Review Roundup: Epson Perfection 3170

The Epson Perfection 3170 Photo scanner is specifically geared toward archivists looking for color restoration and image quality. It includes technology that restores faded photos, slides and negatives, including a dust removal function for optimal scanning of slides and negatives.

Price: $199
Type: Flatbed scanner
Color Depth: 48-bit
Scan Resolution: 3200 x 6400 dpi
Special Feature(s): Built-in 35mm film strip/slide/medium format adapter; Optional automatic document feeder

What They Think: ZDNet

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Liked: Produces high-quality scans; easy to install; comes with adapters for slides and 35mm or medium-format film; nice price; lets you save scanning presets.

Disliked: Annoying software package; no manual; scans slowly at highest optical resolution.

In Short: The Epson Perfection 3170 scans like a champ--and it's cheap, too.

What They Think: Review Centre

Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Liked: "Negatives scanned surprisingly well." "The installation proved simple and straight forward." "Touch ups are a breeze using PhotoShop Elements (included). It is very speedy and quiet."

Disliked: "The help system is only text-based (which is bad) and there is no toll-free # for tech support." "I found the operation of the scanner quite difficult initially -- good results can be achieved, but patience is required."

In Short: Most readers thought the output was excellent, although several commented that it took some trial and error to produce the best results.