Canon FS4000 Pro Film Scanner
Discussion
I've got one, which I'm just about to put on ebay in the next day or two if you're interested!
It's a good unit, although isn't the fastest scanner in the world, especially if you use USB. I've got SCSI, which is a bit quicker, and it doesn't seem to be much slower than my new Nikon which is supposed to be a high performance unit.
Compared to my new Nikon (Coolscan 5000), the Canon is actually very good - there is very little difference in the quality of the scans, although the Canon is quite noisy when scanning very dark images. If you're not familier with noise in scans, it basically means that dark images actually end up with random speckles in them, as the scanner can't work out what colour it should be.
It is possible to do multi-pass scans if you use scanner software like Vuescan (from www.hamrick.com), which gives better results, but this takes a lot more time.
I actually purchased the Nikon as I was convinced my Canon was faulty (although after a bit of playing around, I discovered that it was in fact OK, and it was simply me using the wrong settings in the scanner software). I've decided to keep the Nikon as it's slightly better, but there's not much in it at all.
It's a good unit, although isn't the fastest scanner in the world, especially if you use USB. I've got SCSI, which is a bit quicker, and it doesn't seem to be much slower than my new Nikon which is supposed to be a high performance unit.
Compared to my new Nikon (Coolscan 5000), the Canon is actually very good - there is very little difference in the quality of the scans, although the Canon is quite noisy when scanning very dark images. If you're not familier with noise in scans, it basically means that dark images actually end up with random speckles in them, as the scanner can't work out what colour it should be.
It is possible to do multi-pass scans if you use scanner software like Vuescan (from www.hamrick.com), which gives better results, but this takes a lot more time.
I actually purchased the Nikon as I was convinced my Canon was faulty (although after a bit of playing around, I discovered that it was in fact OK, and it was simply me using the wrong settings in the scanner software). I've decided to keep the Nikon as it's slightly better, but there's not much in it at all.
I have the Epson Expression 1680 Pro. It will scan up to 15 35 mm transparencies in one pass at incredible resolution and speed . Stores each with an incremented file extension. It has masks for all sizes of film, negatives and positives. Comes with Siverfast image enhancement software which can be used to calibrate the colours etc.
Cost around £750 from Dabs, comparitively dear but well worth it in my opinion
Nick
Cost around £750 from Dabs, comparitively dear but well worth it in my opinion
Nick
Blatant plug alert! 
My FS4000 is now on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4123385102&category=3751&sspagename=STRK%3AMESSE%3AIT&rd=1
My FS4000 is now on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4123385102&category=3751&sspagename=STRK%3AMESSE%3AIT&rd=1
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