Light + Shadow

The first impression: a stable, thoroughly enjoyable device. Outwardly similar to the Epson Perfection V800 Photo V700 predecessor as peas in a pod. Construction and installation without any problems. But then the rude awakening! The Epson's own scanning software "EPSON Scan" has not changed much in appearance and construction since the blessed times of the Perfection V300. Worse, there is this software to be exclusively in a 32bit version (with MAC as for PC). And therefore direct scanning is not possible from current versions of Photoshop. An absolute "no-go" Epson love !! (On the Epson website is "VueScann" recommended as a way out - well)

If the attached software SilverFast SE as an alternative. The is 64bit capable - but not for everyone (me SilverFast to fiddly).

The film holder have changed significantly since the Perfection V700. Firstly, there are on the KB-film holder now only space for three filmstrips (V700 four filmstrips), fits on the medium format holder only one film strip (V700 two filmstrips). Why this is so, although by illuminated area is the same size as the V700, Epson's probably remain secret. A positive feature is that the film holder have become considerably more stable. Furthermore, all film holders, KB, medium format and 4x5 inch now have firmly embedded anti-Newton glass inserts. This improves the flatness of the films. On the other hand, it has now two other areas on which is struggling with dust. And if the somewhat improved flatness in a miniature film leads to better results, I doubt it. Heavy but still weighs that the film recording of the film holder for 120 roll film has come to narrow by about 3 mm. This makes it impossible to clamp the film plan. The hoped-for by the glass insert improved flatness is thus wasted.

As an accessory, you can buy the film holder of the Perfection V700. The are glassless, hold more movies. They also fit perfectly into the device - but the scanning software finds these film holders no longer automatically the respective image positions (applies to EPSON scan as for SilverFast).

Résumé: The Sann quality of transmitted light images - slides and negative - is almost perfectly. In this discipline the EPSON reference should be within its device category and price range. The result is miles away yet in resolution, detail and overall quality, for example by a Canon CanoScan 9000F. As far as the good news. The less positive points I have already mentioned.

My wish: for a scanner of this price and performance category, the appropriate scanning software is toying with the title "Professional" indispensable. Here EPSON needed rectifying. The film holders I would hope to be able to insert or remove the glass inserts as required.

Last but not least: the available online only "manual" is simply pathetic!