field next week if anyone is interested; Thanx for your remarks and
ideas. (Of course, I've never heard from Canon)
BR

 

[br]

I ended up buying an Epson RX620, which I'm very happy with for the
moment. My color copies of small objects come out exactly as I wanted,
with a depth of field of approx. 10 mm. (from the top surface of the
glass). Thanks all for the advice. Never heard from Canon, of course.
BR

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Glad to hear you got what you needed... that's a unique concept, eh? ;-)

Art

 

[didier]

do you have any pictures available with this scanner ? Thank

 

[br]

Here's a link to a scan at 600dpi 200%. Click on it to see the
full-size scan, or open with a drawing program to zoom in. I find the
results pretty impressive for a quick scan, and not trying any
fine-tuning.

http://img315.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0022rx.jpg

BR

 

[zakezuke]

Here's a link to a scan at 600dpi 200%. Click on it to see the

full-size scan, or open with a drawing program to zoom in. I find the
results pretty impressive for a quick scan, and not trying any
fine-tuning.

That's pretty spiffy, I haven't seen anything close to that since the
earlier days of scanners when everything had a massive ccd head.
Problem is, any of those scanners is windows support tends to not
exist. Try black matte cardboard backing when scanning such things.