Seeking Recommendations for a Desktop Scanner for Smaller Items

[debitendcredits]

I’ve recently been having success selling smaller items like refrigerator magnets and knick-knacks, and I’m now considering investing in a desktop scanner specifically designed for these items. However, most of the scanners I’ve come across seem to be primarily focused on scanning pages from books. I’m wondering if anyone here has experience using an overhead scanner or can recommend a suitable option.

I’ve attached a list of options I found on Amazon to illustrate what I mean. My concern is that many of the book scanners might not allow me to zoom in closely enough to capture the fine details of these smaller items. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations you can provide.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=overhead+scanner&crid=34LHPEJHJRX3L&sprefix=overhead+scanne%2Caps%2C204&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

[Jay]

What kind of camera do you use now? Might be better to buy a “macro lens”. It allows for close up photographs.

I believe you can even buy them for an iPhone or cell phone.

https://www.amazon.com/macro-lens-iphone/s?k=macro+lens+for+iphone

[debitendcredits]

Nope that’s not what I want. I use my iPhone and that’s great for something’s but I want a unit that is a fixed in the overhead position that connects directly to the computer.

and yes, I know I could get a tripod or mount for the phone but I would really like a dedicated unit

[Jay]

Understood. Maybe the postcard/stamp/trading card guys can help.

Im just imagining a scanner as you suggested, and then you would need to edit photos to crop/enlarge the parts of the image you want.

[Antique Frog]

I used to have an Epson scanner with a cold cathode fluorescent lamp; that scanned coins and other stuff. The scanner I’m using now (an Epson printer/scanner combo) uses LEDs- only works on flat things.

[craig rex]

I used to have an Epson scanner with a cold cathode fluorescent lamp; that scanned coins and other stuff.

As usual, @antique-frog provides the best advice. I use an epson ccd scanner for the trading card arm of my business, it’s a night and day difference in picture quality compared to the printer/scanner combos.

The model I have is the Perfection V600 and it runs for about $250 new, but of course I got mine much cheaper than that. Though it’s a flatbed scanner, you can still scan with the scanner bed open and the background will come out dark. I can fit about 6 regular sized trading cards in cases or three graded cards on the flatbed. I scan front and back and crop the scans for individual cards or resize the window for lot listings. Pretty intuitive software too. I would recommend this scanner if you deal in a lot of smalls. It was a game changer for me in terms of speed and efficiency once I got used to the software.

[debitendcredits]

I think I figured out what I have been searching for. I have been overthinking it (as usual).  I want a small copy stand with a camera that can attach to Adobe Lightroom.  I am going to start simple and experiment with just mounting my phone, but I think this is the way forward.

Thanks Jay & AF for your input.

[Antique Frog]

Yes, after I posted I remembered how it used to be done, back in the last century 🙂 Four-legged copy stand with two flash guns on stalks either side, an expensive macro lens, the mirror locked up on the SLR and one of those pneumatic cable releases…

[debitendcredits]

I will be starting with a cell phone and blu-tooth shutter button.  Will spend more as needed :). The rest of this yer is about listing in bulk with smaller easier to store items.

 

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