Epson 4490 Vrs. Epson V500

[ak.doug]

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between the Epson 4490 and the V500? I know they use a different kight sorce but this is going to be my first scanner so I don't know much about the tech stuff. About the dpi I know the numbers and what dpi means but what kind of a difference will I see between 4800 dpi and 6400 dpi? I have been shooting 35mm neg. and 35mm slide and having it scanned at the same time I have it developed but the problem I have is I also shoot 120mm and the local lab no longer handles 120mm. I found a place that will develope my 1200m film but thats all they will do, so I thought if I get a good scanner I can still shoot all my formats and just get the film developed and scan it myself to put on disk or upload to any online printer. I have found the 4490 for as low as $150.00 delivered and the cheapest I found the V500 is from Epson for $200.00 after instant rebate plus $60.00 for shipping (I live in Alaska). Any help would realy be appreciated, Doug
By the way I have read some of the trheads that come up in searches through goggle for some time and have found them quite useful but this is my first actualy starting a thread.

 

[navilluspm]

I recently purchased a 4490 for 120 film. I have an old Minolta ScanElite F-2900(their first version with Digital ICE) that I use for 35mm. There is a night and day difference when scanning half frame and 35mm. The old minolta (with a max dpi of 2820) is much sharper because it has much better optics.

For 35mm, I suggest looking for a used dedicated film scanner. I find that 2820 is plenty resolution for 35mm. Unless you shoot really fine grain, high resolution film, it is all you need.

As for 120 film, the 4490 is a good bang for the buck. I got mine refurbished from the Epson store for $95 shipped. They do not have any now, but keep an eye on their clearance section. I must admit that the scans are a little soft, but with USM they turn out fine.

There is absolutely no reason to scan at the highest resolution (Epson lenses can't resolve that high anyway). I usually scan 120 at 2400dpi. It's enough for me.

 

[venchka]

Aye! All those huge dpi numbers are marketing hype. Heck, if those entry level bargain basement do everything scanners could really resolve all those dpis folks could use them to copy money.

Throw the Epson 4990 on your shopping list too. I use a friend's 4990 for 35mm, 120 & 4x5. It does 120 at 1800 ok. 4x5 at 1200. If you can find a good 4990 cheap, buy the Betterscanning film holders for it. My one gripe about the Epson is the film holders.

A deditcated film scanner is your best bet in the consumer scanner price range.

 

[ak.doug]

Thank you for your help. After reading reviews and your help I think I will try to buy an Epson V500. From what I read in reviews it's worth the extra money to get the led light sorce rather than the flourecent light sorce.
Doug

 

[Kevin]

Does anyone know if the 4990 collects dust on the inside like my 3200 has done? I wish to upgrade my flatbed scanner (my 3200 has no digital ICE and the internal glass plate is full of dust) and cannot decide between the 4990 and the newer V500.

 

[xvvvz]

The 4990 is no longer a current model. It has been replaced by the V700/V750.

Flatbeds have vent holes so you need to occasionally open them up and clean them. Besides dust, you can experience a haze from the the outgassing of the plastic over time.

Doug

 

[lZr]

Epson 4990 collects dust and have ICE also, but I don't use. These functions kill the result. I like it as simple and fast scanner for good results. It is super scanner for MF negs and positives.