Last week’s issue of the UK magazine Amateur Photographer, which costs ?1.99 from your local newsagents in the UK, contained a review of the Nikon Coolscan V ED film scanner. The Coolscan V ED has a true optical resolution of 4,000 dpi and 14-bit A/D input conversion. It scored 91% and this is how the reviewer, Damien Demolder, summed it up:

“This really is a very good film scanner with both speed and accuracy on its side. I am not sure why we cannot scan more than one slide at a time, but if you can live with that you will be very pleased with this machine. Its scanning accuracy acknowledges the qualities of your camera lens, the performance of your exposure system and the finite characteristics of your favourite film. It can return what you feed it with nothing added and very little taken away - and that is how film scanners should behave.”

The Nikon Coolscan V ED costs around ?550 and is available in shops now.

Website: Amateur Photographer

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Reflecta DigitDia 3600 film scanner, which is capable of scanning 100 mounted slides at once!

“For a scanner costing over ?500, the DigitDia 3600 produces scan quality slightly below what we’d expect. Weak points include unsatisfactory dynamic range, slight image noise and lack of sharpness. The most noticeable of these points is the scanner’s inability to finely capture the darkest parts of a slide and at the other end of the dynamic range we also found some highlight details being blown out.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Reflecta DigitDia 3600 Review

Konica Minolta Press Release 07/01/04

Affordable new DiMAGE Scan Dual IV film scanner allows first time users and advanced users alike to produce high-quality scans from 35mm and Advanced Photo System film

Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 2004) ? Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the new easy-to-use DiMAGE Scan Dual IV film scanner, a successor to the popular DiMAGE Scan Dual III. The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV incorporates a number of features found only on high-end scanners, allowing it to faithfully and accurately reproduce film images into digital files quickly and easily. In addition, it uses a new high performance 3-line color 3200 dpi CCD sensor and an advanced optical system specifically designed by Konica Minolta for film scanning. This enables this affordable 35mm and Advanced Photo System* film scanner to deliver high image quality.

“The economical new DiMAGE Scan Dual IV delivers high quality images sure to satisfy any photo enthusiast?s imaging needs,? said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta?s Camera Division. ?The easy to use DiMAGE Scan Dual IV produces digital image files that equal or surpass more expensive film scanners and offers quality not available in flatbed scanners.”

With an auto focusing system that is not available in flatbed scanners and a 16-bit A/D conversion and a wide dynamic range of 4.8, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV faithfully reproduces the rich variations in tone from light to dark of the original film image. Moreover, Multi-sample Scanning improves the scan data by reducing random noise.

Epson USA Press Release 06/01/04

( BW)(CA-EPSON) EPSON’s Perfection 4870 PHOTO/PRO Scanners Offer Affordable Film Scanning at 4800 X 9600 DPI

SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 6, 2004—Breakthrough Scanner Models Feature the Power and Quality of a Dedicated Film Scanner with the Flexibility of a Flatbed Scanner

The EPSON Perfection 4870 PHOTO/4870 PRO scanners are making their debut as the first scanners to offer features comparable to high-end dedicated film scanners, at an affordable price. This breakthrough product offers brand new features for the Epson Perfection line, including DIGITAL ICE(TM) technology from Kodak/ASF for advanced image restoration, Epson’s exclusive Easy Photo Fix technology for color restoration and dust removal, and a built-in 6” x 9” transparency unit (TPU) for larger volume slide and negative scanning. The collective feature package of the Perfection 4870 scanner will save photographers time, money and space while delivering outstanding performance.

Replacing the EPSON Perfection 3200 PHOTO/3200 PRO, the Perfection 4870 scanner delivers a maximum hardware resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi and includes 48-bit color and 3.8 Dmax for true-to-life color accuracy and the ability to capture minute image detail. In addition, the Perfection 4870 utilizes Epson’s unique ColorTrue(R) II Imaging System, providing customers with a technology that integrates superior hardware, optics and image processing to achieve accurate color reproduction and reduced noise.

“The EPSON Perfection 4870 provides customers with the highest quality scanner on the market at this price point, hands down,” said Daniel Oey, senior product manager, image capture products, Epson. “With exceptional scan resolution and speed, packaged with valuable image restoration tools and a larger TPU, customers can now enjoy photographic image quality and high performance that was previously only offered in high-end dedicated film scanners.”

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the Hewlett Packard Scanjet 5530 flatbed scanner.

Website: Index Digicam - HP Scanjet 5530 Review

Perttu Luukkanen has published his review of the Epson Perfection 3170 scanner, which according to Epson is “the scanner for experienced users and photo enthusiasts”. Find out if Perttu agrees.

“There are few scanners that promise what the Epson 3170 does. An outsanding 3200 dpi resolution, 48 bit color, prints, slides, negatives, both 35 mm and medium format and for all this, it’s dirt cheap. Street price for the 3170 hovers around $200 in the US, although it’s more likely be around ?270 (~$300) here in Finland. It comes bundled with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 which is worth something itself, especially if you don’t have a post-processing software.

Before I bought the scanner I tried to look for a decent review on the Net and I could find none. That may well be the reason you’re reading this. I felt I had to put something available, since I know there are a lot of people out there wondering whether this scanner is really good enough for scanning film, especially at this price.”

Website: Epson Perfection 3170 Scanner Review

Epson UK have announced a new addition to their range of flatbed scanners. The Perfection 4870 has an amazing optical resolution of 4800 x 9600dpi which allows a 35mm piece of film to be enlarged to 60cm x80cm (A1 size). The scanner incorporates DIGITAL ICE Technology, traditionally used in dedicated film scanners, to remove surface defects such as dust and scratches from the scanned image. The Perfection 4870 Photo also has a class-leading optical density of 3.8DMax.

Price has yet to be announced, although the scanner is due to be released on 1st February 2004.

Website: DP-Now - Epson Press Release

Website: Photo-i.co.uk - Epson Perfection 4870 Preview

Website: Epson.co.uk

Nikon UK Press Release 28/10/03

Nikon has announced three new film scanners to replace the current range. The Coolscan V ED and the Coolscan 5000 ED, replacements for the Coolscan IV and 4000 respectively, will go on sale at the beginning of November 2003, whilst the Coolscan 9000, the successor to the Coolscan 8000, will become available in the Spring of 2004.

Nikon has an enviable reputation in the film scanner market and these new introductions feature improvements on the current models such as enhanced scanning speed and image quality.

The Coolscan V ED will have a rrp of ?549.99 and the Coolscan 5000 ED will be ?1099.99. Price for the Coolscan 9000 is to be confirmed.

Nikon Press Release 28/10/03

Super Coolscan 9000 ED
Engineered to meet the exacting standards of imaging professionals, the SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED is designed to handle a broad range of film formats such as 35mm, 120/220, 16mm, 6 x 7, 6 x 9 film, electron microscope and more. True 4,000 dpi optical resolution, 16-bit A/D conversion of the input signal and a 16-bit output combine to deliver brilliant, colour-true images.

Users in fields such as advertising and studio photography who regularly work with 120/220 format films will value the SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED?s versatility and superior scan quality. Photo enthusiasts who own medium-format cameras will also appreciate this high-performance, high-quality scanner.

A true optical resolution of 4,000 dpi and 16-bit A/D conversion allow the SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED to produce images of incredible overall quality, and a broader dynamic range helps reveal the details concealed within the darker portions of a scene. Multi-sample scan capability of as many as 16 passes ensures faithful reproduction with smoother gradation. Newly developed high-quality 3-line CCD sensors contribute to high image quality, as well as fast scanning (35mm: 40 seconds; 6 x 9: 185 seconds).

Driving the unmatched performance of the SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED are Nikon?s exclusive core technologies. Scanner Nikkor ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements offer superior edge-to-edge sharpness, definition and contrast, and superb colour fidelity. The scanner also employs Nikon?s proprietary rod dispersion LED illumination ? no maintenance, no warm-up time, and no risk of heat-related damage to films. For consistently accurate representation of colour on monitors and prints, the SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED features the Nikon Colour Management System (Nikon CMS). The ability to manipulate colour data in multiple RGB colour spaces results in extremely high precision. These technologies form the backbone of a premier optical system that produces images of amazing quality.

The SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED also features unparalleled image restoration capabilities. Digital ICE4 Advanced?, the newly upgraded digital image correction technology, consists of Digital ICE? (Image Correction & Enhancement), Digital ROC? (Reconstruction Of Colour), Digital GEM? (Grain Equalization & Management), and a newly added component, Digital DEE? (Dynamic Exposure Extender). The SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED?s exclusive Digital ICE Professional? is now also compatible with Kodachrome film. For brightness and colour saturation adjustment that?s one-touch simple, Scan Image Enhancer is also on board.

All of these highly advanced features and capabilities, complemented by an IEEE 1394 interface for high-speed image transfer, come together to form the SUPER COOLSCAN 9000 ED ? the new king of the desktop film scanning realm.

Nikon Press Release 28/10/03

Super Coolscan 5000 ED
Designed for use by imaging professionals, the SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED offers 135/IX240 film scanning at an amazing 20 seconds per image (including image transfer to display) - at 4,000 dpi true optical resolution. Highly accurate colour reproduction and representation of detail are made possible by the 16-bit A/D converter and 16-bit output channel.

The SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED targets primarily business users such as professional photographers and photo finishers, who require superb image quality and high-speed scanning capability. Private users of 135/IX240 format cameras - advanced amateur SLR photographers, for example - will welcome the scanner?s speed and image quality. Users who deal with numerous slide mounts and uncut film rolls will appreciate the increased ease of use and productivity afforded by optional accessories like the SLIDE FEEDER SF-210 and ROLL FILM ADAPTER SA-30. The SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED offers the performance and efficiency to make it the ideal digital archiving solution.

The scanner?s 16-bit A/D input conversion enables a significantly broader dynamic range. It also works with the 16-bit output and the Multi-sample scanning feature to reveal details hidden in shadowy and highlighted portions of a scene, while virtually eliminating noise. Super-fast 20-second scanning and enhanced image quality are supported by newly developed high-quality 2-line CCD sensors.

At the heart of the SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED?s excellent performance are Nikon?s exclusive core technologies. The scanner incorporates Scanner Nikkor ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements for superior edge-to-edge sharpness, definition and contrast, as well as outstanding colour fidelity. The employment of LED illumination enables the stable, precise provision of light with no risk of heat-related damage to films. Furthermore, the LED requires neither maintenance nor warm-up time. And for consistently accurate representation of colour on displays and prints, the SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED features the Nikon Colour Management System (Nikon CMS). Colour data can be manipulated in multiple RGB colour spaces, for unprecedented accuracy. These core technologies are what set Nikon COOLSCAN series scanners apart from the rest.

By simply attaching the optional ROLL FILM ADAPTER SA-30 to the SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED, batch-scanning of uncut film rolls comprising up to 40 frames becomes possible. The optional SLIDE FEEDER SF-210 lets you scan up to 50 mounted slides, giving you time-efficient, high-quality scanning capability.

The SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED also features unparalleled image restoration functions. Digital ICE4 Advanced?, the newly upgraded digital image correction technology, consists of Digital ICE? (Image Correction & Enhancement), Digital ROC? (Reconstruction Of Colour), Digital GEM? (Grain Equalization & Management), and the brand-new Digital DEE? (Dynamic Exposure Extender). There?s also Scan Image Enhancer, which offers one-touch brightness and colour saturation adjustment.

With fast, easy image transfer thanks to the USB 2.0 interface, the SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 ED is an extremely powerful, extremely fast, extremely efficient desktop film scanner that will augment your productivity and give you scanned images that will take your breath away.

Nikon Press Release 28/10/03

Coolscan V ED
An economical, friendly, high-performance film scanner, the COOLSCAN V ED is designed to be easy to operate, even for first-time scanner users. A true optical resolution of 4,000 dpi and 14-bit A/D input conversion allow the scanner to produce scans at a level of quality previously only available with higher-priced models. Scan speed is also surprisingly fast ? the COOLSCAN V ED can scan an image in only 38 seconds (including image transfer and display).

Users who wish to print out images of films of scanned images or attach them to email, and also those who are involved in, or wish to begin, archiving of old and new films in digital image form ? as well as personal or business web-page designers ? will find the COOLSCAN V ED both simple to operate and long on quality. Flatbed scanners don?t measure up when it comes to image quality. Further enhancing the value of the COOLSCAN V ED is a lineup of accessories that makes possible the scanning of various film types, including 35mm strips, slide mounts and IX-240 cartridges.

High-resolution scanning at 4,000 dpi enables the production of strikingly detailed images. The 14-bit A/D input conversion and 8-/16-bit outputs deliver true, vibrant colour. To ensure excellent overall image quality, the COOLSCAN V ED incorporates a high-quality CCD sensor.

Nikon?s exclusive core technologies figure largely in the surprisingly high overall performance of the entry-level COOLSCAN V ED. The most important component in high-quality scanning is the lens, and the Scanner Nikkor ED glass elements employed in the lens effectively reduce chromatic aberration and image distortion. This results in superior sharpness and contrast. Nikon?s own LED illumination technology means no maintenance, no warm-up time, and no risk of heat-related damage to films. The Nikon Colour Management System offers consistent colour representation on monitors and prints.

The COOLSCAN V ED also features high-grade image enhancement technology. Digital ICE4 Advanced?, the new and improved digital image correction function, consists of Digital ICE? (Image Correction & Enhancement), Digital ROC? (Reconstruction Of Colour), Digital GEM? (Grain Equalization & Management), and the brand-new Digital DEE? (Dynamic Exposure Extender). And Scan Image Enhancer makes brightness and colour adjustment one-touch simple.

Add a plug-and-play USB 2.0 interface to facilitate image transfer and you?ve got an affordable film scanner which offers the operational ease you?d expect, and the quality your images deserve.

Canon USA Press Release

CANON ENHANCES ITS LOW-PRICED 35MM FILM AND PHOTO SCANNER

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 27, 2003 - Canon’s new CanoScan 3200F Color Image Scanner allows consumers to scan 35mm slides or negatives as well as photos and documents quickly with a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface*. Both Windows and Macintosh computer users will enjoy the simple scanner operation as they create photo albums, scan text for OCR applications, scan photos for e-mail or copy and scan receipts for archiving.

“Our new CanoScan 3200F scanner delivers the versatility, ease-of-use and quality demanded from today’s consumers who have the need to e-mail, copy, scan, and file photos and documents.” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE CAJ). “The 3200F scanner joins Canon’s lineup of award-winning products to provide comprehensive solutions for the novice user to the professional.”

The CanoScan 3200F scanner is one of the world’s fastest film capable flatbed scanners flying through a 600 dpi color scan of a letter size document in approximately 15 seconds. With a maximum optical resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi and an enhanced resolution of 9600 dpi, the CanoScan 3200F scanner brings high-quality to a variety of applications. A built-in 35mm film adapter allows users to scan single frame slides or negatives to enlarge precious photographs. Book and magazine scanning is made easy with Canon’s exclusive Z-Lid? Expansion Top. The Z-Lid Expansion Top automatically lifts vertically and lays flat on the item being scanned.

Also spotted on the DPReview Epson forum is a new top-of-the-range flatbed scanner that has a maximum resolution of 4800dpi! The new GT-X700 scanner features Digital ICE, Firewire, USB2.0, Epson Smart Panel, Print Image Matching, 6 lenses in 4 groups and a DMax of 3.8. You can scan 2 4x5’s, 6 medium format, 8 35mm slides and 24 frames using 35mm film strips. It looks identical in design to the Epson Perfection 3200 scanner, so hopefully the GT-X700 will make it outside Japan.

Website: DPReview - Epson Forum

Website: www.i-love-epson.co.jp

Canon UK Press Release - 01/09/03

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the fastest flatbed scanner in its class, the film-capable 1200x2400 dpi, 48 bit colour depth CanoScan 3200F. The new model’s film adaptor unit (FAU) facilitates negative and transparency scanning. With a chic design, sleek lines and a stylish finish, the scanner has looks to match its unrivalled speed.

The CanoScan 3200F can scan an A4 page in just 17 seconds*, making it twice as fast as its predecessor, the CanoScan 3000F, and several times faster than its nearest competitor. Speed increases have been achieved with a new ASIC controller chip, which maximises data throughput to the USB 2.0 hi-speed connection. Fast Multi-Photo mode creates separate de-skewed files from a single pass scan of multiple photographs. Canon’s QARE Level 2 technology automatically removes dust and scratches from scans of reflective originals while also correcting colour fading and excessive graininess.

“Our research shows scanning is generally perceived as frustratingly slow,” explains Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “With that in mind, our engineers set about redesigning every aspect of the CanoScan 3200F to produce a scanner that leaves other brands in its wake.”

The CanoScan 3200F will be available from October 2003 for around ?69 inc VAT.

* Based on 600dpi, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection, Pentium 4 1.7GHz, 256MB RAM, Windows XP

Canon have launched a new addition to their flatbed scanner range. The CanoScan LiDE 80 will be available from September 2003 for around ?139 inc VAT. Here’s an excerpt from the press release:

“Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the CanoScan LiDE 80, its new flagship film-capable scanner.  Canon has combined stunning design with three significant technology firsts: The world’s first film?capable Contact Image Sensor (CIS) scanner, world’s first 2400 x 4800 CIS scanner, and world’s first CIS scanner with FARE automatic film retouching technology.  Combining these technologies in a body measuring a mere 38mm in depth, the CanoScan LiDE 80 marks the beginning of a new era in scanning technology and further establishes Canon’s status as a clear market leader.”

Website: Canon UK

Epson have announced 2 new additions to their range of flatbed scanners. The EPSON Perfection 3170 PHOTO scanner costs $199 and the EPSON Perfection 1670 PHOTO $129. Both scanners will be available in August.

“The EPSON Perfection 3170 PHOTO is the best choice for an image-driven individual who is looking for a premium quality scanner at an extremely affordable price. This scanner delivers outstanding results with its true 3200 hardware dpi resolution, 48-bit scanning and its built-in slide and film strip adapter for conveniently making duplicates or enlargements from 35 mm slides and negatives, and even medium format transparencies.”

“The EPSON Perfection 1670 PHOTO scanner is perfect for home or office environments with its economical price and ease of use. This scanner delivers resolution of 1600 x 3200 dpi for capturing and reproducing images with incredible detail and accuracy. This scanner also utilizes easy, four-button automated scanning and offers a convenient built-in 35 mm slide and film strip adapter for scanning multiple slides and negatives.”

Website: Epson Press Release

Photo-i have published an extensive reader’s review of the Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 film scanner, which has just won a TIPA award. Find out what a real user thinks of this new scanner in Photo-i’s review…

Website: Photo-i

ePhotoZine have reported that Microtek are launching a new 2700 dpi film scanner, the FilmScan 2700, which will retail for an RRP of just ?180. This will allow prints up to 20” x 12.7” in size at 200 dpi. The Filmscan 2700 has the same optical resolution as Nikon’s Coolscan IV (RRP ?500), but lacks some of the more advanced options such as Digital Ice. Still, it does only cost ?180…

Website: ePhotoZine - Microtek FilmScan 2700

Reported on ePhotoZine yesterday, Minolta have announced a very highly-specced and very competitively-priced film scanner, the Dimage Scan Elite 5400. The new scanner has a very high resolution of 5400dpi and incorporates Digital ICE technology. IEEE1394 (FireWire) or USB 2.0 interfaces are both supported, which should make for quick transfer times to your PC. The Dimage Scan Elite 5400 will be available from mid June 2003 for ?599.99.

You can read the full story here:

Website: ePhotoZine - Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400

Vincent at photo-i.co.uk has completed his review of Canon’s new flagship flatbed scanner, the 9900F. Find out if it has what it takes to beat Epson’s Perfection 3200…

Website: photo-i