Epson has introduced a dual lens scanning technology that ups the ante for dedicated scanner devices.

The Epson Perfection V700 Photo scanner is the first scanner to feature a Dual Lens System capable of scanning at up to an unprecedented 6400dpi for optical film scanning resolution using the device’s Super Resolution lens. With the High Resolution Lens, normal scanning on reflective media produces a resolution of 4800dpi.

The lens technology and an Epson Matrix CCD sensor afford the Perfection V700 with the highest resolution seen in its class. The quality is said to rival that found with many drum scanners, according to Epson.

The Perfection V700 Photo has a high optical density rating of 4.0Dmax which allows greater tonal gradation and creates more colours in the scanned image.

Speed is also enhanced thanks to the dedicated ASIC processor built into the device rather than relying on the processing capabilities of the attached PC. This makes it faster than the leading competitors in almost all scan settings taking a mere 91 seconds to complete a high resolution negative film scan at 6400dpi.

A versatile film scanner, the Perfection V700 Photo features an 8 inch by 10 inch transparency unit. Four height adjustable film holders lock into the transparency unit to streamline and simplify scanning film.

Aimed at the professional market, the scanner comes with an impressive array of bundled software including Epson’s own Digital ICE pre scan editing technology.

Included with the scanner are programs such as SilverFast SE 6, a powerful pre-scan editing tool that removes unwanted imperfections. Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for professional Photoshop that tweaks scanned images, and ABBYY Fine Reader 6 for advanced character recognition when scanning in OCR. Purchasers also get Epson’s Creativity suite and Epson Scan.