I use an Epson V33 which serves me well but for all practical purposes any modern flatbed scanner will probably serve the purpose for the casual to intermediate collector who wishes to digitize their collection - whether its a scanner built into a multifuncion device or a standalone product.
Before I purchased my V33 I also used a flatbed off an Epson Multifunction Inkjet, and while the scans from the standalone are better, the difference is negligible.
In the end, the quality of the final image will largely depend on user input when it comes to final level and sharpening adjustment and so in my opinion its more important to have a monitor which displays accurate color as well as contrast, rather than having an expensive scanner (so as to allow the user to make correct and appropriate adjustments).
Years ago when everyone had CRT Monitors and color standards were something only professionals worried about, accurate color management was a pipe dream for most. Today, however, with advances in display technology such as IPS LCD panels that display nearly 100% of the color gamut with very good accuracy (and stand head and shoulders over older ccfl or led backlit TN panels), is possible for even the layman to view and edit his images on an objective and reliable display.
Just my .02.
-P.Bear
PS:
An example from my V33 (should be 1600px wide)
Posted 09/30/2011 09:12 am
