The HP S20 Scanner is a good all-around scanner. The S20 can scan prints upto 5x7 inches, 35mm negatives (in strips), and 35mm slides (mounted or in strips). It provides upto 2400dpi scans of film strips which equates to over 6 mega-pixels. Prints are scanned at upto 300 dpi. The S20 also uses 36bit colour for outstanding reproduction.
I was looking into digital cameras, but I found that I could always tell a digital from a standard print. Additionally, the cost of a 6 mega-pixel camera would be prohibitive (as well as the fact that no consumer digital camera on the market offers a 6 mega-pixel CCD). So, I opted for a film scanner. I looked at the Canon, Minolta and the Nikon as well as the HP. I decided on the HP for several reasons.
First, the HP scans both prints and films. I have a flatbed scanner as well, but I like to ability to get a quick scan of a print on the HP.
Second, the HP was at the time the only film scanner to offer a USB connection. I wanted to connect it to both my laptop and my desktop PCs, so this was a big bonus.
Finally, the HP was less expensive that the other models I looked at.
As far as quality is concerned, I have been very impressed with the results I acheive with the S20. Initial scans can be a bit soft, but minor tweaking in photo software eliminates this problem. The S20 came with Adobe PhotoDeluxe, which I used for the first year, but I have recently switched to Adove PhotoShop 5.0 LE to get a few more features.
I mostly shoot slide film these days. The cost of getting prints made from slides can be expensive. This was another of the reasons I went to a film scanner. I shoot and develop my slide film. I then scan it into my PC using the S20 and burn the pictures onto a CD-Rom. I then take the CD-ROM into Jessops where I can have prints made for around 30p each as opposed to the normal £1 or so that it would cost to get the print directly from the slide.
The only disadvantage of the S20 is that it does not have an APS adapter to scan APS film. I tend to shoot APS Slide film though. This comes mounted in 35mm mounts, so I am able to scan from there.
If you are in the market for a film scanner, I would take a serious look at the S20. It has provided me with great results.
More details
Ease of use
Very easy
Design
Excellent
Range of extra features / functions
Satisfactory
Instruction manual
Very useful
Manufacturer Support
Excellent
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