We were recently asked about color scanners by a library wishing to scan manuscripts and photographs in its special collections. We are aware of one recent review of several products. It appears in the February, 1998, issue of PC Today (pp. 63-68). The review was limited to the 36-bit Epson, Umax, Adara, Pacific Image, Microtek, and AGFA color scanners. Having 36-bit cdlor scanning capability does not mean that one can see more- colors than with 24 or 30-bit, it just makes sure that the colors are true to the original image. The top ratings went to AGFA's Arcus II and Microtek's ScanMaker III, both priced at over $1,500. The $999 Epson Expression 636 was rated as the best low-cost model.
https://librarytechnology.org/document/5829/