14 DAY TRIAL // It's been quite a busy week in the area of photo-dedicated electronic devices, as several of the most important manufacturers of such products (namely Canon, Epson and Nikon) got engaged in an all-out launch frenzy, releasing just about everything you might think of, from high-end DSLRs to multi-function machines and scanners. And that's exactly the type of device we'll talk about as follows, namely Epson's V500 Photo scanner, a device that provides users with an enhanced level of efficiency, as well as a scanning resolution of up to 6400 dpi.
Besides the very high resolution (remember, this is optical, not software), the device has also been fitted with a built-in transparency unit (TPU) with a moving carriage and lamp optimized for scanning multiple 35mm negatives, slides and medium-format film. The scanner can handle up to four mounted slides or two film strips up to 12 total frames, or medium format film of 2-1/4", 120/220 and 6 x 12 cm.
Another important selling point of the V500 is the fact that it incorporates the energy-efficient ReadyScan LED technology, which eliminates warm- up times both when turning on the scanner and when switching back-and-forth between reflective and film scanning. Moreover, since the LED is more efficient than cold cathode fluorescent lamps, users get fast scan speeds. The ReadyScan LED also adjusts color of the light source based on the type of original being scanned, using white light for positive film and blue light for negative film, to produce precise and efficient scans. Additionally, the mercury-free LEDs are friendly to the environment.
Since it's presented as a dedicated photo scanner, it's no wonder that the Epson V500 Photo includes two powerful complete photo restoration solutions, namely the Digital ICE and Epson Easy Photo Fix technologies. As some of you might know, Digital ICE is an innovative technology that easily removes the appearance of dust and scratches from film, eliminating the need for costly photo retouching services to get the best results, while the Epson Easy Photo Fix restores faded color photos, slides and negatives back to their original brilliance with one click.
"The Epson Perfection V500 Photo is an ideal solution for advanced amateur photographers, graphic designers and other creative consumers who are looking for a scanner that delivers professional quality scans and productivity at an affordable price," said Grace Huang, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. "This scanner has the superior performance of a high- end commercial lab scanner, yet is designed to accommodate varying skill levels, whether for in-house use, the professional studio or small office. The scanner is yet another example of Epson's unyielding commitment to deliver the optimal combination of technology, quality and value."
The V500 Photo Scanner retails for around $249.99 (which is, theoretically, under 250 bucks, so the company's claim is, to some point, quite correct). The price tag is quite a fair one, considering the fact that several Epson models that provide inferior resolutions are a lot more expensive.
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