If you are considering buying a scanner for large format scanning, then you’re going to want to take all things into consideration before you make a decision.
If you are considering buying a scanner for large format scanning, then you’re going to want to view all of your options before you make a decision. Be cautious, as the spec sheets don’t always tell the entire story. One of the very first aspects of large format scanning that you would typically consider is resolution. However, the problem with resolution is that it’s a very active topic. Just because the resolution is higher doesn’t always mean it’s better. Let’s take a look at overall image quality, and determine what’s suitable and fit for your planned large format scanning. Here are some features to consider.
Optical Resolution
For large format scanning, this typically ranges from 400 to 1200 dots per inch. This represents the capability of the scanner to view image details and is related to both the imaging technology and the quality of the components used. This kind of specification is often the first number that buyers like to use to compare scanners and their image quality abilities. However, a higher “dots per inch” doesn’t automatically mean better images.
Optics
Just like in photography, scanned image quality depends mightily on lends quality. If you use a lens that isn’t explicitly designed for scanning resolution, there will be various problems, from uneven sharpness to technical errors and color fringing. Keep this in mind when considering large format scanning.
Color Bit Depth
This involved the range of colors the scanner can capture or process into image files. Some color scanners can capture 24-bit color, and others can capture up to 48 bits. A lot of CCD-bases scanners can capture 48-bit image data. Be careful, though – capture doesn’t mean use. The best quality scanners can both capture AND process 48-bit color image data. This allows for maximum precision and vibrant, sharp color.
Accuracy
While reporting a scanner’s geometric precision, the industry has stabilized on a set standard of 0.1% (or 99.9% accurate) plus/minus one pixel. Since there is no real standard to measure this accuracy (because its usually just left to right and top to bottom edges), it’s hard to indicate the precision that’s shown with this number. Real accuracy only exists when this measurement applies to any hiccup between any two points in the document.
Keep these features in mind when looking for a scanner to produce some large format scanning in the future. Whether it’s for business documents, engineering or graphic design, large format scanning can only be performed at its best when these features are all evaluated thoroughly.
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