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Thread: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

  1. #1

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    DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    I have been using an Epson V800 for a short while now.

    A debate I am having in my head is whether you can acheive comparable results using a camera ranging from a crop sensor to a full frame digital camera (eg. Nikon V850 with good macro) without stitching images together. I could never afford a medium format camera so I am not including that in my consideration.

    My interest in the Epson V800 was renewed after I did a few fluid mount scans.

    Thanks for any replies.

    SM

  2. #2

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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    What are you scanning? 4x5 ? 8x10?

    If you believe that the epson resolves at least 2000 pixels per inch, a 4x5 will yield 80 MP and a 8x10 about 320 MP. Hard to get that with a single shot digital camera.

  3. #3

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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    For me it is about the quality of the optics and dynamic range. If a lower MP image is sharper because of better optics it will win in a head to head comparison. I have also found that my DSLR is much more able to deal with dense negatives. The scans are a lot less noisy and it's much easier to pull out detail. You could also argue that 20+ mp is good enough for most uses and if you do need more you have the option of stitching if you want to. Plus a scanner is only useful for one thing but if you put that money into a good macro lens you have more versatility for your money.

  4. #4

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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    You have to trade nominal pixel resolution against MTF/ Sharpness performance. Whatever the actual pixel resolution limit of the Epson is (it's effectively 2x 1200ppi sensors, 1/2 pixel offset from each other & interpolated together), its MTF falls under the critical 50% response needed for good sharpness around 660ppi. An average DSLR sensor might be over 1000ppi at the equivalent MTF50 - so while you might only be getting 20-40mp (realistically all that is necessary for most people who aren't needing to do mural scale work) from a camera sensor used as a single shot scan, the actual sharpness & quality of image captured by the pixels on the camera sensor are likely to be considerably higher than what are consumer grade scanners (despite the 'pro' claim). You are also less dependent on software obsolescence & can adjust the precision of the setup to a greater degree than in a scanner largely made of injection moulded plastic & stamped metal parts.

  5. #5
    Peter De Smidt's Avatar
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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    With a camera scanner, you can also optimize the scan in a number of ways that would be a challenge with a consumer scanner. You can change the exposure time, for instance, easily and quickly.
    “You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
    ― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know

  6. #6

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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    Please read this, I think it answers OP’s question:


    https://luminous-landscape.com/wp-co...nner-Final.pdf

  7. #7

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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    Thanks for replies.

    I am scanning 35 mm to 5 x 7.

    SM

  8. #8
    Peter De Smidt's Avatar
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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    The Luminous-Landscape article is one of the better ones that I've seen. Note, though, that the camera used was a Sony A6000. There are much better options.
    “You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
    ― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know

  9. #9

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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    Quote Originally Posted by interneg View Post
    You have to trade nominal pixel resolution against MTF/ Sharpness performance. Whatever the actual pixel resolution limit of the Epson is (it's effectively 2x 1200ppi sensors, 1/2 pixel offset from each other & interpolated together), its MTF falls under the critical 50% response needed for good sharpness around 660ppi. An average DSLR sensor might be over 1000ppi at the equivalent MTF50 - so while you might only be getting 20-40mp (realistically all that is necessary for most people who aren't needing to do mural scale work) from a camera sensor used as a single shot scan, the actual sharpness & quality of image captured by the pixels on the camera sensor are likely to be considerably higher than what are consumer grade scanners (despite the 'pro' claim). You are also less dependent on software obsolescence & can adjust the precision of the setup to a greater degree than in a scanner largely made of injection moulded plastic & stamped metal parts.
    Is there a reference for your quoted MTF50 of 660 dpi? I’d like to read it.

  10. #10

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    Re: DSLR scanning vs. Epson V800 scanning

    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi7475 View Post
    Is there a reference for your quoted MTF50 of 660 dpi? I’d like to read it.
    It can be found here. It also provides a (teardown based) considerable level of detail about the construction of the Epson V7/8xx sensor systems.

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