If you are shopping for a large format scanner, large format printer, or a book scanner, you will find that your choices are somewhat limited as these are specialized devices. Here we have made things easier by reviewing the top scanners and printers in this category along with providing some general buying tips (see sidebars for large scanner reviews and comparison chart).
Large Flatbed Scanners
Most scanners nowadays are of the flatbed variety. This means that the document is laid onto a flat surface rather than being fed through a machine like with a fax or copier. Most flatbed scanners accommodate paper that is 8.5×11 or slightly large, but there are also larger flatbed scanners which can handle bigger documents.
Large format flatbed scanners are, you guessed it, larger than normal sized scanners. They can handle extremely large jobs and are sometimes called tabloid scanners or A3 scanners because of their ability to scan larger-sized documents up to around 11×17. The extra large capacity that these machines can handle makes handling a wider variety of documents possible and helps to decrease the workload that is often created by having to split up several documents creating multiple files.
Large format scanning makes handling large format publications much easier for those that utilize them in their day-to-day business operations or at home. For instance, if you’re interested in scanning the pages from a large magazine or even a newspaper you’ll be able to do it all at once with a large format flatbed scanner or a book scanner versus having to divide the information in several pieces before sending. This has been a true blessing for those who work in the printing industry.
Book Scanners
Scanning books can be tricky on a flatbed scanner as damage can be caused to the spine of the book when pressed flat. This is where book scanners come in. These specialized scanners are designed to allow a book to hang over the edge of the scanner to avoid any spine damage. There are also handheld scanners available which are a portable and cheaper book scanning option.
Large Format Printers
For people who need to both scan and print large format items, there are one or two options. A large format all-in-one printer can accommodate both large scanning as well as large prints. But if you only need to print larger items, and not scan, you may find better quality output from a large photo printer.
Choosing A Larger Scanner
Large format scanners don’t differ much from their smaller counterparts and when looking to purchase one yourself, the same specifications and details will come into play in your decision. No matter what size flatbed scanner you purchase, perhaps the most important feature with respect to the quality of the image it produces is the actual resolution of the machine. This is rated in what is called “dpi” or dots per inch.
Most scanners today are rated at least 2400 dpi or higher with some of the more expensive large format scanners operating with a dpi of as much as 4800. Color depth is another important aspect that will determine the final quality of your scanned image. Color depth refers to the scanners ability to inject color into each pixel so that the higher the color depth, the more striking the image will appear.
One key issue the artist or home-hobbyist has when shopping for a large flatbed scanner is the price. Many people cannot afford to spend $1000 or more on a scanner. In this case I would recommend you check out the Mustek ScanExpress A3 scanner as it seems to be a popular option for those looking for large scanning without breaking the bank.
Overall, a large format flatbed scanner is the perfect choice for anyone who needs to scan larger than normal images or documents to their computer. As with most electronics there are many options and price levels, so be prepared for the choices if you are ready to buy.
