Archiving old family photos can be a daunting task, especially when faced with large stacks of prints. If you’ve been searching for a faster way to digitize and preserve these memories, a high-speed photo scanner could be a game-changer.
Coming to you from Keith Cooper, this detailed video provides an overview of the Epson FastFoto FF-680W. This compact and efficient device scans both sides of prints, making it particularly useful if your photos have handwritten notes or dates on the back. Cooper uses Epson’s FastFoto software, which not only automates the scanning process but also includes features to correct color fading and adjust image quality. This helps preserve the original while giving you a more polished version. Cooper touches on how the scanner can handle various print sizes, from standard dimensions to panoramic prints up to 90 centimeters long.
One feature that stands out in the video is the scanner's versatility in handling different resolutions. Cooper tests it at 300, 600, and 1200 DPI, noting that while 1200 DPI is interpolated and slower, it’s useful for larger prints. However, this scanner isn't intended for extremely high-quality work, like creating large fine-art prints. For those tasks, a flatbed scanner would be a better option, as it provides more control over bit depth and finer details. The FastFoto, instead, excels in speed and efficiency, especially for bulk archiving.
The device has a few quirks that you need to watch out for. Cooper emphasizes the importance of keeping the scanner clean, especially the rollers and the glass surfaces that scan each side of the print. Dirty surfaces can affect scan quality, and regular maintenance is key if you’re processing a large number of images. He also points out that modern prints, particularly those processed digitally, may reveal grid patterns at higher resolutions. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s something to be aware of when scanning recent photos.
For anyone with a significant backlog of photos, the FF-680W is a practical solution. Cooper scanned hundreds of prints in just 10 minutes, making it a time-saver compared to traditional flatbed scanning. This scanner is ideal for archiving family collections and could even serve multiple households, as it works well for anyone looking to digitize a large photo archive quickly. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Cooper.
I have had the previous 580W for three years now, which seems suspiciously close to the newer 680 in all aspects. It excels with precious prints with its slower feed option and the scanning is extremely fast in full colour, even double-sided. The option to scan to cloud or email is outstanding and it absolutely hammers through piles of photos or documents. Must use a dust cover when not in use. Wonderful machine, I expect the newer machine to be smoother, faster, more refined.
keiiiith that is my goat. that dude had the only video explaining how to do this one thing with these wide format printer as it was like so frustrating trying to get HP to explain it and he had a video on it and he answered my question about it It was great