Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE 35mm Scanner Review: High-Quality Scans with Infrared Dust Removal
The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is a high-quality film and slide scanner designed for photographers and enthusiasts who want to digitize their 35mm negatives and slides. With its impressive 7200 dpi resolution and 48-bit output, it delivers stunningly detailed and vibrant images. The built-in infrared channel helps to detect and remove dust and scratches, saving you time and effort in post-processing. Bundled with powerful software, including Plustek QuickScan and SilverFast SE Plus 8, this scanner offers advanced features and compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Join us as we delve into the features and performance of the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE in this comprehensive review.
Product Description
The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is a high-quality 35mm film and slide scanner that offers exceptional performance and advanced features for digitizing your precious memories. With its 7200 dpi resolution and 48-bit output, this scanner delivers stunningly detailed scans with accurate colors and tones.
One of the standout features of the OpticFilm 8200i SE is its built-in infrared channel. This innovative technology allows the scanner to detect dust and scratches on the surface of your original negatives and slides. By utilizing the integrated infrared dust and scratch removal, you can easily eliminate imperfections without the need for time-consuming retouching. This ensures that your scanned images are clean and pristine, preserving the integrity of your memories.
With a resolution of 7200 x 7200 dpi, the OpticFilm 8200i SE captures an impressive 69 megapixels of detail, ensuring that every nuance of your film is faithfully reproduced. The scanner also features a 3.6 Dynamic Range Enhanced Multi-Exposure function, which further enhances image quality by improving the dynamic range and reducing noise. This means that your scanned images will have greater depth and clarity, with accurate colors and tones.
Included with the OpticFilm 8200i SE is powerful software that enhances your scanning experience. The scanner comes bundled with Plustek QuickScan, a user-friendly software that allows you to easily scan and save your images in various formats. Additionally, the scanner includes LaserSoft Imaging Silverfast SE Plus 8, a professional-grade software that offers advanced editing and color correction tools. This software alone is valued at $119, providing incredible value for the price.
The OpticFilm 8200i SE is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, supporting Windows 7/8/10/11 and Mac OS 10.7 to 11.x (Big Sur). Plustek provides drivers on their website for easy installation and setup. The scanner also offers USB connectivity, ensuring seamless integration with your computer.
In conclusion, the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is a top-of-the-line film and slide scanner that delivers exceptional performance and advanced features. With its high-resolution scanning, built-in infrared dust and scratch removal, and powerful software bundle, this scanner is a must-have for anyone looking to digitize their film collection. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the OpticFilm 8200i SE will exceed your expectations and provide you with stunning, high-quality scans of your precious memories.
Pros and Cons
Pros: 1. High-quality scanning: The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE offers impressive scanning capabilities with its 7200 dpi resolution and 48-bit output. This ensures that your scanned images and slides will have exceptional detail and clarity, allowing you to preserve your memories with utmost precision.
Integrated infrared dust/scratch removal: One of the standout features of this scanner is its built-in infrared dust and scratch removal technology. This advanced feature automatically detects and removes any dust particles or scratches on your film or slides, resulting in cleaner and more professional-looking scans.
Bundled software: The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE comes with the SilverFast SE Plus 8.8 software, which is highly regarded in the industry. This software provides a wide range of editing tools and features, allowing you to enhance your scanned images and slides to perfection. It also offers excellent compatibility with both Mac and PC systems.
Cons: 1. Occasional image distortion: Some buyers have reported experiencing occasional blocked and distorted images, particularly when scanning black and white film. While this issue seems to be sporadic, it is still worth considering if you primarily work with black and white film.
Mixed reviews on software: While the SilverFast software bundled with the scanner is highly praised by many users, there are a few negative reviews regarding its usability. Some users have reported difficulties with the installation process or found the software to be less intuitive than expected. However, it is important to note that these negative experiences are not shared by the majority of buyers.
Limited compatibility: The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE has a minimum system requirement of Windows 7, which may limit its compatibility with older operating systems. Mac users, on the other hand, have reported smooth installation and operation, but it is always recommended to double-check the compatibility with your specific system before purchasing.
Please note that the pros and cons listed above are based on customer feedback and may not necessarily reflect the experience of every user. It is always advisable to consider individual preferences and requirements when making a purchasing decision.
Customer Reviews
The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE has received a total of 709 customer ratings on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this film and slide scanner.
One customer mentioned that they sometimes encountered blocked and distorted images, especially when scanning black and white film. However, an update warns about the inability to use the scanner software, which could potentially be the cause of this issue.
Another customer expressed their satisfaction with the scanner, stating that they have successfully scanned hundreds of slides and negatives with great quality and ease of use. They also praised the SilverFast software that comes bundled with the scanner.
On the other hand, a customer shared their disappointment with the scanner, mentioning that while it does what it claims to do, it is not very good at it. Unfortunately, they did not provide further details on what specifically they found lacking.
A skeptical buyer decided to give the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE a chance despite reading negative reviews. They were pleasantly surprised by the results, finding the scanner to be effective for both 35mm slides and negatives.
Another customer highlighted the potential of this scanner for preserving large archives of color slides or negatives. They emphasized the practicality of digitizing fading images for long-term preservation.
A German-speaking customer praised the SilverFast software and mentioned the smooth installation process on their MacBook Pro. They found the scanner to deliver usable results after a short learning curve.
Overall, the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE has received a mix of positive and critical reviews. While some customers have experienced issues and limitations, others have found it to be a reliable scanner with high-quality output. The bundled SilverFast software has also received praise for its functionality.
Conclusion
The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is a powerful film and slide scanner that offers impressive features for digitizing your old negatives and slides. With its high resolution of 7200 dpi and 48-bit output, it delivers exceptional image quality and detail.
One of the standout features of this scanner is its built-in infrared channel, which can detect and remove dust and scratches from the surface of the original negatives and slides. This eliminates the need for manual retouching, saving you time and effort in post-processing. The included software bundle, Plustek QuickScan and LaserSoft Imaging Silverfast SE Plus 8, adds even more value to the package.
While the majority of buyers have had a positive experience with this scanner, there have been a few reports of occasional distorted images, particularly with black and white film. However, it's worth noting that these issues do not seem to be widespread and may be related to specific film types or settings.
Overall, the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is a reliable and efficient scanner that produces high-quality scans. Its user-friendly interface and included software make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced photographers. If you're looking to preserve your film memories and convert them into digital files, this scanner is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this scanner handle black and white film without producing distorted images?
Some users have reported that the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE occasionally produces blocked and distorted images, especially when scanning black and white film. This issue seems to be more prevalent with black and white film compared to color film. However, it's important to note that not all users have experienced this problem. It could be a result of specific settings or conditions during scanning.
2. What is the quality of the scans produced by this scanner?
The majority of users have praised the quality of the scans produced by the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE. They have found the scans to be of high quality and have been satisfied with the level of detail and accuracy. The scanner has a resolution of 7200 dpi and a 48-bit output, which contributes to the sharpness and clarity of the scans. Additionally, the integrated infrared dust and scratch removal feature helps to enhance the overall quality of the scans.
3. Is the SilverFast software easy to use?
Many users have appreciated the SilverFast software that comes bundled with the scanner. They have found it to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who are not technologically inclined. The software offers various features and settings that allow users to customize and optimize their scanning experience. However, it's worth mentioning that there have been a few users who have faced difficulties with the software or found it less intuitive. It may require some practice and familiarity to fully utilize all the features.
4. Can this scanner be used with both Mac and PC?
Yes, the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is compatible with both Mac and PC. It supports various operating systems, including Windows 7 and macOS. Users have reported successful installations on both platforms without any major compatibility issues. It's important to ensure that your system meets the minimum system requirements, especially in terms of operating system compatibility.
5. Can this scanner be used for digitizing color slides and negatives?
Absolutely. The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is designed to digitize both color slides and negatives. Many users have found it to be particularly useful for preserving large archives of color slides or negatives that may eventually fade over time. By digitizing them, users can ensure the long-term preservation of their valuable memories. The scanner's high resolution and advanced scanning features contribute to accurate color reproduction and detail retention.
Please note that the responses provided here are based on the feedback and experiences shared by users. Individual experiences may vary, and it's always recommended to refer to the product documentation and user manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.
