Which one? Epson 4870 vs 4990

[Jim]

Any opinions on these?

Epson has the refurbished 4870 for 199.00 w/ free shipping.


Haven't shopped for the 4990 yet. Did read a review on the 4990 that
suggested that if you already had a 4870 the 4990 wasn't a real big
improvement.

I'm interested in scanning photos (old and new) and a few 35mm
negatives from time to time.

Thanks
Jim

 

[-]

If you are mainly doing photos, occasionally doing 35 mm and never doing any
larger film formats, buy a Minolta Dual Scan IV (newegg.com, amazon.com,
etc.) and a basic but decent $80 Canon or Epson flatbed.

Doug

 

[usenet]

If you are mainly doing photos, occasionally doing 35 mm and never doing any
larger film formats, buy a Minolta Dual Scan IV (newegg.com, amazon.com,
etc.) and a basic but decent $80 Canon or Epson flatbed.

Why? Looking at the reviews for the new Epson V700 (and actual scans)
there's not much to choose between it and a Nikon Coolscan. In
addition the Minolta doesn't have Digital ICE, you need to go up a
model to the 5400 to get that on a Minolta scanner.

 

[-]

Why? Looking at the reviews for the new Epson V700 (and actual scans)

there's not much to choose between it and a Nikon Coolscan. In
addition the Minolta doesn't have Digital ICE, you need to go up a
model to the 5400 to get that on a Minolta scanner.

The new V series start at $550. I gave him advice based on price and a
known quantity. Since he was inquiring about possibly getting by on $199, I
felt that price might be an issue so that is part of my reason for the
recommendation. Additionally, he said "a few 35mm negatives from time to
time", so it seems as though his main use will be for reflective scanning.
If he shops online, he should be able to acquire the Minolta IV and a
flatbed for right at $300. If I were mainly scanning reflective material
plus the occasional 35 mm and was willing to spend $550 for the Epson V
Series, I would spend a bit more and buy a Nikon V (about the same price as
the lowest Epson V Series) and a basic flatbed. We have seen one person's
tests of the new Epson and that was compared to an older Nikon IV. When it
comes to 35 mm, I think we need to see a few more data points before we can
declare the Epson V series is equal to quality dedicated film scanners.

My $.02,
Doug

 

[tomm42]

The 4990 is on the way out when the V series comes in. Currently Buydig
has the 4990 Photo for $388. But I'd wait until the V700 comes out (I
hope I ordered one next week). The prices may be falling.

Tom

 

[usenet]

The 4990 is on the way out when the V series comes in. Currently Buydig
has the 4990 Photo for $388. But I'd wait until the V700 comes out (I
hope I ordered one next week). The prices may be falling.

Yes, I've just bought a V700 as it was only about £20 more than the
4990 here in the UK, so far I'm impressed (only got it last night
though).