Flat Bed Scanner Recommendation

[hacimd]

Does anyone have experience using the Epson Expression 10000 XL flat bed scanner?  I'm looking for a recommendation for a high quality flat bed scanner.  I have experience using the Epson V700 and was pleased with the results, but I'm wondering if there is something out there that exceeds the 8.5" x 11.7".  The Expression 1000XL is a big jump in price and wondered if there is something in the middle or if its worth the purchase?  Possibly a different brand.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

[John Nollendorfs]

The other possibility is to buy one of the cheap Dslr Nikon's (new D3200 has 24 MP) or Canon's, a small cheap copy stand and a couple of lights for illumination. Probably could get all that done for a lot cheaper that the 11x17 scanner, which by the way is very old original design. Also this would give you way more flexibility for copying larger pieces of art.

Something to consider.

[Brian Gilkes]

John is right, but I would be looking at the Nikon D800E with a good flat field macro lens. On the other hand , the Epson 10000 XL is an exceptional scanner. It's main advantage is it's Xenon light source which is full spectrum and excellent for colour capture. I have found it superior to camera light systems such as Canon 5D II and flash or tungsten but have not tried the new Nikon sensor. The lid on the scanner is removable allowing easy section scans of large works that can be stitched. Photomerge in Photoshop (PS) will do this , although there may well be better solutions. I have noticed some minor distortions with  PS.You  do get what you pay for and the price of this scanner has dropped quite a lot. A second hand unit could be worthwhile, just check for scratches on the glass
Good Luck
Brian

[hacimd]

Thank you both for the recommendations!

[felix5616]

Why not buy an epson V750 pro and scan different sections of your work and stitch in photoshop.

[budjames]

I have the Epson V750 and it's awesome, accept for the Epson software. I use Vuescan as it's easy to use and the presets are very good.

Cheers.
Bud James

[John Nollendorfs]

Why not buy an epson V750 pro and scan different sections of your work and stitch in photoshop.

The V700 would be a better buy, especially if you have no intention of needing "wet mounting" capability for scanning transparencies or negatives. But the main problem in using this scanner for stitching is that the scanning glass is recessed about 3/16" below the outer rim of the scanner.

Would be nice if someone would develop a jig for letter-sized flat bed scanners that would make scanning over-sized documents in sections easy.