Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 vs. Epson Perfection V39 II

In today’s digital age, having a reliable scanner at home or in the office is essential for preserving memories, organizing documents, and streamlining workflows. Two popular options in the compact scanner market are the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 and the Epson Perfection V39 II. Both scanners are designed for photo and document scanning, offering high-resolution capabilities, user-friendly features, and space-saving designs. However, they each have unique strengths and weaknesses that cater to different needs. In this comparison, we will help you decide which scanner is the best fit for you.

Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Scanner

The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 Slim Scanner is a compact and versatile device designed for both photo and document scanning. Its ultra-slim design, measuring just 0.4 inches in height, makes it a space-saving addition to any desk or workstation. The scanner boasts a 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, ensuring high-quality scans with fine details, especially for photos. Features like color restoration and dust removal further enhance image quality, making it a great tool for digitizing old family photos or important documents. The inclusion of a USB Type-C cable simplifies connectivity, providing both power and data transfer through a single cable. Additionally, the scanner’s ability to scan upright is a thoughtful design choice, further optimizing space usage.

One of the standout features of the LiDE 400 is its five ‘EZ’ buttons, which streamline the scanning process. The Auto Scan Mode automatically detects the type of document or photo being scanned and adjusts settings accordingly, making it user-friendly even for beginners. The built-in PDF buttons allow for easy creation of editable and searchable multi-page PDFs, which is a huge time-saver for professionals.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution for high-quality scans.
2. Ultra-slim design with upright scanning capability.
3. USB Type-C cable for both power and data transfer.
4. Five ‘EZ’ buttons for simplified scanning and PDF creation.
5. Auto Scan Mode for automatic settings adjustment.

Pros:

1. Compact and portable, ideal for small workspaces.
2. Fast scanning speed (as quick as 8 seconds).
3. High-resolution scanning with image enhancement features.
4. Easy-to-use ‘EZ’ buttons and Auto Scan Mode.
5. Affordable price for the features offered.

Cons:

1. Mixed feedback on scan quality (some users report blurry results).

Epson Perfection V39 II Scanner

The Epson Perfection V39 II is a compact and versatile flatbed scanner designed for both photo and document scanning. With an impressive 4800 dpi optical resolution, it delivers sharp, detailed scans, making it ideal for enlarging photos or digitizing artwork. The scanner’s Easy Photo Fix technology is a standout feature, allowing users to restore faded photos with just one click, bringing old memories back to life. Its lightweight and slim design make it a great space-saving option for small desks or home offices. The included Epson ScanSmart software simplifies the scanning process, enabling seamless stitching of oversized images and direct scanning to cloud storage, though an internet connection is required for software download and functionality.

One of the most user-friendly aspects of the V39 II is its one-touch scanning buttons, which streamline the process for quick and efficient scans. The scanner also supports Optical Character Recognition (OCR), making it easy to create editable Microsoft files from scanned documents. However, while many users praise its excellent scan quality and vibrant photo reproduction, some have reported issues with build quality, describing the scanner as feeling somewhat flimsy due to its plastic construction.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 4800 dpi optical resolution for high-quality scans.
2. Easy Photo Fix technology for restoring faded photos.
3. One-touch scanning buttons for quick and efficient operation.
4. Epson ScanSmart software for cloud storage and oversized image stitching.
5. Compact and lightweight design for space-saving convenience.

Pros:

1. Excellent scan quality with vibrant photo reproduction.
2. Easy-to-use one-touch scanning and OCR functionality.
3. Slim and portable design ideal for small spaces.
4. Affordable price for the features offered.
5. Effective photo restoration capabilities.

Cons:

1. Build quality feels flimsy to some users.

Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 vs. Epson Perfection V39 II: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to compact flatbed scanners, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 and the Epson Perfection V39 II are two popular options for home and office use. Both scanners are designed for photo and document scanning, offering high-resolution capabilities and user-friendly features. However, they differ in design, functionality, and performance.

Design and Build Quality

Canon CanoScan LiDE 400:
The LiDE 400 boasts an ultra-slim design, measuring just 0.4 inches in height, making it one of the thinnest scanners on the market. Its lightweight build (3.6 pounds) and ability to scan upright make it a great space-saving option. The scanner’s sleek design is complemented by its sturdy construction, though some users have noted that the plastic body feels lightweight but durable enough for regular use.

Epson Perfection V39 II:
The V39 II is also compact and lightweight (3.1 pounds), with dimensions of 14.4″D x 9.9″W x 1.5″H. While it’s slightly thicker than the LiDE 400, it still maintains a slim profile suitable for small desks. However, some users have criticized its build quality, describing the plastic construction as “cheap” and “flimsy,” which may raise concerns about long-term durability.

Design Comparison	Canon CanoScan LiDE 400	Epson Perfection V39 II
Height	0.4 inches	1.5 inches
Weight	3.6 pounds	3.1 pounds
Build Quality	Lightweight but sturdy	Somewhat flimsy plastic
Space-Saving Features	Upright scanning capability	Compact design

Scanning Performance and Resolution

Canon CanoScan LiDE 400:
The LiDE 400 offers a 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, ensuring high-quality scans with fine details. It’s particularly well-suited for photo scanning, thanks to features like color restoration and dust removal, which help preserve and enhance old photos. The scanner’s 8-second scanning speed for documents is impressive, making it a time-efficient choice for busy users.

Epson Perfection V39 II:
The V39 II also features a 4800 dpi optical resolution, delivering sharp and detailed scans. Its Easy Photo Fix technology is a standout feature, allowing users to restore faded photos with a single click. However, its scanning speed is slightly slower, with 10-second scans for letter-sized documents at 300 dpi. While both scanners excel in photo scanning, the LiDE 400’s faster speed gives it an edge for document-heavy tasks.

Performance Comparison	Canon CanoScan LiDE 400	Epson Perfection V39 II
Resolution	4800 x 4800 dpi	4800 dpi
Scanning Speed	8 seconds (document)	10 seconds (document)
Photo Enhancement	Color restore, dust removal	Easy Photo Fix technology
Best For	Fast document scanning	Photo restoration

Ease of Use and Features

Canon CanoScan LiDE 400:
The LiDE 400 is designed for simplicity, featuring five ‘EZ’ buttons that allow for one-touch scanning. The Auto Scan Mode automatically detects the type of document or photo being scanned and adjusts settings accordingly. Additionally, the scanner supports editable and searchable PDFs through its built-in OCR functionality. The inclusion of a USB Type-C cable simplifies connectivity, providing both power and data transfer through a single cable.

Epson Perfection V39 II:
The V39 II also emphasizes ease of use with its one-touch scanning buttons and Epson ScanSmart software, which enables seamless stitching of oversized images and direct scanning to cloud storage. However, the software requires an internet connection for download and functionality, which may be a limitation for some users. The scanner also supports OCR, making it easy to create editable Microsoft files.

Feature Comparison	Canon CanoScan LiDE 400	Epson Perfection V39 II
One-Touch Scanning	5 ‘EZ’ buttons	One-touch buttons
Auto Settings Adjustment	Auto Scan Mode	Manual adjustments via software
OCR Support	Yes	Yes
Cloud Integration	Limited (Send to Cloud)	Epson ScanSmart software
Connectivity	USB Type-C (power + data)	USB (power + data)

Software and Compatibility

Canon CanoScan LiDE 400:
The LiDE 400 comes with Canon’s proprietary scanning software, which is intuitive and user-friendly. However, some users have reported compatibility issues with Windows, particularly with newer operating systems. The scanner’s Send to Cloud feature allows users to upload scans directly to services like Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox, though this functionality is somewhat limited compared to Epson’s cloud integration.

Epson Perfection V39 II:
The V39 II includes Epson ScanSmart software, which offers robust features like cloud storage integration and oversized image stitching. However, the software requires an internet connection for setup and use, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the scanner’s compatibility with both Windows and Mac systems is generally reliable, though some users have reported occasional software glitches.

Price and Value

Both scanners are competitively priced, making them excellent options for budget-conscious users. The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 is slightly more expensive but offers faster scanning speeds and a more durable build. The Epson Perfection V39 II is more affordable and includes advanced photo restoration features, though its build quality may not be as robust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which scanner is better for photo scanning?

Both scanners are excellent for photo scanning, but they excel in different areas. The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 offers 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution and features like color restoration and dust removal, making it ideal for preserving and enhancing old photos. The Epson Perfection V39 II also provides 4800 dpi resolution and includes Easy Photo Fix technology, which restores faded colors with a single click. If photo restoration is a priority, the V39 II might be the better choice.

Can these scanners handle document scanning efficiently?

Yes, both scanners are well-suited for document scanning. The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 has a faster scanning speed of 8 seconds per page, making it more efficient for large document batches. It also supports editable and searchable PDFs through its OCR functionality. The Epson Perfection V39 II is slightly slower at 10 seconds per page but also supports OCR and offers seamless integration with cloud storage via its ScanSmart software.

Are these scanners compatible with both Windows and Mac?

The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, though some users have reported compatibility issues with newer Windows versions. The Epson Perfection V39 II also supports both operating systems, but its ScanSmart software requires an internet connection for setup and functionality, which may be a limitation for some users.

Which scanner is more portable?

The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 is more portable due to its ultra-slim design (0.4 inches thick) and lightweight build (3.6 pounds). It can even scan upright, making it a great option for users with limited desk space. The Epson Perfection V39 II is also compact and lightweight (3.1 pounds) but is slightly thicker at 1.5 inches, which may affect its portability slightly.

Do these scanners require an internet connection?

The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 does not require an internet connection for basic scanning tasks, though its Send to Cloud feature for uploading scans to services like Dropbox does need an internet connection. The Epson Perfection V39 II requires an internet connection to download and use its ScanSmart software, which is necessary for advanced features like cloud integration and oversized image stitching.

Which scanner offers better value for money?

Both scanners are competitively priced, but the Epson Perfection V39 II is generally more affordable and offers advanced features like Easy Photo Fix and ScanSmart software. However, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 provides faster scanning speeds and a more durable build, making it a better long-term investment for users who prioritize performance and reliability. Your choice will depend on which features align best with your needs and budget.

Conclusion

The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 and Epson Perfection V39 II are both excellent choices for home and office use, but they cater to slightly different needs. If you prioritize speed, durability, and ease of use, the LiDE 400 is the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for advanced photo restoration features and don’t mind a slightly slower scanner, the V39 II offers great value for its price.