Scanner Purchase Question (Prior vs Current Model)

[dhodgeh]

Don't know where else to ask, so I'll start here.


I culling my slide collection down and would like to scan the keepers.
I've currently have a Minolta Scan Dual II that I am planning on
replacing due to lack of Digital ICE, plus it's a bit slow.

Being as I would rather spend my money on more lenses for my DSLR than
a scanner, I'm thinking about picking up a prior generation scanner,
something along the lines of a Nikon Coolscan IV (if I can find a new
or refurb), or a Minolta Scan Elite II (readily available on ebay).
Both have a resolution in the 2800-2900 dpi range.

Before I go this route and completely forgo a newer, higher resolution
scanner, I need to know if there is any real benift of the higher
resolution scans (4000+dpi) that can be produced by the current models?


I like printing at 13X19 (w/Epson 1280 and Qimage) and have a couple of
prints from scans done on the Dual Scan II that look pretty good,
considering the source.

TIA for any input and assistance.

D

 

[false_dmitrii]

Don't know where else to ask, so I'll start here.


I culling my slide collection down and would like to scan the keepers.
I've currently have a Minolta Scan Dual II that I am planning on
replacing due to lack of Digital ICE, plus it's a bit slow.

Being as I would rather spend my money on more lenses for my DSLR than
a scanner, I'm thinking about picking up a prior generation scanner,
something along the lines of a Nikon Coolscan IV (if I can find a new
or refurb), or a Minolta Scan Elite II (readily available on ebay).
Both have a resolution in the 2800-2900 dpi range.

Before I go this route and completely forgo a newer, higher resolution
scanner, I need to know if there is any real benift of the higher
resolution scans (4000+dpi) that can be produced by the current models?


I like printing at 13X19 (w/Epson 1280 and Qimage) and have a couple of
prints from scans done on the Dual Scan II that look pretty good,
considering the source.

TIA for any input and assistance.

D

I was going to mention the Scan Dual IV, which is under $300 new, as a
possible option, but you said you're looking for ICE. You could also
look for a used Nikon Coolscan V, which is around $600 new, has ICE and
4000ppi max res., runs fast, and should be immune to light source
degradation over time.

I have a new SE5400 and a year-old Epson 4870. The film scanner has a
big advantage in actual detail over the flatbed--I wouldn't recommend
the Epson as an alternative to any decent 2800-3200ppi film scanner.

In your case, the answer to your question probably depends on the
typical detail levels of your slides. My negatives all come out of a
handheld compact Olympus, so there's no way they'll ever approach
5400ppi of meaningful content. For me, the biggest advantage of max
resolution is that it pretty much prevents the grain from aliasing into
the image detail, which in turn makes it easier to apply grain
reduction software later on. If you're shooting with a very high
quality lens, film, and tripod, and have enough skill, you might be
generating detail levels that meet or even exceed the 4000-5400ppi
range.

Afraid I can't offer anything more technical. I'm sure some of the
other NG posters could help you pin down your particular resolution
needs. It's worth keeping in mind that if you're already pleased with
your largest output, and you don't see any future need for *everything*
your film might offer (or you plan to upgrade and scan everything again
when that time arrives), you won't be any *less* happy with only a
slight resolution increase.

false_dmitrii