Every once in a while I write a column that opens the floodgates of reader e-mail, and my column about the Epson Perfection V550 recently earned that distinction. In the months to come I will have more information about scanning, archiving and printing.
Here are some of the questions I got:
Q: My father had an Epson Perfection 2840 Photo scanner. He passed away a couple of years ago, and I tasked myself to bring to life all the color positive slides he and my mother had taken. I found the 2840 very poor on scanning slides. If the V550 is as excellent with slides as you professed for the photos, I'm all in. What do you think?
A: I did not scan any color slides or transparencies, but I did scan 35mm and medium-format film negatives and was pleased with the results. The Perfection V550 can scan four mounted 35mm slides or 12 frames of 35mm negatives in a single scan.
The Perfection 2840 was introduced more than 10 years ago. The Perfection V550 has higher resolution and 10 years' worth of hardware and software improvement. You should find it to be dramatically better in all regards. For more detailed info, check out tinyurl.com/v550review and read the Phoblographer's excellent in-depth review of the Perfection V550.
Q: What can you tell me about the Perfection V370 vs. the Perfection V550? It appears that the V370 also can scan multiple photos, slides and negatives, and it is less expensive than the Perfection V550.
A: You are correct. The V370 can scan multiple photos, but it does not have Digital ICE, which automatically corrects problems (such as dust or scratches) in the photographs or negatives. That is a rather critical difference.
After carefully comparing the V370 and V550, I think the easiest way to sum it up is the V370 is a top-of-the-line general purpose consumer scanner, and the V550 is an entry-level photo-enthusiast scanner. The V550 is a more capable, heavier-duty machine.