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Photograph Resources, Tips, Tutorials / SCANNING INSIGHT
« on: Friday 29 September 23 18:08 BST (UK) »
I see and read a lot of comments and questions on here about "scanning" resolution and multiple inquiries about how one can get the best results (or improve their results) from the scanner that they have. Most seem to be using ALL-IN-ONE printer copiers these days. HP is a popular one. No offense or slight is intended for those using better and more expensive scanner hardware and software.
I have been in the business of scanning for over 30 years. I have scanned imagery on large format drum scanners, (Crosfield - UK, DS - Japan and Hell - Germany) to high end flatbeds like Scitex. Very expensive equipment and all cutting edge at the time. With digital photography now the norm, you have very little need or requests for these type of scans (from these scanners) and they have even become hard to find.
Most people are using everyday home office scanners - to mid range flatbeds and some even still invest in the more expensive reflective and slide scanners.
To illustrate the difference between a home scanner scan versus a business professional scan, I have attached two images. One from my home HP Inspire 7200 ALL-IN-ONE scanner printer, and one from my office Epson Expression XL.
Both of these were scanned at 1200 DPI. Both the HP and Epson profess 1200 DPI True Optical resolution (more on that later). Neither full res captures would fit into the 900KB maximum post allowance - so both have been scaled and compressed - making them even more similar for viewing, than they truly are at full size.
You will note that the HP might actually look a little better than the more expensive Epson. That is a bit of an illusion. Although the HP Smart app has Enhanced features in Preference (Auto-Enhancements, Auto-Heal, Auto-Orientation and Flatten Book Pages), I turned them ALL OFF. I wanted its unenhanced capture. So... is the HP better???
Well... the HP cost around 160 dollars (US) and the Epson new was around 4,000 dollars (US). The HP added more contrast and perceived detail (at a lower viewing size), but the Epson is actually much closer to the colors and tone of the original (it was a bit washed and faded). Additionally, when these scans are zoomed in on at the original 1200 DPI resolution, one can see a marked difference in detail.
I will follow up with a section of a scan area in my addendum to this.
I have been in the business of scanning for over 30 years. I have scanned imagery on large format drum scanners, (Crosfield - UK, DS - Japan and Hell - Germany) to high end flatbeds like Scitex. Very expensive equipment and all cutting edge at the time. With digital photography now the norm, you have very little need or requests for these type of scans (from these scanners) and they have even become hard to find.
Most people are using everyday home office scanners - to mid range flatbeds and some even still invest in the more expensive reflective and slide scanners.
To illustrate the difference between a home scanner scan versus a business professional scan, I have attached two images. One from my home HP Inspire 7200 ALL-IN-ONE scanner printer, and one from my office Epson Expression XL.
Both of these were scanned at 1200 DPI. Both the HP and Epson profess 1200 DPI True Optical resolution (more on that later). Neither full res captures would fit into the 900KB maximum post allowance - so both have been scaled and compressed - making them even more similar for viewing, than they truly are at full size.
You will note that the HP might actually look a little better than the more expensive Epson. That is a bit of an illusion. Although the HP Smart app has Enhanced features in Preference (Auto-Enhancements, Auto-Heal, Auto-Orientation and Flatten Book Pages), I turned them ALL OFF. I wanted its unenhanced capture. So... is the HP better???
Well... the HP cost around 160 dollars (US) and the Epson new was around 4,000 dollars (US). The HP added more contrast and perceived detail (at a lower viewing size), but the Epson is actually much closer to the colors and tone of the original (it was a bit washed and faded). Additionally, when these scans are zoomed in on at the original 1200 DPI resolution, one can see a marked difference in detail.
I will follow up with a section of a scan area in my addendum to this.
Not sure if that is what the recorders handwriting letters/writing are. I can NOW recognize what their "fair", "brown" and "black" writing says. Passengers on the same ship from Belgium were given the complexion designation of fair. Just wondering if anyone can figure out what that "goa" (gov) is - or was meant to be.