Hands-On Review: CanoScan 3000F Color Image Scanner

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Canon U.S.A. Inc., (800) OK-CANON, www.usa.canon.com

The Canon CanoScan 3000F is an inexpensive, yet versatile, color-image scanner that is well suited for classroom applications. Measuring slightly larger than a legal sheet of paper (10.1" x 18.1" x 2.8"), finding a spot for the scanner in tight places is simple. The 3000F features a Z-Lid expansion cover that makes it easier to scan thick books. It also has a built-in negative and slide scanner, which is an unexpected bonus on such an affordable scanner.

The scanner is effortless to use with three one-touch buttons that automate the scanning process - allowing you to scan, copy and e-mail images or documents in a single step. It also offers a high-speed USB 2.0 interface that provides quick and easy image transfers and scanning speeds. In addition, the 3000F comes with PhotoStudio editing software and PhotoBase image management software, which are not well known programs, but still work adequately.

The 3000F is not the fastest scanner - taking about 20 seconds to scan an 8" x 10" photograph and about 60 seconds to scan a slide - nor the quietest - making a variety of noises and clunks while scanning. Fortunately, in a classroom or lab environment this is not a problem; though it would be distracting at home.

Overall, the scans were of good quality with its resolution of 1,200 x 2,400 dpi and an interpolated resolution of 9,600 x 9,600 dpi. For its suggested price of $130, it is a great scanner.

- R. Richardson

This article originally appeared in the 10/01/2003 issue of THE Journal.

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