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Are you having a hard time trying to decide on what kind of scanner to buy? Here are some scanner samples you can choose from.

There are different types of scanners. A flatbed scanner is used to convert any printed or reasonably flat material, such as photographs, into digital image. A document scanner is used to create digital records of a range of documents, especially for paper office documents. The film scanner enables you to scan film.

Canon CanoScan 8400F is a flatbed scanner with 3,200 dots per inch (dpi) optical resolution. It has four buttons located on the front part that automates some scanning function. The connection is via USB 2.0. It scans an actual area of 8.5 inch by 11.2 inch. Its transparency adaptor can scan one strip of medium-format film. It offers two modes, simple and advanced. Of course, the advanced mode produces the better scan. For $150 you get a very quiet scanner. However, it does not have the ability to reproduce a long tonal scale and it only works with Windows XP.

Another flatbed scanner is the Epson Perfection 4870 PHOTO with specs that call for 4,870 dpi. It has a transparency adaptor that will scan 35 mm or medium format film, either negatives or slides. This one offers three modes, full auto mode, home mode and preview mode. The full auto mode is the simplest and easiest. The home mode offers you eight different types of originals and allows you to set your resolution and image type. The preview mode allows you to manipulate your image with few limited adjustments. It's compatible with Kodak Digital ICE Technology. You get a fast scanner for only $450.

For $600, you can have a Microtek ScanMaker i900 with 5-inch by 14-inch scanning bed. This flatbed uses a dual-scan technology for scanning film. It connects via FireWire or USB 2.0. It comes with ScanWizard Pro software and uses ICE technology, a very good tool for photographers.

Super Coolscan 5000 ED is a 4,000 dpi film scanner with a new light source and a new ED lens. It offers an 8-bit mode and Scan Image Enhancement technology, and incorporates fourth-generation ICE technology. This one can give you a clean scan for a price of $1,050.

If you need a scanner that will enable you to scan an old film, use the Microtek ArtixScan 120tf. This film scanner is similar to Nikon 9000 ED and can scan medium-format film up to 6 cm by 9 cm. Only, it does not have the ICE technology. It has SilverFast software that offers smart removal defects (SRD). You can connect it through a Firewire or SCSI-2.

Imacon Flextight 646 is a high performance machine that will give you a high quality scan for a high price of $9,995. It comes with FlexColor software and has no ICE technology. It requires the highest level of operator skill. This scanner picks up every flaw in your film.

In choosing a scanner, consider your budget and the features the scanner offers. Your scanned images will tell the tale.