help deciding on flatbed scanner

[Robert Mowles]

I'm looking for a flatbed scanner to be used mostly for scanning photographs
for archival purposes. Some files may be used to make 4x6 or slightly larger
prints in the future. I also have some 35mm slides & negatives I'd like to scan.

From past tests on an old scanner, one of my major concerns is dust and other
junk showing up on the scan, as well as obtaining a nice sharp, accurately
coloured scan.

From looking around on the 'net based on my price range it seems that the best
two choices would be the Canon 8400F or Microtek i320. The Epson 2580 seems to
be a third place runner. (these are my uneducated personal evaluations, no
flames please)

Here in Canada, the 8400F is about $100CDN more than the Microtek scanner.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jefflaw]

Microtek has some of the best optics in the business. I've used their
products for years and have always been impressed with the clarity and
color that I get out of them. None of the scanners will give you a
great scan out of 35mm and negatives but all should do a decent enough
job for occassional use. According to Microtek's website, "The
ScanMaker i320 wins rave reviews from PC Magazine and MacHOME magazine
in the same month, both of which praised the scanner's DIGITAL ICE
feature for restoring damaged photos." You may want to check out those
magazines to read the actual review for yourself. The link for the
awards and review is: http://www.microtekusa.com/awards.html