Which Flatbed

[xander]

Which flatbed is would you advice, supported or probably to be supported by silverfast.
I still use an old HP4c.

Xander

[LSI_Support]

Dear Xander,
such questions are difficult to answer. I recommend to ask yourself these questions when looking for a new flatbed:
- what (material) do I intend to scan (most)?
- do I need a transparency unit?
- what connection is most suitable for my computer (SCSI, USB, FireWire)?
- will I change my computer/operating system soon?
- what (software) do I get appart from the scan software?
- do I need all the bundled software that comes with a scanner?

Visit Visit forums (like this one) where people share their experiences.
Also visit the web pages of manufacturers in question and check:
- how good is the technical information/software support for the scanner in question.
- is up-to-date and accurate information given (support addresses, repair addresses)
- can I reach these people by phone,too?

I hope this little "checklist" helps to make a decission.

[Guest]

scanner prices are dropping whilst performance increases, maybe there will be new model next yr, have u checked agfa arcus and it's microtek and umax derivative variations? microtek version comes with silverfast and calibration target...

[ianders1]

xander,

I can definitely recommend the Epson Expression 1600 or its successor the 1680. I've used this scanner with Silverfast for over a year now, and it works great with documents and positive and negative films. It truly is professional quality. You can probably get the 1600 cheap now, as it has been discontinued, or you can get the 1680, which includes Silverfast (SE, I think) and has a slightly higher bit depth.

That's my two cent's on the subject, but I've been extremely satisfied with this scanner.

-Ian A.

[xander]

Ian,

Thanks!
Maybe the new 2450 is a solution, if it will be supported by Silverfast (I guess so)
I want to use it together with my LS4000/LS2000. I have a lot of old (over 30 years) color and B&W negatives, mainly 6*6. Which have to be put on print, for family photo albums.

Xander

[Charles]

I am really interested in the HP 7450c, it has a good combination of features, I want a 50-sheet feeder, but also need high-rez transparency scans. The 7450c is 2400ppi and has a lighting unit for trans up to 5x5. It should be able to do a pretty good job at 2400ppi on my old 2 1/4 B&W negatives and transparencies. I'd buy this scanner if it had Silverfast support in MacOS X.