Scanners for Dummies

Most readers will be able to get a lot from this book by simply reading chapters straight through, since the explanations of traditionally nebulous concepts such as resolution and color depth are accurate and easy to follow. Even the quality of the illustrations--often a shortcoming of trade computer books--is high, which is important in sections that show how to adjust contrast, sharpness, and resolution. Chambers deserves kudos for doing many of his tutorials in Jasc Paint Shop Pro, an excellent yet inexpensive editing package. Some readers might prefer coverage of one of the freebie editing suites; they should look for a software-specific book to supplement this one. --David Wall

Topics covered: Digitizing images via a scanner connected to a computer running Microsoft Windows. Hardware connectivity (via parallel, SCSI, USB, and FireWire) is covered before the author explains the scanning procedure and how to manipulate images in an editing program. Suggestions for craft projects and some troubleshooting tips round out the volume.

Product Description
Unfortunately, making a decent scan is harder than anyone wants to admit, which is what makes this fun and easy guide so useful. After demystifying terms such as "pixels" and explaining how to select a scanner, expert Mark Chambers walks you through the art of scanning and shows how to use scanned images in a variety of cool projects.

The worst part, however, is that much of the information about scanners and Paint Shop Pro is misleading and in several cases, just plain wrong. This is the absolute worst Dummies book I have ever read and, while it is not my first one by Mark Chambers, it may well be my last.


Great book on scanning   March 7, 2002
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

Although I don't have a Microtek scanner like the author has, I was still able to follow along and learned everything I needed to know. This book also has almost as good a selection of novice material on Paint Shop Pro as PaintShop Pro for Dummies! Well worth the money.


Little of value on retouching and restoration   September 10, 2005
Gary Coffrin (San Jose, California, USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

'Scanners For Dummies' was shockingly empty of helpful content. I was looking for useful advice and helpful tips for archiving photos, practical tips for best scanner settings and insights about how to deal with less than perfect images. This book had little information of relevance and nothing of depth.

I must own a dozen 'Dummies' books, and this is by far the least instructive and practical.

That said, who would benefit from reading the book?
- An absolute beginner who needs encouragement to start exploring scanner settings.
- A scavenger who wants a full chapter on how to connect a SCSI scanner that he/she obtained for free on Craigslist.
- Someone who wants instruction on Paint Shop Pro and not Adobe photo applications.
- Users who have no interest in retouching or restoring older photos.

The author, it seemed to me, had little interest or experience in scanning, retouching and restoring older images. To be more specific, the Histogram setting is not even mentioned and the info on adjusting Highlights, Shadows and Gamma settings is so superficial as to be of little or no help. However, the author does excel when discussing hardware issues.

I have since read and recommend as vastly superior 'How To Do Everything With Your Scanner.' Even 'Digital Photography For Dummies' has more detailed and practical help for scanning and restoring damaged photos.

If you buy this book for under $1, you are doing OK. But, if you want detailed and practical advice for scanning and improving photos, look elsewhere.


Wonderful!   November 1, 2001
Shelly Simons (Atlanta, GA)
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

This book told me all I needed, I'm using my scanner just about every day now that I know what to do. (Plus I have it set right to take the best scans) Great coverage of filters and plugins too.