A flatbed or flat scanner is an optical device that is used for scanning sheets, ID cards, documents, and photographs. It comes with a scan head and a flat glass surface where you can keep the sheets or papers for scanning. The scanner is capable of copying the text, color, and other pictorial information to digitize the scanned data. Many models also come with an automatic document feeder which makes your scanning task easy. You can scan multiple sheets or papers with such models.
How Does a Flatbed Scanner Work?
A flat scanner works by using image sensors to detect and copy the information of any image. The scan head moves under the glass surface to scan the document. It works by passing a ray of white light on the sheet or object that is to be scanned. The object reflects back the white light that helps in providing the intensity and color information of the scanned image. This scanner is easy and convenient to use and you don’t need to move the sheets or papers on the glass surface manually.
Types of Flatbed Scanner
CCD Flatbed Scanner
A CCD flatbed scanner is based on CCD technology, i.e, a charge-coupled device. This type of flatbed scanner uses cold cathode light as a light source to send a ray of white light onto the original document. This light is reflected and is collected by microlenses that are attached with CCD elements. CCD flat scanners are great for capturing better color accuracy, a higher depth of field, and for providing a better signal-noise ratio.
CIS Flatbed Scanner
A CIS flatbed Scanner is based on CIS technology, i.e, contact image sensor. The light source in CIS scanners is RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs. This light is reflected by the object and is collected by either CCD or CMOS sensor elements. Lenses and photoreceptor units are placed right under the flat glass surface. CIS flatbed scanners are ideal for higher optical resolution and minimal lens distortion.
What Is The Difference Between Flat Scanner & Document Scanner?
Flatbed scanners and document scanners differ in their design, functioning, and overall build-up. The flatbed scanners have a glass panel with a top lid and scan head. You have to place your object or document on the glass panel for scanning. There is a lot of manual work unless the scanner has an automatic document feeder. This type of scanner is perfect for scanning a variety of documents of different sizes, including cards, photographs, and sheets.
The document scanner comes in a bulkier design for heavy-duty tasks. Unlike flat scanners, document scanners don’t have flat glass surfaces. They have sheet feeders that can take many sheets at once and convert them into digital images. Many models also come with dual lamps to scan the sheet from two sides at the same time. You can also look for document scanners that support the automatic rotation of pages.
The Xerox XD-COMBO Duplex Scanner is a unique combo of flatbed and document scanners. This device comes with a 35-page automatic document feeder that allows you to scan up to 25 ppm at 300 dpi.
Buy Best Flatbed Scanners
Canon 2168B002 CanoScan
The Canon 2168B002 CanoScan comes with high-luminance white LED lamps to scan every fine detail with high resolution. You can use this gadget to scan, copy, and create emails and multi-page PDFs. This scanner can batch-scan up to 4 slides or 12 35mm frames while offering 48-bit color depth yields. It has got good reviews for its large function buttons.
Epson Perfection V600 Color
The Epson Perfection V600 Color has got excellent reviews for its 6400 x 9600 dpi for enlargements up to 17 Inches x 22 Inches. This model provides a maximum scan area of 8.5 x 11.7 inches. It has the ability to remove tears and creases from photos and dust and scratches from film. This scanner measures 19 x 11 x 4.6 inches in size.
Canon CanoScan 9000F
The reviews of Canon CanoScan 9000F show that this model uses white LEDs that lead to a lower power consumption level. It can automatically remove dust and scratch. This scanner also has a removal technology for fading, grain, and backlight correction. You can set this device on the auto scan mode that adjusts settings by detecting what you are scanning.
Plustek A3 Large Format Flat Scanner
The Plustek A3 Large Format Flat Scanner is a perfect device for scanning large-format sheets. You can scan A3 sheets measuring 11.69″ x 17″ in size, with this scanner. There is no warm time for this scanner as it uses energy-saving LED light bulbs. The pre-set function with a one-touch button allows you to operate this device easily.
Conclusion
A flatbed scanner is a lightweight and compact scanning device that you can use for giving inputs to your computer in the form of digital images. You can buy this device for corporate as well as personal use. Make sure you check the capacity of the automatic sheet feeder of your scanner before making any final purchase.
AESA rates and reviews the best slide & negative scanners on the basis of design, ease of use, and portability.
