Epson Perfection V500 Flatbed Scanner

Receive my Epson Perfection v500 just a couple of days ago. The initial setup and operation of the scanner was a cinch - even my 6yr old can do it. The first set of test I did was on regular 4x6 photo and then my old 35mm films. The speed in which it scanned these medium was ridiculously fast. I had an older UMax scanner and it took forever. Now, mind you the default scan setting is 300 dpi, which might be the reason for the faster scan. At 300 dpi the image look kinda grainy - the film scan has greater artifact than the larger photo scan (as expected since the total surface area is much smaller). Once I bumped the scan quality to 1200, 4800, and 6800. Note going beyond 4800 will take some waiting.

The scan software also allows you to enable filters to clear off dust, color correction, etc. If you do that, the scanner will do multiple pass slowing the process.

The v500 can scan up to 8x11 source. Scanning of film required the include TPU to hold the slides, 35mm and medium format films. When scanning with the TPU, you will be limited to 1/3 of your scan area (along the center)

My conclusion: The scanner product great capture of photo and pretty good 35mm scan. I recommend you play with the software setting and scan quality to get the right configuration for you need. If you want professional quality scan, you will have to trade of time vs. quality. So far from what I've seen in the market (played with and read review on) the Epson Perfection v500 is the best for the price. Right now you can even get the v500 for under $200 from Epson direct.