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Microtek SCANMAKER 6800 4800X2400 DPI 48BIT USB 2.0 WINDOWS/MAC (MicroTek-110803510181)

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  • SCANMAKER 6800 4800X2400 DPI 48BIT USB 2.0 WINDOWS/MAC (MicroTek-110803510181)
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Microtek ScanMaker 6800 Review

by Richard Jantz

- WHAT'S HOT: The Microtek ScanMaker 6800 provides most of the same worthwhile features as its predecessor, the ScanMaker 6700--including 48-bit color and 2400-dpi resolution, ample quick-start buttons, versatile software, and both FireWire and USB ports (the 6800 supports USB 2.0, upgraded from the 6700's USB 1.1). Like the 6700 (a former Best Buy), in addition to reflective materials the 6800 scans film (up to 4 by 5 inches) via its built-in transparency adapter, and it has a small but handy light box on top of the lid for previewing the film before scanning. But under the 6800's hood is a combination hardware-software feature that makes this scanner unique in its class: It's the first flatbed to employ Digital ICE (Image Correction and Enhancement), a photo restoration technology developed by Applied Science Fiction that automatically locates and corrects surface defects--such as dust, scratches, cracks, and tears--as it scans. Previously, Digital ICE was available only in costlier, dedicated slide scanners and was applied strictly to film scans. The 6800 is the first scanner to apply the technology to photo prints--but it cannot apply Digital ICE to transparencies. When we tried out the Digital ICE function, the results were very impressive. It did a terrific job at repairing color prints with various gouges and creases, as well as lesser imperfections.

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User Reviews for Microtek SCANMAKER 6800 4800X2400 DPI 48BIT USB 2.0 WINDOWS/MAC (MicroTek-110803510181)

  • Reviewed by: VictoriaBelmont

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Quick, photos look like originals, Digital ICE

    Weaknesses: NA

    Overall Evaluation: The 6800 I purchased was simple to setup. I had it installed and plugged into my computer within about 10 minutes and its been fine since. I'm not sure if the others who reviewed this product installed the software first, restarted and then plugged it in, but following those steps the scanner worked as I expected. Windows is picky about USB devices. If you plug it in before installing drivers it doesn't always automatically update the device from device manager. Anyways, with the scanner up and running I was able to restore some old photos that my grandmother had taken. Simple to activate the Digital ICE function, you just click the box if you want it on, or unclick it if you want regular scanning. The scanned photo looks identical to the original and I was able to scan it, save it, and then have it printed. I can't wait to show my grandmother the enlarged print that I'm having framed.

  • Reviewed by: ScannedPhotos05

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Digital ICE is a tremendous time saver

    Weaknesses: Digital ICE requires long scan times

    Overall Evaluation: As a daily Adobe Photoshop user I am constantly in the program. I spent hour after hour touching and re-touching up photos for my clients. When I heard about the 6800 utilizing Digital ICE technology it peaked my interest. I did some research and found that the 6800 has received positive reviews from magazines and many awards so I decided to give it a go. Setup was a breeze and the color reproduction that this scanner offers is amazing. Digital ICE is my favorite feature of course and easily saves nearly 30 minutes off each photo. The scan times are long but that just allows me to work on the next photo while the current one is scanning. Highly recommend to anyone.

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