What scanner for below $300

[Rogier]

Assuming that it predominantly will be used for Medium format film. And the fact that one does not evaluate the supplied software. The Better scanning holders are taking into immediate consideration.

• Canon 8800F
• Epson 4490
• Epson V500
• Epson V600

 

[Roger Hicks]

Cheap scanners are a snare and a delusion. Getting a good scan requires a good scanner -- which costs more than $300, at least new. Sorry to be so negative (as it were) but that's my experience.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Rogier]

Not expecting hi end scans for posters or billboards. But it should be good enough for monitor and small print size.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Not expecting hi end scans for posters or billboards. But it should be good enough for monitor and small print size.

Fair enough. A lot of my stuff is scanned for publication: a bit different. My advice is therefore irrelevant. Sorry!

Cheers,

R.

 

[Brad Maestas]

I would vote for the V500 only because I bought one a few days ago. The selection at my local Staples was limited to flatbeds but that was okay because I needed one right away and I needed a flatbed anyway to scan MF and 4x5's. The Nikon 9000 can wait. 😉

There were a couple of measly-looking HP's under $200 and they had an HP G4050 that was about the same price as the V500 but had a much larger footprint. I couldn't go higher than $220 with tax and I liked the smaller size so I got the V500. Very happy with it so far. I did a comparison with the scans I got from a pro lab a year ago (not sure what machine but it yielded 60MB TIFF from 35mm slide) and the V500 was noticeably better in overall resolution and shadow detail. I haven't scanned any MF or LF yet but I plan to in the next couple of days. I have no real experience with the others you listed but I thought I'd chime in with my info so far on the V500. Best of luck in your scanner quest!

 

[Rogier]

I spend a long time thinking about what scanner to buy.
Since I have become to like the awesomeness of Medium format it made the choice a little bit easier with regards to the kind of scanner. Most people agree that a flatbed scanner will do a good job digitizing MF but are mediocre in scanning 35mm.
No need for very hi resolution files and if that need comes I will be happy to outsource the job to a professional.
More importantly currently I have way to much fun with a Holga who will notice the difference with these lo-fi shots right?

Today I could touch the various scanners I was contemplating at K&S:

• Epson V700
• Epson V500
• Canon 8800f

Considering what the main use will be in the near future I think that the V700 is not necessary for the claimed better quality I wisely looked at the other options. Immediately I noticed a mayor difference in build quality between the V500 and 8800F. Just by opening and closing the lid there is a noticeable difference in construction of the Canon over the Epson.

Also reading the massive amount of reviews on Amazon made favor the Canon 8800F

My apologies to K&S for not purchasing the scanner from them. But I am grateful that I was able to actually see and feel (not use) the scanners of my choice. Amazon had a very sharp deal without shipping or sales tax. Witch made the difference over $50 or almost 25%… Sorry.

Next order will be the the holders from Betterscanning.

As soon as the 8800F arrives I will make some comparison scans between the Coolscan 9000 and my new set-up. Just to share with all of you the difference.

My only challenge is that I don’t have a properly exposed sharp MF negative. If some one wants to donate one for the sake of this (unfair) comparison I am more than happy to post the results 🙂