It
is rare to find a directory of large-format sheet fed scanners (we
are talking 36 to 50 inches wide, 24 inches minimum), so our scanner
web site is initiating such a list.
In
the meantime (before our list is complete after the next Seybold
trade show) here are some sources of wide format scanner information.
Vivid
Image Technology is currently offering a scanner-to-wide-format-printer
system. This concept makes it quicker and easier to produce prints
from your scans. Currently the Vivid Image large format system works
with flatbed scanners but their software engineers are developing
drivers to work with wide format scanners as well. www.vividimage.com
 |
 |
| Dr Nicholas Hellmuth (FLAAR), Anastassia Young (student of architecture at BGSU), and Dr Andreas
Luescher (Asst Professor of Architecture), holding up
before and after (original scanned with HP 4200 and print with HP 5500). |
|
Reports
on scanners by the senior review editor, now available. Just
send in the inquiry form and the reviews will be sent to you
by return e-mail.
|
| Which
scanners are best for digitizing your slides or negatives
for digital printing, especially for large format inkjet printers.
Includes mention of which digital cameras are best for direct
digital photography. |
No
reports available on cheap scanners. If the scanner you intend
to buy is sold by CompUSA then it is not covered in a FLAAR
report. |
| FLAAR
report on drum scanners (in preparation but you can go
ahead and order the work-in-progress version now). Discusses
whether drum scanners are still worth the extra cost. Pros and
cons of drum scanners vs flatbed scanners. Tips on whether you
should buy a used scanner. |
Drum
scanners cost between $20,000 and $140,000. You can get an excellent
drum scanner for $40K to $60K. The newest models are easy to
use (yes, you don't have to have a technical background). Ideal
for photo labs, museums, fine art giclee studios, and advanced
hobbiests. |
| "Overhead
scanners," (repro stand scanners), a list of all
the various cominations of copy stands, large format
scan backs, or dedicated scanners mounted on a repro stand. |
For
museums to scan objects of any size or shape; for fine art giclee
printers to scan paintings of any size; for technical photography;
for general studio photography. |
| List
of the various wide format sheet-fed scanners which are
available. |
For
scanning maps, large drawings, GIS, CAD; the better wide format
scanners cost from $5,000 and up. |
|
Please
note: no reviews on cheap desktop scanners; no reviews on
HP scanners for example. No technical help on scanning available.
We do not cover older, obsolete, nor used scanners.
This
free service is exclusively to assist individuals, studios,
and companies who would like to know which of the new breed
of scanners is best for your needs. Contact: Nicholas Hellmuth,
e-mail FLAARtest@aol.com
|
| The
FLAAR reports on scanners are suitable for photographers, artists,
and pre-press professionals. The reports are suitable for beginners
if you are prepared for the reality of professional digital
imaging. FLAAR is a nonprofit research institute so there is
no cost for the reports. |
|
Showing
actual
3-D objects (rabbits) and then showing the resulting scan.
Scanning
40
35mm slides all at once.
|
Comparing
a 3-D object scanned with a 1200 dpi scanner and the Fuji 5000
dpi scanner. |
The
Fuji is
large enough to scan an object up to 45 cm long. Here we
show how this scanner handles a large 3-D object, a carved wooden
effigy of a jaguar. |
| Enlargement
of a scan of a native Mexican handicraft to reveal the full
detail in depth of focus that the Fuji C-550 Lanovia can
achieve (horse). |
Two
especially beautiful scans done with the Fuji scanner, on the
bottom
of this page of all the internal links to this site. |
Scans
of architectural history
(Missouri Ozarks) done with Fuji scanner. Bottom of the
page. |
| Scanning
4x5 chromes with the Fuji results in ability to enlarge
small details to poster size (jade). |
General
discussion of the Fuji Lanovia flatbed scanner. |
Mention
of the drum scanners which Fujifilm also makes. |
|
Now being prepared, FLAAR reports by the Senior Review Editor
on flatbed scanners for prepress, photo archives, and museums.
Additional reports evaluate what scanner(s) are best for digitizing
your slides and photos for digital printing, especially fine
art giclee.
|
|
|
FLAAR Premium Report - Series on Scanners |
|
|
FLAAR now has a great variety of reports, where you can find practical information,
help and tips about which you need.
|
|
