Flatbed scanner

[v3cron]

I'm looking for a new flatbed to replace my Epson 3170 for the purpose of scanning Polaroids. The results from the 3170 are disappointing - mostly the noise is the problem, even in well-exposed areas. Is the new V500 or even the older 4490 going to show an improvement over the 3170 for flat art? I need the transparency capability, but only for making digital contact sheets - I won't do any "real" film scans with it. Thanks.

 

[mich8261]

have you considered the Epson 4990 (not the 4490). It can usually be found for <$150 on Craigslist. You can see some scanner reviews at photo-i.co.uk.

 

[jan normandale]

these links take you to scans of a set of Fuji Instax scanned on a V500. I had a 4490, I prefer this model because of the ability to scan 4x5 otherwise image quality is slightly better with the V500. Both are good enough for the web and 8x10 prints.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jann/3885570297/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jann/3737422343/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jann/3656457852/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jann/3481688343/

 

[v3cron]

I picked up the V500 today, and the results are clearly superior to the 3170 on Instax prints. Thanks everyone for the help!