P3D re: P3D HP Photo Smart scanner

["Dennis W. Wagner" <denniswagner@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael,
    I did some research when the HP Photo Smart scanner first came out -
like you (I suspect), I was interested in a low cost way to scan in
photos and slides from my 3D collection.  I saw a unit demo'd by an HP
rep at my local CompUSA.  Both photos and slides are pulled into the
scanner by a roller system in order to perform the scan -- the CCD
imaging array is stationary.  There may be a lens change when you go
from print to slide mode...I don't recall exactly, but this feature is
what kicks up the resolution to a higher number for slides.  However,
what I don't recall is that the dpi for the slide being so high, 2700
dpi...is this perhaps possible only with "interpolation"?  (I seem to
recall a much lower resolution, perhaps on the order of 600dpi?).
    What I really didn't like about the unit at that time was that for
$500 it was a sheet-feed type of scanner which for me always means
trouble with getting perfectly parallel document (in this case photo)
travel.  Also, although I didn't have a stereo slide with me to try out,
the rep thought that it might be a problem to scan slides in metal
mounts (I mostly use EMDE).
    I finally settled on Minolta Dimage Scan Dual film scanner, and I am
very pleased with it.  The slide carrier can be modified to handle at
least my EMDE and cardboard stereo mounts (extra carriers are available
for $25).  I think that you can buy one of these scanners now for around
$450.  It doesn't do prints, but a  decent (600dpi 36 bit) flatbed
scanner can be had these days for around $100 to $150 (I love my UMAX
Astra 1220S.  Or, you can go "hog wild" on an HP4100 (which I think is
around $200).
    I hope that this helps.
    -Dennis.


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