Epson 4990 vs V700?

**RedSun** · 18-Aug-2012, 21:59

Which one is better to scan 120mm and 4x5 films? Thx.

**Ben Syverson** · 19-Aug-2012, 06:37

They are virtually identical. The V700 allegedly has better optics, but I have yet to see a comparison that actually demonstrates this.

**Leonard Evens** · 19-Aug-2012, 09:19

I have an epson V700. Looking at the description of the 4990, they look very similar, but the V700 can sample at a higher rate. i.e., you get more pixels if you set the ppi high enough. But it is not clear that you actually can get higher resolution. I certainly can't get anything like 6400 ppi from my V700.

The V700 supposedly replaces the 4990. I checked B&H and Amazon, and, as best as I can tell, neither sells the 4990. You may be able to find it on ebay. Personally, I wouldn't buy a used scanner from ebay or any other source because I wouldn't be sure of its history. I would have to test it, and that can take a lot of time, and it would be difficult to return just because I felt it didn't produce sharp enough scans, as long as there wasn't anything obvious wrong with it.

**psychoanalyst** · 19-Aug-2012, 09:39

Maybe Ari will chime in here since he has used the 4990 and he now has the v750.

I had the 2450 which I replaced with the 4990 2 weeks back and I cannot see a huge difference to be honest (though the art of scanning is still work in progress for me). But Ari tells me that there is a diff. In quality between the 4990 and the v750.

If you are not looking for large enlargements, then I think you will be happy with the 4990 and a betterscanning holder. I just ordered the holder from Doug fisher and can you give you my input after I use it.

Avi

**dave_whatever** · 19-Aug-2012, 10:12

I use a 4990 and have borrowed a V700 prior to this. I see no difference, except the v700 i used had banding issues in dense shadows.

With any if these scanners I suspect your personal setup with respect to manufacturing variation, film flatness and film height has more of an impact than the general difference between models.

**psychoanalyst** · 19-Aug-2012, 11:42

Originally Posted by dave_whatever

I use a 4990 and have borrowed a V700 prior to this. I see no difference, except the v700 i used had banding issues in dense shadows.

With any if these scanners I suspect your personal setup with respect to manufacturing variation, film flatness and film height has more of an impact than the general difference between models.

I think that is exactly my impression as well. Probably why I could not see any improvement going from the 2450 to the 4990. I am hoping the betterscanning holder makes a difference.