Epson 4990 compared to v700 (and v750)?

<p>Hi,<br /> <br /> It is finally time to say good bye to my trusty old Epson 3200 flatbed scanner.<br /> <br /> But which scanner to buy now? Epson 4990 is quite cheap but old. Epson v700 is expensive but really good. v750 is out of budget.<br /> <br /> I have done <a href="http://jukkavuokko.com/public/epson3200vsV700/" target="_blank">quick test between my 3200 and v700</a> that I had access.<br /> The result is clear. v700 is way better than my old scanner. In both, sharpness and dense areas.<br /> <br /> My main need for scanner is to get MF and LF B&W negatives to web, which can be done perfectly with old 3200. The 3200 has dmax around 2.9 and typical negative has densest highlight somewhere around 1.8<br /> <br /> I also have to scan all my MF color work for printing. This does not happen very often but this is where my 3200 really sucks. Actually I think that reason why I haven't done much color MF photography for couple of years is simple because I cannot get good scans from them.<br /> For LF, I don't even think color slides before I have decent scanner.<br /> <br /> Now I am asking have anyone done similar test between 4990 and v700/v750 that I have done between 3200 and v700.<br /> <br /> If such test exist, it would show clearly how much difference there is between 4990 and v700.<br /> <br /> I have google'd a lot. There are comparisons, but I have found a single one where dense areas are compared and shown. Usually the sample pictures are also so tiny that it's hard to judge anything.<br /> <br /> Thanks!<br /> <br /> Jukka</p>

<p>I found this website very helpful when researching scanners. I went with the V750 and have been very happy with it - even 35mm negs look great. My medium and large format scans are stunning. I also really like the film holders for medium and large format film. The 35mm holders can be troublesome if your film is a bit curled.</p>

<p>http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Epson%20V750/page_1.htm</p>

<p>Alex</p>

 

<p>Hi Alex,<br>

Photo-i reviews give a lot of good information. The only thing that is really missing is comparison of shadow areas of the color slide film.<br>

Unfortunately that is what I am looking for.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I found this scanner comparison study to be very thorough in showing their differences from highlights to shadow detail.</p>

<p>http://www.largeformatphotography.info/scan-comparison/</p>

<p>Check out the Microtek Artxscan M1 the newest flatbed entry.</p>

<p>Where are you finding a 4990 for cheap? The few remaining ones (it's now discontinued) sell for just about as much as the newer models.</p>

<p>I'll check the link, Tim.</p>

<p>Michael, I don't find any new 4990. But used 4990 are cheap when compared to v700.</p>