Canon CanoScan FB1210U review

The design of scanners usually falls into two categories - the simple but professional built-to-last look such as the Epson Expression 1600, and the gimmick-laden consumer design such as the Agfa SnapScan Touch. Canon, however, has gone for a great compromise between the two, with a flash, slimline scanner, sporting a metallic lid and a single light/button on the front. Without looking cheap, the FB1210U is attractive and retains a professional appearance.

In the box you'll find a single USB cable and a CD featuring the necessary TWAIN software as well as the superb Adobe Photoshop LE. The scanner is easy to install and the TWAIN software is straightforward. The advanced mode applies professional scanning tools very simply, with gamma curve, and descreening and unsharp mask options .

The CanoScan FB630U won the resolution tests, with a score of 1.16, and the FB1210U replicated this result. Where the FB630U lost ground though was in its disappointing colour accuracy: it's error rate was 6.87, while the Agfa SnapScan Touch excelled with 3.13. However, Canon has improved in this area, with the FB1210U producing a more satisfactory error rate of 4.47.

Where it really excelled though, was in the signal-to-noise ratio tests, with an amazing score of 225.03. This is the highest ever score in this test, with the previous crown belonging to the Epson Perfection 1200PHOTO with 169.72. However, the higher score is partially down to the exponential nature of the curve used to evaluate this figure in our testing methodology. With both light and dark standard deviation results below one, this scanner produces clean and accurate results.

Like the Epson, the CanoScan FB1210U comes with a film and transparency adaptor. This replaces the metallic lid with a white cover bearing a surface light source, plugging into the back of the scanner. With an optical density of 3.3D you'll get some great results, while the trays fit both positive and negative 35mm film and up to 4x5in transparencies. The scanner is also available without the adaptor for £199.

Where it started to show its weakness, however, was in the speed tests, taking three minutes, 31 seconds to drop a colour 8 « 10in photograph into Photoshop at 600ppi. Comparatively, the Epson took just two minutes, 39 seconds to complete the same task, and it was even behind cheaper rivals such as the Umax Astra 2200, taking two minutes, 50 seconds.

The FB1210U is a strong contender from Canon, improving on colour accuracy while retaining high resolution with virtually no noise, and bundling some great software too. The only downer is that you have to pay £249 for it which, despite the good results and software bundle, is still too much for a slow scanner. For just £203 you can get an Epson Perfection 1200PHOTO, which couples fantastic quality with speed, and throws in a transparency adaptor along the way. This is a shame, as with a more competitive price the FB1210U would be a great all-rounder.

Author: Ben Hardwidge