Is there much difference?

[blacklab]

I am purchasing a new scanner and I was wondering if there was enough difference between 48 bit and 96 to warrant the extra $50.

Thanks

blacklab

[downhill]

blacklab, it just depends on what your plans on using the scanner are for.


The basic part of scanner bit depth is that the higher the bit depth the better the scan. Generally speaking, usually 24 bit is fine for most scans but again the higher the bit depth, the bigger the file. If your scanning slides or transparencies, then usually it's nice to have the ability to scan at higher bit depths for better gamma compensation and better brightness and contrast.

[blacklab]

blacklab, it just depends on what your plans on using the scanner are for.


The basic part of scanner bit depth is that the higher the bit depth the better the scan. Generally speaking, usually 24 bit is fine for most scans but again the higher the bit depth, the bigger the file. If your scanning slides or transparencies, then usually it's nice to have the ability to scan at higher bit depths for better gamma compensation and better brightness and contrast.

Thanks downhill

I am planning on using it for slides and and some negatives. I have thousands of slides and I would like to get them onto a CD.

Looking at the HP Scanjet G4050. I think it will be a good starting unit until I get ready to get serious.

Been looking at the Sony DSCH9 camera to replace my old Cannon F1, so I am not sure how much scanning I will be doing right now.

Kind of makes me sick when I think about paying $1000.00 form my HP Scanjet 6100c, and what I could get now for that money.

blacklab

[downhill]

Looks like the HP you've picked out would be a dandy for slides. 16 at a time would be a huge timesaver. I'll have to bite the bullet and do the same thing someday.

[mountainman]

http://reviews.cnet.com/HP_Scanjet_G4050/4505-3136_7-32304979.html

[blacklab]

That was one review I missed. Others that I read were much kinder. I will probably only use this for slides once in while. When I get serious about converting all my slides and negatives I will buy a scanner specifically for the job.

I expect this scanner to go well with the HP Photosmart D7360 printer I am buying. Probably in a couple of years this technology will be old hat.

blacklab

[blacklab]

Just a bit of an update. I ended up buying the D7630 printer and the G4010 scanner. The only difference I could see between the G4010 and the G4050 is the number of slides and negatives they can scan at one time. I had decided that when I start to scan my negs and slides I will buy a scanner specifically for the job. On prints it is great. I thought I used to get good scans on my 6100c, but this one makes it look sad.

I scanned some pictures in, fixed them up and reprinted them. The quality of the reprints are as good, or better than the original. I am quite pleased with the results from this printer, and I like the six individual ink cartridges. The price of the cartridges are not bad either. Should cut down on the cost of prints.

I printed a picture I took with my digital camera and compared to the scanned ones, well there is no comparison. I have been looking at the 7.1 Meg pixal, 12X Sony. Looks like I better pick it up so I can have a decent picture to print.

Have to check it compared to my laser printer for general text. I know I would have no problem recommending this printer for printing photos. The best I have seen for the price.

blacklab