In today’s world, reproducing documents has become something of a necessity. This is a scanner has thus become something of a household name.

It is the only device that can optically scan images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and convert it to a digital image.

According to Patel Vijay, a computer appliance dealer, there are many scanners in offices but their differences lie in their uses.

Therefore when making a choice for a scanner, the purpose needs to be considered before the purchase.

The flatbed scanner
 
This is a common type of optical scanner that consists of a flat surface on which you lay documents to be scanned. These are particularly effective for clear documents. They scan original artwork or a photograph.

Some latest models may come with a transparency adapter which allows scanning slides or negatives. Most models can scan up to A3 in size from original artwork with transparencies and high resolutions capabilities. Look for Epson Professional Scanner, Hewlett Packard or Canon.

Film scanner

This could be the answer for creating large images to print. It scans the film instead of the prints. With the use of charge-coupled device technology, multi-format transparency scanners allow you to scan everything from 35mm slides all the way up to 4 x 5 inches. 

This film scanner is superior because it scans film using the original image as opposed to generating a second copy. Thus the outcome is more detailed with better colour contrast. The film scanners do need large images to print large at high scaled resolution. Film scanners give large images while retaining very good image quality.

Drum scanner

This is not suitable for some original artwork as it can damage, but it is capable of extremely high quality results. Drum scanners overcome most colour resolution problem but even with these if you over-enlarge the image some colour quality will be lost.

However its capacity in reproducing pictures is better as a result of its ability to capture a wider range of colours. Once purchased, software can be upgraded to improve further performance.

Digital scan back

Is a type of digital camera with a scanner for capturing images using the matrix of a light-sensitive sensor. The back fits onto large format camera, scanning directly onto a computer interface.

The scan back is the most expensive option and used mostly by professional photographers. The main advantages of this technology are the extremely high image quality and the large size of resulting files.

This translates to very accurate colour reproduction, because every pixel is measured individually. It is possible to print very large sizes without loss of detail, previously only available to large format cameras.

However, the downside of capturing images this way is the amount of time it takes. Even at the fastest speed, the time taken to make a complete exposure is measured in seconds or minutes.

It has to be taken literally thousands of times making it very inappropriate for moving targets, such as sports, nature, or city life, and is practically restricted to still life, art reproduction, and landscapes. A digital scan back also requires precise focusing.

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