Comparisons scanning the same object with a mid-range flatbed scanner and then with a high-end flatbed scanner.

The better scanner definitely resulted in a clearly superior image in every respect. In color fidelity, in depth of focus, in detail, in software and hardware, the Fuji C-550 Lanovia is a flatbed scanner you should learn more about.

Results of scanning 3D object on
Fujifilm C-550 Lanovia

This is a scan of Baby Blue with a good mid-range scanner (circa $2,000).

Here is a scan of the same object with a high-end scanner. The differences are rather noticeable.

The colors are better; the lighting is superior, and you can see all the details in the weaving.

You get what you pay for. If you select a better scanner, you definitely get better scans.

We are now deeper into the test of the super new Creo s canner that just arrived for testing.

A Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 2800CP and an EFI Fiery RIP arrived the same week, so our team is rather occupied with wonderful new equipment.

We would have done more evaluation of the Fuji Lanovia C-550 but they did not have a model which they could send to our own facility. It is not realistic to do a thorough test if we have to go to a far-away office every day. Since Creo immediately sent their EverSmart Supreme directly to our office, we now know a lot more about Creo scanners than about the Fuji.

The Fuji Lanovia, however, is also sold by Agfa as their Agfascan XY-15. This Agfascan is the most popular prepress scanner in Guatemala, so if we can obtain a demo unit on loan at our office in Guatemala this summer, perhaps we can tell you more about the Agfa version of the scanner.

Creo EverSmart Supreme 5000 dpi flatbed scanner just arrived at the FLAAR office in Essen, Germany. We will test Baby Blue on this fabulous new scanner shortly.

In the above test the high-end scanner was not set anywhere near its full optical capacity of 5000 dpi since obviously this quality cannot be presented on the Internet. In other words, even with low dpi, a high-quality scanner produces better results than the same dpi of an economical scanner. Why ? How ?

Because there is no vibration in the professional scanner to shake the image out of register. Put your hand over your own scanner when it is scanning. Can you feel all that vibration ? Imagine how this vibration is knocking your image out of synch.

The most expensive scanner may not mean the best scanner. You have to measure cost-effectiveness. Is the extra price based on better quality equipment, or just because the brand name is famous?

Your clients will never see the name brand on your scanner, but they will definitely see the resulting scan. For this reason, it makes sense to select the flatbed scanner that will produce optimal scans for your investment.

Best way to ascertain which is the best scanner for your own needs is to keep reading. We recently tested this remarkable scanner and certainly were positively impressed. Once you see what a professional scanner can do for your images, you will never, ever, be satisfied with the scans from a lesser flatbed scanner.

Fujifilm originally had three classes of scanners: an outstanding drum scanner, a top of the line C-550 flatbed (my absolute favorite since it could do 3-D objects too), and two FineScan models.

At PhotoPlus 2003, and again at an early 2004 trade show in the US, the word on the street was that Fujifilm was backing out of flatbed scanners.
When we heard this from three sources, we naturally assumed this was the situation, especially considering the statements were very specific.

Thus during May, at DRUPA 2004, a huge prepress trade show in Germany, we were pleasantly surprised to meet a team of Fujifilm scanner people that were showcasing their FineScan 2750XL and Lanovia Quattro professional flatbed scanners.

Since FLAAR is a photography institute for over 30 years, and since we are now also dedicated to fine art reproduction, we are directly and personally interested in any scanner that can handle 35mm, medium format, and large format. We also cover scanning for prepress, proofing, creatives in graphic design, and in-house design departments relative to our emphasis on input for wide format inkjet printers such as Epson. Thus we are considering updating our coverage of the Fujifilm FineScan models as soon as we can have one for in-house testing at our university. So return to this page later in the summer in case we have a Fujifilm scanner by that time.