Epson Perfection 4990 Pro user reviews

Pros Good sharpness and color accuracy.

Cons Transparency carriers require shifting of slides for each scan.

Summary My primary use for a scanner is scanning transparencies, and I am under no dilussions that a flat bed will match drum scanning or a dedicated film scanner. Since I shoot 6x7 slide film, a dedicated film scanner wasn't an option - there are none. The Dimage 5400 would be my choice, but it scans 35mm only. I had bought the Canoscan 9950F and was disappointed with the results; the color was desaturated and inaccurate; shadows detail was poor; blues and greens were really dark.

I decied to exchange it for the Epson 4990. Having had a chance to try the Canon 9950F and compare scannings of the same slides, I am quite pleased with the Epson 4990. Color accuracy is good. It scans shadow well. There is better definition in the saturated blues and greens of landscapes. To find a better scanner than the Epson 4990 - especially for transparenies - you would have to spend a lot more money.
The Canoscan had a number of convenient features, but in terms of quality the Epson 4990 definately comes out on top.