The "Sexy" Scanner!
Written: Apr 11 '01
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Pros: Built-in slide/negative module
Cons: "ScanWise" software
The Bottom Line: If you need a moderately priced scanner that allows you to scan slides and negatives then the AGFA Snapscan e50 is the perfect choice!
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| JennJoy's Full Review: Agfa SnapScan E50 Flatbed Scanner |
“I want good quality scans and the ability to scan slides and negatives without breaking the bank. I don’t want all the bells and whistles—as long as I can scan slides and negatives I will be happy. Oh, and make sure it’s compact enough to fit on my desk.” That is exactly what I asked for when telling the computer department at work what I wanted in a new scanner for my office. About a week and a half later, the AGFA Snapscan e50 showed up on my desk.
The Features
The Snapscan e50 is an uncomplicated scanner that is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The main features include:
· One-pass flatbed surface
· Scanning module for 35 mm slides and negatives
· USB interface
· One touch scanning
· Compatible with Windows 98/2000 as well as MAC OS 8.0 & up
· 3 different plastic covers for the handle & scan buttons
· 1,200 X 2,400 ppi, 14 bit color
One of the best features of the e50 is the one-touch scanning button. This is comprised of four smaller buttons below the hinged cover. You can go into the options menu of the scan program to toggle these anyway you want. I have mine set up to allow me to scan to Photoshop, save for the web, save for file and scan to email. The choice of three different plastic button covers (blue, orange and graphite) is a bit unnecessary for me, but I assume some people may actually enjoy switching the button color from time to time.
Setup and Scanning
The e50 is probably one of the easiest scanners to setup and install. Just plug the USB cord into your computer and run the installation disks. You will be walked through a setup that is so easy anyone can do it in a minimal amount of time. AFGA promises, “No sweat. No fuss” and this couldn’t be truer. A child could easily learn to use this scanner on his/her own.
The e50 uses a program called ScanWise to produce images. ScanWise allows you to produce scanned images in four click-of-a-button steps. For those who just want to scan something without the hassle of manually choosing all of the options, this software is perfect. The e50, in conjunction with this program, will automatically sharpen your images, balance the color and even rotate misaligned photos. If you like to be able to crop, sharpen or otherwise manipulate your images simply select the option to have the e50 scan your photos directly to Photoshop or the program of your choice.
Image Quality
The e50 is intended to offer one-touch scanning that results in quality images—which it does. The quality is slightly above average for a scanner in this price range. Scan time is very short so you won’t be waiting 10 minutes for the image to render. Of course, as a result, you lose the ability to decide what features and options to apply to your scan. Therefore, if you buy an e50 make sure you have a program other than ScanWise to manipulate your images. Using Photoshop or a similar program will allow a much broader range of features to perfect your scanned images and prepare them for the web, printing, etc.
The e50 offers about the same scan quality as my home scanner, the Umax 2100U does, only the e50 costs almost $100 more. The main difference between the two scanners is the slide/negative module which is a must-have option for me at work and therefore makes the e50 worth the extra money. Clearly, if you have no need to scan slides or negatives you might as well buy a less expensive model.
The Look
The Snapscan e50 is supposed to look ultra-modern. AGFA’s description of this scanner uses such descriptive words as ‘sexy, sleek, good-looker, cool and fun.’ It is obvious that AGFA is trying to target a young, hip audience with the e50, but come on now. I can understand calling it sleek and even cool or fun, but sexy? Have you ever looked at a scanner and said, “Ooo, it’s so sexy!” in your best come-hither voice? (If you have, I don’t want to know about it!)
The e50 is sleek and compact. The design is simple and modern looking, especially considering the slide/negative module. Many scanners that offer this feature have a big, bulky top to accommodate this module or a large separate attachment. One of the major pluses of the e50 is that the scanning module is built into the top of the scanner and it is so small that it looks like a typical flatbed scanner. You almost would not know this module is there unless you were looking for it!
Recommendations
The e50 is a adequate little scanner. It is compact, easy to setup and extremely easy to use. The slide/negative scanning module is absolutely the best feature if this is something you are looking for in a reasonable price range. The scanning software will be a blessing for those not interested in doing anything other than directly scanning an image, but it could be a source of aggravation for those looking to manipulate their scans. Just keep in mind that if you want to have complete control over your scans you must utilize a separate photo program.
Ultimately, I truly got what I asked for. The e50 has all the capabilities I was interested in without having all sorts of expensive bells and whistles. The output of this scanner is quality scanned images in just a few seconds. The e50 would be useful for those looking for an inexpensive, but quality scanner as well as those that must scan from film. If you are interested in looks over quality the e50’s choice of button color will be of interest to you as most scanners do not offer such options. Of course, if you believe AGFA, you might just find yourself buying the e50 because it’s “sexy” and you are strangely attracted to it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 170.00
Interface: USB
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JennJoy
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