X-bit labs

EPSON Perfection 3170/4180 PHOTO Scanners Review (page 3)

Category: Other

by Sergey Samarin

[ 10/21/2004 | 02:22 PM ]

Functionality

Having some features of other Perfection-series scanners, the elegant sleek design of the case has accumulated the best ergonomic properties. The cases of both models are made of robust plastic; the removable lids are decorated with additional insertions. The lid of the Perfection 4180 has a latch that fixes it at 45 degrees, i.e. you can only push the lid halfway back.

The power-on button is located at the right panel, but the power source is external. This minimizes the weight of the device as well as the interference from inter-case components. By the way, to reduce the digital noise, Epson equipped the cases of the scanners with metallic screens, which proved to be a wise move, as you’ll see during the tests.

The USB port is blocked with a latch

The USB port located at the rear panel is blocked with a transportation latch – the manufacturer reminds the user that the software must be installed before you attach the scanner to the computer. A big yellow sticker above the connectors will also remind you about that as you’re unpacking the device.

Unlike top-end representatives of the Perfection family which have both USB and FireWire connectors, the 3170 and 4180 models only offer you the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface. By the way, to protect the connectors from damage if you put the scanner right against the wall, the manufacturer made a special jut at the rear panel.

The slide-adapter’s lamps are built into the lids of the scanners. The adapter is powered through the scanner, so you must attach a cord that tails out of the lid to the appropriate socket at the scanner’s back panel. This connector is also intended for attaching an auto-feeder unit, purchased optionally.

You receive three holders of transparent originals with the scanners

The slide-adapter is activated automatically at a driver’s request. There are three handy holders for scanning various formats: 35mm slides (4 slides), 35mm film (2 stripes, 6 frames in each), and medium-format film (2 frames). Two holders can be stored in the scanner’s lid:

Quick scan buttons populate the face panels of the scanners. Frankly speaking, I never use them myself, preferring to call the scanner’s driver from Photoshop.

Quick Start buttons

1. Scan and Save button
2. Scan to E-mail button
3. Copy button
4. Start button
5. Button-integrated status indicator

As for the software bundle, Epson still sticks to unification: all the menus and settings comply with the common standard for all Perfection series scanners. I won’t describe the software as I did this in my earlier reviews – you can refer to them to learn about the driver’s functionality. Now, let’s get to tests.