An all-in-one scanner/printer/copier can do many things, but usually there is a sacrifice to be made; typically, the scanner is the weakest link. That's why the pros and photo enthusiasts turn to a dedicated scanner for the best-quality reproduction of an image. Microtek has just unveiled its new ArtixScan M1 film/flatbed scanner, which will be shown at next month's PhotoPlus Expo in New York City. It will be available to shutterbugs in February 2007, for around $700.

The ArtixScan M1 works as a flatbed scanner for 35mm, 6cm, and 4-by-5-inch film formats, as well as for prints as large as 8.5 by 14 inches. It uses Microtek's Emulsion Direct Image Technology (or the clever-sounding E.D.I.T.) for 4,800-dpi optical resolution and 48 bits per pixel. According to Microtek this means that a scan of a 35mm film would produce an image file that is equivalent to a photo taken with a 34-megapixel digital SLR camera! Of course, the scanner won't help you take a better picture; that's still up to you.

Post by Peter Suciu