Epson Perfection 4870 vs Expression 1680

[pb]

I am getting ready to buy a new scanner to replace a Linotype-Hell Saphir
Ultra and am rather interested in the EPSON Perfection 4870 Photo, which has
4800dpi optical resolution and 3.8D density. It is also nicely priced at
under £300. I also noticed Epson are selling the Expression 1680 Pro for
about £600, which would seem to translate into it being a better scanner,
but only has 1600dpi optical and 3.6D. So what is the deal - which is the
better scanner? And what does the extra £350 buy you with the 1680?

 

[-]

FWIW, one thing that makes the1680 more expensive is its more complex
optical system. The 1680's lens system actively focuses as compared to the
2450/3170/3200/4870 which utilize a fixed optical system that relies on
depth of field. When equipped with the full light lid, the 1680's is a
larger 8x10 in size.

Doug
--
Doug's "MF Film Holder" for batch scanning "strips" of 120/220 medium format
film:
http://home.earthlink.net/~dougfisher/holder/mfholderintro.html






















x

 

[Mac McDougald]

FWIW, one thing that makes the1680 more expensive is its more complex
optical system. The 1680's lens system actively focuses as compared to the
2450/3170/3200/4870 which utilize a fixed optical system that relies on
depth of field. When equipped with the full light lid, the 1680's is a
larger 8x10 in size.

Doug

Also, the Expression light source is different, instant warm up,
mechanically made more sturdy, etc.

Also, the 1600ppi statement is probably accurate as comparing actual
resolution that 1600 ppi should resolve, line pair wise, as compared to
the entire Perfection product line's exaggerated claims when compared to
actual resolving power. Actually, to be fair, I guess Epson doesn't
really *claim* resolving power, only how many pixels you can get
(see the many discussions here recently re the science of all this by our
more astute participants).

Here's an Epson quick fact sheet which mentions some of the differences:
http://files.support.epson.com/pdf/exp16_/exp16_ts.pdf

Note the phrase re Perfection line, "...highest quality components IN
THEIR PRICE CLASS." (caps mine).


Mac