Hewlett-Packard PhotoSmart Scanner (about C$700)
Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 6100 (US$799)
Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 5100C (US$299)
Agfa Snapscan 600 (C$600)
Storm EasyPhoto SmartPage Pro (C$199)
UMAX Astra 600S color flatbed scanner (C$319)
Linotype-CPS Jade2 color flatbed scanner ($499)
...plus, a brief discussion of other brands.
Scanners, as we've noted in previous reviews, fall into several categories -- drum and slide scanners, flatbed, sheetfed, and handheld units, ranging from high-end professional drum and flatbed models to consumer-targeted flatbed, sheetfed and handheld models for a couple of hundred dollars. Nowhere has the market seen greater growth during the past year than the low end of the market, where under-$300 models now provide surprisingly good quality images and a wide range of functionality. So, just what can you do with a scanner?
For most people, the primary use of a scanner is to capture images -- often from photographs. The digitized images can then be enhanced, cropped or retouched and used for applications ranging from desktop publishing to web-site development. If this is one of your main uses for a scanner, you should be sure to get a scanner offering at least "30-bit" color. Simply put, the more levels your scanner can capture, the more levels you can throw away during optimization tasks like brightening or contrast adjustment, and still have a usable image. A cheap 24-bit scanner produces skin tones something like The Return of Lobsterman all too quickly.
Another weak area in low-cost scanners is their necessarily cheap circuitry. Less expensive components often spell extra "noise" in your images. We often scan a pure white page to look for signs of noise when checking scanners.
A related issue is the fidelity of the color. Yes, virtually all scanners include a software package that allows you to tweak the images you capture (Adobe Photodeluxe, ULead's Photo Impact and Kai's Photo Soap are three titles we've seen bundled with various low-end models), but the more accurate your colors are to start with, the less work you'll have to do. When comparing flatbed models, you should take your own photo and perhaps even a blank floppy disk with you and save a low-res image, so that you can compare the results from each one side by side on the same monitor, where you can fairly evaluate them. If you have access to the Internet, you will find many online scanner tests include such images for this express purpose.
Fortunately, our tests of the latest low-end models from Agfa, Hewlett-Packard, Microtek, Storm and Umax suggest that, with the exception of the sheetfed HP5S, most low-cost name-brand models offer good image quality and acceptable color fidelity for casual publishing tasks. (We'd advise staying away from obscure name brands or used or discontinued models.) Naturally, these units are not going to produce the quality -- or withstand the workload -- of a scanner costing thousands more, so it is important to keep your expectations realistic, but, in short, the dark days of cheap scanners are over. You can now spend under $300 and get good results.
One of the critical decisions you'll have to deal with, of course, is compatibility with your computer system. Some scanners connect to what is known as a SCSI (small computer system interface) port, usually via an included adapter card. Other scanner models connect via a parallel port. These parallel-interfaced models are easier to connect and readily compatible with portable and desktop PC computers alike, but they tend to be slower and, frankly, less compatible with non-mainstream operating systems like Windows NT, OS/2 and Mac OS.
Another function of scanners is their capacity for optical character recognition (OCR). Indeed, most, if not all of the models you are likely to run across in your shopping ventures include an OCR application in addition to a scanner driver and Photo Editor. The general-purpose scanner software we prefer is called PaperPort. It is bundled with various models from Hewlett-Packard, Agfa, Microtek and others, and it is available for a few hundred dollars as an add-on for units that don't ship with it.
To scan a document, say a letter, with PaperPort is easy. You just stick the paper into the scanner, click scan (or, in the case of some HP models, just push a button on the scanner itself), and the PaperPort software wakes up, scans the page and drops into a sort of graphical database, where you can see miniature thumbnails of your pages. If, then you want to look at the scanned document, you just click on it. If you want to fax it, you drag it to an icon labeled "FAX". To OCR it, just drag it to the "Word Processor" icon. When you do this, the PaperPort software automatically launches the OCR driver, which then "reads" your page and turns the scanned letter into text and -- miraculously -- drops it straight into your word processor as editable text. While certain typefaces work better than others, and a couple of recognition errors usually occur when the OCR software attempts to read a signature (especially mine!), it works amazingly well and certainly cuts down on the drudgery of re-typing letters.
The following are some of the scanners that have hit the market recently.
Hewlett-Packard PhotoSmart Scanner (about C$700)
Pros: Combination print, slide and negative scanner at an aggressive price. SCSI interface, automatic scanning features.
Cons: No Mac support. Not appropriate for OCR tasks.
While we haven't run this unit through our usual battery of torture tests (Hewlett-Packard was not able to show us the unit connected to a computer), we have seen enough to know that it looks like a great value for those interested in a scanner suitable for capturing images from slides, negatives or standard photographic printsup to 5x7" in size.
The scanner is part of HP's new PhotoSmart line of products, which also includes a PhotoSmart color image printer (C$700) and a not especially impressive PhotoSmart digital camera (C$560). Interestingly, HP has deemed that these products are for Windows 9x only -- Mac versions are not planned.
The unit is quite small -- it would fit nicely on top of an average PC's tower case -- and the images we saw produced by it were of good quality. When an image is scanned, software is automatically launched to remove redeye, crop, or rotate the image right from within the scanner driver. Most exceptional to us, however, was the unit's aggressive price. At around $700 (including a very basic ISA-bus SCSI interface), this unit compares favorably with highly regarded slide scanners from Polaroid and Nikon costing considerably more. (It's worth mentioning that most flatbed scanners with a so-called "transparency adapter" produce dismal results from scanned slides.) Remembering that you usually get what you pay for, we'd recommend checking out the HP PhotoSmart Scanner if you are in the market for a consumer-priced slide scanner.
Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 6100 color scanner
From: Hewlett-Packard
Price: US$799
Pros: automatic scanning button, PaperPort software, HP support, excellent compatibility.
Cons: SCSI card default configuration conflicts with some sound cards.
Another model we haven't had as much hands-on time with as we'd like is the Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 6100. However, because HP holds such a dominant position in the market, and its products are generally well-regarded, it is likely that you'll be seeing a 6100 in a store near you soon.
The 6100, like HP's recent 5P model, includes a button on the front of the scanner that, when pressed, invokes an automatic scan -- very handy. Instead of the DeskScan software included with previous generations of HP scanners, the 6100 includes an easier to use, but less powerful driver called PictureScan. According to HP, the older DeskScan software is not supported on the 6100.
As it has with the 4S and 4C series units, HP has included the PaperPort software from Visioneer with the 6100. This software is very, very good as an automatic image manager. By simply dragging a page of scanned text to your word processor's icon on PaperPort's "desktop," PaperPort automatically handles the conversion of the scan into text via OCR -- neat! Similarly, other utilities make it easy to fax, print or edit photos and other scanned images. HP scanners include a feature called AccuPage, which increases their accuracy in OCR tasks by re-evaluating and adjusting contrast and brightness values on a line-by-line-basis as the image is scanned. However, AccuPage scans are somewhat slower -- we usually leave it turned off.
It is worth mentioning that Hewlett-Packard scanners are one of the only brands of scanners due to have built-in support in the forthcoming "Memphis" version of Windows, officially known as Windows 98. This forthcoming OS will reportedly support the push-button feature of the 6100 and 5P, making scanning a nearly effortless process under that OS. This level of support only underscores HP's dominant position in the marketplace, and virtually assures that the graphics or OCR software package you buy will support HP's products. (Visit HP's tech support website for the latest ScanJet drivers. At this writing, the latest versions were dated Sept. 1, 1997.)
In conclusion
HP scanners enjoy wide distribution and good application and OS-level compatibility. The PaperPort software (also available separately for other othe scanners) adds value to this package.
TIP: ScanJet 4p and 5p resolution control
Here’s a tip for getting the best possible quality from the ScanJet 4P or 5P.
PC Magazine found that by substituting Deskscan II, ScanJet 4P or 5P users can improve upon the quality of images captured by the Picturescan software supplied with the units. Happily, you can freely download the needed files from HP's site.
For Windows 95 or NT 4.0 (4p or 5p): http://hpcc920.external.hp.com/cposupport/scanners/software/sj211en.exe....
Caution: You may never need PictureScan again (but you can leave it on the system). You may want to order a hardcopy DeskScan manual from HP. For further info, point your browser at URL http://www.dejanews.com and enter a search string of [scanjet 4p] or [scanjet 5p]
Agfa SnapScan 600 color and B&W 600x600 dpi scanner (C$600)
The SnapScan 600 addresses virtually all of our complaints with its predecessor, the original SnapScan, previously reviewed in The Computer Paper, and now posted online here.
As it did with the original SnapScan, Agfa has chosen to make the interior of the flatbed area of the new model almost entirely black. This makes the unit less prone to reflections and other light distortion. Addressing another of our complaints with the previous model, Agfa has beefed up the driver software for the 600 considerably. No longer is Fotolook the scanner's weak link.
However, many users are likely to have difficulties with the units cheapo ISA SCSI interface card, especially if their other ISA slots are all used. We had terrible problems configuring the scanner until we pulled out our system's Creative Labs DVD controller. For best results (and reduced IRQ usage when you connect other multimedia devices such as SCSI hard drives, CDROMs, Jaz drives, etc.), substitute a good quality PCI SCSI interface, such as the highly rated Adaptec 2940UW.
Compared to its predecessor, the SnapScan 600 delivers both superior image quality and a better software bundle, including the excellent Visioneer PaperPort software, a new package called Photo Express from Ulead and, in the "Artline" version for a hundred dollars more, an additional bundle of Kai's Photo Soap, Bryce 2 SE, Convolver and Kai's Power Tools). For bang for the buck, it's hard to beat.
Update: Agfa in Aug. 2001 announced its intention to exit from the consumer scanner market and is canceling production and development on all consumer scanner models including the SnapScan and DuoScan product families. Warranties will be honored.
MacWorld has details....
Storm EasyPhoto SmartPage Pro
From: Storm Technology (www.easyphoto.com/storm)
Named "Best low-cost color scanner" in TCP's 1997 Comdex Canada report, this unit's under-$200(US) price point was its main attraction -- and, likely, a contributing factor in the company's money-losing run that ultimately resulted in bankruptcy. The unit, which attaches easily to any PC's parallel port, easily bested the image quality of competing units from Hewlett-Packard, Microtek and Visioneer (we compared the latter's latest Strobe model), and costs less than all of them. Although most demonstrators are fond of demoing color scanners with -- what else? - color photographs, we found that scanning logos on white backgrounds -- such as you might find on the average business card - best revealed the limitations of many low-cost, sheet-fed scanners. Most, such as the PaperPort Strobe, display uneven patches in the blank white area, but the Storm EasyPhoto SmartPage Pro produced superior results, at a price that nearly anyone can afford.
Jan. 1999 update: Storm Technology is now bankrupt. You may be able to contact the company at (800) 275-5734 (415) 691-6600 or 408-522-1200
Umax Astra 600S
From: UMAX (www.umax.com)
Pros: 30-bit color (300x600 optical resolution), good image fidelity, inexpensive. Excellent MagicScan software.
Cons: Light stays on when idle. No terminator power.
The Astra is one of the most highly regarded flatbed scanners in its price range (about US$200 or C$319). Coming as it does from a company that makes Macintosh clones, it is not surprising that the unit is available in both Mac and PC configurations.
However, as with all inexpensive scanners, there are some rather blunted corners. Some users have reported that their units are noisy. Others have reported a white film on the glass that can be removed by (carefully) disassembling the unit and cleaning it. Still others have noted that the unit's SCSI connectors lack proper termination. For details about the terminator power issue, see: http://www.chipmunk.nl/astraterminator.html.
Technical specs for the 600S are available at http://www.envisions.com/pages/astra600s_specs.html. A Parallel version is also available (600P), but not as highly recommended.
Linotype CPS Jade 2 color flatbed scanner
From: Linotype CPS (http://www.linocolor.com or http://www.linotype-cps.com)
Price: $499
Pros: Color calibration software and scannable photographics target included. Easy plug-and-play installation under Win95. Good technical support. Transparency unit option.
Cons: Scanner drivers (PC version 2.0.1; Mac v1.1) had minor bugs as shipped. Updated drivers are available on website. Uneven color in solid areas of some scans.
One of the most important issues for any graphics professional working with color is getting the color right. This is a complicated process, as one must calibrate the monitor, scanner and printer (etc.) so that what you see is indeed what you get. To this end, Linotype CPS (formerly known as Linotype-Hell) has made color management the centerpiece of its efforts with the Jade 2, which supplants the Jade scanner as the company's low-end scanner offering.
The Jade 2 is a reasonably well-built 30-bit color scanner, although the results it produces won't impress a professional used to higher-end offerings. It has two 25-pin (Mac style) SCSI connectors and, unlike low-priced offerings from Umax and Microtek, has a fluorescent lamp that turns off when not in use.
If the strong Mac bias on the Linotype CPS website is any indication, this unit might be better suited to the Mac than the PC. Our review unit included Photoshop LE and TextBridge OCR, in addition to color calibration utilities. We tested both PC and Mac versions.
PC version: Our review scanner included an Adaptec 1502AE SCSI interface, an ISA card that provides a 25-pin SCSI connector and jumpers to select a suitable IRQ (9 - 12). However, the software installer suggested that not all units ship with this card. The title of the Help file says "Installation Guide for the Adaptec AVA1502AE," but the text of this file suggests that the unit normally ships with a Symbios Logic SYM20810 interface, similar to the one shipped with some recent HP scanners. If the brand of card is important to you, be sure to check with your dealer or Linotype CPS on this subject.
At any rate, both the Adaptec and the SYM20810 are plug-and-play boards under Win95/98, and both support Windows NT 3.5 and NT 4.0 (but, notably, the Adaptec card is not supported under NT 5.0 beta 1 or beta 2). Drivers for these OSes are provided on the CD shipped with the unit. The scanner also worked correctly (and, by the way, proved to be a truly plug-and-play affair under Win95) with our computer's existing Adaptec 2940 UW SCSI (PCI) interface. Our test unit also included a SCSI 1 - SCSI 2 adapter and is the only scanner we've seen so far that provides one.
The bundled software includes ColorFactory, a scanning utility and Printissimo, which, as the name suggests, is a color print utility. Support for many popular color inkjet printers is provided, including popular low-end models from Canon, Epson and HP. Unfortunately, the Windows software proved to be somewhat buggy in our tests. Although it did not crash or fail catastrophically, the fact that the scanned image in Printissimo flip-flopped between a normal view and a mirror image, depending on the zoom magnification, was quite unsettling. Also, the on-screen preview was frequently left half-drawn after a zoom operation. There were a large numbers of typos in the on-screen dialogs, too, suggesting that English is not the first language of the programmers of the software.
When we went looking for updated drivers on the company's website, we found it confusingly laid out (the scanner section did not even mention the Jade line of products) and the search engine was non-functional. Fortunately, the company proved very responsive to our pleas for help.
The company's strong focus on color management systems (it developed the Colorsync compatible CMS in Windows 98 and NT 5.0, AKA Windows 2000) is reflected in the unit's extensive color calibration capabilities. Unfortunately, although we were able to install the ICC drivers supplied with the Jade 2 into Windows 98, the scanner did not show up in the list of ICC-compatible system devices. Unfortunately, eight months after the product's initial release, a Windows 98/Windows 2000 "miniport" driver had still not been released; such a driver will be required before the Jade 2 will enjoy system-level Windows color management. (Win98 already supports color management on HP scanners.) This issue aside, the Jade 2 is the most color-savvy scanner in its price range. For users who depend on reliable color reproduction but are under a tight budget, this company's products are worth considering.
Mac version: Unlike the PC version, the Mac edition of the software shipped with the Jade 2 supports system-level (ICC compliant) color management. This means that the calibration applied to the scanner, monitor and printer will be used in all ICC-compatible applications. (The Windows version supports color correction only in the supplied apps, although it works as a TWAIN driver in Photoshop and other TWAIN-compliant programs.) In other words, the bundled driver for the Jade 2 shows up in Adobe Photoshop not under the Acquire dialog's list of TWAIN devices, but as a separate item listed as JADE2. A downloadable update provides proper TWAIN compatibility.
Once invoked, the scanner software provides the usual preview and final scan options, along with various settings for fast, good or high-quality scanning qualities. Scan quality and color evenness was a bit disappointing, compared to the Epson Expression 636 (as you might expect, as the Epson is about double the price.)
On the Mac, system-level color control is obtained by the software's creation and use of a "Correction" menu into the General Control panel. During the installation process (which does not use an installer, but requires manual copying of all files), the software advised us to turn virtual memory off, but failed to save the settings when we clicked O -- and the Correction menu subsequently disappeared! We were using Connectix' RAM Doubler 2.0, which proved to be incompatible, as are Virex, Now FindFile, and a few others mentioned in the Jade 2 docs). As it turned out, the settings weren't saved because we'd attempted to run the software from the CD. Dragging the folder to the hard disk fixed the problem, although the Correction menu still disappeared after OK was clicked -- apparently a normal occurance.
Although, as shipped, the scanner is ColorSync 2.0 compliant, the Mac's ColorSync control panel initially showed no evidence of the scanner's presence. Not mentioned in the "ReadMe English" file, we eventually found the drivers (and a more helpful readme document) lurking in the ScanLite folder, along with a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. The Jade 2 ships with ColorSync 2.1.1; System 8 ships with version 2.1.2. An update to LinoColor Easy 2.0.1 provides ColorSync 2.5 compatibility. Using it, we had no problems running the unit under System 8.5.
We disliked several aspects of the Mac software's interface. Using the supplied Photoshop plugin, for example, the system inexplicably defaults to a business-card-sized page size. Anything outside this area doesn't show up during a prescan. Thus, when we placed a test image on the flatbed and performed a prescan, we thought the Preview feature wasn't working at all. As it turns out, we needed to adjust the default settings to get the image to appear. Worse, when we attempted to solve the problem by choosing "full scan area" from the list of image size options, it returned an error message (with "Germenglish" grammar, to boot: "Request exceed the image size.")!
Conclusion
In general, we found the Jade 2 software on both PC and Mac platforms to be a little less easy to install and configure than we'd like. If Linotype-Hell sorts these software issues out, this could be a good unit for color- and budget-conscious professionals, but the Jade 2 isn't the best choice for beginners.
We've encountered many other low-cost scanners in the stores we've visited recently, including models from Vivitar, Acer, Plustek, Logitech, Visioneer and others. If you decide on one of these brands, we'd recommend buying a model from a company that offers a money-back guarantee, in case you are not happy with the quality or installation procedure. Happy scanning!
For further reading:
Post new comment