Finding the Best A3 Scanner

A3 scanners can be more difficult find than conventional scanners because most are suited for A4-size paper. However, there are A3 scanners available and most famous IT manufacturers sell products with this capability.

There are many aspects to look for when buying a scanner, instead of just looking at design and capabilities, you will need to look at the big picture. Try to learn what kinds of scanners there are available and what the capabilities of each one are. It is also helpful to know what jobs you are going to be using the scanner for whether it is scanning photos, books, or legal documents.

When choosing the best A3 scanner you will need to find the balance between speed and quality. Fortunately, most modern scanners have advanced quality features yet still function at high speeds. The minimal resolution should be 4800 dpi or dots per inch and software should be included that will make the scanning job much easier.

Almost all scanners come with software that reads objects while it scans, but you may also want programs that have the ability to resize or crop the image before saving it. Most scanners have this basic software included, but if not you can always purchase a third party program.

A3 scanners generally cost more than normal scanners because they are larger and require a higher resolution in order to scan a bigger area. Usually these kinds of scanners are not necessary for home users but they are popularly used in offices because some legal documents are made on A3-size paper. Scanning posters will also usually require a larger scanner.

Epson Expression 10000XL Graphic Arts Scanner

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0002LC9TC" alt="Epson Expression 10000XL- Graphic Arts Scanner" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31G711ZS39L._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="160" height="71"] One of the best but quite pricey A3 scanners available today is the Epson Expression 10000XL- Graphic Arts Scanner. This extremely smart scanner is equipped with a cathode fluorescent lamp and CCD line sensor. The entire scanner weighs 39.7 pounds and connects to computers through either FireWire or USB.

The Epson 10000XL features very good quality resolution, high speeds while scanning and an advanced networking capability. The 10000XL has been made specifically with graphics professionals in mind and has been designed to exceed their expectations.

The abnormally high speed of the scanner is mainly attributed to the Matrix CCD technology on the scanning lamp. This unit also features a high intensity dual lamp setup, which can scan up to 1.5 times faster than most other scanners. The Xenon lamp will also ensure that the scanner is always on and ready to be used.

The quality of images are optimized through an automatic focusing feature so the user is able to get pinpoint focus for up to 6mm of the glass window. The focusing system is completely automatic and adjusts itself for sharper and clearer scans. You can also switch the focus system to manual.

The Epson Expression 10000XL’s list price at the Epson Online Store is around $2,500. However, you may be able to get better deals at Amazon.com. Currently, you may find prices for a new unit for at $1,999 and used for as low as $1,800. This scanner is recommended for use by graphic arts studios that produce various poster prints and scans.

Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro USB Large Format Scanner

[easyazon-image-link asin="B000WKSZ5A" alt="Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro USB Large Format Scanner" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21Gi%2B-aVoRL._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="160" height="136"]On the lower end of the spectrum but still is rated high quality by most users is the Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro USB Large Format Scanner. It is a tabloid size scanner using a USB scanning solution for high-resolution scans up to 11.7” x 16.5”. Excellent for scanning art work, comics, magazines, newspapers, and any large document. It can provide up to 35,000 hours maximum scanning time.

In the box included are software for image-editing, photo-retouching and optical character recognition; and all drivers and hardware necessary for operations in Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/VISTA/ 7 32/64Bit environments. Also compatible with MAC OS X. Easy installation with the USB interface. It is easily one of the cheapest A3 large format scanners on the market today.

Also comes with all the drivers and hardware necessary to operate in Installation is a breeze with the USB Interface and the scanner provides up to 35,000 hours of scanning time. Guaranteed one of the cheapest A3 large format scanners on the market!

Mustek, the manufacturer, has listed the Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro Scanner with a suggested retail price of around $200. However, you can easily purchase it new on Amazon for around $145 only. It has earned a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Click here to find out what people say.

Recommendations

Depends on your need, if you work in an office environment with a high volume requirement, you may want to consider Epson Expression 10000XL. But if you intend to use an A3 scanner for home or a home office, then it would be more beneficial for you to go for the cheaper option of the Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro Scanner.