Epson Perfection 1240U

The Epson Perfection 1240U lives up to its superlative model name in possessing the finest image quality in this Labs.

It uses staggered line CCD technology (with two sensor arrays instead of the normal one) to provide a maximum optical resolution of 1,200 x 2,400ppi at a colour depth of 42-bit. Still, it didn't start off too well in our sampling tests. The results showed that its sharpness was surprisingly low at 0.97, its statistical colour accuracy was mid-table rather than spectacular, while its signal-to-noise ratio was below average for the group.

Where the 1240U pulled ahead was in the all-important real-world scanning tasks. Our three judges awarded it the highest marks for the 12 x 10in print at 300ppi thanks to its ability to resolve the textured detail of the cloth well and its exceptional accuracy when reproducing the colour of the brass candle stands. Full marks were then given to the 10 x 8in print of the crown jewels at maximum optical resolution. Its ability to capture skin tones was also highly commended. Its only weakness was scanning text at 150ppi, where it was bettered by the HP ScanJet 5370C and Black Widow 1248 Pro+.

With no transparency cover and a relatively basic software package for the £123 asking price, there are better-value and better-featured scanners available in the group, but none that can match the Perfection 1240U for image quality.