Maximum optical scanning resolution of the flatbed scanner on the HP Officejet 4500 (G510g) Printer

[Friedrich_Bauer]

Hi,

I've having trouble figuring out what the maximum optical scanning resolution of the flatbed scanner on an Officejet 4500 (G510g) All-in-One Printer is; I really don't care about the interpolated scanning resolution, only the real optical resolution of the flatbed scanner. On HP's product page for the printer, under scanning specifications, I think they only list the optical scanning resolution of the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder). For those who may not already be aware, all-in-one printer/scanners often have two ways of scanning documents: you can either scan documents through the automatic document feeder at the top or through the flatbed scanner by lifting the lid. I completely understand that the printer is out of warranty, hence me asking in the forums, but I find it totally unacceptable that HP would omit such critical information about the capabilities of the flatbed scanner on their own product page. The only semi-helpful link that I've been able to find regarding the printer was from a CNET product page, which gives 1200 dpi--actually 1200 ppi--as presumably the maximum scanning resolution of the flatbed scanner. Can anybody confirm that they are talking about the flatbed scanner resolution and not the resolution of the automatic document feeder on the second link?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Product number: CM743A

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

Here is the scan resolution information, this refer to the Flatbed glass and not to the Document Feeder, the top ADF provide a lower optical resolution of Up to 300 dpi:

You may also find the product datasheet attached.

Shlomi

[Friedrich_Bauer]

How were you able to find the max scanning resolution of the ADF? I checked the PDF you attached but couldn't find anything.

Also, if 1200 ppi is the maximum scanning resolution of the flatbed scanner, then what do the hardware values above refer to (1200 x 2400 dpi)?

[ShlomiL · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The Hardware Values refer to the optical hardware capabilities, up to 1200 x 2400 dpi for the Flatbed hardware itself, the scan resolution for the final scan would be up to 1200 PPI.

The Automatic Document Feeder supports up to 300 PPI for all consumer products with no exception.

You may find more about the differences below:

https://superuser.com/questions/394229/what-should-i-look-for-in-optical-hardware-resolution-when-bu...

Shlomi

[Friedrich_Bauer]

What would be a good vertical ppi value for a scanner to have if you wanted to scan some old family pictures? Is the 2400 ppi on my scanner good enough, or should I aim for more?

I've read that for the purpose of scanning old analog family pictures, a scanner should be capable of 24-bit color depth, at least 600 ppi optical scanning resolution up to 1200/2400 ppi for restoration purposes, have a flatbed scanner, and be capable of outputting files in the TIFF format.

[ShlomiL]

Generally, 600 ppi should be sufficient for most needs, you are more aware your personal needs and expectations.

1200 PPI would be the maximum resolution for such a multifunction device.