Basic Scanning Guide: For Photographers and Other Creative Types [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Rob Sheppard (Author) "Scanning is a basic way of getting photos into a digital form so you can use them in a computer..." (more)
Key Phrases: film scanner, area resolution, image processing software, Image Resolution, Scanned Image Size (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
All terms are clearly defined and illustrated… even computer illiterate photographers will find themselves making great scans in no time. -- Light and Shade, December 2000

Product Description
Designed to help photographers understand how a scanner works and how best to use one, this book offers advice on what to look for when purchasing a scanner and tips on achieving high-quality results. Covering the basic terminology of scanning, this book also discusses various types of scanners and what additional equipment is needed to set up a scanner at home. The basics of scanning are explained, from preparing images to selecting the resolution to using a preview scan. The differences between image formats (TIFF, JPEG, and EPS) are discussed. Also included is information on manipulating scanned images and displaying them on the Web or in print.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc.; illustrated edition edition (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584280395
• ISBN-13: 978-1584280392
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #625,591 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars If you've never used a computer, buy this book, February 15, 2001

By	R. Sandridge - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book after seeing it recommended in Outdoor Photographer magazine. I didn't notice at the time the conflict of interest (the auther of the book, Rob Sheppard, is the editor of Outdoor Photography). I would only recommend this book to someone who has never used computers before (perhaps that is what the subtitle of the book was trying to hint at, "For Photographers and Other Creative Types").

For a suggested retail of $17.95US, you get 188 paragraphs (not pages). Many of the paragraphs are repeated many times, for example paragraphs 67, 76, 88, and 100 all have almost identical text reminding the reader to pay attention to where the scanned image is being saved. Paragraphs 68, 77, 89, and 101 all have almost identical text telling the reader to start the scan and throw it away and start over again if it doesn't come out as desired. And there are more examples of this.

I think that most people who buy scanners will only find at most 20 paragraphs in this book usefull, and it can all be found for free online.

I was hoping for a book that discussed color management and workflows. A book that described in detail all of the common controls that most scanners have such as gain, color, histigram, focus, more discussion on resolutions (there is some), etc.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Basics for Beginners, January 15, 2001

By A Customer

This is just the kind of book that I needed. I've been photographing for a long time with 35mm camera, and have considered going digital. But, this book has helped me understand how a scanner works, and shows me how I can get great quality scanning my 35 mm prints and slides. The step by step photos and simple explanations are very helpful.I think that the book is a little overpriced for only 96 pages, which is why I rate it 4 stars.

3.0 out of 5 stars Out of date, September 11, 2008

By	Robert J. Deffeyes "Former Coal Conversion Fan" (Colorado Springs) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a well written book, as are all of Rob Sheppard's books. However, scanning has changed a LOT since the book was written. So, I would class this as a great reference, but not up with the current technology.