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General Philatelic/Gen. Discussion : New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

 

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bigcreekdad
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31 Dec 2023
09:32:02am
Image Not FoundImage Not FoundI know, I know....flogging the old nag.

I'm using a recently purchased iPhone 15. I think it takes good pictures but I read elsewhere that nothing beats a scanner. I've attached a few pics with the iPhone.

In any case, what's current thinking of the group/Image Not Found

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

31 Dec 2023
11:02:46am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a scanner for all my cover copying. It's flat every time.

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In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

31 Dec 2023
11:21:31am

Approvals
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a scanner because I can scan a whole stocksheet full of 3 or 4 dozen stamps and run it through a bursting program in 3 or 4 minutes including any corrections to square up a few stamps. Here is a sample scan with a cheap Brother all in one scanner.

Image Not Found

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vinman
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31 Dec 2023
11:22:14am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Scanner looks best.

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hfbaker
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31 Dec 2023
11:32:16am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Were these all taken with the i-phone? The top two seem to be much lower resolution.

The main problem I have had with photographing stamps mounted on a clear stock sheet is light reflections. The other is distortion of stamps on the edge of the frame if you get too close. You also need to make sure your camera lens is parallel the the plane of the subject. The scanner avoids all these issues, but photography is definitely faster than scanning.

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angore
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Al
Collector, Moderator

31 Dec 2023
02:54:14pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a small bubble level to get camera parallel to surface and it is better to use a higher number f-stop (like f8 is better than f5.6) as possible to get the best depth of field.

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smauggie
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31 Dec 2023
03:21:04pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use an Epson scanner. I cannot imagine making stamp images without one.

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oldguy
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31 Dec 2023
08:53:10pm

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re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Wow! That Epson takes a very nice image.

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DaveSheridan
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31 Dec 2023
09:00:36pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

A scanner every time. I really dislike seeing phone images, with their blurring, lack of focus across the field and poor resolution.

This is why I use a Canon Lide 400 at 600dpi. They're priced at under a hundred bucks.

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DaveSheridan
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31 Dec 2023
09:02:16pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Here's a variety at 1200dpi. Scanner. Always.

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d1stamper
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01 Jan 2024
10:23:50am

Auctions - Approvals
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I always use a scanner. Scanner gives the best pictures of stamps.

I use HP Office Jet Pro 8710.



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cva59
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01 Jan 2024
11:01:21am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I have a Epson Perfection Scanner V600 Photo, works great - 6 years old.

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ClassicCollector
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First Century Collecting 1840 - 1940

01 Jan 2024
01:20:21pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I vote scanner. My wife and I have used a the Epson WF-7710 for printing Album Pages and scanning images for a number of years and have been very pleased with the results.

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Bobstamp
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01 Jan 2024
07:05:02pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Scanner, not because of image quality — recent iPhones are phenomenal — but because of parallax. If you can place and hold an iPhone in a plane parallel to a stamp, strip of stamps, blocks, cover, sheetlet, or sheet, you’re a better photographer than me. Same goes for any camera as opposed to virtually any scanner. Of course, it’s the desirability of the end product that counts. If iPhone photos suit your purpose, you don’t need a scanner. But they are so cheap these days! Buy one. You’ll like it!

Bob (who learned how to take pictures using a Speed Graphic press camera that required 4X5-inch sheet film)


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bigcreekdad
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02 Jan 2024
09:20:46am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Update....I just ordered an Epson flatbed...less than $100US. I'm anxious to see how it compares to the iPhone.

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youpiao
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02 Jan 2024
01:59:10pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I guarantee you, the difference will be like night and day (in favor of the scanner). Here's a tip: When scanning engraved stamps, use a scanner setting of at least 600dpi (and pref. 1200dpi) to avoid those rainbow moire patterns you see on many dealers' scans.

TTSC

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angore
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Al
Collector, Moderator

03 Jan 2024
06:11:32am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a scanner most of the time but there have been some images I could not get with a scanner due to the scanner lighting (washes out faint pattern). I had a similar problem with my USB microscope. I have to use a camera for photos for luminescense.

This is an example of a screened value variety from a Machin taken with a very good full frame DSLR (all cameras are not created equal).

Image Not Found

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cougar
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03 Jan 2024
10:01:59pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Always a scanner.

With a camera you have little to no control over distortion and lighting.

You showed images of single stamps; what would happen if you took a picture of an approval book page with 30 stamps on it?

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bigcreekdad
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07 Jan 2024
08:32:02am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Received new Epson scanner....won't power up. Why is nothing easy? Geesh!

Update...I've gone through a lot of my pics. Honestly, I think the iPhone 15 takes great pics. I'm going to stick with it and build some kind of a tripod so distance to stamp is the same top to bottom, corner to corner. Thanks for everyone's comments.

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youpiao
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07 Jan 2024
07:19:54pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

One area where cameras - iPhone, Galaxy, DSLR, or otherwise - excel is in color rendition. Every scanner I've owned, from 3 different brands: HP, Canon, Brother, have had problems with color accuracy, particularly yellow.

TTSC

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bigcreekdad
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13 Jan 2024
12:17:34pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Well.......I'm back. I'm sure most of will read no further.

I recently acquired a very nice dealer stock of mint GV Scroll and Arch Issues. A few varieties (cockeyed king), singles, pairs, paste up pairs, strips of 2-4, panes of 6, etc. All at least F- VF, and several VF, and a few VF-XF (IMO).

Starting to prepare to post them in my store and took pictures of a few batches with my iPhone. As I started to add them, I noticed that some detail was fuzzy. For example, The left eye (from my vantage) of GV didn't always show a clear eyeball. I looked at the stamp under magnification and compared to the pic. The clarity difference was obvious.

These stamps are really very very nice and I plan to price them a bit above average. To do so, and sell then, I need the best pics possible.

So, I'm back in the hunt for a good scanner. Arghhh!

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sheepshanks
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13 Jan 2024
01:10:08pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Here are 3 scans from a Canon TS 5120. First is of a whole page scanned at 300 dpi, this gave an image size of 2251 x 3117 which is too large for our site, so reduced to 890 x 1237.
Image Not Found
Second image is of an individual stamp taken from the original scan and has a size of 321 x 346 dpi.
Image Not Found
Third image is of an individual stamp scanned at 600 dpi and gives an image size of 704 x 819.
Image Not Found
Not a bad set of images for a reasonably cheap scanner/printer.

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bigcreekdad
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13 Jan 2024
01:59:00pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

That last one is the quality I'm looking for.

Thanks!

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vinman
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13 Jan 2024
05:05:38pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

John,
What happened to your "Epson flatbed" you ordered?

Vince

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bigcreekdad
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13 Jan 2024
06:01:32pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

It wouldn't power up. It came without a USB C connector. My MacBook only has two C ports. I bought an adaptor from B to C, but no connection. Returned it. I've since learned that you are taking a chance if you don't use Apple's B to C adaptor. Admittedly, I bought a really cheap adaptor. So, I'm kinda back to square one. Epson vs. Canon.

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keesindy
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14 Jan 2024
12:45:56am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I agree with those who recommend a scanner. I have often used the scanner to show some of the faults that occasionally show up as well as some of the fraudulent stamps. It is also sometimes helpful to get clear images of both the front and back of a stamp and I'm not sure a camera can be relied upon to get sufficient clarity to make that effort worthwhile. Here are some examples of my scans from recent years that were intended to show various aspects of stamps that could be overlooked. Often it is the backs of stamps to show condition or other aspects of the back. The three Benin stamps includes one forgery. The second Gambia stamp is an example of the "dented frame" variety that can be overlooked. In all cases, the clarity of the images can be very important.

Tom


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Bobstamp
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14 Jan 2024
07:18:16pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I don’t think that the question here should be whether cellphone cameras, at least in the case of newer iPhones, make sharper images than scanners.

The newer iPhones create phenomenally sharp, well-exposed images under a wider range of illumination than any film camera ever could. Inexpensive flatbed scanners can too. But a scanner, sitting quietly on a desk, won’t wiggle and jiggle and go in and out of focus and distort two-dimensional objects the way an iPhone or any camera can unless it is somehow perfectly aligned the same plane as the subject, which is too much a pain to deal with. And in the hands of someone who’s bothered to use it as intended, it won’t over- or under-expose an image like any camera can.

With both scanners and cameras of all types, the secret is in the skill of the user, but once the user traverses the learning curve of operating a scanner it will be hands-down better than any “consumer-level” camera for making images of stamps, photos, and documents. It’s even possible to scan some three-dimensional objects.

A note about colour: No camera-film or scanner has ever been able to accurately replicate all colours. It just isn’t possible.

Bob

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bigcreekdad
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15 Jan 2024
09:18:51am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Bob.....I may as well take up something new. You just convinced me I shouldn't be in this business...."the secret is in the skill of the user". Doomed to failure before I even start.

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Bobstamp
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15 Jan 2024
11:20:53am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

@ Bigcreekdad:

My scanner is at least a dozen years old, and drives me crazy sometimes. I have no doubt that there are many new scanners, including some you can put in your pocket, that are easy to use and fully adequate for casual use. My wife uses our printer/scanner/fax almost daily to get tack-sharp scans of documents and photos, and she scarcely knows a pixel from a pixie.

I’m certainly no computer guru, and it’s taken me years of experimenting to be able to produce high-quality images. It’s been worth the effort. But unless a collector is heavily involved in identifying obscure stamp varieties or forgeries, images of stamps don’t have to reveal micrometer-sized paper fibres or “flyspecks”.

Bob

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rrraphy
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Retired Consultant APS#186030

15 Jan 2024
12:39:59pm

Approvals
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

After less than 2 years my HP printer/scanner USB port failed and now I am forced to use my iphone. (I have no room to set up the scanner and hard wire connect to my pc, plus WIFI fails, so I need to load the scans on a USB memory stick, in its remote location, then walk them to my PC station.)

I must say that I like the iphone results. I use Camera + and it gives me a great range of correction and adjustment features, not available or just much more easy to use on the spot than on the scanner or even on IrfanView.
I have also an iphone scan Ap, but I have not tested it yet....wonder if it will improve what I can get today with eye level adjustment. That is the key I think.
I am looking for a mounting bracket I could set up to level the iphone and adjust the light for my scans. Any one has a suggestions?
rrr...

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Al
Collector, Moderator

16 Jan 2024
05:53:07am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

There a number of commercially available mobile phone stands designed for photograhy. Amazon has some.

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bigcreekdad
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17 Jan 2024
05:09:19pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Rapidly losing patience. Just received a new Canon LIDE 400. Downloaded software. However, when I try to add the scanner in my system preferences (MacBook Pro)the scanner is not listed in items available to add.

Just about had the biscuit (old term I love) with this damn scanner thing!

Any thoughts?

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sheepshanks
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17 Jan 2024
05:21:22pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

John, did you try restarting your Mac after the download? Leave the scanner on as you so do.
Not sure if Macs run bluetooth but have you tried adding it that way or by way of your router.
Failing all this, maybe keep the scanner and buy a Windows computer!!!!Big Grin

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bigcreekdad
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17 Jan 2024
05:52:17pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Will never go back to windows.

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hfbaker
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17 Jan 2024
10:59:10pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

"Will never go back to windows."


Some people call it Apple jail.
You can install Linux on a Mac.

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angore
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Al
Collector, Moderator

18 Jan 2024
05:57:40am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

The challenge with color is that color is impacted by the hardware and software before it gets to a monitor which also is not perfect,

1. scanner lamp (factory fresh, aged)
2. scanner driver massaging (raw image)
3. operating system color handlng (color workspace)
4. conversion to jpg/png, etc (less than raw color workspace)
5. monitor calibration and limitations, room lighting, gamma, etc.
6. people's eyes

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sheepshanks
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18 Jan 2024
09:51:15am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

After a nights rest, I'm wondering if the download actually installed, was it a zipped file that had to be opened?
How do you normally add hardware to a Mac system, presumably there is some sort of process? Does the scanner have a wireless button that needs to be activated, is the scanner seeing the router?
Does you Mac fall within the operating systems for the scanner: Mac: 8 Mac OS® X v10.10.5 - macOS v10.13 (High Sierra) .
Maybe one of our techies can provide an answer to your problem.
Edit to add:- from the specs,
7. Operation can only be guaranteed on a PC with pre-installed Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1.
8. Internet Connection required during software installation. For full compatibility macOS v10.12.1 or later is recommended.

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bigcreekdad
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18 Jan 2024
10:48:08am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Hey Sheep

Thanks for your thoughts. This stuff is soooo frustrating. The Canon 400 does not come with an on/off switch so who knows? Does anyone else use a MacBook when scanning? I read somewhere that Canon is no longer supporting drivers. True? I started this process with an Epson and had the same problems. Been a lot of mention of Vuescan software that will work with most scanners. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
.

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18 Jan 2024
10:52:55am

Approvals
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

First - see notes on Mac compatibility above. How old is your MacBook and what has the OS been upgraded to?
Second - reading the reviews compatibility appears to be problematic on Macs
Third - Does your mac have USB-C ports or are you using an adapter?

I use both Mac and Windows (7 and 10) computers and really have no preference. Another option might be to pick up a refurbished laptop with a fresh Windows 10 load (they are under $100 around here and are guaranteed) and transfer to your Mac with a zip drive. I scan with my Windows 10 and have to transfer the file to my Mac because my bursting program works on the Mac but not on my Win10. Computers are fussy.

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sheepshanks
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18 Jan 2024
11:15:11am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Have you tried this. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/25 ...
Presumably when you connect via cable, the scanner is starting up, if not then maybe it is the C connector/connection that is the problem.

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Brechinite

20 Jan 2024
07:21:45pm

Auctions - Approvals
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Since 2004 I have only ever bought Hewlet Packard printer/scanners.

My current is an HP Envy 4527 and several years old. It does the job considering I do 1000+ scans per month and print 200-300 pages per month.

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bigcreekdad
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21 Jan 2024
04:58:54pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Haven't been able to get on this site for a few days. Still cannot using Safari. Finally tried Google and it works. So.......for whatever reason, the scanner is now being recognized and I've been playing with scans. No doubt the clarity is better in the scans (vs Iphone), but the color is just a bit different from the actual stamp. The color was set on Auto, and I played with it a bit and could get very close to the actual color....seems odd that Auto would not be the actual color. Then....I did an update on the Macbook to Sonoma. Well....Sonoma has a known to Apple glitch where you cannot scan one side at a time, but only can decrease the size of a rectangle. Apple has done nothing to date to address this.

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DaveSheridan
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21 Jan 2024
10:13:57pm
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Turn off auto. Somewhere in the scanner settings you should be able to turn off all adjustments and enhancements so the scan is "raw".

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bigcreekdad
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22 Jan 2024
09:01:16am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

There are many mentions of software called Vuescan that people use. Anyone here use it? Might it be a way of going around Sonoma's cropping problem?

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hfbaker
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22 Jan 2024
10:00:49am
re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I have been using VueScan for about 10 years now. It works great for me. They do have a version for MacOS.

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bigcreekdad

31 Dec 2023
09:32:02am

Image Not FoundImage Not FoundI know, I know....flogging the old nag.

I'm using a recently purchased iPhone 15. I think it takes good pictures but I read elsewhere that nothing beats a scanner. I've attached a few pics with the iPhone.

In any case, what's current thinking of the group/Image Not Found

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Tom in Exton, PA
31 Dec 2023
11:02:46am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a scanner for all my cover copying. It's flat every time.

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31 Dec 2023
11:21:31am

Approvals

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a scanner because I can scan a whole stocksheet full of 3 or 4 dozen stamps and run it through a bursting program in 3 or 4 minutes including any corrections to square up a few stamps. Here is a sample scan with a cheap Brother all in one scanner.

Image Not Found

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vinman

31 Dec 2023
11:22:14am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Scanner looks best.

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hfbaker

31 Dec 2023
11:32:16am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Were these all taken with the i-phone? The top two seem to be much lower resolution.

The main problem I have had with photographing stamps mounted on a clear stock sheet is light reflections. The other is distortion of stamps on the edge of the frame if you get too close. You also need to make sure your camera lens is parallel the the plane of the subject. The scanner avoids all these issues, but photography is definitely faster than scanning.

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Al
Collector, Moderator
31 Dec 2023
02:54:14pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a small bubble level to get camera parallel to surface and it is better to use a higher number f-stop (like f8 is better than f5.6) as possible to get the best depth of field.

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smauggie

31 Dec 2023
03:21:04pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use an Epson scanner. I cannot imagine making stamp images without one.

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oldguy

31 Dec 2023
08:53:10pm

Approvals

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Wow! That Epson takes a very nice image.

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DaveSheridan

31 Dec 2023
09:00:36pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

A scanner every time. I really dislike seeing phone images, with their blurring, lack of focus across the field and poor resolution.

This is why I use a Canon Lide 400 at 600dpi. They're priced at under a hundred bucks.

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DaveSheridan

31 Dec 2023
09:02:16pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Here's a variety at 1200dpi. Scanner. Always.

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d1stamper

01 Jan 2024
10:23:50am

Auctions - Approvals

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I always use a scanner. Scanner gives the best pictures of stamps.

I use HP Office Jet Pro 8710.



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cva59

01 Jan 2024
11:01:21am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I have a Epson Perfection Scanner V600 Photo, works great - 6 years old.

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ClassicCollector

First Century Collecting 1840 - 1940
01 Jan 2024
01:20:21pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I vote scanner. My wife and I have used a the Epson WF-7710 for printing Album Pages and scanning images for a number of years and have been very pleased with the results.

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Bobstamp

01 Jan 2024
07:05:02pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Scanner, not because of image quality — recent iPhones are phenomenal — but because of parallax. If you can place and hold an iPhone in a plane parallel to a stamp, strip of stamps, blocks, cover, sheetlet, or sheet, you’re a better photographer than me. Same goes for any camera as opposed to virtually any scanner. Of course, it’s the desirability of the end product that counts. If iPhone photos suit your purpose, you don’t need a scanner. But they are so cheap these days! Buy one. You’ll like it!

Bob (who learned how to take pictures using a Speed Graphic press camera that required 4X5-inch sheet film)


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bigcreekdad

02 Jan 2024
09:20:46am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Update....I just ordered an Epson flatbed...less than $100US. I'm anxious to see how it compares to the iPhone.

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youpiao

02 Jan 2024
01:59:10pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I guarantee you, the difference will be like night and day (in favor of the scanner). Here's a tip: When scanning engraved stamps, use a scanner setting of at least 600dpi (and pref. 1200dpi) to avoid those rainbow moire patterns you see on many dealers' scans.

TTSC

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angore

Al
Collector, Moderator
03 Jan 2024
06:11:32am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I use a scanner most of the time but there have been some images I could not get with a scanner due to the scanner lighting (washes out faint pattern). I had a similar problem with my USB microscope. I have to use a camera for photos for luminescense.

This is an example of a screened value variety from a Machin taken with a very good full frame DSLR (all cameras are not created equal).

Image Not Found

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cougar

03 Jan 2024
10:01:59pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Always a scanner.

With a camera you have little to no control over distortion and lighting.

You showed images of single stamps; what would happen if you took a picture of an approval book page with 30 stamps on it?

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bigcreekdad

07 Jan 2024
08:32:02am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Received new Epson scanner....won't power up. Why is nothing easy? Geesh!

Update...I've gone through a lot of my pics. Honestly, I think the iPhone 15 takes great pics. I'm going to stick with it and build some kind of a tripod so distance to stamp is the same top to bottom, corner to corner. Thanks for everyone's comments.

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youpiao

07 Jan 2024
07:19:54pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

One area where cameras - iPhone, Galaxy, DSLR, or otherwise - excel is in color rendition. Every scanner I've owned, from 3 different brands: HP, Canon, Brother, have had problems with color accuracy, particularly yellow.

TTSC

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bigcreekdad

13 Jan 2024
12:17:34pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Well.......I'm back. I'm sure most of will read no further.

I recently acquired a very nice dealer stock of mint GV Scroll and Arch Issues. A few varieties (cockeyed king), singles, pairs, paste up pairs, strips of 2-4, panes of 6, etc. All at least F- VF, and several VF, and a few VF-XF (IMO).

Starting to prepare to post them in my store and took pictures of a few batches with my iPhone. As I started to add them, I noticed that some detail was fuzzy. For example, The left eye (from my vantage) of GV didn't always show a clear eyeball. I looked at the stamp under magnification and compared to the pic. The clarity difference was obvious.

These stamps are really very very nice and I plan to price them a bit above average. To do so, and sell then, I need the best pics possible.

So, I'm back in the hunt for a good scanner. Arghhh!

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sheepshanks

13 Jan 2024
01:10:08pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Here are 3 scans from a Canon TS 5120. First is of a whole page scanned at 300 dpi, this gave an image size of 2251 x 3117 which is too large for our site, so reduced to 890 x 1237.
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Second image is of an individual stamp taken from the original scan and has a size of 321 x 346 dpi.
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Third image is of an individual stamp scanned at 600 dpi and gives an image size of 704 x 819.
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Not a bad set of images for a reasonably cheap scanner/printer.

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bigcreekdad

13 Jan 2024
01:59:00pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

That last one is the quality I'm looking for.

Thanks!

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vinman

13 Jan 2024
05:05:38pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

John,
What happened to your "Epson flatbed" you ordered?

Vince

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bigcreekdad

13 Jan 2024
06:01:32pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

It wouldn't power up. It came without a USB C connector. My MacBook only has two C ports. I bought an adaptor from B to C, but no connection. Returned it. I've since learned that you are taking a chance if you don't use Apple's B to C adaptor. Admittedly, I bought a really cheap adaptor. So, I'm kinda back to square one. Epson vs. Canon.

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keesindy

14 Jan 2024
12:45:56am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I agree with those who recommend a scanner. I have often used the scanner to show some of the faults that occasionally show up as well as some of the fraudulent stamps. It is also sometimes helpful to get clear images of both the front and back of a stamp and I'm not sure a camera can be relied upon to get sufficient clarity to make that effort worthwhile. Here are some examples of my scans from recent years that were intended to show various aspects of stamps that could be overlooked. Often it is the backs of stamps to show condition or other aspects of the back. The three Benin stamps includes one forgery. The second Gambia stamp is an example of the "dented frame" variety that can be overlooked. In all cases, the clarity of the images can be very important.

Tom


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Bobstamp

14 Jan 2024
07:18:16pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I don’t think that the question here should be whether cellphone cameras, at least in the case of newer iPhones, make sharper images than scanners.

The newer iPhones create phenomenally sharp, well-exposed images under a wider range of illumination than any film camera ever could. Inexpensive flatbed scanners can too. But a scanner, sitting quietly on a desk, won’t wiggle and jiggle and go in and out of focus and distort two-dimensional objects the way an iPhone or any camera can unless it is somehow perfectly aligned the same plane as the subject, which is too much a pain to deal with. And in the hands of someone who’s bothered to use it as intended, it won’t over- or under-expose an image like any camera can.

With both scanners and cameras of all types, the secret is in the skill of the user, but once the user traverses the learning curve of operating a scanner it will be hands-down better than any “consumer-level” camera for making images of stamps, photos, and documents. It’s even possible to scan some three-dimensional objects.

A note about colour: No camera-film or scanner has ever been able to accurately replicate all colours. It just isn’t possible.

Bob

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bigcreekdad

15 Jan 2024
09:18:51am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Bob.....I may as well take up something new. You just convinced me I shouldn't be in this business...."the secret is in the skill of the user". Doomed to failure before I even start.

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Bobstamp

15 Jan 2024
11:20:53am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

@ Bigcreekdad:

My scanner is at least a dozen years old, and drives me crazy sometimes. I have no doubt that there are many new scanners, including some you can put in your pocket, that are easy to use and fully adequate for casual use. My wife uses our printer/scanner/fax almost daily to get tack-sharp scans of documents and photos, and she scarcely knows a pixel from a pixie.

I’m certainly no computer guru, and it’s taken me years of experimenting to be able to produce high-quality images. It’s been worth the effort. But unless a collector is heavily involved in identifying obscure stamp varieties or forgeries, images of stamps don’t have to reveal micrometer-sized paper fibres or “flyspecks”.

Bob

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rrraphy

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15 Jan 2024
12:39:59pm

Approvals

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

After less than 2 years my HP printer/scanner USB port failed and now I am forced to use my iphone. (I have no room to set up the scanner and hard wire connect to my pc, plus WIFI fails, so I need to load the scans on a USB memory stick, in its remote location, then walk them to my PC station.)

I must say that I like the iphone results. I use Camera + and it gives me a great range of correction and adjustment features, not available or just much more easy to use on the spot than on the scanner or even on IrfanView.
I have also an iphone scan Ap, but I have not tested it yet....wonder if it will improve what I can get today with eye level adjustment. That is the key I think.
I am looking for a mounting bracket I could set up to level the iphone and adjust the light for my scans. Any one has a suggestions?
rrr...

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Al
Collector, Moderator
16 Jan 2024
05:53:07am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

There a number of commercially available mobile phone stands designed for photograhy. Amazon has some.

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bigcreekdad

17 Jan 2024
05:09:19pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Rapidly losing patience. Just received a new Canon LIDE 400. Downloaded software. However, when I try to add the scanner in my system preferences (MacBook Pro)the scanner is not listed in items available to add.

Just about had the biscuit (old term I love) with this damn scanner thing!

Any thoughts?

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sheepshanks

17 Jan 2024
05:21:22pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

John, did you try restarting your Mac after the download? Leave the scanner on as you so do.
Not sure if Macs run bluetooth but have you tried adding it that way or by way of your router.
Failing all this, maybe keep the scanner and buy a Windows computer!!!!Big Grin

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bigcreekdad

17 Jan 2024
05:52:17pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Will never go back to windows.

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hfbaker

17 Jan 2024
10:59:10pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

"Will never go back to windows."


Some people call it Apple jail.
You can install Linux on a Mac.

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Al
Collector, Moderator
18 Jan 2024
05:57:40am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

The challenge with color is that color is impacted by the hardware and software before it gets to a monitor which also is not perfect,

1. scanner lamp (factory fresh, aged)
2. scanner driver massaging (raw image)
3. operating system color handlng (color workspace)
4. conversion to jpg/png, etc (less than raw color workspace)
5. monitor calibration and limitations, room lighting, gamma, etc.
6. people's eyes

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sheepshanks

18 Jan 2024
09:51:15am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

After a nights rest, I'm wondering if the download actually installed, was it a zipped file that had to be opened?
How do you normally add hardware to a Mac system, presumably there is some sort of process? Does the scanner have a wireless button that needs to be activated, is the scanner seeing the router?
Does you Mac fall within the operating systems for the scanner: Mac: 8 Mac OS® X v10.10.5 - macOS v10.13 (High Sierra) .
Maybe one of our techies can provide an answer to your problem.
Edit to add:- from the specs,
7. Operation can only be guaranteed on a PC with pre-installed Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1.
8. Internet Connection required during software installation. For full compatibility macOS v10.12.1 or later is recommended.

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bigcreekdad

18 Jan 2024
10:48:08am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Hey Sheep

Thanks for your thoughts. This stuff is soooo frustrating. The Canon 400 does not come with an on/off switch so who knows? Does anyone else use a MacBook when scanning? I read somewhere that Canon is no longer supporting drivers. True? I started this process with an Epson and had the same problems. Been a lot of mention of Vuescan software that will work with most scanners. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
.

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In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

18 Jan 2024
10:52:55am

Approvals

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

First - see notes on Mac compatibility above. How old is your MacBook and what has the OS been upgraded to?
Second - reading the reviews compatibility appears to be problematic on Macs
Third - Does your mac have USB-C ports or are you using an adapter?

I use both Mac and Windows (7 and 10) computers and really have no preference. Another option might be to pick up a refurbished laptop with a fresh Windows 10 load (they are under $100 around here and are guaranteed) and transfer to your Mac with a zip drive. I scan with my Windows 10 and have to transfer the file to my Mac because my bursting program works on the Mac but not on my Win10. Computers are fussy.

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sheepshanks

18 Jan 2024
11:15:11am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Have you tried this. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/25 ...
Presumably when you connect via cable, the scanner is starting up, if not then maybe it is the C connector/connection that is the problem.

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Brechinite

20 Jan 2024
07:21:45pm

Auctions - Approvals

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Since 2004 I have only ever bought Hewlet Packard printer/scanners.

My current is an HP Envy 4527 and several years old. It does the job considering I do 1000+ scans per month and print 200-300 pages per month.

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bigcreekdad

21 Jan 2024
04:58:54pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Haven't been able to get on this site for a few days. Still cannot using Safari. Finally tried Google and it works. So.......for whatever reason, the scanner is now being recognized and I've been playing with scans. No doubt the clarity is better in the scans (vs Iphone), but the color is just a bit different from the actual stamp. The color was set on Auto, and I played with it a bit and could get very close to the actual color....seems odd that Auto would not be the actual color. Then....I did an update on the Macbook to Sonoma. Well....Sonoma has a known to Apple glitch where you cannot scan one side at a time, but only can decrease the size of a rectangle. Apple has done nothing to date to address this.

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DaveSheridan

21 Jan 2024
10:13:57pm

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

Turn off auto. Somewhere in the scanner settings you should be able to turn off all adjustments and enhancements so the scan is "raw".

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bigcreekdad

22 Jan 2024
09:01:16am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

There are many mentions of software called Vuescan that people use. Anyone here use it? Might it be a way of going around Sonoma's cropping problem?

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hfbaker

22 Jan 2024
10:00:49am

re: New Year Coming.....Current views/opinions....camera vs scanner?

I have been using VueScan for about 10 years now. It works great for me. They do have a version for MacOS.

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