Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Conclusions and Recommendations
Canoscan 5000F
HP ScanJet 5550c
Microtek Scanmaker
6800
Epson Perfection 3200
Works Cited

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MICROTEK SCANMAKER 6800

In this section I will discuss the features of the Microtek ScanMaker 6800 (see Figure 4).

FIGURE 4

Microtek ScanMaker 6800 Scanner

(Image source: http://www.microtekusa.com/)

Features include:

• Integrated 4” x 5” transparency adapter
• Resolution: 2400 dpi
• Max document size of 8.5” x 11.7”
• Interface: Hi-speed USB or FireWire
• Digital ICE for photo prints from ASF to fix surface defects, as well as remove dust and lint; one touch photo restoration
• Software: Integrated Digital ICE for photo prints, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Microtek ScanWizard 5, Microtek LAN Wizard network scanning software, Microtek Smart-touch button software, Integrated ABBYY FineReader Print, Kodak Digital Science color manager, Ulead Photo Explorer
• 5 Smart-touch buttons: Scan, Copy, Email, OCR, and Scan-to-Web
• Estimated street price: $399

The feature that makes this scanner stand out from the rest is its implementation of Applied Science Fiction’s Digital ICE technology. It is used to touch up photo prints and repair damage such as cracks and creases and marks (see Figure 5). However, it cannot apply Digital ICE to transparencies. This technology used to only be applied to dedicated film scanners, and the Microtek 6800 is the first scanner to apply it to photo prints. In reference to the Digital ICE, Jantz says, “…the results were very impressive. It did a terrific job at repairing color prints with various gouges and creases, as well as lesser imperfections” (“Microtek”).

FIGURE 5

Before and After Digital ICE Pictures

(Image source: http://www.asf.com)

It has a small light box on the top to preview film before it’s scanned. This is the first scanner I researched that also had FireWire capabilities. It comes with the FireWire hook up as well as a FireWire board so it can be put to use. According to Jantz though, scanning was slow, even with the FireWire. To implement the Digital ICE technology the scan head has to make two passes, so that doubles the already long scan time.

He was also not impressed with the design of the guide that is used to place the transparencies on the glass. “Unlike the rigid plastic film holders provided with many models, the 6800 comes with a thin black template. Other than using tape to secure the film in place, there's no sure way to keep transparencies from sliding around on the smooth glass, which can sometimes happen when you lower the lid” (Jantz, “Microtek”).

The Microtek ScanMaker 6800 has the ability to save pictures in 48-bit format, as well as scan to PDF files and batch-scan multiple images. The scan quality was not as good as some scanners on its default settings, however this can easily be adjusted in the ScanWizard 5 driver. This scanner was given 4 stars out of 5. See Table 4 on the next page for the results of the scan test.

TABLE 4

Microtek ScanMaker 6800 PC World Scan Test Results