Umax Astra 2400S

All this is irrelevant, however, if the quality of the captured images isn't up to scratch. Fortunately, the Astra 2400S lives up to the high standard set by its predecessors. The level of detail can't quite match that produced by the GT-9600's 800 x 3,200ppi, but its results are noticeably superior to those produced by the 1220S when examined at close range. Colour is a closer run thing: comparing yellow, black, cyan and magenta reference tones showed the 2400S to be better at reproducing yellows and blacks, with the 1220S edging it with its first-class reproduction of magenta and cyan. The Epson, however, is clearly superior, producing colour tones of such exceptional quality that they are far closer to our drum scanner reference scan than either the 1220S or the 2400S.

When it comes to the crunch, the Umax Astra 2400S is a better scanner than the 1220S, but it can't quite match the best in the business for quality. It falls between two stools: if you're serious about quality and are willing to pay for it, then you're better off spending the extra cash and going for the Epson GT-9600. On the other hand, the 2400S' £299 price tag means that the 1220S currently offers better overall value for money.

Author: Jonathan Bray