<p>David H - I think you're right, in so far as my expectations (what I say I need) are quite high, whereas my reality (the budget I have) is rather low. Perhaps this dissonance is why I'm struggling to find the right scanner for me. On the other hand, I just picked up a Canonscan FS2720U for $35 - budget, check; quality, check. So, working below a $600 price range is certainly not out of the question! In fact, I've seen several of the Coolscan (Nikon's rather amazing 35mm scanners) in the $4-700 range as well.</p>
<p>Does anyone have experience with the Canoscan? How do we think this FS2720U will bode?</p>
<p>Phil - the fact that your Coolscan is doing better numbers than your OpticFilm 8200i is insane. Just goes to show - timeless quality can't be beat. I'm really hoping to scoop a Coolscan myself. If I only plan to scan: 35mm; color; negative; and for the purpose of large enlargements - it really does seem ideal. Open to any objections, though.</p>
<p>Which scanner is allowing you to scan at 7200? I'm interested in scanning at high resolution and down sampling, as you say. </p>