A measured D max of 3,9 and an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio of 2,88 at 1/700 transmission (Color Foto 3/2004) enable scanning of transparencies. The scanner is hardware-controllable from the third-party software VueScan which allows to adjust the CCD sensor exposure to compensate for under- or overexposed slides.

In laboratory tests for computer and photo magazines, a physical resolution of 1600 x 1700 dpi was measured using test charts (Color Foto, c't). To achieve an image resolution of at most half the specified value, unsharp masking in Adobe Photoshop is necessary. For 35 mm film, a dedicated film scanner delivers the better results. The Epson 4870 is definitely not an all-purpose flatbed scanner since the scanner glass must not be scratched. Dust removal is also a never ending work as for Sisyphos...

Highly recommendable for amateur medium format photography and professional large-format photography, the Epson 4870 delivers publishing-quality transparency scans with good shadow detail.

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Dedicated 35 mm film scanners