Linotype Saphir Ultra 2, the best sub $2000 flatbed scanner.
Written: Apr 22 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Consistent, expected results.
Cons: The scanning software is difficult to understand.
The Bottom Line: This is the perfect scanner for the professional graphic designer looking to produce high quality scans from the desktop.
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| epinburk's Full Review: Heidelberg Linocolor Saphir Ultra2 Flatbed Scanner |
Who it's for: professional graphic designer
Cost: $1500 (in 1999)
Scanners I have owned.
I have owned a 1996 UMAX scanner and before that a Microtek scanner from ca. 1993. Both machines produced decent scans however neither one could produce results acceptable for anything but f.p.o. layouts. Each scanner's results were limited by a lack of sharpness and color depth; images needed extensive reworking in Photoshop prior to use.
Linotype Saphir Ultra 2.
I searched extensively online and in DTP magazines for information about the scanner models that cost between 1500 and 2000; after reviewing the major manufacturers of similar products (including Agfa and Umax), I chose the Saphir. Heidleberg/Linotype has been in the scanning business for a long time. They're best known for their drum-scanner hardware, commonly used at "service bureaus", and their scanner software. The Saphir is a flatbed scanner with a common hardware configuration, including the ability to take transparency/negative scans with a built in transparency adaptor.
The Software.
The single factor that makes the Lintoype scanner prodcue such outstanding results is the manufacturers software included with the scanner, LinoColor Elite. It is a powerful and complex feature. The Saphir comes with a small booklet that is titled, "30 minutes for your first scan". I suggest you take the full 30 minutes! The primary source of complexity is the variety of new vocabulary - this may seem unfamiliar for even the veteran graphic designer. Each scan has 3 modes - fast, good, fine. There are four sharpness settings. You are able to take scans in a variety of color spaces inculding RGB, LCH and others. The interface is pretty complex; your intuition doesn't get you very far with this software! I read a vareity of reviews stating that the learning curve for the software was steep however I figured this was blown out of proportion. It is not. You will need to educate yourself to a host of available features to fully take advantage of the best the Saphir has to offer.
The Experience.
This scanner is noisy. My workspace is near the scanner, and I needed to produce 30 scans in a row ... my ears were ringing by the end of the session. Small price to pay for great scans. Another thing to bear in mind is this scanner is scsi dependent. It won't work with your usb system without necessary adaptors.
In conclusion.
If you are in the market for a good scanner that will produce consistently strong results, consider a Heidelberg/Linotype product. Depending on your budget the extra cost for the Linotype Saphir Ultra may be a significant hurdle for you, however, take your time and do the research. This scanner is an excellent choice for the professional graphic designer who needs good results.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1500
Interface: SCSI
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Epinions.com ID:
epinburk
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