Max. resolution
The highest resolution of the digital image generated by the scanner during operation. Specified in dots per inch — dpi (dots per inch).
The higher the scan resolution, the higher the resolution of the resulting image will be (with the same size of the source material) and the more accurately small details will be transmitted on it. On the other hand, high resolution noticeably affects the price of the scanner, increases the processing time and the size of the resulting file — despite the fact that the real need for high detail is not always present, and in some cases it is even unnecessary (for example, when processing an image with small artifacts, not visible at low detail). Therefore, when choosing by this parameter, you should not chase high resolution values — you should proceed from the real need and the specifics of the intended use of the scanner.
The simplest modern scanners have a resolution of about 300x300 dpi — this is quite enough for text recognition with an average font size. And in high-end professional models, this figure can exceed 7000x7000 dpi.
Max. scan area
The maximum image size that the scanner can process at one time, both horizontally and vertically. You should pay attention to this parameter if you need the exact dimensions of the scanner's working area, down to a millimetre: although standard formats are used to designate these dimensions (see "Format"), in fact the dimensions may differ from them.
Optical density
The maximum optical density of a dark image that the scanner can distinguish from pure black. Optical density characterizes how much of the light falling on the image was reflected (for opaque images) or transmitted (for transparent). The higher the optical density, the less light the object reflects / transmits. Accordingly, the higher the optical density of the scanner, the higher its sensitivity and the better it is suitable for working with dark images.
Colour depth (int.)
Under the internal colour depth is meant the number of shades of the image that the scanner itself can recognize; it should not be confused with external depth, which is the amount of hue transmitted to the computer (see below). Colour depth is expressed as the number of bits of information used to encode data about each colour. The total number of colour shades in this case is 2 to the power of n, where n is the colour depth. So, a 24-bit scanner recognizes 16.7 million colours — which is more than one and a half times more than the human eye, and quite enough for simple everyday tasks. In more advanced professional models, colour depth can reach 96 bits. Although the characteristics of the image transmitted to the computer are described by the external colour depth (which can be less than the internal colour depth), the internal depth, however, also affects its quality: other things being equal, a scanner with a higher internal depth provides more accurate colour reproduction.
Colour depth (ext.)
External colour depth characterizes the maximum possible number of colour shades in the image transmitted by the scanner to the computer. A depth of 24 bits is considered quite enough for non-professional tasks, in more advanced models this parameter can reach 96 bits. For details on colour depths and their relationship, see "Colour Depth (Int.)"
Shades of grey
The number of shades of grey that the scanner recognizes. You should pay attention to this parameter if you plan to actively work with complex black-and-white materials (for example, photographs) — the more shades, the higher the quality of the digitized image. To date, the average is considered to be 512 shades — this approximately corresponds to the capabilities of the human eye. Models with a lower indicator belong to the entry level, more advanced ones “understand” 1024 shades.
Power consumption
The maximum power consumed by the scanner during operation. The higher the power, the more energy the scanner consumes, but this only applies to the scanning process itself — in standby mode, power consumption is negligible. And even at the peak in most models, the power is so low that in fact this parameter has practically no effect on electricity bills and is more of an auxiliary value (for example, it is used to calculate the total power of devices connected to an uninterruptible power supply).
