Technical Brief

Scanner Technical Brief—Page 3 6/07
Image Quality—Pixel depth (cont.)
Key Differences
42-bit, or 48-bit Internal/ 24-bit External Color
Depth
36-bit, 42-bit, or 48-bit Internal and External
Color Depth
How it works
The scanner captures 42-, or 48-bit image
data, but “downsamples” an image to
24-bits, keeping the most signifi cant color
data.
The scanner captures 36-, 42-, or 48-
bit image data and outputs all data to a
software aplication that supports 48-bit
image fi les (such as Adobe
®
Photoshop
®
).
Image quality
Because the scanner captures data that
never could have been read by a 24-bit or
30-bit scanner (such as the detail in dark
areas and slight color transitions), the
scanner delivers more accurate images
With a 48-bit image fi le, you always have
access to full image data, which is espe-
cially important to graphic artists and
designers.
48-bit capture
24-bit transfer
48-bit capture
48-bit transfer
All Epson scanners have a 42-bit or 48-bit color depth. but some of the models support 24-bit external color
depth, which is the data that is sent from the scanner to the computer. Here are the differences between
output color depth:
A greater color bit depth generally results in more accurate color reproduction, smoother gradations with
fewer sudden shifts in color, and detailed shadows and highlights.
Image Quality—Epson ColorTrue® Imaging System
Epson scanners use the Epson ColorTrue II Imaging System which is made up of three main elements
(hardware, optics, and processing) and result in superior image quality with fast processing speeds.
Precise scan carriage
Simultaneous RGB scanning
Pixel optimization
Custom ASIC
High resolution CCD
Custom glass lenses