Last Updated on February 19, 2018 by Tim
When you have lots of data on a hard copy, there is no faster way than to use a scanner and save it on your computer. With the advancement of technology, scanners have become so compact and lightweight that you can even place it inside your bag.
Some scanners are also integrated on some printers so you can use one device and save a lot of space. So, if you think you need a scanner for light to medium use, then a flatbed scanner is all you need in your office, Flatbed scanners are the most practical for multipurpose use. They’re generally more versatile and cheaper than scanners that are geared toward a specific function. But before you rush to buy a flatbed scanner, here are some things you need to consider before buying.
Best Flatbed Scanner 2017
Canon CanoScan 3297B002 LiDE 700F Color Image Scanner
Why?
- It has auto scan mode.
- Makes you use low power consumption.
- Fully diverse tool perfect for home or office use.
Flatbed Scanner Buying Guide
Flatbed scanners are easy to use, just load the document and press a button. Simple enough for most people but this depends on the software it comes with. Some software may be a bit challenging to use and this can be annoying. So, it is better if the flatbed scanner comes with high-end software packages that can easily integrate with other programs in your computer.
Next is the resolution the scanner will support. If you only need to scan text documents then 200-300 dpi is enough. Nowadays, new scanners typically have resolutions of at least 600 dpi which is sufficient for images, as long you don’t enlarge them too much. For printing scans at a larger size and the finest detail, you will need a scanner with a higher resolution at least 4,800 dpi. This way, if you will zoom on the text or image, the outcome would not be grainy.
Another thing to consider is the color depth. The color depth is a measurement of how many variations of colors the scanner can see. Flatbed scanners typically have 48-bit color depth. Though it is not really important on document scanners, but will be very useful on scanning drawings and photos.
Finally, you have to consider the scanning and processing speed of the flatbed scanner. Whenever you are in a rush and you want pages to go through as quickly as possible while still producing good results, then a flatbed scanner with a high page-per-minute rate is recommended. But keep in mind, if you take scans on a higher resolution, it would take some time for it to process to complete the whole document. Now if you are looking for the best flatbed scanner, here are the best available.
| HP L1957A#B1H Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner | Robust & economical scanner with high-definition scans at 4800 dpi resolution; features high-speed USB data connection compatible with Windows & Mac; 6 color, 96-bit scanning for photos, slides & negatives holds up to 16 35-mm slides or 30 negative frames | Good | Mid-Range | 4.0 / 5 |
| Visioneer OneTouch 5800 Flatbed Scanner | Simple & affordable featuring 48-bit color, 1200×2400 dpi resolution, 3 one-touch buttons, scans up to 8.5 x 11.7” with photo editing & OCR software; includes MGI PhotoSuite III SE for easy touch up, transform, organize, & sharing photos | Good | Low | 4.0 / 5 |
| Canon CanoScan 3297B002 LiDE 700F Color Image Scanner | Delivers a letter-size color & scans in 12 secs; features auto-scan mode that automatically adjusts while scanning; low power consumption with 9600 x 9600 max resolution & 48-bit color depth; allows 3-position setup | Very Good | High | 4.3 / 5 |
| Epson Perfection V800 Photo scanner | Features remarkable tonal range & shadow detail with 4.0 Dmax; automatically removes dust and scratches from film & prints; flexible functionality with no warm-up required | Good | High | 4.0 / 5 |
| Mustek A3 1200S – High Speed A3 Color Scanner | Resolution 1200 by 1200 dpi feature interpolates up to 9600 dpi; USB 2.0 connectivity for reliable & fast transfer speeds; picks up decent amount of detail & effective at picking up color luminosity & Photoshop import options compatible | Good | Mid-Range | 4.0 / 5 |
| Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII Color Image Scanner | High-speed scanner from photos to documents featuring Super Toric Lens; zero warm-up time offering lower power consumption with white LEDs; sleek design has Auto Scan Mode to adjust settings | Excellent | Mid-Range | 4.5 / 5 |
| Doxie Flip – Cordless Flatbed Photo & Notebook Scanner | Designed with unique removable lid that lets you flip it over and place it directly on your originals; features transparent scanning window to see your scan; includes Doxie software to organize scans, stitch them together into huge originals & save copies on desktop or the cloud | Very Good | Mid-Range | 4.3 / 5 |
| Epson Perfection V19 Color Photo and Document Scanner | Affordable & compact easy scanner with sharing feature; features 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution & fast speed to capture letter-sized documents in 10 secs; includes built-in kickstand to save space with vertical placement | Very Good | Low | 4.3 / 5 |
Flatbed Scanner Reviews
8. HP L1957A#B1H Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner
The HP Scanjet G4050 is a robust and economical scanner that can attain high-definition scans at 4,800 dpi resolution. It features high-speed USB data connection and is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. This scanner provides breakthrough innovation with 6 color, 96-bit scanning for photos, slides and negatives which gives outstanding color accuracy in scanning and reproduction and plus a transparent materials adapter that can hold up to sixteen 35mm slides or 30 negative frames for scanning of multiple images.
7. Visioneer One Touch 5800 USB Flatbed Scanner
The Visioneer One Touch 5800 is one of the best sought after flatbed scanners because of its simplicity and reasonably priced. It features a 48-bit color, 1200×2400 dpi resolution, 3 one-touch buttons, scan areas up to 8.5 x 11.7 inches and bundled with photo editing and OCR software. The included MGI PhotoSuite III SE software allows you to easily touch up, transform, organize, and share photos. With these features, you can capture memorable moments with Visioneer’s OneTouch 5800 USB flatbed scanner.
6. Canon CanoScan 3297B002 LiDE 700F Color Image Scanner
If you are one of those with a true need for speed the LiDE700F delivers a letter size color scan in approximately 12 seconds. It features an auto scan mode that automatically adjusts settings by detecting what you are scanning, low power consumption with just one USB cable for data and power and 9600 by 9600 maximum color resolution with a vivid 48-bit color depth. Now you can scan with flexibility to accommodate your work station as you can setup the LiDE700 in three positions such as upright, portrait and landscape.
5. Epson Perfection V800 Photo Scanner
With the Epson Perfection V800, you can capture precise details giving you professional-quality scans to digitally archive slides or film. It features a remarkable tonal range and shadow detail with 4.0 Dmax for smooth gradations and fine shadow detail. It automatically removes dust and scratches, its Digital ICE Technologies remove many surface defects from film and prints to minimize costly retouching. There is also a ReadyScan LED light source for fast scans with no warm-up time required. Overall, it’s a flexible scanner for your needs.
4. Mustek A3 1200S – High Speed A3 Color Scanner
The Mustek A3 1200S is a great quality flatbed scanner and probably the best bang for the buck. It features a resolution 1200 by 1200 dpi that can be interpolated to 9600 dpi. A USB 2.0 connectivity for reliable and fast transfer speeds. This flatbed scanner is able to pick up a decent amount of detail and is particularly effective at picking up color luminosity and is compatible with Photoshop import options. This is great product if you don’t want to spend too much.
3. Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII Color Image Scanner
With the Canon CanoScan 9000F, you can enjoy high-speed scanning for everything from photos to documents. The CanoScan 9000F Mark II features a Super Toric Lens, delivering pin-sharp scans from edge-to-edge and bright, low-noise images. Also, there is zero warm-up time and offers lower power consumption with super-efficient white LEDs and Auto Scan Mode that automatically adjusts settings by detecting what you’re scanning. With a sleek design and great performance, you can’t go wrong with this one.
2. Doxie Flip – Cordless Flatbed Photo & Notebook Scanner
The Doxie Flip is a new kind of flatbed scanner, designed for capturing your creativity and history. It has a unique removable lid that lets you flip Doxie over and place it directly on your originals. You can easily line up scans perfectly and see your scan as it happens with Doxie’s transparent scanning window. The included Doxie software lets you organize your scans, stitch multiple scans together into huge originals, and save digital copies to your desktop or to the cloud for instant sharing. If you prefer to go wireless, this is the one to get.
1. Epson Perfection V19 Color Photo and Document Scanner
The Epson Perfection V19 is affordable and compact that offers easy scanning and sharing. This flatbed scanner features 4800 by 4800 dpi resolution and fast speeds which you capture letter-sized documents in just 10 seconds. Only one USB connection is required for power and connection to the computer and there is no warm-up time is needed. There is also a built-in kickstand that saves space with vertical placement. Overall, this is a great flatbed scanner with a very reasonable price.
