Canon CanoScan FS2710 Film Scanner

Quality output is paramount to the design of the compact CanoScan FS2710. Scan 35mm film strips or slides, with 2,700 dpi optical resolution and 12-bit RGB input and output, at speeds of up to 13 seconds, with a 3.2 dynamic range. Advanced Photo System film can be scanned at a quick 10 seconds per frame. Other advantages of the CanoScan FS2710 include quiet operation and the semitransparent dust cover, which protects the unit when it is not in use so you'll waste less time working on defective images.

The FS2710 comes with important accessories, including a SCSI adapter and cable and a software bundle for both Mac and PC. The Windows and Macintosh software bundles each have Adobe Photoshop LE, CanoCraft FS, Presto! PhotoAlbum, plus full support from Canon. --Barbara Price

To scan the next frame you have to PULL OUT THE ADAPTER and crank it to the next image.

It would take HOURS to can a roll of 40 APS film.

If you're looking for a way to scan an entire roll of APS film, this is NOT the solution for you.


The best for the money   December 21, 2000
27 out of 29 found this review helpful

I have used the FS2710 for over a year and find it to be the best for the money IMHO. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is the 3.2 Dymanic Range. I have used the scanner to scan litterally hundreds of slides, both mounted and in strips, without any problems what-so-ever. The scanner was simple to install, the software works flawlessly. All of my images on my site were made with this scanner. Instead of just taking someones word for it, look and judge for yourself.


Great scanner, if you upgrade the software   January 28, 2003
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

Canon's Canoscan FS2710 Film Scanner = Great Scanner if you update software

I bought the scanner in September 2000 and have used it scan hundreds of negatives and slides. The supplied software is limited, but it can be replaced with aftermarket software. The new software turbocharges the scanner producing beautiful, true-to-scene images.

The scanner has three major components; namely, 1) Canoscan FS2710 scanner hardware, 2) Canocraft FS3.6.1 scanner driver software, and 3) Photoshop LE image editing software. I have reviewed these items individually.

SCANNER HARDWARE = A BEST BUY, HIGH QUALITY SCANNER
Canon makes excellent quality cameras and scanners at attractive prices. Some competitive film scanners charge extra for the APS film holder and SCZI driver card. Canon includes these items in the base price package. My comparison shopping showed Canon's package price 30-50% less than comparable, competitive units.

The scanner is thoughtfully designed and ruggedly built. It's is a high precision machine that scans at 2720 dpi which is about the limit for 35 mm film. The resultant files are extremely high-resolution for razor sharp, full-page prints. More importantly, the images can be severely cropped and still produce very sharp pictures.

If I were to buy a scanner today, it would be the CanoScan FS2710 or the FS2720.

CANOCRAFT FS3.6.1 SCANNER DRIVER SOFTWARE = HORRIBLE
Scanner driver software has four major functions; namely, 1) Accurately digitize true-to-scene-colors and lighting, 2) Fine tune settings for the scanner, 3) Create a useful monitor preview of the scanned image, and 4) Work with different Windows, Macintosh, etc. operating systems. Regrettably, the Canon software does NONE of these jobs well. Fortunately, there is an alternative to solve all of these problems. The software is called VueScan. It's free to try, or buy.

ACCURATELY DIGITIZE TRUE-TO-SCENE-COLORS AND LIGHTING?
Canocraft FS3.6.1 scanner driver software produces contrasty images losing detail in the highlights and shadows. At best, it is drugstore 1 hr. photofinishing quality. Canon's driver software never produces true-to-scene-colors. It often shifts colors to an unpleasing and unnatural color-cast which is extremely difficult to remove with image editing software. Underexposed, dark slides cannot be scanned with this software.

Not to worry. VueScan scanner driver software faithfully replicates colors in the original scene including subtle details like light, puffy clouds in the sky highlights. The pictures are beautiful. Professional photographers use this software for exhibition quality images. Even difficult scenes, like underexposed, dark slides, can be turned into good pictures.

FINE TUNING SETTINGS FOR THE SCANNER?
Canon's scanner driver software has as much precision adjustment as you could get using a pipe wrench for watch repair. It has only one setting for type of light, light intensity and type of film. Adjusting histogram levels can be very difficult because the histogram is often a "flat line" with no vertical height.

VueScan software offers surgical precision adjustment capability. Lighting can be set for indoor fluorescent, tungsten, autolevel, night photography and neutral (to eliminate difficult color casts). Light intensity can be set to four levels. The software also recognizes 200 different types of film. It's incredible. Pick the color setting for your scene, then the light level, set to your film type, and then fine tune the image preview by setting white and black points, brightness for the scene and brightness for red, green, and blue (if desired) before you scan to a disk file.

USEFUL MONITOR PREVIEW OF THE SCANNED IMAGE?
The Canon driver software produces a fixed size preview about 4.5x7 inches. VueScan allows the user to set the image preview to any size up to full screen. No more postage stamp size previews!

WORK WITH DIFFERENT COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEMS?
Canon driver software has limited compatibility with operating systems. It works with my Windows 98SE, but I can't upgrade to XP because of compatibility issues. VueScan software works with most Windows and Mac operating systems including Windows XP.

IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARE PHOTOSHOP LE = NOT USER FRIENDLY
Use your Photoshop LE serial number to get a rebate on Adobe Photoshop Elements2. This is great image editing software. It features ease of use for the amateur and fine-tuning capability for the professional.

BOTTOM LINE
Canoscan FS2710 is a great scanner limited by the manufacturer's driver software. Upgrade to aftermarket scanner driver software to unleash the potential of this scanner. You'll appreciate the dramatic improvement in the scanned images.


Not for iMacs   October 17, 2000
19 out of 34 found this review helpful

This is probably a great film scanner, but you won't be able to use it if you have an iMac. The scanner has a SCSI-2 connection, and even includes a "Mac adaptor", but it won't work at all for an iMac. Even if you're tempted to buy that $100+ SCSI-to-USB adaptor, don't bother because the software is incompatible with this particular piece of equipment. I spent hours on the phone with the tech reps from Canon and the adaptor company, but to no avail. (Bummer, dude! I really wanted this film scanner!).


Good for Beginners   October 26, 2001
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

I've just started scanning film, and after setup, this scanner is very simple to operate. However, if you are either inexperienced with installing hardware and/or software, or are looking to scan slides, I would suggest a different scanner. Personally, I believe a flatbed with a film scanning adapter is comprable in quality.

I do have Windows 2000, and managed to get this scanner working on it, although it claims it doesn't have the components to install the driver on my OS. But that's definitely not something you want to deal with, if you can help it.

You need to have photo editing software to adjust the scans properly. It sometimes has the tendency to turn out a little orange.

Software included: Acquisition program, Adobe Photoshop Limited Edition (an extremely LIMITED edition), Presto! PhotoAlbum, Presto! Mr. Photo (basically, to arrange your personal photos- I did not install them, so cannot recommend).