Epson reveals $99 photo scanner

Written by Adorama News Writer
|
Published on August 21, 2008
Adorama News Writer
Adorama ALC

48-bit color scanning and a 3.2 dynamic range. Dust removal, grain reduction, and color restoration are all available on-board. 35mm slides and negatives can be scanned with resolution that can result in prints up to 13×19 inches, according to Epson. The Epson Perfection V300 will be available for approximately $99.99.



For details, read the Epson USA press release:



EPSON PERFECTION V300 PHOTO DELIVERS AFFORDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY EVERYDAY SCANNING WITH ENERGY-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY


Epson Perfection V300 Photo Offers 4800 dpi and ReadyScan LED Technology for $99.99



LONG BEACH, Calif. – Aug. 22, 2008 – Continuing its commitment to photo enthusiasts and advanced amateurs, Epson America Inc. today announced the Perfection® V300 Photo, the latest consumer scanner in Epson’s award-winning line-up. Featuring 4800 dpi optical resolution for only $99.99, this versatile scanner offers outstanding all-around features for everyday scanning needs – from photos and slides to negatives and documents to 3D objects using the high-rise, 180-degree lid.



The Epson V300 Photo features one-touch scanning with four easy-to-use buttons to quickly and automatically scan, copy, e-mail, or PDF documents, photos and more. Utilizing 4800 x 9600 dpi maximum hardware resolution with 48-bit color scanning and 3.2 dynamic range, consumers can easily create high quality scans with tremendous detail and accuracy using one of four scan modes that cater to users of all levels, from beginner to professional. In addition, Epson’s exclusive Easy Photo Fix™ technology produces excellent results in photo color restoration, dust removal and grain reduction – all with just the touch of a button.



Epson’s energy-efficient ReadyScan™ LED technology enables fast scan speeds and eliminates warm-up both when starting a scan or when switching between reflective and film scanning, enabling enhanced productivity. Consuming less power and with no mercury, inherent in traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamps, ReadyScan LED technology enables the Epson V300 Photo to offer an environmentally-friendly scanning solution.



“Epson is constantly looking to not only meet, but exceed the needs of our Perfection scanner customers by creating the ideal balance of quality and overall value,” said Grace Huang, senior product manager, Epson America Inc. “The Epson V300 Photo is the best all-around, affordable scanner in its class with outstanding image quality and versatile features, making it the optimal choice for anyone looking for top-of-the-line imaging technology at a price that’s easy on the pocket.”



The Epson V300 Photo features four scan modes to accommodate various user levels and abilities. Full Automatic Mode allows users to quickly and automatically scan photos, documents and film with just the touch of a button. Home Mode provides users more control over scans with easy-to-follow setting menus and one-touch functions such as Easy Photo Fix. Advanced users can choose to scan using Professional Mode, which offers image correction tools including a histogram, tonal curves, color palette, and densitometer. New to the Epson V300 Photo is Office Mode, which gives users functionality typically found in Epson’s GT-series of document scanners including threshold control, text enhancement and color dropout.



For added flexibility, the Epson V300 Photo features a built-in transparency unit for convenient scanning of slides and negatives. Scan one 35mm film strip (up to six frames) or four 35mm mounted slides with the included film holder to easily create enlargements up to 13 x 19”. Furthermore, this scanner is also equipped with an innovative high-rise, 180-degree lid for scanning oversized and 3D objects making it a great tool for scrapbookers to create background pages, page accents and more.



The Epson V300 Photo adds further versatility with its software bundle, which includes Epson Scan with Easy Photo Fix for automatic color restoration of faded photos, dust removal and grain reduction, ArcSoft MediaImpression and ABBYY® Fine Reader® Sprint Plus OCR. The scanner is compatible with popular operating systems including Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home/Professional, Windows XP Professional x64, Windows Vista®, Macintosh OS X 10.3.9-10.5.x, and is also TWAIN compliant.



The Epson V300 Photo can be purchased for an estimated street price of $99.99.