Scanning Media
The process and applications of a scanner are relatively simplistic.
It acts and functions much like a copier. It has the same little
scanning bar that blinds you if you look into it, and instead
of feeding paper (though a rare few do) it transmits the scanned
object into your computer and allows you to alter it digitally.
In that respect, a scanner can far surpass the average office
copier.
Color Scanning
Scanning color pictures can be fun, but it's also very challenging. You may expect
to get the same quality and detail as the original, but that's not always the
case.
A critical part of any scan is determining the proper resolution, or dpi (dots
per inch) setting. Most scanning software allows you to select from a range of
settings, usually between 75-6000 dpi. Of course, individual settings depend
on the quality of the scanner you're using, and technological possibilities are
expanding all the time.
Generally speaking, the greater the dpi (or higher the resolution), means a better
quality scan. It also means that you've created a larger file. A typical 400
dpi color scan can be as large as two megabytes, whereas a 100 dpi black and
white scan is somewhere between 50-100 kilobytes. There is also a major difference
in the smoothness of color shading. The edges of the scanned picture become more
jagged and irregular when using a lower resolution setting.
The advantage to scanning in pictures at a lower resolution is that the files
are not as large, and can be easily attached to an e-mail or saved to a floppy
disk. A 400 dpi file takes a long time to transfer on a slower machine, and is
too large to fit on only a single disk. The disadvantage, however, is that the
lower resolution creates a lower quality picture. Photo images found on the Web
are usually scanned at 72 dpi. While they look great on your screen, these photos
will not print on a color printer very clearly.
Black & White Scanning
In scanning black and white text or photocopies, the concern over resolution
is not as great. Whether it's photos or text, contrast is just as important as
resolution. Sometimes you'll need to darken the black or grays to add contrast
against a white background. Adjusting contrast can cause otherwise unnoticeable
scratches or particles to appear. Using Photoshop, you can easily increase or
decrease contrast once a scan is completed.
Another thing to be aware of is the quality of the original you are scanning.
The scanned picture can never be better than it's original, and you must keep
in mind that there are always minor deficiencies, scratches, or other imperfections
that will be enhanced by the scan. Keeping the glass on your scanner clean, and
double-checking for wrinkles, smears and other debris on the original will usually
lead to a high-quality scan.
In scanning different kinds of media, the best thing to do is experiment. Once
you have some of the basic principles down, you'll start to see more and more
ways to apply them, and even begin to think of new things you might want to try.
Play around with scanning objects other than pictures or documents. Most mid-range
scanners can capture almost anything that will fit on the glass. Just keep trying
different things and don't get discouraged if success is slow to come. Proper
scanning techniques can take years to refine.
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