ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP vs Scanpro 3500: Technical Specification and Pricing Comparison

1. Introduction

The ongoing need to preserve and provide access to information stored on microfilm has led to significant advancements in microfilm scanning technology. Digital conversion offers numerous benefits, including enhanced searchability, wider accessibility, and long-term preservation of these valuable archives. This report provides a detailed comparison of two prominent microfilm scanners: the Scanpro 3500 and the ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP. The analysis focuses on their technical specifications and pricing, aiming to equip professionals and organizations considering a purchase with the information necessary to make an informed decision.

2. Technical Specifications Overview: Side-by-Side Comparison

For a quick comparison, the following table summarizes the key technical specifications of the Scanpro 3500 and the ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP microfilm scanners.

Feature	Scanpro 3500	ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP
Camera Resolution	26 Megapixel (6.6 MP sensor x 4 with pixel-shifting)	18 Megapixel (Color, optional 9 MP Black & White)
Optical Zoom	5x to 105x	7x to 30x
Digital Zoom	5x to 1575x	7x to 105x (combined optical and digital)
Supported Media	Roll film, fiche, jackets, aperture cards, micro-opaques	Roll film, microfiche, aperture cards, jackets, slides
Max Scan Speed	Up to 20 IPM (standard), Up to 100 IPM (optional)	N/A (emphasizes "always on" browsing and real-time scan)
Output File Formats	PDF, TIFF, JPEG, more; single/multi-page, single-page OCR	PDF, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, more; single/multi-page, optional OCR
Computer Interface	USB 3.1	USB 3.0
Operating Systems	Windows 7-11 (32/64 bit)	Windows 10 & 11 (32/64 bit), some sources mention Win 7/8/10
Dimensions (H x W x L)	7.5" x 16.5" x 16.5" (without AUTO-Carrier)	8" x 12" x 12"
Weight	32 lbs / 14.5 kg	26.4 lbs / 12 kg
Warranty	1-3 years (sources vary)	3 years system, lifetime on lamps
Software License	Optional annual membership for advanced features	Lifetime license for PerfectView software
OCR	Basic single-page included, advanced optional	Optional single-page or full suite

 

3. Detailed Analysis of Scanpro 3500 Technical Features

3.1 Camera and Image Quality: The Scanpro 3500 utilizes a 26-megapixel camera that achieves this resolution through a 6.6-megapixel image sensor combined with integrated pixel-shifting technology.¹ This approach captures four distinct optical images, which are then integrated to create a single, high-resolution 26-megapixel image. The manufacturer emphasizes that this technology, coupled with the largest pixels in the industry and an image sensor significantly larger than competitors, results in the clearest optical image resolution available. The claim that the image sensor is over seven times larger than the nearest competitor highlights a focus on capturing a wealth of detail from the microfilm.¹ However, it's important to consider that this method of achieving high resolution might involve more processing compared to a direct 26-megapixel sensor, potentially affecting scanning speed and file sizes [Insight 2]. The Scanpro 3500 supports a large image capture size of 35mm x 48mm, accommodating various microfilm formats.¹ Furthermore, the camera orientation is selectable between portrait and landscape, ensuring optimal image clarity regardless of the original document's orientation.

3.1.1 Image Quality Discussion: The Scanpro 3500 employs pixel-shifting technology to achieve its 26MP resolution from a 6.6MP native sensor . Pixel shifting involves capturing multiple slightly offset images and combining them to create a higher-resolution result. While this technique can significantly enhance resolution and color accuracy by capturing more data per pixel location, the final image quality compared to a native 18MP sensor involves trade-offs. Native resolution generally offers superior clarity and detail, especially for intricate details and small text, as each pixel is individually captured. Pixel shifting, while improving upon the base sensor's resolution, might introduce slight softening due to the superimposition of images. However, the Scanpro 3500 emphasizes its large native pixel size and sensor, which could mitigate some of these potential drawbacks .

3.1.2 Pixel Shifting and Batch Scanning: For batch scanning purposes, the use of pixel-shifting technology might introduce a slight delay as multiple captures are required for each frame. The standard AUTO-Scan™ feature of the Scanpro 3500 achieves up to 20 IPM , and the optional AUTO-Scan® Pro increases this to 100 IPM . The impact of pixel shifting on these speeds isn't explicitly detailed, but it's reasonable to infer that the higher resolution achieved through pixel shifting might slightly reduce the maximum scanning speed compared to a single-capture method, especially when aiming for the highest quality scans. However, the Scanpro's software is designed to optimize this process for efficient batch scanning .

3.2 Zoom Capabilities: The Scanpro 3500 offers a broad optical zoom magnification range from 5x to 105x. This extensive optical zoom allows users to view and scan a wide range of microfilm reduction ratios without relying solely on digital magnification, which can degrade image quality.¹⁰ Additionally, the scanner features a digital zoom ranging from 5x to an impressive 1575x. This high level of digital zoom is particularly useful for inspecting minute details within a scanned image, which can be valuable for research or quality control [Insight 3]. To ensure consistent image quality during zoom operations, the Scanpro 3500 incorporates FOCUS-Lock™ technology, which maintains continuous image focus even when the optical zoom is adjusted.

3.3 Supported Media and Carriers: The Scanpro 3500 is a versatile scanner capable of handling various microfilm formats, including 16mm and 35mm roll film, microfiche, jackets, aperture cards, and micro-opaques. It features an AUTO-Carrier™ that provides automatic scanning support for fiche, jackets, and micro-opaques, while also enhancing the performance of roll film scanning. It is important to note that the use of the AUTO-Carrier might require an annual license key subscription. The scanner also offers motorized roll film carrier options, including the UC 550, which supports 16/35 combination motorized roll film with and without blips, as well as fiche, jackets, aperture cards, and micro-opaques. The UC 650 carrier further extends this compatibility to include 16/35/35M cartridge combination motorized roll film.

3.4 Scanning Speed and Efficiency: The Scanpro 3500, with its standard AUTO-Scan™ feature, can achieve unlimited scans at a speed of up to 20 images per minute (IPM) for roll film, fiche, and jackets. For users requiring higher scanning speeds, an optional AUTO-Scan® Pro feature is available as part of the ScanPro Advantage Membership. This advanced feature significantly increases the scanning speed to up to 100 IPM for roll film and fiche, and up to 70 IPM for jackets.² This tiered approach to scanning speed allows users to choose a level of performance that aligns with their specific needs and budget.

3.5 Software Features: The Scanpro 3500 boasts an intuitive Windows computer interface equipped with a customizable film selection wizard, simplifying the scanning process by allowing users to set up the scanner with a single click using custom presets. The software includes a suite of image editing tools such as SPOT-Edit™ for live image editing of selected areas, AUTO-Adjust™ for automatic optimization of brightness and contrast, and automatic straightening and cropping functionalities. Features like Previous/Next and MergeClips™ enhance workflow efficiency, while digital image rotation and mirroring provide flexibility in image manipulation. The software offers selectable resolution options ranging from 150 dpi to 2000 dpi, with support for 8-bit grayscale and 1-bit black and white. The Scanpro 3500 supports various scan and save file formats, including PDF, TIFF, and JPEG, with options for single and multi-page documents, as well as single-page OCR powered by the ABBYY Fine Reader Engine. For added convenience, the scanner features single-click print and scan buttons for streamlined operation. The optional ScanPro Advantage Membership unlocks advanced features like AUTO-Scan® Pro for automated high-speed scanning, AUTO-Scan QA for quality assurance, AUTO-Review for efficient film review, and the PowerScan Productivity Suite, which includes tools like WORD-Search™, INFO-Link™, and Copy-to-Clipboard. This membership may also provide a continuous product warranty.⁵

3.6 Physical Specifications and Connectivity: The Scanpro 3500 has a compact desktop footprint, making it suitable for various work environments. It utilizes a USB 3.1 interface for high-speed data transfer. The scanner operates on 100-240VAC power and weighs approximately 32 lbs (14.5 kg). Its straight film path design and low inertia 12 ball bearing rollers are engineered to protect the microfilm during the scanning process. The Scanpro 3500 is ENERGY STAR® certified, indicating energy efficiency, and holds OSHA workplace safety certification.

3.7 Warranty: The standard warranty period for the Scanpro 3500 appears to vary across different sources. Some indicate a 3-year factory warranty, which includes carriers ², while others state a 1-year standard warranty. This discrepancy necessitates verification with the manufacturer or authorized dealers to obtain accurate warranty information.

4. Detailed Analysis of ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP Technical Features

4.1 Camera and Image Quality: The ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP is equipped with an 18-megapixel color image sensor, with an option for a 9-megapixel black and white sensor. ST Imaging emphasizes the use of a "true" 18 MP image sensor that is "always on," implying a direct capture method that provides a continuous, high-resolution live view without pixelation. This contrasts with the Scanpro 3500's pixel-shifting technology. The ViewScan 4 features an oversized 5" x 8.25" glass platen, designed to easily accommodate various media sizes, including aperture cards and large microfiche.

4.1.1 Image Quality Discussion: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP utilizes a native 18MP image sensor . This means the sensor directly captures an 18-megapixel image without relying on pixel-shifting or other enhancement technologies. ST Imaging claims this eliminates the need for other technologies to improve a low megapixel camera.¹ Native resolution generally provides excellent detail and sharpness, especially noticeable in fine lines and text on microfilm. The "always on" nature of the sensor allows for real-time browsing at full 18MP resolution without pixelation.¹

4.1.2 Pixel Shifting and Batch Scanning: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP does not employ pixel-shifting technology, relying instead on its native 18MP sensor for image capture.¹ Its design emphasizes real-time browsing and instant capture.¹ While it offers features like AutoBrowse for automatically advancing film ¹⁵, its specifications don't highlight the same level of high-speed batch scanning (up to 100 IPM) as the Scanpro 3500 with its optional Advantage Membership. The ViewScan 4's approach focuses on immediate, high-quality capture for each frame rather than maximizing the number of images scanned per minute.

4.2 Zoom Capabilities: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP offers a total zoom range of 7x to 105x, which combines both optical and digital magnification. Its optical zoom range is 7x to 30x. This optical zoom range is narrower compared to the Scanpro 3500's 5x to 105x optical zoom [Insight 10]. The ViewScan 4 incorporates PerfectFocus™ technology, which utilizes precision motors to ensure continuous and automatic image focusing, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

4.3 Supported Media and Carriers: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP supports a wide range of micrographic media, including 16mm and 35mm roll film, microfiche, aperture cards, jackets, and slides. A 3M cartridge film adapter is available for added compatibility. The scanner offers a Universal Carrier designed for various film formats, and other carrier configurations are also available to suit specific needs.

4.4 Scanning Speed and Efficiency: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP emphasizes an "always on" high-definition system, allowing users to browse, print, save, or share images in real-time. It includes a Cruise Control feature for automatic film scanning, with the base model offering up to 10 frames. A full suite of automatic scanning features is available as an optional upgrade. The focus here appears to be on immediate access and high-quality capture rather than achieving the very high IPM rates offered by the Scanpro 3500's optional software.

4.5 Software Features: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP comes with PerfectView software, known for its user-friendly interface with color-coded features designed for ease of use across all user levels. Key features include a real-time view, an Image Bin for temporary storage and retrieval of captured images, and the ability to generate multiple image file outputs from a single scan. The software allows for full-resolution browsing of a continuous live image without pixelation and offers tools like Target Area Enhance and Scissor Cut Cropping™ for precise image manipulation. ClipMerge™ enables the assembly of multiple clippings onto a single page, and annotation software allows users to add highlights and text to scans. The ViewScan 4 offers One Click EasySave for creating multipage PDFs and TIFFs and features a customizable start screen. The software selectable resolution goes up to 1200 dpi and beyond. Supported file outputs include various PDF and TIFF options, as well as JPEG and PNG. OCR capability for creating word-searchable PDFs is available as an optional single-page desktop app or a full suite. A notable feature is VirtualFilm Technology, which allows captured images to be saved and recalled as a virtual roll of film. Importantly, the PerfectView software comes with a lifetime license and does not require annual fees.¹⁴

4.6 Physical Specifications and Connectivity: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP is a compact desktop system with a 12"x12" base. It utilizes a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connection for communication. The scanner's dimensions are 8" x 12" x 12" (H x W x L), and it weighs 26.4 lbs (12 kg). It is designed for "Quiet Library" operation due to its fanless design. The ViewScan 4 also incorporates an energy-saving design with an automatic sleep mode and power-down functions.

4.7 Warranty: The ST ViewScan 4 18MP comes with a factory warranty of 36 months on the system and a lifetime warranty on the lamps.

5. Pricing Comparison

5.1 Scanpro 3500 Pricing: GSA pricing information indicates that the Scanpro® 3500 All-In-One Microfilm Scanner (USB 3.1 model with 26 MP camera, 5x to 105x optical zoom, AUTO-Carrier for fiche, and motorized UC 550 Carrier for 16mm/35mm roll film) is priced at $9,786.92 with a 3-year factory warranty. Another configuration, featuring an AUTO-Carrier for fiche and a Fiche/Aperture card carrier, is listed at $15,902.12. In the UK market, the Scanpro 3500 Microfilm Scanner is priced at £8950.00 excluding VAT. Finance options are also available. The ScanPro Advantage Membership, which unlocks advanced software features, costs approximately $265 per year or £249 per year after an initial free period. There might be an additional annual license fee for the AUTO-Carrier. Extended warranty coverage can be purchased separately, starting at $395 per year for USB models. Within the Scanpro product line, the Scanpro 2200 is presented as a more budget-friendly option, starting at under $6,600.

5.2 ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP Pricing: A trade-in offer from 2023 listed the ViewScan 4 at $5,695.¹⁶ A used unit was found on eBay for $1,499.99, but this price does not reflect the cost of a new unit and comes with the inherent risks of purchasing used equipment. GSA pricing for the ST ViewScan IV (which appears to be a similar model) with an 18MP camera, premium software bundle, and 16mm/35mm film carrier was listed at $9,090.00.⁷ A significant advantage in terms of software cost is that the PerfectView software included with the ViewScan 4 comes with a lifetime license and no annual fees.¹⁴ Obtaining current and specific pricing for new ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP units typically requires contacting authorized dealers.

6. Comparative Summary

The Scanpro 3500 distinguishes itself with a higher nominal camera resolution (26MP achieved through pixel-shifting) and a significantly broader optical zoom range (5x-105x compared to the ViewScan 4's 7x-30x). It also includes basic single-page OCR in its standard software package, with more advanced OCR features available through an optional annual membership. The Scanpro 3500 offers very high scanning speeds, especially with the optional Advantage Membership. However, this advanced functionality comes with a subscription cost.

The ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP features a native 18MP color image sensor and emphasizes "always on" high-resolution browsing and real-time scanning. While its optical zoom range is more limited, it offers a total zoom of 7x-105x through a combination of optical and digital methods. OCR is available as an optional add-on. A key advantage of the ViewScan 4 is its lifetime software license for the PerfectView software, eliminating the need for recurring subscription fees. It also boasts a quieter operation due to its fanless design.

In terms of pricing, GSA listings suggest that both scanners are in a similar price range for institutional buyers. However, the Scanpro 3500 has potential ongoing costs associated with its optional Advantage Membership and possibly an AUTO-Carrier license, while the ViewScan 4 offers a one-time software purchase. Obtaining current quotes from authorized dealers is crucial for accurate price comparisons.

7. Conclusion and Recommendations

The choice between the Scanpro 3500 and the ST Imaging ST ViewScan 4 18MP depends heavily on the specific needs and priorities of the user or organization.

For users who require the highest possible optical zoom range and value the inclusion of basic OCR in the standard software, the Scanpro 3500 is a strong contender. Organizations with high-volume microfilm conversion projects might find the Scanpro 3500, especially with the Advantage Membership, offering superior scanning speeds. However, the potential for ongoing subscription costs should be factored into the total cost of ownership.

Users who prioritize a "true" 18MP sensor with continuous live viewing and prefer a one-time software purchase with a lifetime license might find the ST ViewScan 4 18MP more appealing. Its quieter operation could also be a significant advantage in library or research environments.

Budget-conscious buyers should carefully evaluate the total cost of ownership for both scanners, considering potential software subscriptions, extended warranties, and the frequency with which advanced features like high-speed scanning and comprehensive OCR are needed.