Scanning Services
The best reproduction must begin with the best digital scan.
A printer cannot make a reproduction that is any better than the Digital Image that is used.
Here are five different methods for obtaining a digital scan.
BEST ***** Directly photographing the original artwork by a professional camera with optimal lighting.
Palette Arts uses a method of direct digital capture of originals using 4×5 professional camera, high resolution Apo lens, indirect lighting and high resolution scanning camera back such as the Phase One PowerPhase. The accuracy of electronic focusing, uniform lighting software, fidelity of the electronic eye, precision of computerized exposure control and the balancing of the colors using sophisticated ICC profiling are the reasons why this method is the best. This method captures, and assures, the highest level of details and sharpness with well defined highlights and shadows. Please do not confuse this set up with low cost ordinary digital cameras (just the cost of the lens alone on this setup exceeds the cost of the consumer digital cameras by thousands of dollars). A single scan takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete before color corrections.
BETTER **** Directly scanning a transparency on a flatbed scanner.
Palette Arts uses a Professional Microtek ScanMaker i900 high quality flat bed scanner to capture the best possible image from your transparencies. We can scan 4×5, 6x9cm & 8×10 transparencies. Remember the quality of the capture can vary greatly due to the photographer’s experience, specialty, lighting and camera equipment as well as the grade and quality of film and its processing.
GOOD *** Using consumer grade digital camera files.
The quality of these captures varies greatly due to camera manufacturer, lens, resolution and lighting method and your experience. Although these types of cameras are drastically improving in megapixels and quality they are not recommended for reproducing art. As a general rule, file sizes between 50 to 150 megabytes are needed for giclée reproduction. Ordinary digital cameras produce file sizes between 1 to 30 megabytes and are limited by the profile color space, however large prints are possible based on the quality of the lens used. We can evaluate your images to determine largest print sizes.
Prices and Requirements for Scanning Services:
· SCAN using the BEST method as described above. ($80.00 capture fee up to 5′ x 7′ each. Fee includes first proof and CD).
· SCAN using the BETTER method as described above. Professionally captured 4x5in, 6 x 9cm, 8x10in transparencies. ($70.00 each. Fee includes first proof and CD.)
PLEASE NOTE: the scanned images may require an additional cleanup charge for the removal of scratches and imperfections on the film.
We can use digital files of your artwork in the following formats TIFF, TIF, EPS, JPG, JPEG, PNG, PDF, SCT. A color target is desired when matching to an original painting as the printed colors may appear slightly different than what shows on your monitor. ($15 fee each proof for color change made). We recommend that you do not resample images. If you are not sure or have questions please Contact Us.