The resolution of the V500 is a very useful 6400dpi x 9600dpi.

For a digital device to record this information in enough detail to make a sizeable image, the resolution of the scanner has to be high, an area where the consumer scanners can fall down. Scanning transparencies is all about resolution – even a 35mm slide or negative holds a staggering amount of detail. The V500 captures a theoretical 281.5 trillion colours as it’s a true 48-bit scanner. With transparencies in mind, the V500 comes with two holders that fit on the scan platen (the glass surface you put things on to scan when you lift the lid) to fit 35mm film strips and for larger 120-size transparencies. Even if you don’t want or need image editing software, the V500 uses Digital ICE software to detect and remove dust and scratch marks from colour film and slide scans. For still more image editing power, a second CD containing Photoshop Elements 4 may be a useful addition for those without the more full-featured Photoshop. The Perfection V500 comes with a load of Epson software, some of which might be useful to Windows users but most Mac users will prefer the more familiar iPhoto.

Epson perfection v500 film scanner