In need of a wide format scanner?
If your looking for a large format scanner, you probably already know how difficult it can be. Fortunately, the trouble isn’t that there aren’t enough options. The real difficulty in finding a good scanner to work with is that there are too many options.
Obviously this isn’t really a problem to have lots of options, but it is a challenge. The challenge is in finding a scanner that does what you need it to do, does what it says it will do, and fits your budget.
I’ve worked with many different scanners and have found the 11×17 scanner to be the one that is hardest to purchase. This is because in the larger D and C size scanning realm you do not have as many options while in the smaller scanning sizes people usually are not is picky when it comes to scan detail and quality.
I have experience with HP, Epson, Cannon, and even Mustek. In my experience HP did have some decent models in the past, but has not made a new wide format scanner worth its money in a few years. In addition to this, they have not updated their drivers for many of their older scanners.
Cannon makes a decent large format scanner, but I would shy away from them unless I were to buy an all in one machine. They are great color printers and copiers, but there is nothing special about their scanning.
The Epson is spectacular at color printing and copying as well as color scanning. They provide exceptional detail and are a dream for artists looking to scan some of their work. If you have the money then getting an Epson Expression 10000XL- Graphic Arts Scanner should be high on your list.
Scanning surface of this printer is at 12.2″ x 17.2″ at 48 bit color and 16 bit gray scale. It provides great scanning detail that you won’t get from the lower priced brands.
This being said, if you aren’t looking for a high end scanner but would still like to get quality for your money, you should consider getting a Mustek. Mustek has many low priced scanners that function much better than any other scanner in their price range.
The Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro USB wide format scanner can scan surprisingly fast for how reasonably priced it is. It does have one drawback though which makes it a poor option for some people. The scanning area only allows for a vertical scan of 16.5 inches. This means that if you have to have full A3 11×17 scanning you will need to do two scans.
Overall I’d say that if you are looking for a wide format scanner you really can’t go wrong in an Epson or a Mustek. Thanks for reading, I hope this provides some benefit to you.
