Flatbed scanners can serve a variety of purposes other than those that are photo-related.
Though the details of film and flatbed scanners intersect in some respects, in other ways they are two very different pieces of hardware. Before purchasing, consider what type of image you will create with the scanner, and whether quality and cost are factors.
Purpose
If you wish to create sharp, high-quality photographs from your own negatives, a film scanner is a better choice. A flatbed allows you to scan other media, such as magazine clippings, book illustrations, and old photos. Flatbeds can also serve as photocopiers, or directly create .pdf files.
Versatility
A film scanner only allows you to scan film and perhaps slides. A flatbed scanner often comes with the option of an adapter tray that allows you to scan negatives and slides as well as opaque materials and three-dimensional items.
Quality
Flatbed scanners often visual quality inferior to that of a film scanner. Film scanners are capable of sharper images and are not vulnerable to the risk of scratching that can damage the glass bed of a flatbed scanner.
Price
Film scanners can be quite pricey, in the thousands of dollars, due to their superior quality. Flatbed scanners are much less expensive and sometimes are even included as a package deal with a new computer.
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