Plustek Opticfilm 7300
by Plustek
List Price:
Our Price: $250.00
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Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: PlustekAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows XP
Model: A17-BBM31-C
Product features:
- Dedicated 7200 dpi film scanner
- High speed USB 2.0 connectivity for fast, reliable results
- SilverFast SEPlus 6.6 ME. image editing software
- Windows and Mac compatible
- Includes padded carrying case
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet/1.0 Meter)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to Mini-B Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- MyStudioŽ MS32CYC Professional Tabletop Photo Studio Seamless Cyc Background for Product Photography, 32x32x16 inches
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Plustek Opticfilm 7300
Customer Review: Plustek 7300 vs Coolscan 5000 ED
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm going to review this scanner in relation to another film scanner I have used, the Nikon Coolscan 5000 ED. Why don't I still have the 5000? With the scanner and all the attachments I had, I had about $2K invested in the 5000. I finished a project I had with it almost 2 years ago so I sold it because I didn't want $2K just sitting around unused. Then a few weeks ago another huge project involving negative scanning came up. Unfortunately, I no longer had the $2K to re-invest in the 5000 setup so I went looking for other options. This scanner seemed to have the best performance in a budget film scanner based on reviews so I gave it a shot.
Image Quality: I can't tell the difference between the two. Now, I need to mention that I don't scan at the full DPI that the scanner can do. With every film scanner I have tried (I have tried 3 different ones at this point; the other two I mentioned already and the third was a high end Canon flatbed scanner with filmstrip holders) I have found that full DPI results in an extreme loss of my time (takes way too long) as well as adding a lot of grain but adding no additional detail when pixel-peeped with Photoshop. So, I never scan at the highest DPI. On the 7300, the 7200DPI setting is indistinguishable from the 3600DPI setting in terms of detail so I use 3600. Again, I find no difference between the quality of the two scanners.
Software: This, as it turns out, is the most important part of the scanning process. I have now used 3 different scanning software programs. I have used a Canon one, I have used the one that came with this scanner, and I have used a program available online called VueScan Professional. I have found that the worst thing you can do is use the software that came with this scanner. Do not use it! Really poor processing with this bundled software. Trust me on this, buy the Vuescan professional software online. It's not prohibitively expensive by any means and if you ask me it is essential to getting the most out of this (or any other) film scanner!
Speed: Well, yes, the Coolscan 5000 does blow this scanner out of the water when it comes to speed. You do get something for your $1200 (with no attachments; up to $2K with the full compliment) If you are going to be doing this permanently, yes you will probably want the 5000. If this is a one time deal and you are on a budget, then the 7300 is probably the way to go at 1/5 the price, which brings me to the next bullet point...
Price: The 7300 is 1/5 the cost of the Coolscan 5000 ED. Hey, you really can't beat that ratio.
Build quality: 7300 is actually better than I thought in this respect. I was expecting a tiny and flimsy machine. It iss actually larger and more solidly built than I expected. That said, it is no 5000. The 5000 is a piece of military hardware compared to this--it's built like a tank.
In summation, you will have to weigh your own personal preferences as far as speed and cost goes. To me, these are the only two variables. As I said I have found the quality to be indistinguishable. You are going to have to make your decision based on how much money you have and how much free time you have. It is a slow inexpensive scanner vs a fast expensive one. Please take my advice and read online reviews of the Vuescan software. Don't take my word for it on that; see what professionals say about that product. Just please don't waste your time with the bundled software that comes with this machine.
Description of Plustek Opticfilm 7300
The Plustek OpticFilm 7300 a dedicated 7200 dpi film scanner now brings you a more powerful scanning device with its added Multi-Exposure for negative film and also the Multi-Sampling functions that brings out the best quality on each photos and images at the most affordable price. Plustek OpticFilm 7300 bundles the latest LaserSoft Imaging's SilverFast 6.5 SEPlus (MultiExposure) software. The SilverFast 6.5 SEPlus (MultiExposure) software enhanced with powerful Multi-Exposure Automatic Frame Detection SilverFast-BasicNegaFix Selective Color Correction Auto Adjust USM plus many more.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
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