Epson 4870 Vs Nikon Super Coolscan

[SkiCrazy]

Hi Folks,

The old scanner died, so I am in the market for a new one. I was considering
purchasing a Epson 3170 and a true film scanner for my slides, like the
Nikon Super Coolscan V or 5000.

Any experience users comments on this setup Vs going with a 4870 an using to
scan the film???

Thanks,
Brian

Please remove NOSPAM from email address when replying.

 

[RSD99]

The Epson 4870 is a flatbed scanner.

The Nikon CoolScan V or 5000 is a dedicated film scanner.

They are two different kinds of "animals."

While the Epson 4870 *will* do a relatively decent 2400 dpi or 3200 dpi scan of your 35 mm
slides and negatives, and is definitely adequate for "proof" applications, it is **not** a
film scanner. The Nikon will *probably* produce better overall results.

[ My ideal setup would be to have an Epson 4870 *and* a Nikon CoolScan 9000 ED ...]

 

[-]

What do you plan to scan with the 3170 flatbed? If nothing but printed
photos, etc. and no medium format film, then you don't even need to spend
that much. Most any basic flatbed will do and cost less than $100 (BTW, you
can find the 3170 for less than $150 after rebate at Amazon!). You will
really appreciate the dedicated film scanner for your 35 mm.

Doug

 

[Jon Bell]

The old scanner died, so I am in the market for a new one. I was considering
purchasing a Epson 3170 and a true film scanner for my slides, like the
Nikon Super Coolscan V or 5000.

Any experience users comments on this setup Vs going with a 4870 an using to
scan the film???

I've never used a flatbed for scanning film, so I can't comment on that.
What I *can* recommend is that if you decide to go with separate film and
flatbed scanners, try to find two scanners that are both supported by
VueScan <http://www.hamrick.com/vsm.html>. I use a Nikon LS-40 for film
(mostly negatives) and a Canon N1240U for reflective scans. Both work
well with VueScan, which simplifies life a bit. I've never bothered with
the scanning software that came with each scanner, except to play with it
a bit.