Comparing Epson v850 and Epson GT-X980
Comparing Epson v850 and Epson GT-X980
I've found out that the Epson GT-X980 is identical to the Epson v850. The main distinction lies in the power specifications, not the build quality.
Is it safe to use a GT-X980 in America with American power standards?
Just checking to understand the reasons behind the differences, aside from shipping delays.
Thanks,
Sean
Found something on Reddit about the X980 original power brick working anywhere (Japan, USA, Europe), link provided. Products made in-house often cost less, saving on shipping and translation of manuals/software into other languages. With that scanner and Japanese version purchase, be careful it might only include a Japanese manual or software. If you don’t understand Japanese, using it could cause problems. But the low price might help you figure it out eventually.
The amount saved by buying from abroad would depend on the details you clarify. Would that sum be enough to cover the expenses of packing and shipping, especially if the printer required a return shipping authorization?
Printers themselves don’t contribute significantly to profit—rather, inks and toner generate revenue.
However, the carrier has no risk by sending a usable printer back.
Long-distance shipments are often delayed or damaged during transit. Even if it arrives, there’s a chance it might not be received.
As noted by @Aeacus, issues with overseas shipments can arise, some of which may be resolved or avoided. For instance, using power as an example makes such situations irrelevant.
In summary, buying from overseas introduces greater uncertainty and likely won’t result in savings.
If possible, it’s better to purchase locally.
The Epson GT-X980 is actually just an A4 scanner with no printing capabilities. It was found on eBay with some specifications, but the price seems high. A better option would be a model like the Canon TS9520, which offers printing, copying, scanning, wireless features, and compatibility with Alexa, all for around 300 dollars. Amazon also has a similar wireless scanner priced at 300 dollars. I own a Canon TS8352 that performs well and meets my home office needs.
The V850 isn't just any scanner. It's one of the few new models still on the market that can read photographic film with great detail and high density, even up to 4x5 inches. The cost is steep due to the lack of strong competition.
I'm not sure about the reasoning behind going into the printer rabbit hole.
My mistake—apologies.
Still, I believe buying locally is preferable, even if it costs more.
Thank you for the correction.
No problem. It's common to assume the scanner functions like a printer because nowadays it's rare to purchase just a scanner when all-in-one printers are widely available. Examining its specifications clearly shows a high-resolution DPI scanner, 6400x6400 DPI compared to the Canon TS9520's 1200x2400 DPI. Still, the V850/GT-X980 isn't limited to this category due to its premium price. Other options exist at significantly lower costs, offering comparable or improved scanning capabilities.
For example:
- $500 - Pulstek OptiFilm 8200i with 7200 DPI, link: https://www.adorama.com/icdp8200iai.html
- $350 - Epson Perfection V600 with 6400x9600 DPI, link: https://www.adorama.com/iesv600.html
- $89 - Canon Lide 400 with 4800 DPI, link: https://www.adorama.com/icacsl400.html
I have explored this area extensively and am well-acquainted with these scanners. The Plustek 8200i only works with 35mm film and has a very low build quality. The V600 offers poor D-max and 35mm resolution, just like the Canon Lide. The claimed resolution figures are misleading since they rarely reach 800-1000dpi in practice. The V850 stands out for its medium and large format capabilities. The main competitors are the Epson 13000XL (four times more expensive), Plustek OpticFilm 120 (which has poor quality - I own one), and very outdated Nikon Coolscans/Flextights. For those who value film scans that look professional, the V850 is the best practical option for prosumers or professional photographers.
Returning to the original questioner, I would pay full price locally for a V850 because there are reports of film plane inaccuracies that can't be fixed by adjusting the film holder height, potentially requiring unit swaps due to manufacturing tolerances.