Hi Alex,
If your budget can accommodate either the Epson V700 or V750 (high-end, small flatbed scanners), then you'll probably find the transparency capabilities as good as any dedicated transparency scanner. The latter devices do exist, but can be very expensive, and are usually restricted to standard photographic formats, which is fine if you only have 35mm negatives and slides. For even less money, you'll still find the V500 quite capable, but depending on how many items you have to digitise and over what period of time, you'll find a flat-bed quite laborious. And these are only A4 of course, so quite restrictive.
I agree with your concerns about using a camera. It's fine if you can afford to purchase a dedicated camera to be placed in a permanent static location where the lighting, position, camera settings are never altered. But if you buy a camera, chances are people will want to use if for other things, and you'll end up wasting time setting things up every time you want to digitise objects. At least with a flatbed, most people won't be interested in using it ;)
Regards, Ben.
-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alex Smith
Sent: 15 February 2013 11:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: large flatbed scanner - advice
Hi there guys,
Thanks so much for the quick response. There are a few reasons to go for the flatbed as far as the discussions we have had here. Although we are not planning to digitise transparencies and film right this second, I would like to know we have bought something that could. But perhaps a smaller high-end scanner would be a better choice for this?
People know how to use them – they are less confident about being asked to use a camera.
Thirdly, I work for a local council and the technology procurement is reallllly painful. Explaining that we want a scanner throws them enough; explaining that we need a DSLR solution to the problem may make their heads explode. However, I do think your right, if there is a better solution than a flatbed then that discussion will have to happen anyway.
Thanks for everyone’s input, I will digest and plan the next steps.
Cheers,
ALex
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