Memory Lane Gehrig expectation vs reality

[GasHouseGang]

This reminds me of the many discussions we have had about types of scanners used to scan cards. The comments on Net54 have always been to make sure you use a CCD scanner. The cheap ones are not, and they produce scans of cards that are out of focus (depth of field problem on cheap ones). That's honestly what these photos look like. But I can't believe they wouldn't have the very best scanner available for a large auction such as Memory Lane.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by GasHouseGang

This reminds me of the many discussions we have had about types of scanners used to scan cards. The comments on Net54 have always been to make sure you use a CCD scanner. The cheap ones are not, and they produce scans of cards that are out of focus (depth of field problem on cheap ones). That's honestly what these photos look like. But I can't believe they wouldn't have the very best scanner available for a large auction such as Memory Lane.

Even nice CCD scanners like the Epson V600 can hide creases. The problem is there's no light coming in at an angle, and you need that to see the crease walls.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by Snowman

Even nice CCD scanners like the Epson V600 can hide creases. The problem is there's no light coming in at an angle, and you need that to see the crease walls.

Yup, some wrinkles/creases are nearly impossible to pick up on a scanner, no matter how good it is.

It's kind of why I always shake my head whenever somebody asks the board what a card should grade at, down to half grade accuracy, from how a scan shows up on your browser.

...and nobody really wants to figure out lighting/camera angle/cropping with a camera phone shot on a tiny piece of cardboard encased (or not) in a shiny plastic object either.

A good scanner shot is usually the best you're gonna get.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Yup, some wrinkles/creases are nearly impossible to pick up on a scanner, no matter how good it is.

Which is why a good auction house writes an accurate description in addition to the best scan they can provide.