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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 70 reviews
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Product summary
The good: Fast scan speeds; redesigned Smart Panel software; easy to use; built-in transparency backlight; USB 2.0 interface.
The bad: Bright colors lack saturation; so-so support.
The bottom line: With its high resolution and 48-bit color depth, the Perfection 2400 Photo should appeal to professionals, but slight imperfections in image quality make it more suited for hobbyists.
Specifications: Type: Flatbed scanner ; Optical Resolution: 2400 dpi x 4800 dpi ; Scanner interface type: Hi-Speed USB ; See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 07/09/2002
- Updated on: 03/03/2003
In Epson's new scanner lineup, the reasonably priced Perfection 2400 Photo strikes a comfortable balance between the entry-level Perfection 1660 Photo and the professional-level Perfection 2450 Photo. Its improved design and interface make it almost as easy to capture transparencies as to capture opaque documents; in addition, its USB 2.0 interface boosts performance noticeably. But some quirks in its capture quality may disappoint hard-core photo enthusiasts.In Epson's new scanner lineup, the reasonably priced Perfection 2400 Photo strikes a comfortable balance between the entry-level Perfection 1660 Photo and the professional-level Perfection 2450 Photo. Its improved design and interface make it almost as easy to capture transparencies as to capture opaque documents; in addition, its USB 2.0 interface boosts performance noticeably. But some quirks in its capture quality may disappoint hard-core photo enthusiasts.
Now supports USB 2.0
The $229 Perfection 2400 Photo is easy to set up. The illustrated Start Here poster provides clear instructions on installing the scanner and covers basic operation. The Perfection 2400 Photo works with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP, as well as
Mac OS 8.x to 9.x. With its new scanner line, Epson switches to the faster USB 2.0 interface and even includes a cable in the box. Don't have a USB 2.0 port in your machine? Don't worry; USB 2.0 devices are backward-compatible with USB 1.1. An online reference guide covers the scanner in more depth and includes a basic troubleshooting and maintenance section. Epson also bundles Adobe's venerable Photoshop Elements on a second CD to lead you through the most common image-editing tasks.
Improved design, better software
As with previous Epson scanners, the Perfection 2400 Photo has a simple mechanical design. After unplugging the scanner's backlight, you can raise the lid on its hinges or remove it completely to accommodate thick documents. Because switching between opaque and transparent media can be a pain, Epson also improved the lid design. The backlight cover now slips into two grooves on the lid and snaps into place, simplifying the process considerably. The four buttons on the front of the scanner let you launch Epson's Smart Panel software, or you can scan an image and send it to your printer, your e-mail app, or Epson's photo-sharing Web site.
The redesigned Smart Panel software also offers a few enhancements. The program displays more buttons for launching specific tasks; for example, it now can scan to a PDA, convert captures to Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, or invoke Epson's color-matching algorithms with a single click. You also can switch to manual mode and modify the exposure and gamma; set the highlight and shadow thresholds; or adjust the red, green, and blue channels individually.
Faster scans
In CNET Labs' speed tests, the Perfection 2400 Photo performed exceedingly well. It scanned a full-page color image in 14.4 seconds and grayscale images in 12.4 seconds, taking its place as one of the fastest models we've tested. Color-slide and negative scans also were fast, at 24.3 seconds and 52 seconds, respectively. And this was using a test bed with USB 1.1 ports; if your system has the new and quicker USB 2.0, you'll get even faster results.
The scanner's output quality was not as consistently good as its speed. The Perfection 2400 Photo captured lines and curves without distortion, and it even picked up subtle details in the dark areas of our test document. But reds and oranges consistently lacked saturation, whereas white areas took on a grayish cast. Earthier colors such as greens and flesh tones looked more realistic. When scanning transparencies, the Perfection 2400 Photo split the difference; color slides looked excellent with sharp details, but color negatives looked merely fair. Although most users will find the Perfection 2400 Photo more than adequate, those with a real photographic eye may want to step up to the Perfection 2450 Photo.
The Perfection 2400 Photo comes with a one-year warranty, typical for the category. Lifetime phone support is available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, but it's a toll call. The Epson Web site offers useful resources such as drivers, manuals, and FAQs.
The Perfection 2400 Photo is a good scanner for anyone with a mix of opaque and transparent documents to scan. It offers fast speeds, above-average output, and improved ease of use.
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Scanner speeds Time, in seconds, to scan in image (shorter bars equal better performance)
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Scan quality
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| The Epson Perfection 2400 Photo delivered some of the fastest color and grayscale scans we've seen using a computer equipped with USB 1.1. (The Perfection 2400 Photo also supports the faster USB 2.0 interface.) The output quality also scored above average, especially on color-slide scans. |
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