How to Buy an Image Scanner
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Flatbed Scanner
The basic type of scanner that has been around for years is the flat bed image scanner. They vary in size and imaging resolution. The size of the copy glass can be important depending on your need. The size of the copy glass will also allow you to batch scan multiple photographs individually into different image files. The larger the glass the more images you can load at one time. Resolution is also key. If you are just scanning images for the Internet you do not need a high resolution scanner. If you plan to upload images to web galleries like Red Bubble for resale as framed prints, then you do need a high resolution scanner. This is also true if you plan to sell images to stock photo houses. You can easily check what sort of scan resolution is required for specific print resolutions by using the Scan Tips Calculator (see Resources below). - 2
Slide Scanner
If you want to scan 35mm transparencies to digital images you will need a slide scanner. There are flatbed scanners that have transparency scanner options. I have not tested all of these, but the ones I have used performed poorly. If you want to scan transparencies properly, you need a transparency scanner. These range in price from $99 to thousands of dollars, so evaluate your need properly. If you just have a few slides it may be better to send them to a professional service. - 3
Multi Function Scanner
You may already have an image scanner and not know it. Multifunction printers all have image scanning capabilities. When you use your multifunction printer to copy a document, you are really scanning it and printing it. You can also scan it to a file, and using the software for the MFP set the scan resolution. Many devices even allow you to make color corrections during the scan. It is very important when buying a scanner to understand the software that drives it. It is also important to determine which software you will use to access the scanner. If you have Photoshop you may want to use Photoshop to acquire your image, in which case the scanner software may not be important to you. - 4
Document Scanner
Document scanners are really useful for business applications. They allow you to load a number of documents into the document feeder and the scanner will scan and print these automatically or render them to a file automatically. There are limitations on the thickness and condition of the documents you can load into the feed tray. By using OCR (Ocular Character Recognition) software you can also scan text documents and turn these into editable computer documents. - 5
Drum Scanner
Finally, there are very expensive and large drum scanners for business applications. The first scanners were all drum scanners and very expensive. These scanners have the advantage of being able to scan very large documents and images and are used in sign printing and textile applications, to name a few.
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