Good 11x17 graphics scanner with ADF?

[m]

I often have a need to
- scan 11x17 loose sheets
- scan images from printed books (to be reused for print PDFs)

I was almost set on getting Ricoh IS330DC, but a friend confused me saying
that the Ricoh has 32bit color, but the color density may be low. He
recommended I get UMAX 2100XL which has a DMax of 3.6 (What is DMax
anyway?). Unfortunately, the 2100XL doesn't have an ADF.

What, in your experience, can serve as both a graphic scanner AND as a
document scanner?

Thanks much.

 

[Odysseus]

I often have a need to
- scan 11x17 loose sheets
- scan images from printed books (to be reused for print PDFs)

I was almost set on getting Ricoh IS330DC, but a friend confused me saying
that the Ricoh has 32bit color, but the color density may be low. He
recommended I get UMAX 2100XL which has a DMax of 3.6 (What is DMax
anyway?). Unfortunately, the 2100XL doesn't have an ADF.

I can't answer your specific question, but DMax is a measure of the
contrast range on a logarithmic scale of reflectivity or transmission.
The main benefit of a large DMax is the ability to distinguish between
tones in shadow areas, which a low-end scanner will read as solid black
(unless one increases the exposure, which will blow out the highlights).
For comparison the density of exposed lith film, as compared to the
unexposed (clear) areas, is typically over 4, sometimes as much as 5.
The range of reflective originals (prints) is very much smaller than
that, but it's a good thing to have lots of 'overhead'. Transparency
scans will benefit the most from a high DMax.

 

[Lee Blevins]

I often have a need to
- scan 11x17 loose sheets
- scan images from printed books (to be reused for print PDFs)

I was almost set on getting Ricoh IS330DC, but a friend confused me saying
that the Ricoh has 32bit color, but the color density may be low. He
recommended I get UMAX 2100XL which has a DMax of 3.6 (What is DMax
anyway?). Unfortunately, the 2100XL doesn't have an ADF.

What, in your experience, can serve as both a graphic scanner AND as a
document scanner?

Thanks much.

Consider buying a digital camera and a copy stand instead.

 

[m]

I can't answer your specific question, but DMax is a measure of the
contrast range on a logarithmic scale of reflectivity or transmission.
The main benefit of a large DMax is the ability to distinguish between
tones in shadow areas, which a low-end scanner will read as solid black
(unless one increases the exposure, which will blow out the highlights).
For comparison the density of exposed lith film, as compared to the
unexposed (clear) areas, is typically over 4, sometimes as much as 5.
The range of reflective originals (prints) is very much smaller than
that, but it's a good thing to have lots of 'overhead'. Transparency
scans will benefit the most from a high DMax.

Thank you for your response.

I only scan books, photo scans are very very rare (mostly for personal use),
and I never scan slides.So, if I am scanning printed books (and not photos
or slides) then DMax may not be such a big issue?

Is DMax proportional to # of bits used for color? I.e., if I get a 32 bit
scanner vs. a 24 bit one, will my DMax be higher on the 32 bit scanner?

M

 

[Odysseus]

I only scan books, photo scans are very very rare (mostly for personal use),
and I never scan slides.So, if I am scanning printed books (and not photos
or slides) then DMax may not be such a big issue?
[/QUOTE]

Assuming what you scan from the books is already quite high in contrast,
like type and line drawings, I don't think you'd benefit much from extra
depth.

Is DMax proportional to # of bits used for color? I.e., if I get a 32 bit
scanner vs. a 24 bit one, will my DMax be higher on the 32 bit scanner?

Yes, I believe they generally go together. As with all other such specs,
though, you have to watch out for the way marketing types take every
possible opportunity to stretch the truth, e.g. blurring the
distinctions between their product's optical capabilities and the _post
facto_ manipulation done by whatever firmware they include. DMax is a
'physical' quantity that's harder to obfuscate than bit-depth might be.

 

[Danny]

I just noticed this discussion and thought I'd give a suggestion (even
if it's really old) . Look at the specs for the Fujitsu fi-4530c
(googlesearch should be a good start).

Let me know if you have more questions or if you'd like some other
suggestions.