Good Scans Made Slowly

Like competing scanners from Canon, Epson, and Microtek, the 6400 is a 48-bit-color-depth model featuring one-touch function buttons, a built-in transparency adapter, and a software bundle that includes tools for editing and managing your images. But the USB 2.0-based 6400 is one of the few models in its class (Microtek's $130 ScanMaker i320 is another) that offer an ultrahigh resolution of 3200 by 6400 dpi, which is great for making huge enlargements from slides.

The shipping version of the 6400 that I tested was a breeze to install and use. In test scans, image quality was generally good overall, but I often obtained even better results by adjusting the default settings for contrast, brightness, and saturation.

The 6400's biggest drawback is its plodding performance. For example, it took nearly a minute to scan a color photo at 1200 dpi (Microtek's ScanMaker i320 finished the same scan in 30 seconds).

The 6400 also offers a few photo-restoration tools, such as scratch removal and auto enhancement--both of which I used to correct prints marred by folds and faded color. Unlike some competing units, however, the 6400 won't allow you to use its tools to correct defects until you've finished scanning an image.

Fussy photo fans who prefer using photo-restoration tricks during scanning may prefer another model. But if restoration isn't your main goal and speed isn't critical, the 6400 may suit your needs.

Richard Jantz