Intro
This scanner from Canon is a flatbed scanner, which can also scan film. Yes, that means you can scan your old negatives! Of course, if you don’t need to, don't let that put you off this scanner. This is one of Canon's mid-range scanners, higher models have better film scanning.
Installation ... Read review
Advantages: Fast, film scanning, high resolution Disadvantages: poor film scanning, no standby button
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This scanner from Canon is a flatbed scanner, which can also scan film. Yes, that means you can scan your old negatives! Of course, if you don’t need to, don't let that put you off this scanner. This is one of Canon's mid-range scanners, higher models have better film scanning.
Installation of this scanner was a breeze. First, you have to unpack the scanner. Whilst this may seem like a minor point, it does actually take ... ...had no problems or complaints. Canon rate this scanner with 48 bit colour depth, which is useful for scanning film. The scanner has a very high resolution - It can scan documents up to 1600x3200 dpi, and film upto 3200x6400 dpi! That’s more resolution than you'll ever need to be honest, and compares to much more expensive scanners.
Ease of use
=========
Personally, I find this scanner a breeze to use. It comes with 4 ... more
Intro === This scanner from Canon is a flatbed scanner, which can also scan film. Yes, that means you can scan your old negatives! Of course, if you don’t need to, don't let that put you off this scanner. This is one of Canon's mid-range scanners, higher models have better film scanning.
Installation of this scanner was a breeze. First, you have to unpack the scanner. Whilst this may seem like a minor point, it does actually take a little while because all the parts of the scanner is secured by many little red tape strips of tape, which you have to remove. Whilst this does take a little while, you can be sure your scanner was fully protected in transportation and is assuring. After that you just have to connect the USB and power cables and install the software, and you're ready to go.
Speed ===== This scanner is much faster than my old scanner. Previewing an A4 page takes just a few seconds. Scanning an A4 colour page at 300 dpi takes about 12 seconds, 600dpi 24 seconds. Scanning film takes a fair bit longer, I think it was over a minute at a high resolution.
Quality ============= This scanner scans colours very faithfully; I have had no problems or complaints. Canon rate this scanner with 48 bit colour depth, which is useful for scanning film. The scanner has a very high resolution - It can scan documents up to 1600x3200 dpi, and film upto 3200x6400 dpi! That’s more resolution than you'll ever need to be honest, and compares to much more expensive scanners.
Ease of use ========= Personally, I find this scanner a breeze to use. It comes with 4 EZ buttons on the front of the scanner - one to copy the document (print it), one to scan the document (to a file), one to scan the file as a pdf, and one to scan & email. You can set up different scan presets for each button, and once you have done so you just need to press the button and you’re off!
Of course, you dont have to use these buttons. you can scan from your favourite program, Canon distribute ArcSoft PhotoStudio with the scanner. Once inside the scanning functionality, you can choose the scanning options in the simple mode, or the more advanced mode. In the advanced mode you have access to advanced processing options, such as descreening, unshapening, dust and scratch removal, fade correction, grain removal and colour correction. Many of these are aimed at film scanning and as such I haven't tried some of them - but they should prove useful for normal scanning as well.
Other features? ============ This scanner has an " Advanced Z-lid" which has a unique design allowing you to scan thicker/bulkier items, such as magazines and books, without problems. The previewing mode is also fairly smart - it will of course crop the area around your document, and when scanning film strips it will allow you to select the ones you want to scan.
The scanner also comes with OCR software Omnipage SE - which works very well. I was able to scan several documents with excellent accuracy and maintaining formatting. The software does take a little while to set up, but its worth it.
Aesthetics ======== The scanner is black with some dark grey parts. its not too bulky, whilst it could be slimmer, I think it is sleek and looks fairly nice. See included picture.
Any letdowns? =========== The scanner does have a few, to be expected at the price range though. The lack of a proper standby button/mode annoyed me. Even if they didn't want the button, they could have built in an auto-time off or something. You actually have to unplug the scanner to turn it off the lamp.
The other let down is the cover for the lamp is very cheap, and awkward to remove/replace. It has to be removed for film scanning. The document bed is also easily marked from fingers etc.
Support? ======= I have had to issues to contact support yet, but you can download drivers and manuals from the Canon website.
Conclusion ========= This scanner cost me £99 from PC World. Personally, I find that to be a reasonable price for the product, you may be able to find it cheaper on the internet. It also comes with a free 12-month membership to national Geographic magazine with makes it better value for money.
Advantages: Quick clean easy to use + 35mm fim scan Disadvantages: Desk space.
...in the past and the Canon 4200F is my latest purchase. I am a fanatic when it comes to filing and everything needs to be saved and filed correctly. My hobby as a WW2 aircraft researcher makes me this way and the amount of documents I get all need to be filed. Out of a choice of three at the local shop this wonderful 'black beast' was cheaper and offered more for you money. Canon of course is a renowned company and photography is their job after all. ... ...open the scanned image with your programme of choice (Adobe in my case). This I presume is my own fault for not taking the time to check the options tab. With that said the Canon 4200F is a great device, works well and does a quick clean job. ...
tazorii 25.01.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Canon CanoScan 4200F
The CanoScan 4200F Color Image Scanner quickly produces superb scans from a wide range of materials including photos, documents, magazines, slides and negatives. It delivers an exceptional color resolution of 3200 x 6400 dpi (max.) as well as 48-bit color depth, for over 281 trillion possible colors. For cleaner, more robust scans of older originals, automatic retouching and enhancement technology automatically removes much of the dirt and scratches that may appear on your originals. It even auto-corrects tone and optimizes highlights and shadows, for the best scans possible. This is one smart scanner. Amazingly, it's quick, too. The USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface enables incredibly fast image transfers to your computer and the fastest possible scanning speeds, with previews of your scans ready in approximately 2.6 seconds. Plus, four easy buttons - Scan, Copy, E-Mail and PDF - automate the entire scanning process, so your projects can go faster. Just position your original, select the use for the image, and in seconds it's ready! Included with the CanoScan 4200F scanner is a powerful suite of applications to help you organize your photos, featuring ArcSoft PhotoStudio software. Now you can scan your old slides and negatives, turning old pictures into new again. Simply place them into the included film adapter and press the Scan button! Once your images are archived, they will be easier to access and organize. You can then print them, make a photo CD for family and friends, or use them in a project. Need to scan a page from a thick book or magazine? The unique Z-Lid expansion top lifts approx. 1 inch vertically and lies down flat on the page, for a clear, complete scan.
