Types of Scanners Available
A scanner is defined as an electronic device that analyzes an image or text document and transforms the data into a digital image. When scanners first became available on the market, they were often regarded as distorting the picture quality of a scanned image. In recent years, the quality of scanned images has improved greatly, making them an excellent tool for preserving photos and documents.
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Drum Scanner
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A drum scanner uses a technology known as photomultiplier tubes to capture and transport data from an original object and translate that into a digital image, according to the Scanners Best website. Originals are placed into a large scanning drum which then spins very quickly. Throughout the spinning motion, light is split into various color frequencies. The color frequencies are then analyzed to produce the digital image. The International Paper Knowledge website states that drum scanners are typically very high quality, but are expensive. Operation requires a trained technician, making them appropriate for professional use.
Flatbed Scanners
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Flatbed scanners are most commonly found in homes and used for personal scanning purposes. Flatbed scanners are also known as desktop scanners, according to International Paper Knowledge. This type of scanner contains a glass pane with a bright light underneath. As the image is scanned, the light moves across the image translating it to a digital format using a technology known as CCD. Typical flatbeds scan documents of various sizes up to 13 inches by 18 inches. More advanced models have the ability to scan thick documents and 3-D images.
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Handheld Scanners
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Handheld scanners are available for people who require the services of a scanner while on the go. According to Scanners Best, handheld scanners are used by manually dragging the scanning device over the original image. While the handheld scanner has an advantage because it can be taken anywhere, it can be tricky to use. In order to avoid streaks in the digital image, scanners must use a very steady hand when scanning the original image. International Paper knowledge recommends using handheld scanners for small photos as they only scan two to five inches at a time.
Film or Slide Scanners
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Film or slide scanners are small scanner models that sit comfortably on a desktop. According to International Paper Knowledge, the primary purpose of this type of scanner is for scanning 35 mm film and slides. Slide scanners are more expensive than flatbed models because slides and film are of a higher resolution than printed photos.
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References
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