I'm in the hunt for getting a film scanner to work on creating a portfolio CD of all of my work that I have done with 35mm film. The only problem now is choosing which scanner would give me the best results, but yet not cost me an arm and a leg. I know, you only get what you pay for, but I was hoping to get some pointers or ideas on which models to look into. I was looking at Minolta's, Nikon's, & Canons, but thought I'd post this to get some advice.
hey, I have the dimage dual IV. Great scanner...takes sometime getting used to, but I assume that any film scanners can be like that in the hands of someone who has no idea what they're doing. cheap, efficient, big big scans. Just keep in mind that no matter what scanner you get, you will have to learn how to post process...elements 2.0 comes with the package...if you don't already know how to use photoshop, this could be challenging.
Anyway, if you'd like to see some samples, you can go check out this gallery of mine:
about 90% of the images on here were scanned with the dimage dual IV. Also, all but one have had some post processing (elements) work done to them so know that they don't come out of a scanner that clean.
I am another satisfied user of the Minolta Dual Scan IV. Since I've used a flat-bed scanner for years, I didn't read the instructions very well and initially couldn't get it to pull the negative holder into the scanner. There is a door on the front that has three positions: closed, half opened, completely opened. I had it completely opened (which is for the APS negative holder) and it should have been in the half open position.
If you buy it, be sure you turn on the scanner before you turn on the PC. I plug it straight into the USB port on the PC as the documentation says it may have problems being connected via a USB hub.
What about the flatbed scanners with the 35mm film/slide option? Are these as good as lets say the Minolta Dimage Scan Dual IV? I would say that these particular types (flatbed scanners)aren't as good as the scanners meant for just scanning 35mm film/slides. Just wanted to get your opinions.
I don't think that any but the most high end (read "expensive") flatbed scanners can hold a candle to a dedicated film scanner, especially at the $250 price point.
That's what I thought. Only the high end model flatbed scanners are as good as the Minolta Dimage Scan Dual IV, but what did the price tag say again??!! I'd think I'll stick with the dedicated film scanners.
Mr. J, I'm reviving this thread a bit. How expensive is expensive for the flatbed scanner? Would the Epson Perfection 4990 @$400 qualify, or would my scans still not be as nice as those from the minolta Scan Dual IV?
Well, this may just be the one to come closest to a lower end film scanner, mudman. As far as I'm concerned, Digital ICE is a 'must have' with film scanning and this model has it.
Check out this extensive review (w/image samples) and see what you think.
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