Epson V800 vs V600 for print scanning?

[zhengjdc]

I have zero needs for scanning film(have a drum scanner myself) and only would like to have a scanner for print works, art works, and wonder if it still makes sense to purchase the V800 or a V600 would suffice? The film scanning lens system would be a complete waste for me, but I still would like to aim for the highest print/reflective scanning possible.

Or is there any other recommendations for such task?

Thanks

[Pedro-Pierre]

I've been using the Epson V700 for ~12 years, and it's still producing excellent results. I'm sure the V600 would be enough, and you can save some money for more film :-)
The V800 has dual lens, two extra film holders (4x5 & slides), and a better dynamic range. And it comes with SilverFast SE, the best scanning SW in my opinion. But all of this comes with a ~$1k extra cost.

[Pedro-Pierre]

Re-reading your question I see you do want the highest quality. In this case, go for the V800. And buy the tray for wet scanning, this method produces a huge improvement in the scan quality. I'm using it on the V700.

[zhengjdc]

Re-reading your question I see you do want the highest quality. In this case, go for the V800. And buy the tray for wet scanning, this method produces a huge improvement in the scan quality. I'm using it on the V700.

I have no need for film scanning, only some print paper. Can you wet mount print paper as well?!

[Alan Klein]

I have both a V600 and V800. The V800 is overkill for scanning prints. Both machines have ICE which partially corrects for tears and dust and also color corrects automatically or manually.

However, there may be better machines from Epson or others that scan prints better as these machines are mainly produced for film scanning.

[Pedro-Pierre]

I have no need for film scanning, only some print paper. Can you wet mount print paper as well?!

No, it can't. I'm sorry I misread your post. Wet scanning is only for film negatives

[Pedro-Pierre]

I have both a V600 and V800. The V800 is overkill for scanning prints. Both machines have ICE which partially corrects for tears and dust and also color corrects automatically or manually.

However, there may be better machines from Epson or others that scan prints better as these machines are mainly produced for film scanning.

I Agree. I was thinking of scanning negatives and slides.

[jim_jm]

I just upgraded to a V600 from an older Canon flatbed scanner for prints. The image quality increase is huge and the scanner software was easy to configure and use. Haven't scanned film with it yet, but I have a Nikon Coolscan for slides. The v800 would have been overkill for me and much more expensive. Really happy with the V600 so far.

[zhengjdc]

I just upgraded to a V600 from an older Canon flatbed scanner for prints. The image quality increase is huge and the scanner software was easy to configure and use. Haven't scanned film with it yet, but I have a Nikon Coolscan for slides. The v800 would have been overkill for me and much more expensive. Really happy with the V600 so far.

Or any other scanner much better suitable for my needs? I have some huge collections of large-size print photos from schools need to be archived. My current slides/negatives had all been archived by my Howtek drum scanner.

[Alan Klein]

Epson Photo scanners. Some include film such as the V600 and V850.
https://epson.com/For-Home/Scanners/Photo-Scanners/c/h220?cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=Microsoft+Shopping+%28Bing+Rebates%2C+Coupons%2C+etc.%29_5250933_100357191&utm_content=14050439&cjevent=c2d21776cdd311ee80acf8130a82b821&cje=c2d21776cdd311ee80acf8130a82b821

[Andrew O'Neill]

We use the V600 for the photo program at the school I teach at (for film and prints). Does an admirable job.

[DrakeHeyman]

If you’re only scanning prints and artwork and have no need for film scanning, I’d say the V600 should do the job just fine. The V800 is more of a powerhouse for people who need top-notch film scanning, so you’d be paying extra for features you won’t use.
Now, if you’re aiming for absolutely top-tier print scanning, maybe look into some of the professional flatbed scanners out there. You could check out some options on omegabrand.com (https://www.omegabrand.com/barcode-printers/epson-colorworks-printer/) ; they usually have some solid recommendations for scanners that are more tailored to artwork and prints.

[tundra]

I've been using the Epson V700 for ~12 years, and it's still producing excellent results. I'm sure the V600 would be enough, and you can save some money for more film :-)
The V800 has dual lens, two extra film holders (4x5 & slides), and a better dynamic range. And it comes with SilverFast SE, the best scanning SW in my opinion. But all of this comes with a ~$1k extra cost.

Not necessarily. I got an open box special on eBay for an E800 for $400

[neil poulsen]

Bigger scanners than a V600 are available, but not necessarily better scanners. I've been using an Epson 4870 since I purchased it in about 2004, and it's been working great for reflective purposes. (Prints.) And, I've gotten decent results scanning 4x5 film.

But, I'm heading towards camera scanning for all my film needs; so, I won't be "upgrading" my scanner any time soon. Even for larger prints, I can scan twice and merge in Photoshop. For larger than this, I would likely camera scan those as well.

That said, I also have an HP scanner/printer/fax. I never need to fax. But being able to automatically scan a multi-page document to a pdf is very handy. Try doing that (via Photoshop) with an Epson V600? No thanks.

[teathomas]

The major limiting factor in what scanner you get is the size of the prints you want to scan and how much trouble you want to go to to scan prints above a certain size.

The v600 has an 8.5”x11.7” bed which means that it’s possible to scan prints up to 18.5” wide by any length you’re willing to go to, provided you don’t mind making multiple scans of the prints and stitching them together in software.

The v850 has the same size bed and similar optics for reflective scanning so there’s no benefit to spending the extra $1000 on it if you only want to scan prints.

The next step up for print scanning is the epson expression 13000xl which can scan up to 12.2”x17.2” all at once or a maximum print size of 19.5” by whatever length you’re willing to go to and stitch the files together in software. It does cost almost $4000 though.

Beyond that there are scanners designed with larger beds but to my knowledge they are all out of both production and support so it would be a totally different kind of hassle.