DM Sep-Oct 2023

Dm TECHNOLOGY: MICROFILM SCANNING
"IT'S EASY TO ASSUME HIGHER MAGNIFICATION LEADS TO BETTER IMAGES, BUT THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE. LOW-
MAGNIFICATION SCANNERS ENLARGE IMAGES WITHOUT SACRIFICING RESOLUTION (NUMBER OF PIXELS PER
INCH), SO THEY REMAIN CLEAR AND EASY TO SEE… IF YOU'RE DIGITISING PHOTOS AND HISTORICAL RECORDS,
THIS LOW-MAGNIFICATION PROCESS IS ESSENTIAL. IT ENSURES THAT WHEN A USER ZOOMS IN ON NEWSPAPER
ADS OR HANDWRITTEN CAPTIONS, THEY CAN READ EVERY LETTER. HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES PRESERVE
FINER DETAILS SUCH AS MARGINALIA, PROVENANCE MARKS, AND PHYSICAL DOCUMENT PROPERTIES FOR
FUTURE STUDY."
Magnification is closely connected to the
way your scanner zooms. With optical
zoom, the camera adjusts the
components of the lens to change the
focal length and field of view. The pixel
count of the final image stays the same,
ensuring consistent clarity.
If you're digitising photos and historical
records, this low-magnification process is
essential. It ensures that when a user
zooms in on newspaper ads or
handwritten captions, they can read every
letter. High-resolution images preserve finer
details such as marginalia, provenance
marks, and physical document properties
for future study.
Low magnification also enhances the
richness of each image. The colours are
deeper and more accurate, and the
contrast is more defined. Whether you're
scanning an image of a painting or a
vintage photograph, these elements create
a better archival record.
In general, microfilm scanners with
wide optical zoom ranges provide better
readability and richness. The lens adapts
easily to different microforms, capturing
high-resolution scans of 16-millimeter
roll film, micro-opaques, and everything
in between.
On the opposite end of the spectrum,
you'll find scanners with high
magnification and digital zoom. These
models effectively crop the image into a
smaller piece and enlarge it. Since this
magnified piece consists of fewer pixels
than the original, it has less detail. As you
zoom in further, the image begins to look
blurry and hard to read. In most archival
settings, a low-magnification model is the
preferred option.
PICKING THE RIGHT SCANNER
As you're evaluating microfilm scanners,
keep an eye out for a few key factors:
Media compatibility: Look for scanners
that accept a range of media formats.
They enable you to digitise a variety of
records using a single machine, which
increases speed and efficiency.
Technical specs: To achieve the best
image quality, choose the highest
camera resolution and optical zoom
range that your budget allows.
Media handling and throughput:
Examine how the scanner handles
different media formats. Is it easy to
feed, position, and remove? If you're
digitising a large collection, models
with automatic scanning support can
increase throughput.
Hardware and software integration: Test
the user interface to ensure it's intuitive
and user-friendly. Ensure the software
integrates seamlessly with the hardware
to create a smooth, hassle-free
experience. Features such a film
selection wizard and image
enhancement technology can help you
achieve better scans on the first try.
Operational requirements: Your scanner
should meet the needs of your
institution. For a high scan volume,
reliability is key. If you're scanning in an
office or library reading room, a quiet
model can reduce disruption.
The ScanPro microfilm scanner line offers
state-of-the-art features for historians,
archivists, researchers, and librarians. Each
model is engineered for reliability, with
smooth ball bearings, heavy-duty steel, and
powerful yet quiet motors. Whether you're
processing two documents or 200, ScanPro
produces consistent quality from the first
scan to the last. ScanPro features include:
Large image sensor
26-megapixel camera
5x to 105x optical zoom
Precise micro-positioning
Continual image focus technology
Spot editing and auto adjustments
Word search in live scans and PDF
conversions
Intuitive computer application
Built-in help function
By streamlining the scanning process,
ScanPro models enable you to create highquality
images quickly and efficiently. The
sophisticated processing technology
captures a clear image on the first try - no
need to fix errors or redo scans. Some
models come with automatic scanning
functions and multimedia support to save
time on high-volume projects. Over the
long term, ScanPro's reliability, accuracy,
and high throughput reduce costs and
maximise value.
DON'T SACRIFICE IMAGE QUALITY
High-quality microfilm scans are critical for
digitising, preserving, and studying a wide
range of historical records. The scanner
determines clarity and detail - models with
high-megapixel cameras, low
magnification, and high-tech features
capture the best digital images. By investing
in a top-notch scanning solution, you can
set your institution up for long-term
success. Ready to get started? Begin your
high-quality scan journey, today.
More info: e-imagedata.com/requestinformation/
34 September/October 2023 www.document-manager.com
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