Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV Film Scanner

I've had this now for two days. I've already scanned in 280 slides, and could not be happier with the results. The batch scan is a breeze and it makes feeding them in so easy. My main problem is STOPPING and going to bed when I should. The one common complaint about the fussy startup is one I share. When I first set it up, I did everything the manual said to. INCLUDING not starting software until the light stopped blinking. It blinked for a LONG time, and nothing. I was figuring I had a bad unit, but then tried starting the software to see if it would respond at all. Soon as the software started it went on steady and I was able to scan. Too picky of a start up which is why I only gave 4 stars. The quality is EXCELLENT. I was very hesitant to buy this at first, but am SO glad I did now. It's been great fun rediscovering the memories that have been buried in the trays for too long. Making them usuable again, is well worth the $265.

This is a solid, dependable scanner, especially for the price. Scans at high resolutions are very crisp and professional. I've used a few other slide scanners, including expensive Nikon bulb-type production scanners, and the output of this scanner matches the best I've used. There is absolutely no comparison between similarly priced Pacific Image scanners and their clones. (I replaced a sub-par Pacific Image scanner with this...)The advanced software interface is slightly utilitarian, but has features found in high end scanners and provides a solid, dependable feel, as if the software engineers actually know the complexities of scanning. The point focus mode is great for curved negatives.I am using the scanner in High-Speed 2.0 mode under OS X 10.3 with no issues. (under 10.3 may require USB 2.0 drivers from USB card manufacturers). It's extremely quick. A full resolution 42 MB scan takes about 22 seconds from start to display finish in Photoshop.As others have stated, there are minor startup procedures you must follow. On my first scan, I opened the door to the 'APS' setting accidentally. This is the second door notch, in which it is expecting an optional APS cartridge (and the normal holder wouldn't feed in). Once I noticed the first door notch, everything was extremely smooth. Once, I had to turn the scanner on before the computer. Waking from sleep is no issue, however.The Software-based dust remover works excpetionally well, removing about 80% of dust artifacts in the data stream before reaching Photoshop, without softening the image quality. (The included Photoshop add in dust filter is less effective and also likes to crash). Both however, are significantly better than Photoshop's dust and scratches tool.I'd give it a four out of five for minor issues, but the price/quality factor is too much to ignore. Because of this, it gets a five. It's a good choice.

After reading everybody's Top or Flop ratings I took my chances hoping to get one of those that would work fine from the beginning.It arrived and I tried to get this thing to work this morning and followed all the steps according to their manual - I was really careful after reading other people's experiences.Installation of software worked fine. Then I connected the scanner to the computer (door fully closed, no USB hub or other external device connected) and it would not even get switched on (no green light, no noise, nothing).Reinstalled a couple of times, checked the wall electricity outlet, tried to boot computer first, then tried to switch on scanner first - whatever I did, the scanner did not do a thing and my computer never recognized it as connected hardware.In the beginning I was sure I was just too stupid and would have been happy to call TechSupport. But the booklet does not even give you a trouble shooting phone number !!!This is going back to amazon today. Since all other scanners are out of my budget, I will give the product one more chance, hoping the replacement will work. I will keep you posted.You are definitely taking your chances with this product. If you buy it, try to get it somewhere with a decent return policy (like amazon hopefully) and try to check it out the best you can within the time the return policy covers. Other people's experiences sound like you really do not wanna have to deal with Konica/Minolta for repair or replacement.Good night, and good luck.

I got mine yesterday. I made a few scans. The biggest concern I have is that they are not really sharp. I think the 5400 focus button is of great value here, and seems like a fast solution to get scans in focus. I decided against the 5400 because I read so much about the "green lines" problem and the higher price tag. Now my unit is defect as well. 2/3 of the slide is in normal color while 1/3 of the same slide is in different color ( this was for all slides and all scans ). So I am going to return it and try the 5400. Finally about the comments below with the blinking green light. I cannot say for sure but this might be an operator error. The scanner needs to be booted like a computer. It boots when you start the scan utility and only then you can scan. That being said mine is defective as well so it might not be the best model on the market. There was a time when people did QA.......