Re: Scan resolution requirements for postcards

[Charles Tait <charles.tait@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi there

Although you may think that a flatbed scan of a print will be OK, it is
completely the wrong way to go for pre-press of images for several
reasons.  You will lose information at the trannie to print and at the
flatbed scan stage which is irretrievably gone.  The DMax will be in the
low 3's also, and scanning artefacts are highly likely with many shots.

The best thing is to have your printer scan on his 0.5 million pound
scanner.  Mine scans at 305.9 dpi and printing is at something over
200dpi.  If you supply an inkjet print or an Ilfochrome as an idea of
the final result, or ask to doctor the scans yourself then you are
likely to reach the ideal result.

Beware the latter however unless you and the printer have gotten
everything calibrated the same, especially if you use PC and they use
Macs as is common.  Just try getting files to look the same in Photoshop
and QuarkXPress, especially .eps files - they will be different.

Much the best is to get a good working relationship with your printer
such that their scanner man and printers all know that you are into just
such a quality - they really appreciate it when their work is praised
and will go that extra mile just to get it in my experience.

All that said I am considering an Imacon scanner - but operated via a
Mac I fear.

Charles