Microtek ArtixScan M1 Features Exclusive Emulsion Direct Imaging Technology
By Shutterbug Staff November 28, 2006 — Microtek has announced that it is developing the ArtixScan M1, a combined flatbed and film scanner for 35mm, 6cm, and 4x5-inch film formats that also offers additional functionality to scan reflective art or prints as large as 8.5 by 14 inches. Equipped with Microtek's patented Emulsion Direct Imaging Technology (E.D.I.T.), 4800-dpi optical resolution, 16-bit digital output per channel, auto focus, and new film holders with tension technology, the Microtek ArtixScan M1 is said to offer extraordinary value to photographers, photo enthusiasts, and graphic designers in need of high-quality scans.

The Microtek ArtixScan M1 is the first in a new line of flatbed scanners from Microtek that will deliver outstanding images from both film scans and reflective scans. The company says that reflective scanning capability of flatbed scanners has been outstanding for several years, but the film scanning capabilities of flatbed scanners lagged behind the dedicated film scanners. By advancing the optical resolution to 4800 dpi with the E.D.I.T. scanning architecture, the film scanning capability of the new flatbed scanners from Microtek will surpass the film scanning capability of dedicated film scanners while maintaining outstanding reflective scanning capability.

Emulsion Direct Imaging Technology (E.D.I.T.)
Like its predecessor the Microtek ScanMaker i900 the ArtixScan M1 features Microtek's patented E.D.I.T. architecture. E.D.I.T. is a unique technology exclusive to Microtek that allows the optical system to scan the film emulsion without looking through the glass plate that supports reflective materials on the flatbed scanner.

With E.D.I.T., the film is supported in a tray inside the scanner below the glass plate. The glassless scanning enables clearer scans of the film because it avoids the optical distortions, aberrations, and dirt that can appear in a scan that passes through the glass plate of a typical flatbed scanner.

With 4800 dpi optical resolution and 48 bits per pixel, a scan of 35mm film on the Microtek ArtixScan M1 will produce an image file that is equivalent to an image file from a 34-megapixel digital SLR camera. The resulting detail in the scan of 35mm film will enable prints up to 16 by 24 inches while still holding 300 pixels per inch at that print size. Large-format prints from 35mm scans can be made up to 24 by 36 inches while still holding 200 pixels per inch at that print size. Professional photographers and photo enthusiasts will be able to fully utilize the printable area offered by their photo printers from scans of 35mm film and larger film sizes.

Software and Color Management
Continuing a strong partnership with LaserSoft Imaging, the Microtek ArtixScan M1 will include the popular SilverFast software offering an intuitive user interface and professional controls over the scanning parameters. One of the many outstanding features of the SilverFast software is fully-integrated color management based on ICC standards for positive film and prints and the excellent NegaFix technology for negative film.

Pricing and Availability
The Microtek ArtixScan M1 is expected to be available in February 2007 for a suggested retail price of $699 through distribution, mail order, specialty camera stores, selected retail stores, and Microtek's retail Web site www.store.microtek.com.