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- Introduction{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Flatbed Scanners{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Document Scanners{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Slide Scanners{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
Tips on using scanners
Multifunction printers include a printer, copier, scanner and (sometimes) fax capabilities in one machine. If you need a scanner only occasionally and are also interested in a printer upgrade, multifunction printers can be space savers. Please check our companion report on multifunction printers for more information.
Most scanners come with photo-editing software, but you may ultimately prefer something more robust. We have a separate report on photo-editing software. Keep in mind that there's a lot of free photo-editing software out there. One open-source alternative, the GIMP (GNU image manipulation program) is a free cross-platform download that performs most of the operations associated with industry leader Adobe Photoshop, but with less automation.
The Our Sources section of this report lists the best places to research new models.
ScanDig, a site translated from German, has a good article with buying advice for film scanners.
The article "All-in-One Printers; Versatile, But Good Enough For Photographers?" on Shutterbug.com weighs the pros and cons of all-in-one printers for use by professional photographers.
The article "How to Buy a Scanner" at PC World is dated, but the information presented on the most important points to consider when making a purchase is still relevant to today's scanner market.
The article "New Life for Old Photos" at Macworld explains how to restore aging prints and negatives.
Newegg.com has a helpful primer on the different types of scanners.
There's some fun information at HowStuffWorks.com about scanners.
