SilverFast is a third-party scan utility that's available for a large number of scanners. The one difference from most models is that the only software it comes with is Epson Scan, which is Epson's own scan utility, and Lasersoft Imaging Inc.'s SilverFast SE 8, which is the light version of SilverFast Ai Studio 8.

However, setting it up is standard for a USB-connected scanner. The difference in scan quality isn't a lot, mostly because the Epson V700 is already so good, but it's enough to be noticeable.īasics, Setup, and Scanning TheV800 weighs 14 pounds 10 ounces and measures 6 by 12.1 by 19.8 inches (HWD), making it bigger and heavier than most flatbeds. The improvements are incremental-like the change to an LED light source to essentially eliminate warm-up time-but they translate to faster, still-higher-quality scans. But where the Epson V700's performance is excellent, the V800 is better. It offers many of the same features, including a claimed 6,400-pixel-per-inch (ppi) optical resolution and a 4.0 Dmax rating, which promises the ability to distinguish small changes in shading over the full range from white to black, particularly for shadow detail (details based on shading in dark areas). The V800 ($899.00 at Amazon) is the next-generation version of the highly regarded Epson Perfection V700 Photo ($1,084.20 at Amazon), which it is in the process of replacing.

More important, it delivers enough to make it our Editors' Choice for a top-quality film scanner, particularly for prosumers. You don't have to look any further than the price to know that it's aimed at serious photographers who insist on high-quality scans.

It can handle both positive and negative film (including slides) in sizes ranging from 35mm to as large as 8 by 10 inches. Although the Epson Perfection V800 Photo ($739.99) is a flatbed scanner-and can scan photographic prints- its real value is as a film scanner.

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