Canon LiDE 500F scanner

, which provides consumers with a space saving, photo, document and film scanning solution. As the flagship model in Canon's slim-line family of LiDE scanners, the CanoScan LiDE 500F scanner offers 2400x4800 optical resolution and 48-bit color depth as well an innovative design that allows it to be positioned on the desktop in any of three different ways--in addition to the traditional portrait orientation, the scanner can be positioned in landscape or upright scanning positions. It is expected to ship later this month for $130.

A built-in stand assists in the upright scanning position, for desktops with limited space, while the unique double-hinged lid allows for Drop-in scanning. The device offers "Drop-in" scanning through a lid that opens to approximately 40 degrees forming a 'V' shape to catch the photos or documents. The scanner also features a new double-hinge expansion top that opens four different ways. In standard portrait or landscape orientations, the top opens to 110 degrees, making it easy to access the scanning platen to add or remove photos or documents.



For scanning larger, more bulky items, Canon says the top can expand or be raised by approximately one inch. Canon also included a new 180-degree feature, which allows the top to completely open, exposing the scanning platen for odd or oversized items. In the upright position, the cover rests at a 40-degree angle enabling the drop-in scanning feature.



The CanoScan LiDE 500F scanner offers the additional convenience of 35mm film scanning. The included film guide can accept a 35mm film strip up to six frames in length. Whether scanning positives or negatives, the film adapter unit of the LiDE 500F scanner includes an infrared light source in addition to the white light source for FARE level 3 dust and scratch removal. FARE level 3 technology automatically performs an infrared scan that examines the film's surface for dust and scratches and removes unwanted imperfections from the final scan. Additional features include grain and fading correction for added productivity and also Backlight correction -- a new function that lets users easily compensate for incorrectly exposed pictures due to back lighted subjects.



The bus-powered scanner requires only a single cable for both USB computer connectivity and powered operation. It offers a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and a four-button design that offers functions for copy, scan, PDF and e-mail. A Multi-Scan mode helps users save time by scanning multiple images at once, saving each image to its own file for archiving or editing. It also offers the ability to scans multi-page documents to a single PDF file. Canon's scanner also generates a zero warm up time, enabling users to immediately start scanning whenever the computer is turned on.

by MacNN Staff