Microtek ScanMaker i800

It has been a while since I broke out my 4x5 view camera. A few years ago it went everywhere with me. My girlfriend, who is now my wife use to complain about how I always brought the camera with us on every little trip. Sure it is big and sometimes inconvenient but it takes great pictures. Now that I have truly converted over to the digital age I don’t use the camera as much. However I do have a large pile of 4x5 transparencies and negatives.

I would like to convert these images to digital files but I want to make sure the scan is top notch. Plus finding an inexpensive 4x5 film scanner has been no easy task. But that might have just changed.

Microtek just started to ship the ScanMaker i800. It is a high resolution reflective and transparency scanner. The scanner can facilitate an 8x10 format negative or transparency. The major concern I have with cheap film scanners is the Dmax and true scan resolution. This scanner claims to have a 4.0 Dmax to look deep in the shadows of a transparency and a optical scanning resolution up to 4800 x 9600 pixels. That is not bad considering it is only a $400 scanner. As you would expect the scanner comes with some pretty cool software to improve your scan. The scanner is available now at most major camera shops.

Check out the details below.

Microtek ships ScanMaker i800 with professional photo and film scanning capabilities

Microtek USA, Carson, Calif., USA, is shipping the ScanMaker i800, a high-resolution scanner that combines professional features, versatility, power and convenience, says the company. The unit can handle multiple film sizes including 24 frames of 35mm filmstrips, 12 mounted 35mm slides, two 4-by-5-inch transparencies, and medium format up to 6-by-17cm panoramic. With a maximum film scanning area of 8-by-12-inch the i800 accepts large-format film and contact sheets as well.

The scanner, which features 4800-by-9600 dpi optical resolution and a 4.0 Dmax, allows users to create poster-size images from photos and film. The ScanMaker i800 also features a large 8.5-by-14-inch reflective scanning area to accommodate legal-size documents and batch scanning of photos.

The ScanMaker i800 includes Microtek's exclusive EZ-Lock Film Holders with spring-actuated tension grips (patent pending) for 4-by- 5-inch and medium-format film to keep film perfectly flat for clear, focused scans from edge to edge. The ScanMaker i800 also comes equipped with Microtek's exclusive PictuRescue system with Kodak Digital ICE Technology and ColorRescue. With the touch of one button, the software removes creases, dust and scratches from faded photographs and film. Microtek's ColorRescue automatically restores faded color.

The ScanMaker i800 is priced at $399.99 SRP and is compatible with Windows or Macintosh. For more information about Microtek or any of its products, visit www.microtekusa.com.