Flatbed scanner recommendation for Catalina

[superleccy]

Hi there. This is my first post in several years. It’s good to be back.

I need flatbed scanner, here are my requirements:

1. Under £100
2. Not completely rubbish
3. Compatible with macOS Catalina.

Does anyone out there have such a scanner that they are happy with and are currently running hassle-free under Catalina? What are you using and how happy are you with it?

Before anyone asks, I am looking for *just* a flatbed scanner, not a combo device. I don’t need another printer/fax/copier/toaster/kettle.

Many thanks!
SL

 

[Riwam]

Epson and Canon have been making good flatbed scanners for decades in every price range. I had and have Epson scanners for years without problems.
However if your scanning should be more than bare basics you should not forget the costs of a scanning software. Vuescan is quite affordable and not dedicated to a single scanner like Silverfast. But for simple scanning the included software like Epson Scan does the job.
As to Catalina, Epson support gives you on line that info for any model you chose and I suppose that every other maker gives it as well.

 

[superleccy]

Thank you Riwam

I generally like Epson scanners. Had them for ages but my last one died a death after many years of venerable service. Yes you are right their support website suggests their scanning software supports Catalina. I did read another review on Amazon saying that Catalina support had been pulled, but this could be nonsense.

I like the look of Canon scanners too, but I read they don't support macOS anymore apart from via AirPrint. This is new to me, I didn't realise AirPrint worked for scanners. And am worried it might be very limited in features.

As far as scanning software is concerned, I've always been happiest using macOS's built-in image capture.

TY
SL

 

[flowrider]

^^^^At this point, whether Canon supports Catalina is really immaterial. As mentioned above, VueScan really is the driver to have whether or not the manufacturer of your scanner supports the MacOS or not. I am using an old Microtek ScanMaker and of course Microtek doesn't support MacOS past Mojave. Don't think Microtek even sells scanners in the US anymore. But VueScan is a great driver and the author updates frequently. Really good software.

Lou

 

[angeloweb]

I think that Canon's Canoscan 9000 Mark II is still supported. My first edition 9000 is still working well, I just had to get the previously mentioned Vuescan to get it to still work with full functionality in Mojave and beyond.

 

[Phantom-fa]

Definitely get Vuescan and you can use almost any scanner with Catalina.
I have an old Canoscan (more than 10 years old) and it works just fine on Catalina as does my Fujitsu Scansnap which Fujitsu don’t support on Catalina.
Vuescan is regularly updated and has a once-only price which provides ongoing updates. Best money I have spent for utility software.

 

[superleccy]

Seeing lots of love for Vuescan on here. I am actually using a Pluskek Opticbook 3900 at the moment that i found in the trash. The scans come out really dark and the software struggles with Mojave. Will give it a spin with Vuescan and take it from there.