Re: About Scanning For Printing

["M. Denis Hill" <Denis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Enalpria44@xxxxxxx wrote:

> Should I send the negs/slides out for hi-res scanning on CD-ROM, or is there a
> scanner (priced within reason) that can reach high enough resolution to
> output, say 14" wide prints on my printer, with acceptable resolution?

You must consider several factors:

1. What size/type originals will you scan? If you start with a 4x10"
transparency, you won't need a really high resolution scanner, but
you'll need one that handles transparencies. If you are shooting 24x66mm
transparencies (or negs), you'll need more resolution.

2. In addition to resolution, you must consider the bit depth of color.
Greater scanning bit depth can result in less "noise" and better color
in your scans.

3. If you are shooting transparencies, the density range and maximum
density (D max) becomes really critical. My inexpensive desktop scanner
handles transparencies, but it's limited D max and range make it useless
for some 4x5 transparencies with a lot of dark content.

4. The price of scanners seems to get lower by the day. Two caveats,
though. I'd steer clear of the ones that attach to the parallel port. Go
with SCSI or USB. And keep the SCSI cable clear of power cords! I've
heard of picking up noise from crossed cables and I had an ongoing
problem with my software failing to find the scanner until I rearranged
the cables.

For the size output you plan, it's possible to find commercial scans
that are not too expensive, but be sure to mention that you want RGB,
not CMYK color. Scanning for printing presses involves a compressed
color gamut. 

One advantage of this route is that the operators have the experience
and expertise to get a good scan from your shot, not to mention the
really expensive equipment. On the other hand, you are willing to invest
more time in the process than they will. In any event, having some good
commercial scans done will give you a benchmark against which to measure
your own scanning skills.

-- 
M. Denis Hill	mailto:denis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The Hill Group	http://www.thehillgroup.com
Marketing communications: writing, editing, photography
949-366-1641 San Clemente, California, USA