Minolta Dimage Scan Dual II or Epson 4490?

[rdeleskie]

Another this or that question...

Minolta Dimage Scan Dual II or Epson 4490?

Both are available to me used. The Epson 4490 with Better Scanning holders is the same price as the SD II.

The machine is primarily for 35mm neg and slides. I would like it to be able produce good prints up to 8x10. Anything larger, I'll get it scanned at a pro post house.

Minolta Dimage SD II
+dedicated film scanner
-much older machine
-probably need to purchase new software to run with Mac OS 10.6 (Vuescan?)


Epson 4490
+new, USB 2, less wear and tear
+Epson software apparently pretty good
+scan multiple negs/slides at one time
-flatbed

Does a newer flatbed (with the better scanning holders) compare with an older dedicated 35mm scanner?

Quality (for this budget level) = #1 criteria
Speed = #2

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[aad]

I have an SD IV and a 4490. The Epson is fine for 35mm B&W or C41, but falls down for slides. Great for 120 though.

The SD IV is my main 35mm scanner, but frankly if VueScan was my only option for running it I'd go Epson and have the slides that I had to have done well, out to a service.

And if you don't do slides, and VueScan is required, the Epson wins. Just my experience.

Another this or that question...

Minolta Dimage Scan Dual II or Epson 4490?

Both are available to me used. The Epson 4490 with Better Scanning holders is the same price as the SD II.

The machine is primarily for 35mm neg and slides. I would like it to be able produce good prints up to 8x10. Anything larger, I'll get it scanned at a pro post house.

Minolta Dimage SD II
+dedicated film scanner
-much older machine
-probably need to purchase new software to run with Mac OS 10.6 (Vuescan?)


Epson 4490
+new, USB 2, less wear and tear
+Epson software apparently pretty good
+scan multiple negs/slides at one time
-flatbed

Does a newer flatbed (with the better scanning holders) compare with an older dedicated 35mm scanner?

Quality (for this budget level) = #1 criteria
Speed = #2

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

I have the 4990 but don't think it is very suitable for 35m.
But it has ICE, which is a great feature.
I still think the Minolta will give you better results. Better dmax and better sharpness.
Can you try them out?
Vuescan is good software. You just have to get used to it.
Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema