DLF Standards. Imaging guides outline. Selecting a scanner

Imaging Guides

II. SELECTING A SCANNER

The goal of this guide is to inform decisions about scanner selection by identifying the features that are most relevant for controlling imaging quality given the objects to be scanned and the general types of scanners available. Some parts of this discussion may identify features that are needed or under development, and so may not yet be commercially available.

Assumptions about the objects being scanned

Knowing the objects (survey of collection)
Physical/visual characteristics of the source material
Reflection or transmission
Color type
Full color
Monochrome
Black and white
Format

Criteria for scanner selection
Format considerations for scanner selection

Setting minimal scanning requirements according to source material

How to determine important parameters
Resolution
Tone reproduction
Color reproduction

Benchmarking scanner systems (scanner + software)

Definition of parameters to be benchmarked
How to read the product specifications supplied by the manufacturers
Features needed to control quality
Means to measure tone reproduction
Targets and software to be used
Means to measure color reproduction
Targets and software to be used
Means to measure the modulation transfer function (MTF)
Targets and software to be used
Means to measure noise
Targets and software to be used

Cost implications

Quality/Cost Tradeoffs
In house production versus hiring a vendor

Review of scanners types in terms of quality control features: pros and cons

Flatbed
Film
Drum
Digital cameras

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