If the web is the final use for your scans, then the resolution of even the
cheapest scanner will suit your needs. The resolution of graphics on the web is
only 72-75 dpi. If you want a scanner for newsletters or other desktop publishing,
the maximum resolution required for most continuous tone (ie color or black and
white photos or any other original that has tones other than pure black and pure
white) would be 300 dpi. The ONLY reason for higher resolution is if you intend to
print (offset printing) at enlarged sizes or if you are scanning lineart (all black
and all white, without greys). To print lineart scans without stairstepping
(jaggies), the higher the resolution the better--600 is good; 1200 is better. Be
aware that the higher the resolution the bigger the file on disk. Good luck.

Richard Saylor wrote:

> The institution that I work for is interested in purchasing a color scanner
> which can faithfully
> reproduce color images from paper artifacts.  I began pricing scanners and see a
> wide discrepancy in prices.  I assume that the price is based on the quality of
> the scanner and the dpi rate.  However, I do not know what a good dpi rate is.
> What number of dpi should we be seeking in order to be able to digitize color
> images from paper artifacts and post them on our web site?  We of course want
> these images to look reasonably good.  But at the same time, we want to spend as
> little money as possible for a scanner.  Can anyone make any suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Rich
> [log in to unmask]

--
Wade Lawrence
Asst. Director, Drayton Hall
National Trust for Historic Preservation
web: www.draytonhall.org
e-mail: [log in to unmask]