Scanners And Scanning

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Scanners And Scanning

I have a question about scanning resolution, but I've made the subject for this thread into a more general one, so that any scanning discussion can be put here.

My question is this:

If your scanner's specifications say that it can scan up to 2400 x 4800 dpi, but the settings that you can click on only go as high as 600dpi - how would you go about accessing anything higher than the 600dpi?

Like most "manuals" these days, there's no instructions in the "manual" to explain how to do it. (Or if there is, I can't find it!)

Any help would be appreciated!

I think it's a common mistake. It means that you can scan "up to" 2400 x 4800 pixels total.
In 600dpi you'll get 4 x 8 inches.
In 300dpi you'll get 8 x 16 inches.

Thanks for that simple, concise explanation, Ducky. So why can't the scanner manufacturers just say that?

Oh, "2400 x 4800 dpi" sounds much better than "2400 x 4800 px" smiley

It's a bit misleading, though, Ducky - especially if, like me, you don't actually know what it means, but think it sounds great when you're in the market for a new scanner!

I agree. The problem is that so many peopple don't understand. Try searching google for "2400 x 4800 dpi", and you'll be amazed.

When searching for a new scanner decide what you want to scan. This will determin the resolution of the scanner.
When I look at new scanners I always look at the numbers, 300, 600, 1200, etc. first. If the scanner information does not state the dpi I just don't get it. I like scaning pictures at least 1200 dpi. If the picture was not the greatest the higher resolution does offer more to work with when editing the picture. If the picture is going on the web, I reduce the dpi first, but save the original. Never know when I could use the image again.

I did what Ducky suggested, and asked Uncle Google for some help, and I came across THIS PAGE, which looks quite interesting. (I've bookmarked this site to go back to for a proper read later.)

Great tips. Any consumer must learn a little these days. When searching for a scanner, set your minimum requirements and start there.

Nice site to help understand scanners. Thank you