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 Geographicmagazine with makes it better value for money.
Pictures of Canon CanoScan 4200F
The scanner
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
good review. might try this scanner when i need to get one. the cheaper a device is, the worse it is rather an expensive one because expenvise means quality.
bluetack33 17.06.2005 12:29
A good review. Scanner looks like a good one if you're willing to pay that much!
exceptional by (2%):
very helpful by (98%):
