5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Drum Scanner | Drawbacks & Benefits of Drum Scanner

What is Drum Scanner ?

A Drum Scanner is a type of scanning device that uses photomultiplier tube (PMT) which scans reflective and transparent media. It works through the rotation of drums or cylinders at high speed that gets attached by the film.

Where is Drum Scanner used ?

Due to their extreme high resolutions, its precision is often compared to a digital camera. They are commonly used by professional photographers who wants to create in depth images. However along with the benefits, drum scanners are with some downfalls for businesses. It is necessary to check both the pros and cons of this device before using it.


In this article, I will be mentioning about 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Drum Scanner | Drawbacks & Benefits of Drum Scanner. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using drum scanner.

Let's get started,

 

Advantages of Drum Scanner

1. Resolution

The biggest advantage of drum scanner is it's resolution. In fact there is no other scanner that can provide the resolution level that of a drum scanner. These scanners can easily achieve up to 11000 dpi for high end models. 

 

For an average drum scanner, the limit is around 6000 dpi. This type of high resolution is especially beneficial for image enlargements.


2. Sharpness

Drum scanners are able to produce sharp images even out of small film pieces. This pieces of film contain actual grains that the scanner focusses on to bring extra sharpness. The grains are resolved at very high level so that there is an assurance that every single detail of the image is extracted.


3. Tonality

The toner improvements of a drum scanner is outstanding. Rather than scanning entirely electrical, a drum scanner converts analog data into digital data using various components such as RGB lights, vacuum tubes, capacitors and resistors. This makes sure that there are very few issues in tonality.


4. Shadow Scan

Most type of scanners mess up shadows since it is the most difficult part to scan. Unlike them, drum scanners are able to handle shadow details minutely. Always the noises are reduced to a greater extent across the board.


5. Fluid Mounting

Fluid Mounting is a process where images are wet mounted using a fluid (Based of an alcohol). This is done to remove dust, scratches and other particles so that it can improve the overall image clarity.

Disadvantages of Drum Scanner

1. Cost

Compared to other scanner options, drum scanners are too expensive. Even the cost of a low end drum scanner is way too much. Unless the users are ready go for a used drum scanner, they have to pay thousands of dollars.


2. Physical Size

Usually drum scanners are huge and heavy. Thus, they take up large space from the room. Moreover, the mounting station of which the scanner should be placed needs to be very strong. Hence, they can occupy additional space.


3. Time Wastage

Unlike other types of scanners, there are lots of steps that needs to be done in a drum scanner which makes them highly time consuming. For the scan process, the user has to wet mount, clean and examine the machine.


4. Operations

Operating a drum scanner involve lots of messy procedures. This is due to the fact that it requires fluid mounting. Even though fluid mounting has lead to improved image clarity still it is messy procedure.


5. Repair Services

Drum scanners are not popularly used due to their size and cost. Therefore, there is only very few support given for them. If the machine undergoes repair, it will be difficult to resolve since there is only few repairing centers available. 

 

So for an average user this may not be useful. They are more suitable for professionals who needs some serious high end results.