Epson has launched the world's first charge-coupled device (CCD) scanner to use a white LED as a light source. It also claimed the V500 scanner can be used within one second of it being switched on.


The manufacturer claimed that basing the V500 on a white LED light source, instead of the more commonplace cold cathode lamp, enables the scanner to be more energy efficient and eliminates the need for a warm-up or cool-down period.

The scanner has a 6400dpi optical resolution, has a 3.4 optical density and includes a built-in transparency unit for positive or negative film. It can scan up to 12 frames of 35mm filmstrip, four frames of mounted 35mm slides and a single frame of 6 x 12cm medium-format film.

Four quick-access buttons for Scan, Scan to PDF, Scan to Email and Copy are built into the machine's front, which should make things slightly easier for when you're in a rush to scan.

The device is plug'n'play enabled, with connection through USB 2.0, and is compatible with both PCs and Macs. It comes with a range of software, including Adobe PhotoShop Elements 4 for the PC and version three for the Mac.

The V500 will be available next month for around £200 ($400/€235).

Liam