Help with scanning graded cards
 

I have an HP Envy 4500 scanner.Sometimes,I'll scan a nice looking graded
card,and it will come out blurry.
The card has good color,clear photo,clear printing,front and back.
The case is not scratched etc.
This happens very seldom,on this computer.
Is there an adjustment,on my scanner,that I can use?
Is it possible that the card was put into the case wrong?
Has this happened to anyone else,out there?
Thanks,
Ben

Hi Ben, I just looked up the specs for that scanner and it looks like it uses a CIS scanning element. Basically there are 2 main types of scanning element, CIS and CCD. The CIS style works fine for scanning things directly on the glass, however, when the object is raised off the glass, it gets out of focus. With graded cards, while the case touches the glass, the card itself is slightly raised. This is why the card looks blurry. Unfortunitely, there isn't a setting that will change that. The CCD style element does a much better job scanning objects that are raised off the glass.

If you end up looking for a new scanner, I'd recommend searching for "scanner recommendations" with the search feature here.

I have also heard nothing but good things about the Epson Perfection series, for example the Epson Perfection V600 (it has a CCD element). The HP CanoScan 5600F or 9000F were also great scanners, but they do not seem to make them anymore.

You can still find 9000f's on ebay, Amazon and independent computer stores. I just grabbed one locally about a month ago. They had 3 left and I was tempted to buy them all.

scanner
 

Might be a lot easier to take a photo of the graded card with your phone then either use it as a jpeg file or convert to a pdf

My cell phone pics always show up sideways on this site and most of the time the files are too big to even post.

Ben
A while back fellow board member Nic Schmitt wrote and posted a really great Sports Card Scanning Guide on the boards (may be able to search past threads) where he explains CIS vs CCD and does a comparison between 2 of the best choices for Card Scanning - the Epson V 600 & the aforementioned Canon 9000. I totally agree that CIS is not for "us"

Not sure how to post a PDF to the boards but if you send me your email address - I can forward a copy to you.

Super informative. After reading I started my search for the Canon 9000 and ended purchasing model 9000F Mark II for right around $150. Great scanner - have never been unhappy with the scanned image results.

I forgot all about that guide, Lonnie, and I agree it is very informative. Here's the original thread on CU

https://forums.collectors.com/discus...de-take-a-look

Does anyone know of an inexpensive all-in-one (printer and scanner) that has the CCD element? That would be a nice thing to have.

never met an all in one with even a decent CIS scanner.

The first scans I ever attempted were on my All-In-One printer, and they looked horrific (CIS element).

After a bit of research, I ended up with a Canon 5600F and love it!

The Canon 9000 - Kinda speaks for itself :


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/150864751@N07/35265176074/in/album-72157683899510804/" title="#123 Koufax EXMT"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4320/35265176074_b81e9d5668_z.jpg" width="640" height="406" alt="#123 Koufax EXMT"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

cannon 5600
 

bought when it first came out. NEVER had any kind of problem - great scans - flat, raised, irregular items come out clear and clean...…...

Me too. Canon 5600F. Many years - no issues.

Same here. Love it.

http://luckeycards.com/pe100comparison.jpg