Scanner recommendation...

January 15, 2007 9:27 AM

Seeking best flatbed scanner >$300 suitable for portfolio scanning...

I am in the process of scanning in my print design portfolio, and my cheapo canon is cranking out god-awful warped/blotchy scans. I'm basically looking for the most well built, precise, even scanner for under ~$300. I don't need any film scanning capabilities, just quality flatbed scans so I don't have to go buck wild in photoshop every time. Are the mid-range Epsons still where it's at? Designers, what are you using as your home scanner? (running power PC mac OS X)

posted by lovejones to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

I use an Epson 4870 and it's a very nice scanner, although I did buy it mainly to scan MF negs.
posted by jedrek at 9:28 AM on January 15, 2007

Best answer: I recently bought the Canon Canoscan 9950F because it was a top-rated scanner in every set of reviews I could find online, and it's wonderful, but at $399, it doesn't match your price range.

The cheaper model, however, the 8400F, is only $149.
posted by Robot Johnny at 9:40 AM on January 15, 2007

Best answer: I love the Epson Perfection scanners. I got my 4990 on sale for under $300. Looks like the price of mine went up, but you can still get the 4490 for your budget. Very happy with the quality, and I scan things in all the time that end up going into my printed designs so that's a big deal for me.
posted by miss lynnster at 9:53 AM on January 15, 2007