Optical: 2400 dpi, Hardware: 2400 x 4800 dpi

[virginiajack]

I'm looking at the scanner specs on the
Canon CanoScan 5000F

They include --
"Resolution: Optical: 2400 dpi, Hardware: 2400 x 4800 dpi, Interpolated: 9600 x 9600 dpi "

If the optical is 2400 dpi, what is "Hardware: 2400 x 4800 dpi" all about?

 

[Lorand]

Good choice - Canon makes great scanners.
The optical resolution of 2400 dpi refers to the fact that there are 2400 sensors per inch displayed on the scanner's tractor.
The hardware resolution of 4800 dpi results from the mechanical precision of moving the tractor from one side of the scanned document to the other.
The interpolated resolution is bullshit, so ignore it.

 

[virginiajack]

Thanks for the reply -- and now I see the Canon CanoScan 8400F is in my price range and looks even better! Is there a better one for the money?