For many objects it will be considerably quicker to make a scan of the object directly on top of a flatbed scanner.

This saves the hassle of setting up a photography table, lights, tripod, and all that effort.

Notice how the flatbed scanner captures the lavender of the dress of the tallest rabbit.

The lavender is washed out in the snapshot (taken with a Nikon CoolPix 950 digital camera). The flatbed scanner records the 3-dimensional detail fully. If the Internet would allow sending the enlarged photograph then you could see that the scanner has done a professional job of capturing the entire figure with a full depth of field.

Each figure is about 3 cm high (over an inch high) and are correspondingly thick.

If you aspire to professional quality scans, for repro, prepress, or comparable needs, then you ought to consider a professional scanner which can handle 3-D objects as well as doing an equally exceptional job scanning your 4x5 chromes. This large flatbed scanner can also handle 40 35mm slides in a single scan.

Which scanner is this? The FujC-550 Lanovia from FujiFilm Electronic Imaging, ffei.co.uk .

To scan 3-D objects you have two options. Set up a professional photo studio and use a large format scanner such as Better Light or PhaseOne, or simply set the objects on a Fuji C-550 Lanovia flatbed scanner and press the Go button. The advantage of the flatbed scanner solution is that it requires no additional equipment, no setup of studio lamps, no backdrop, and quick arrangement.

Obviously certain sizes, shapes, and weights of objects are more appropriate for the professional photo studio. You cannot photograph a model or other fashion shot on top of a flatbed scanner. But thousands of objects exist that can conveniently be placed on the surface of the flatbed scanner.

The advantage of the Lanovia over other flatbed scanners is its size. Whereas other scanners are restricted to 11x17 inches A3 format, the C-550 Lanova flatbed scanner can handle prints up to 47 x 35 cm.