Mel,
You don't describe what you need to scan, how large that material may be, or whether it is transparent or opaque (or both); all are further, definitional requirements when sourcing equipment.
I would advise against a 'multi-purpose' device, or devices designed for 'business document scanning' and/or fitted with a mechanical feed. Those are intended for copying reams of correspondence or large business documents. They also tend to be limited in resolution to 600 dpi.
Otherwise, most flatbed scanners and film scanners will have an optical resolution ≥ 2400 dpi (well beyond your 600 dpi requirement).
If you will be imaging film, compare scanners designed for that process, rather than a flatbed scanner with LEDs in the lid.
Compare models produced by optics and/or pre-press firms: Nikon, Epson, Canon, Kodak, et al. (They've done the R&D.) If you don't require a scanning bed larger than A4, you will likely find a device for ≤ $200. If you require a larger imaging bed, or if you require a film scanner, costs will be significantly higher. But with proper care a well-designed device will serve you for several (5+) years (at least), and should be considered a fixed asset.
much success!
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Kevin Coffee
Chicago IL
Original Message:
Sent: 11-23-2015 04:59 PM
From: Mel Glover
Subject: Scanners
Hello everyone.
I am strongly considering purchasing a good scanner for our institution and I was hoping for some advice. I'm the new superintendent of a moderately-old, smallish museum. We've been running along fairly well under past leadership but I'd like to move us a little further along the professional spectrum. I want to start producing some of our own graphics in-house, and I'd very much like to migrate our photos into an electronic format.
-I'd like to be able to scan items of ledger-size and smaller.
-We need 600 dpi quality.
-I'd like something that's at least somewhat hardy enough to withstand a little rough handling.
-I don't need a ton of whistles-and-bells but I also want decent quality and capabilities.
-I don't want to go the cheapest route, but budget is a real consideration.
-Our museum has a smallish archives but absolutely nothing so far is scanned and we need to rectify that.
-I'd be willing to look into such hybrid options as scanner/copiers.
I'd be happy to hear any advice or considerations you might have. I'm certain that there's something that I've neglected from the above list and if you think of anything I need to consider please don't hesitate to mention it. Thanks in advance!
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Mel Glover
Superintendent
Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum
Douglas WY
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