Kind of OT: What is the best scanner for cards???

gocatsgo538 · September 27, 2007 3:15PM

I am looking to buy a scanner for my collection of graded cards. What would be the best one in everyone's opinion???

schr1st · September 27, 2007 3:33PM

2 suggestions:

1). Get a CCD scanner instead of a CIS scanner. CCD scanners are a little bit bigger, but provide better scans IMHO.
2). Get a scanner for scanning items, and get a printer for any printing you may need. Don't buy a scanner / printer combo, as they are usually the lowest qualities of both. They may be cheap, but you get what you pay for.

I use an HP4890, which is apparently discontinued. It makes great scans, even of graded cards:

You can find used or reconditioned ones out on eBay pretty cheap (around $100). I've thought about buying another one just to have as a back up.

gocatsgo538 · September 27, 2007 3:39PM

<< 2 suggestions:

1). Get a CCD scanner instead of a CIS scanner. CCD scanners are a little bit bigger, but provide better scans IMHO.
2). Get a scanner for scanning items, and get a printer for any printing you may need. Don't buy a scanner / printer combo, as they are usually the lowest qualities of both. They may be cheap, but you get what you pay for.

I use an HP4890, which is apparently discontinued. It makes great scans, even of graded cards:

You can find used or reconditioned ones out on eBay pretty cheap (around $100). I've thought about buying another one just to have as a back up. >>

Is this the one you speak of? :

HP 4890 eBay

mknez · September 27, 2007 3:58PM

If you have the room, get two units, a printer and a scanner. If you are space constrained, settle for an all-in-one, unless you can sacrifice a feature.

I'm space constrained, ended up with an HP C5180. Nice copies, flat scans and prints. Doesn't do the greatest slabbed scans, but to me, it is acceptable.

maravich rookie

schr1st · September 27, 2007 5:56PM

That's the one. Check around though, and read reviews online (CNet, others) before selecting one. There may be better, newer ones out now for all I know. I just know that I really like the 4890.

<< 

<< 2 suggestions:

1). Get a CCD scanner instead of a CIS scanner. CCD scanners are a little bit bigger, but provide better scans IMHO.
2). Get a scanner for scanning items, and get a printer for any printing you may need. Don't buy a scanner / printer combo, as they are usually the lowest qualities of both. They may be cheap, but you get what you pay for.

I use an HP4890, which is apparently discontinued. It makes great scans, even of graded cards:

You can find used or reconditioned ones out on eBay pretty cheap (around $100). I've thought about buying another one just to have as a back up. >>

Is this the one you speak of? :

HP 4890 eBay >>

gotsparks09 · September 27, 2007 9:04PM

I pay close attention to threads like this because my scanner sucks when it comes to graded cards. It seems like most people suggest HP scanners for slabbed cards.

I have an Epson Stylus and it is GREAT and pretty much everything EXCEPT slabbed cards. Here's the best I could get mine to scan.

leadoff4 · September 27, 2007 10:40PM

I have an HP Officejet 6310 All-in-One and it has to be capable of better scans than I've been able to get from it. I need help/advice for sure. It makes me sick when I see all these close-up detailed scans and all I can get is this.

lawnmowerman · September 27, 2007 11:01PM

Epson Perfection 4490 is the way to go.

2dueces · September 27, 2007 11:35PM

HP Scanjet 4890. Can't go wrong with the quality and the price.

shagrotn77 · September 27, 2007 11:51PM

I have an Epson too and I love it. Ditched an HP for it.

JeremyDie1 · September 28, 2007 2:48AM

I agree that the all in ones dont seem to be the best scanners. I have the HP PSC 2355 all in one. I also have the Epson Perfection 4490. Which is the one I like to use for scanning.

BobaFett72 · September 28, 2007 3:39AM

im generally pleased with my scanner, HP PhotoSmart Express, its a combo; scanner, fax, printer, but i think it does a serviceable job.

I think some folks just dont know how to increased the clarity, scan size etc.

mandeld · September 28, 2007 3:50AM

I recently bought a Canon Multifunction MF4150. It won PC Mag's Editor's Choice. You can get it for $200 w/ rebates, $250 without.

Review Here

It does scans up to 600 dpi and I am very happy with the results. Picks up edging and corner touches no problem. Laser printer instead of inkjet crap, without any warmup time for printing. I definitely recommend it.

mbothner · October 1, 2007 1:52AM

I was looking for a scanner and after reading the thread I went with the Epson Perfection 4490. I can't wait to get it.

sagard · October 1, 2007 1:57AM

The software is probably equally important as the scanner itself. My Windows XP box had some pre-installed crapware that kept popping on when I'd hit my scan button. This led to horrible grain covered cards. I finally figured out (real rocket scientist here) to launch the correct software and use the software to "acquire" the image and all is fine now.

jimq112 · October 1, 2007 8:59AM

epson perfection 4490 photo here, I'm really happy with it after learning how to use it.

can you tell which 72 opc stargell is psa 8 and which is psa 8 oc? from the same sub, I think even back to back numbers

mbothner · October 1, 2007 9:04AM

<< can you tell which 72 opc stargell is psa 8 and which is psa 8 oc? >>

The second one is slightly more OC. Neither would be OC at PSA 7. Since you asked the question then it must be a trick and will say PSA graded the first one OC.

gocatsgo538 · October 1, 2007 9:12AM

THANKS GUYS!!! I decided to go with the Epson Perfection 4490!! I'm happy.

jimq112 · October 1, 2007 9:27AM

<< THANKS GUYS!!! I decided to go with the Epson Perfection 4490!! I'm happy.

>>

You're going to love it. If you have any problems getting used to it PM me and I'll try to help. My eyes aren't so good any more and sometimes I need help checking corners. The 4490 helps.

gocatsgo538 · October 1, 2007 9:36AM

<< 

<< THANKS GUYS!!! I decided to go with the Epson Perfection 4490!! I'm happy.

>>

You're going to love it. If you have any problems getting used to it PM me and I'll try to help. My eyes aren't so good any more and sometimes I need help checking corners. The 4490 helps.

>>

WOW. That's a great scan. And yeah, I might need some help at the beginning.

Thanks.

Kind of OT: What is the best scanner for cards???

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