Minolta Dimage Scan Dual IV

Advantages: High quality scans, aps capable
Disadvantages: Slow compared to newer models, noisy

...I've had a Scan Dual II for over a year now, in that time it has performed well without any hardware faults. Its maximum resolution of 2820dpi (dots per inch) yields TIF files (Tagged Image Format - a file format which compresses only slightly but retains full image quality) of around 30mb. The scans it produces are generally very sharp with good colour. However I've found it does tend to exaggerate the grain of the film slightly. The scanner comes complete with holders for mounted and un-mounted slides. These holders slot into the scanner with the film horizontal and so form a perfect platform for dust to settle on. This scanner has none of the Digital ICE technologies which are nowadays commonplace so invest in a blower brush if you want to avoid spending ages in Photoshop removing specks of dust! The mounted slide holder takes 4... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A fine scanner at a budget price.
Disadvantages: Yet anotherthing to plug into your PC!

.../semi-pro photographer and three years ago I bought a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual II brand new. These can now be found on Ebay for £100 or so and offer a fine machine at a rather more affordable price. The results I've had are truly superb, with fine detail and subtlties of colour faithfully reproduced. The Scan Dual II is a machine capable of scanning 35mm and APS (with optional adaptor) negatives with an output resolution of up to 2820dpi. This is more than enough to produce images on your PC which, after re-sizing will print at exhibition quality at A4. At A3, which few people would want to print, the quality still remains excellent with only a minor fall off in image quality. The unit measures 150x100x320mm and weighs in at 1.5kg., so it takes up little room on the desk top. Although it connects to your PC via a USB port, it needs to be powered via... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent colour rendition and resolution
Disadvantages: Slow to scan at top spec

...I say slow when referring to personal settings. When I bulk scanned photo's it was quick. The software for it has very good functionality but the bulk scan could be improved. You have to pre scan, correct the frame and final scan individually. It would be helpful if you could correct each one on an individual basis and then scan them all, that way you wouldn't have to come back to it every 10 mins. Another issue I encountered was it kept crashing my Pc. I tracked it down to the nforce 2 chipset, I tried three different branded motherboards and it crashed on all of them. I now have it set up on a pre N force 2 pc. Overall the quality of the pictures is great, but it is annoyingly slow... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful