http://www.jamesphotography.ca/scanner_test.html
You might find the above link interesting in your research. Surprisingly the Minoolta Scan Dual III out performed the IV at least for the purposes of this test. Most of the folks that have the IV seem quite happy and I've heard it has a better negative holder then the III. However Minolta has confirmed that the IV's negative holder will indeed work on the III. I personally have a III and entered the scanner bakeoff the link above. My scores were the highest of any of the III's entered. For the money I consider any of the Scan Dual series to be a very high value for the dollar. You can buy a better scanner but you will pay a lot more for it! Considering that the Scan Duals placed as high as many higher dollar scanners in the bake off, I would think twice about spending a good deal more. As to scanners that have digital ice I can't comment since I've never had the pleasure of working with any equipment that supported it. With most scanners though you also need to be considering the costs of related editing software as well. Scanning is plaqued by noise and dust. Several programs exist to help you here though with various learning curves. Personally I use a combination of photoshop 7, grain surgery, polaroid dust removal, with the all important history brush tool in photoshop. > -----Original Message----- > From: Henri Toivonen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 4:59 PM > To: pentax-discuss > Subject: Minolta Scan Dual III or IV? > > > I have to buy me a scanner, and I've almost decided on a Minolta Scan > Dual IV? > But, I've noticed that the III's are showing up on used markets for half > the price of a new IV. > I'm now thinking, how big of a difference is there between the III and > the IV? > I haven't been able to find any website that explicitly tells the > *differences* so I ask you people now for advice. > > Should I settle with an used III or get me a new IV? > > /Henri >
