Professional Photo Scanners

Epson offers the best high-end flatbed photo scanners

On the high end of the price scale are those flatbed scanners dedicated to scanning photos. Scanners of this type offer higher resolution than document scanners and other features to provide the highest scan quality. Reviewers say the Epson Perfection V700 Photo (*Est. $540) and its upgraded line-mate, the Epson Perfection V750-M Pro (*Est. $760) are the best choices for professional photographers and advanced amateurs looking for the ultimate in photo, slide and film scanning.

Both scanners come with a dual-lens system -- one lens scans at 4,800 dpi and the other scans up to 6,400 dpi for larger files. The V750-M Pro scanner's upgrades include a more sensitive optics system, an antireflective coating on the scanbed glass, a high-reflectivity mirror and a fluid mount kit that manually fills dust and scratches, even on monochrome film. The last is a feat that's out of reach for the oft-praised Digital ICE technology.

Both the Epson Perfection V700 scanner and the Epson Perfection V750-M offer professional results, reviewers say, producing top-notch scans from a variety of media. While the fluid-mounting system and slightly better optics of the V750-M lead to an edge in scan quality, reviewers are not convinced the minor improvements are worth the large price difference. Both scanners are excellent at producing scans from prints and transparencies, and both come with a competent package of software and extras.

Reviewers comparing the two scanners say the V750-M has a slight edge in scan quality, but wonder whether it's enough to justify the price difference. They agree that if you're attempting to scan scratched black and white negatives, the Epson V750-M's fluid mount system is the clear choice. Both scanners can be slow at the highest resolutions. If you're scanning scratched black and white negatives, the Epson V750-M is your clear choice, reviewers say; if not, the V700 is the better package.