Scanner Question

[mimi]

I'm trying to figure out if I can get better quality scans given that I'm using a HP ScanJet 5200C that I have at work. There only seem to be two adjustments that I can make. One is to increase the DPI to 600, which is as high as it will go. The other is to change the color management scheme. When I click on color management now, it shows sRBG Color Space Profile, but there are a load of others to choose from. I don't want to just start fooling around with it willy-nilly. Is there a better Color Management scheme to choose, or does it not really make a difference with the quality of scanner that I'm using.

Thanks in advance for any info or, if this question's already been asked, if you can point me in the right direction.

Mimi

[AdrianW]

Are you scanning film or prints? If you're scanning film then 600dpi then resizing down would be best. If you're scanning prints then the maximum resolution of commercial prints is 300-400dpi, scanning more than that won't actually get you any more image detail.

Generally scanning at a higher resolution and resizing your pictures seems to yield the sharpest results.

Profile wise, I don't tend to bother since IE doesn't support them. Obviously if you need accurate colours for printing then profiles are much more important.

[mimi]

Thanks Adrian. I'm scanning prints, but they're not coming out too well. I guess I'll just have to do more PS work with them.

[AdrianW]

Some prints scan better than others. Scanning at a higher resolution (300dpi), then resizing using bicubic to TE size, then sharpening seems to create the best images IMO.

Some scanners are better than others as well... Film scanning is the best option, but it can get expensive!