Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)UPDATE JUNE 28, 2011: I am still using this scanner! I now have an Intel Mac and the bundled software didn't work with Intel, but I was able to buy Silverfast's software (for about $50 I think) which works great. If you have an Intel Mac and are willing to afford Silverfast software, then this scanner will still work for you.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: I had an unusual situation--a week before the 3200 was released, I bought the Epson Perfection 2450. I didn't know about the 3200. And I liked the 2450. It was fabulous. But when I discovered the 3200's release, I returned the 2450 and opted for the 3200. I'm glad I did. There is a difference. Even when I scanned the same transparency at the same setting, the 3200 usually was better--sometimes quite noticably better. It is also supposed to be faster than the 2450.
The big thing for me is the transparency scanning, so I'll focus on that. I've scanned both slides and negatives, and both are great. The color is good, I don't have to sweat bullets in Photoshop trying to salvage the scan, like I have done with previous scanners with so-called "transparency adapters". This scanner puts all the other transparency adapters I've encountered to shame. An awesome transparency adapter, indeed!
However, I have some underexposed Kodachrome slides, so they are always going to be a little more difficult. But, with some tweaking with the bundled Silverfast scanning software, my scans (even on dense, undexposed Kodachrome) have been fine.
I find scanning negatives to be quite nice as well. I get good color on them (especially when using Silverfast). However, this is not a professional level transparency scanner, and it should not be mistaken as such. (It may be surpisingly close to pro-level in some cases, however!)
The only complaint about the Silverfast software (which is a "lite" version) is that it won't scan in 48 bit. But 24 bit mode is OK for me. My file sizes (when scanning a 35 mm transparency) are about 35 to 40 MB at 3200 resolution, 24 bit. This translates to a 14" x 9 1/2" print, at 300 dpi (good resolution setting). It'll yield a much bigger print if set at 150 dpi, obviously. That's more than enough for most people using ink jet printers.
I have been frequenting a message board that has reviews on this scanner, and many professional photographers are also most pleased with this scanner. I'm not at the professional level yet ("serious hobbyist" is more like it) but I can get a bit picky with my photos. But these pro photographers were far pickier than me, and they liked this scanner. Those who were scanning large format negatives (larger than 35 mm) were very pleased with the quality of this scanner, especially for the price. They said that there wasn't that much of a huge difference (at least not several thousand dollars difference) between the 3200 and a high-end thousands-of-dollars professional scanner. Don't get me wrong--you'll still need and want a dedicated "pro" scanner for certain things, but for most people, (even some pros) this scanner more than fills the bill.
I installed it on a Macintosh G4 running OS X.2. Installation was seamless. My Mac loves this scanner! I have it attached to the Firewire port, but it comes with USB as well. I have a lot of RAM loaded on my Mac, and as usual, lots of RAM is recommended when dealing with large graphics files.
I tried the Epson "Scan" software (which will scan in 48 bit) but it's not quite as nice as the Silverfast software. (By the way, Silverfast is considered to be excellent scanning software, and sells for a tidy sum separately.) Epson's software tends to crop the negatives and slides too much when set in "thumbnail" mode. I highly recommend using Silverfast, or just avoiding Epson's "thumbnail" mode. Also, there are several plastic film holders, so your transparencies are kept in place. Very handy.
Also bundled with this scanner is Photoshop Elements 2. This "little brother" to Photoshop is an excellent software package and great if you don't yet have your own graphics software. (I had Photoshop 7 so used that most of the time.) Photoshop Elements will suit most users' needs more than well enough.
I highly recommend this scanner. And apparently, many other (far more experienced) photographers share my viewpoint. Most of the buzz about this scanner is very good.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Epson Perfection 3200 Photo Flatbed Scanner
The Epson Perfection 3200 Photo offers premium quality scanning and the versatility to handle virtually any photography application. With image quality and features comparable to that of more expensive scanners, this high-value performer produces sharp, high-quality results at lightning-fast speeds. It's versatile, as well--it scans everything from negatives, photos, and slides to transparencies, graphics, and text.
Delivering fine 3,200 x 6,400 dpi resolution, the 3200 Photo offers phenomenal clarity and detail, whatever the task at hand. With Epson's ColorTrue II Imaging System and 48-bit scanning, it consistently delivers vivid, true-to-life colors. Combining advanced imaging technology and a powerful software bundle, it provides a complete digital imaging solution. It even includes Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connectivity for Windows and Macintosh systems, plus a convenient built-in 4-by-9-inch transparency adapter. Epson provides a one-year warranty covering parts and service.
What's in the BoxEpson Perfection 3200 Photo Scanner, 4-by-9-inch transparency adapter (built into the scanner lid), 3 film holders (35mm slides, 35mm film strips, and medium format), CD-ROM with Epson Scan scanning software, Productivity Software, Electronic Reference Guide, CD-ROM with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0, CD-ROM with LaserSoft SilverFast SE 6, USB 2.0/1.1 cable, scanner setup poster
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