Scanning images

[Mark]

Hi,

I was wondering what is the best scanner to use to scan in artwork.

I'm trying to set up my own website of my own work, and the scanner I currently have leaves the image quite blurry, without much resolution.

If anyone can come up with some suggestions, preferably the cheapest option, it would be much appreciated.

Ta,
Mark

[tolworthy]

This is probably stating the obvious, but are you sure you have your scanner set on the highest resolution, and the artwork is flat, and you're not processing it the wrong way afterwards? I got my scanner for fifteen quid off eBay a couple of years ago, and it's bog-standard ordinary, and always gives pretty good results. That is, I can tell the shape of individual dots when scanning an old comic. Of course, you may just have much higher standards than me, or draw incredibly small pictures.

I also find Photoshop Elements a good addition - for adjusting levels and gentle sharpening especially.

[Gary Northfield]

You definitely ought to check your settings; it's probably set on default and most likely 72dpi. You may see an option for "professional" (or something similar) which brings up a host of bewildering options, but it gives you the ability to adjust your input settings. The bare minimum you need to scan your artwork is at 300dpi, which makes your work print ready. Of course, the higher the dpi (dots per inch), the bigger the file and if you want to get archival, try scanning at 1200dpi; it might break your computer, but you can see every molecule in your drawing!

Although saying all that; if you're scanning images to go straight onto the web with no adjustments or archiving, 72dpi is all you need.

[Captain Storm]

I concur!A bog standard scanner is quite sufficient.It's the software that matters.Check your settings or read the manual.It may take a few attempts to get the results you want,but then it will be plain sailing.Happy scanning,

The Cap!

[Mark]

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies and tips.

I also e-mailed Frazer at Toonhound, and he gave me a lot of advice about how he gets his images so crisp on his site.

Thanks again!

Mark

[klakadak-ploobadoof]

I also e-mailed Frazer at Toonhound, and he gave me a lot of advice about how he gets his images so crisp on his site.

Can you post the advice here, please? Thanks!

[dennis the menace]

frasers images are crystal clear