Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/01/30

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Subject: Re: [Leica] new scanner
From: "Henning J. Wulff" <henningw@archiphoto.com>
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 12:53:12 -0800
References: <20010130160701.CRFR27252.femail11.sdc1.sfba.home.com@[65.1.114.25]>

>  >Tell me does this unit do 4x5 or is it just 120 and 35. Asking as the new
>>Nikon 8000 has a range of 4.2 and ED glass, digital ice and 4000 dpi and is
>>$2995. But if one can get 4x5 added for another Grand then that seems a good
>>Deal.
>>Cheers Wilber
>
>No 4X5.
>35 through 6X9 only
>
>Also, don't take anyone's density range without a large grain of salt!
>I suspect that either of these 2 machines will be good.
>As to their software,well who knows?
>I'd wait and see how each scanner actually performs rather than rely on
>specs.
>
>Henry

The dynamic range of the Polaroid is mentioned to be 3.9, while the 
Nikon's is mentioned to be 4.2. While these numbers are suspect on an 
absolute scale (a very good drum scanner doesn't usually get better 
than 4.1), comparing these to Polaroid's 4000 and Nikon's LS2000 
specs suggest that they use similar enough testing methods that the 
relative values might be indicative. Also, Nikon's Digital ICE has 
been improved, and now includes something called 'Digital ROC' and 
'Digital GEM' which are said to 'restore color' and 'effectively 
reduce grain' respectively.

Until someone gets to test theses side-by-side, which will probably 
happen in the next couple of months, I would pick the Nikon based on 
the lower cost, better dynamic range and interesting software 
additions. All new Nikon scanners also includes the full version of 
Genuine Fractals.

The Coolscan IV sounds like it has slightly better specs and better 
software than the LS2000, and USB support at half the price. Looks 
like Nikon has a winning line-up here, if they can deliver as 
indicated.

- -- 
    *            Henning J. Wulff
   /|\      Wulff Photography & Design
  /###\   mailto:henningw@archiphoto.com
  |[ ]|     http://www.archiphoto.com

In reply to: Message from Henry Ambrose <digphoto@telalink.net> (Re: [Leica] new scanner)