Epson UK first announced this before Christmas - now it’s the turn of Epson America to introduce the Epson Perfection 4990 Photo Scanner series.

Epson America Press Release

EPSON PERFECTION™ 4990 SCANNER SERIES FEATURES GREATER DYNAMIC RANGE AND LARGER TRANSPARENCY UNIT FOR GREATER PRODUCTIVITY AND PERFORMANCE

New Models Combine the High Resolution and DMax of a Dedicated Film Scanner with the Versatility of a Flatbed Scanner to Deliver Outstanding Results

LONG BEACH, Calif.—Jan. 12, 2004 – Epson America Inc.’s newest flatbed scanners offer enhanced productivity and performance for photographers, graphic designers and other professionals by offering a higher DMax for greater dynamic range and a larger transparency unit than its predecessor models.

The EPSON Perfection™ 4990 PHOTO and EPSON Perfection 4990 PRO scanners both have a versatile built-in 8”x10” transparency unit (TPU) with a moving carriage and lamp optimized for film scans for quality rarely seen in a consumer-level scanner. The TPU is almost 50% larger than the predecessor models. It includes film holders that support eight 35mm mounted slides, four 35mm film strips up to 24 frames, three to six medium format frames or two 4” x 5” frames. It also has an 8” x 10” guide for transparencies and proof sheets without film holders, allowing for a larger volume of negative scanning.

PCMagazine have just reviewed Epson’s latest flatbed scanner, the Epson Perfection 4180 Photo.

“Add the Epson Perfection 4180 Photo ($250 street) to the small but growing list of flatbed scanners that takes film scanning seriously. It’s designed, in part, to scan not just 35-mm slides and film but medium-format film, including 2.25-inch, 120, and 6- by 6-centimeter formats. And it does a more than credible job, with scan quality scores at the high end of good for prints and good for slides, along with overall scores of good for photos and very good for slides.”

Website: PCMagazine - Epson Perfection 4180 Photo Scanner Review

Plustek Launches OpticSlim 2420T at CES 2005; Ultra-Slim, Fast Scans with Hinged Lid for Book Scanning and Cordless TPA Adapter for 35mm Slides and Negatives

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Jan. 6, 2005 Plustek Inc (http://www.plustek.com), a leading manufacturer of consumer, prosumer and professional imaging devices, today launched the OpticSlim 2420T ultra-slim and stylish scanner at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). With its patented hinged lid and cordless/removable TPA adapter for 35mm slides and negatives, this robust scanner is powerful enough for the office (or home office) yet compact enough for the mobile executive to take it along inside their laptop case. Priced at $119, the OpticSlim 2420T will begin shipping in the United States in February.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new flagship to its LiDE range: the film-capable 2400 x 4800 CanoScan LiDE 500F scanner. Designed for operational flexibility, the LiDE 500F incorporates a Film Adapter Unit (FAU) and infrared Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement technology for high quality enlargement of 35mm film.

Just 35mm thick, the sheer, stylishly designed and USB-powered device features an innovative built-in stand, allowing the scanner to be operated on its edge to free up precious desk space. A new concept lid allows scanning of everything from thick books and small packages to oversize objects such as large maps, and convenient ‘drop-in’ scanning when the scanner is upright.

Pacific Image Electronics Press Release

PACIFIC IMAGE ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES VALUE-PRICED HIGH-RESOLUTION FILM SCANNER WITH DIGITAL ICE3

Torrance, CA, January 4, 2005…..Pacific Image Electronics Inc. announces the PrimeFilm 3650u, a value-priced film scanner with high optical resolution and Digital ICE3™.

This new film scanner is a high resolution upgrade to the company’s basic model, and is designed for the hobbyist or photography enthusiast who is looking for image enhancement features and easy handling of large image files.

The inclusion of Digital ICE3TM by ASF (Kodak Austin Development Center) allows the user to digitally clean, correct and restore film images to optimize the image quality.

Pacific Image Electronics Press Release

PACIFIC IMAGE ELECTRONICS FIRST TO MARKET WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND MAGAZINE-FED SLIDE SCANNER

Torrance, CA, January 4, 2005…..Pacific Image Electronics’ PowerSlide 3600 is a one-of-a-kind scanner that batch scans mounted slides automatically, creating high-quality digital files that can be stored to hard disk, zip drive, CD-R, CD-RW or any other storage media. The PowerSlide turns all your slides into a digital format, allowing your slide shows to be viewed on your living room TV, LCD projector, computer monitor, e-mail or web site. Heavy and bulky slide projectors are no longer needed.

Microtek Press Release

Slim and compact scanner with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Microtek launched a new consumer scanner in the European market: the ScanMaker 5800. Equipped with Hi-Speed USB 2.0, 7 scan buttons and a resolution of 2400 x 4800 dpi this scanner is particularly suitable for consumer and SOHO. With his slim 6 cm high body, this scanner is one of the slimmest with CCD technology and still keeps the image quality. With his slim and compact design you save more desk space. The transparency unit LightLid 35 is easy to connect. Additionally to this scanner you get a considerabl software
package. Including ScanWizard, Adobe Photoshop LE, ABBYY Fine Reader Sprint, Ulead PhotoExplorer and Ulead DVD Picture Show

DxO Labs Email Newsletter

The year is finishing on a very high note at DxO Labs, especially as regards our developments for Canon users. Judge for yourself:

New from DxO for your Canon EOS 10D  
We’re pleased to announce that DxO Raw Engine now supports the Canon EOS 10D. So now you can enhance your Raw-format images taken using the following lenses:
 
Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX Diagonal Fisheye
Canon EF15mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Canon EF50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF85mm f/1.2L USM
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG
Canon EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM
Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC
Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (I or II)
Canon EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Tamron AF28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR (or XR Di)
Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM (non IS)
Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF70-200mm f/4L USM

Photo-i have now completed their interactive review of the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner.

“This scanner is beautifully made with lots of attention to detail, but then so is the Millennium Dome. This scanner is rich in functionality, too bad the functions are not that useful. The fact that most of the extra features depend on having either the Epson R800, or SP 2100 printers, will put many buyers off. If you are going to include features like this then at least make sure that every user can access them, even if they have got a Canon or HP printer. Most of the photographers I know want to do something to their pictures, even if it is simple dust removal or colour correction. Scanning directly to a printer won’t give you that option. “

Website: Photo-i - Epson F-3200 Film Scanner Review

Epson UK Press Release

EPSON® delivers cost-effective, high speed photo and multi-format film scanning with the Perfection 4990 Photo

Better image quality, significantly faster scanning speeds and the ability to scan medium and large format film. The Epson Perfection 4990 Photo is bundled with Epson Creativity Suite software, providing an easy to use interface for enhanced image manipulation.

January 2004 – The Perfection 4990 Photo scanner features a high optical density of up to 4.0 Dmax and can distinguish a broad spectrum of subtle colour variations, reproducing a tonal quality previously unmatched in a film scanner of this size and price point.

The Perfection 4990 Photo is aimed at photo enthusiasts and professionals, looking for the best in fast, multi-format film scanning technology. It offers 4800 x 9600 dpi resolution and has several features to facilitate scanning large archives of prints and films. A built-in transparency unit for 35mm film, medium and large format film allows you to scan entire photo contact sheets in one batch. While the integrated LED allows you to track the progress of the film scanning, preventing you from inadvertently interrupting the scanning process before completion.

Photo-i have started an interactive review of the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner.

“Finding the right scanner, that faithfully captures all the detail in a photograph is like looking for the Holy Grail, we are all looking to find the right scanner, that will deliver quality at a reasonable price. Epson have a good history in flatbed scanners. The Perfection 3200 and 4870 PHOTO, came very near in our quest, medium and large format film scans are excellent, but for 35mm film they still fall short. In January we will see a new model the Perfection 4990, I hope this one will take us a step nearer the ultimate goal. Then there is the new dedicated film scanner, the F-3200. I am not quite sure what to make of this one yet. Let me take you on a Step by Step review of this scanner and see whether £500 is going to be a wise investment.”

Website: Photo-i - Epson F-3200 Film Scanner Review

PC Magazine have just reviewed the new Epson Perfection 2580 Photo Scanner.

“The Epson Perfection 2580 Photo ($150 street) makes a decent stab at photo scanning, with overall scores of good for slides and photos, and quality scores of good for slides and the high end of good for prints. But it has some limitations when it comes to photos.”

Website: PC Magazine - Epson Perfection 2580 Photo Scanner Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Epson Perfection 2580 Photo Scanner

Umax America Press Release 06/12/04

PowerLook 270(2) is latest UMAX product to offer advanced features including auto-loading, auto-focusing technologies and USB 2.0 connectivity

DALLAS, TX., December 6, 2004—UMAX Technologies, Inc. today announced availability of its new PowerLook 270(2) film scanner. The PowerLook 270(2) is targeted towards the professional and everyday film photographers, offering an impressive optical resolution of 2700 dpi with a maximum optical density of 3.4 Dmax. The scanner is the first to feature UMAX’s unique zero-reflection optical design to preserve image definition and allow light to pass straight through the tri-liner color CCD without reflection. The PowerLook 270(2) is available today with an MSRP of $299.

Photo-i have solved their recent problems and completed their interactive, diary-like review of the new high-end Canon CanoScan 9950F flatbed scanner.

“For 35mm film scanning the 9950F is a pace nearer, but still not there. The scans were far too soft. However, with careful use of Unsharp Masking in Photoshop (or Elements) good quality scans can be achieved. If you only intend printing 6x4, A4 or A3 prints, then the quality will be more than sufficient. For high quality magazine standard scanning you are still going to have to look elsewhere. With medium and large format film, this scanner produced outstanding quality, I would not have any second thoughts about using this scanner for my professional work flow (I stopped using film four years ago).”

Website: Photo-i - Canon CanoScan 9950F Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon CanoScan 9950F

Captiva Software Corporation Press Release 16/11/04

QuickScan Pro Demo Bundle to Enable Users to Easily Capture Documents

SAN DIEGO, CA, NOVEMBER 16, 2004 - Captiva Software Corporation, (NASDAQ: CPTV) a leading provider of input management solutions, today announced an agreement with Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) to bundle its ISIS scanner driver and a demonstration version of its QuickScan Pro entry-level document capture application with all new Kodak i30 and i40 desktop scanners. Captiva’s Image and Scanner Interface Specification (ISIS) driver will be included with each new i30 and i40 scanner, empowering users to immediately use the scanner with the universe of ISIS-compatible document capture applications. Such applications include more than 300 commercial, custom and privately developed scanning packages.

QuickScan Pro is a full-featured, single-workstation document capture solution with advanced batch scanning capabilities that enables users to better manage paper documents by transforming them into digital content.

Photo-i have abandoned their interactive, diary-like review of the new high-end Canon CanoScan 9950F flatbed scanner.

“It is with great regret that I have pulled the plug on this scanner review. Although I appreciate the help that Canon has given me regarding earlier problems, after three units and problems are still present, I feel that I can’t carry on with the review.

This scanner has teething problems which should have been sorted before the scanner hit the shelves. Canon must address the problem with some urgency.”

Website: Photo-i

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon CanoScan 9950F

PCMagazine have reviewed the Canon CanoScan 8400F, a premium film and document scanner featuring a 3200 x 6400 dpi CCD sensor, a 12-frame FAU (Film Adaptor Unit) and advanced FARE Level 3 technology.

“Lots of scanners claim 48-bit color depth, but the 8400F delivers, with an ability to see detail from white to black that’s much greater than with most scanners. The difference is most apparent in slides. For example, in one slide we use with a dark tree line against a bright sky with clouds, the 8400F shows more detail in both the trees and clouds than the Microtek 6100 Pro - even though the 6100 Pro’s scans offer better quality than most flatbed scanners. We also saw slightly more detail in scans of some photos with the Canon unit.”

Website: PCMagazine - Canon CanoScan 8400F

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon CanoScan 8400F

After their recent merger with Hasselbald, Imacon have announced their first new product, a high-end medium format scanner called the Flextight Roll Film Scanner. The new scanner is capable of delivering 8000dpi for 35mm scans and 3200dpi in 6x6cm format. More details on the British Journal of Photography site.

Thanks to PhotographyBLOG reader Giallauk for letting me know about this announcement :-)

Website: BJP - Imacon rolls with it

Bytesector have published a review of the new HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart digital flatbed scanner, a stylish device with a unique photo door to hold photos in place and make scanning simple.

“Scanning negatives is very simple as it basically involves just inserting your negatives into a special holder on the lid of the scanner and then hitting the scan negatives button. Again, the scanner is very particular about any type of damage to the negatives. Even the smallest of scratches will be picked up and become a part of the digital image. This isn?t the scanner?s fault, if anything, it proves the scanner is doing a good job, but it is something you need to be aware of. The scanning of negatives can be completed very quickly, and the Scanjet 4070 does a very good job in that short amount of time.”

Bytesector - HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart Review

Epson UK Press Release

Epson introduces the most competitively priced multi-format film scanner

Epson’s new F-3200 dedicated film scanner offers a cost-effective, high quality film scanning solution.  It enables professionals and experienced amateur photographers to achieve professional lab-quality results.

November 2004 - The Epson F-3200 is the most competitively priced multi-format dedicated film scanner on the market. Priced at £549 (inc VAT) the scanner is aimed at professionals and experienced amateur photographers who want to scan their film quickly without sacrificing quality.  It is also ideal for photographers who want to digitise their film archive or who still shoot in film but wish to create digital images for manipulation and printing.

The Epson F-3200 is a versatile product which allows professionals and experienced amateurs to quickly scan reflective prints of up to 4” x 6” in addition to 35mm film through to 5” x 4” sheet film. Compatible with either a PC or Mac, the Epson F-3200 features advanced software that enables photographers to scan 35mm and medium format film in batches and at the same time remove dust and scratches from images. The built-in LCD screen allows photographers to preview scanned images quickly and easily.