Epson Perfection V39 II vs. V600: Which Scanner is Right for You?

In the world of flatbed scanners, Epson has long been a trusted name, offering a range of products to suit different needs and budgets. Two of its popular models, the Epson Perfection V39 II and the Epson Perfection V600, cater to distinct user bases—casual home users and professional photographers, respectively. While both scanners deliver high-quality scans, they differ significantly in terms of features, performance, and price. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between the V39 II and V600 to help you decide which one aligns best with your needs.

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 its 4800 dpi optical resolution, it delivers exceptional clarity and detail, making it ideal for enlarging photos or capturing intricate artwork. The scanner’s high-resolution capability ensures that even the subtlest gradients and shading in drawings are preserved, resulting in vibrant and true-to-life scans. Its lightweight and slim design make it a space-saving addition to any home or office setup, while the removable lid allows for scanning thicker items like books. The inclusion of Epson ScanSmart software simplifies the process of stitching oversized images and scanning directly to cloud storage, though an internet connection is required for software download and functionality. Additionally, the Easy Photo Fix technology is a standout feature, effortlessly restoring faded photos with just one click, ensuring your cherished memories remain vivid.

One of the most user-friendly aspects of the V39 II is its one-touch scanning, which streamlines the process of scanning documents and images. The scanner also supports Optical Character Recognition (OCR), enabling users to create editable Microsoft files from scanned documents. However, while many customers praise its ease of setup and excellent scan quality, some have reported mixed experiences with durability, citing issues with the build quality and occasional malfunctions.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 4800 dpi optical resolution for detailed and clear scans.
2. Compact and lightweight design with a removable lid for versatile scanning.
3. Easy Photo Fix technology for restoring faded photos.
4. One-touch scanning and OCR software for creating editable files.
5. Epson ScanSmart software for cloud storage and oversized image stitching.

Pros:

1. Excellent scan quality for both photos and documents.
2. Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
3. Space-saving design ideal for small workspaces.
4. Restores faded photos with a single click.
5. Affordable price for high-resolution scanning capabilities.

Cons:

1. Build quality feels cheap and flimsy to some users.

Epson Perfection V600 Scanner

The Epson Perfection V600 is a high-performance scanner designed for photographers, hobbyists, and professionals who need exceptional quality for scanning photos, film, slides, and documents. With a remarkable 6400 x 9600 dpi resolution, this scanner produces sharp, detailed enlargements up to 17″ x 22″, making it ideal for preserving and restoring old memories. The built-in Transparency Unit allows for scanning slides, negatives, and medium-format panoramic film, while Digital ICE technology effectively removes dust, scratches, and creases from both film and prints. The inclusion of Epson Easy Photo Fix and ArcSoft PhotoStudio further enhances its capabilities, offering one-touch color restoration and advanced photo editing tools. Additionally, the scanner’s ReadyScan LED technology ensures instant scanning with no warm-up time, making it both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

While the V600 excels in image quality and versatility, its performance speed receives mixed reviews. Some users praise its quick scanning capabilities, while others report longer scan times, particularly for high-resolution tasks. The four customizable buttons for scanning, copying, emailing, and creating PDFs add convenience, and the included ABBYY FineReader Sprint OCR software allows for easy conversion of scanned documents into editable text. However, the software experience is inconsistent, with some users finding it intuitive and others describing it as subpar.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 6400 x 9600 dpi resolution for high-quality enlargements.
2. Built-in Transparency Unit for scanning slides, negatives, and medium-format film.
3. Digital ICE technology to remove dust, scratches, and creases.
4. ReadyScan LED technology for instant scanning and energy efficiency.
5. Four customizable buttons for quick scanning, copying, emailing, and PDF creation.

Pros:

1. Exceptional scan quality for photos, film, and documents.
2. Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
3. Effective photo restoration tools like Easy Photo Fix and ArcSoft PhotoStudio.
4. Energy-efficient design with no warm-up time.
5. Versatile scanning options, including 3D objects and panoramic film.

Cons:

1. Mixed feedback on scanning speed, with some tasks taking longer.

Epson Perfection V39 II vs. V600: Detailed Comparison

The Epson Perfection V39 II and the Epson Perfection V600 are two popular flatbed scanners designed for different user needs. While both scanners excel in delivering high-quality scans, they cater to distinct audiences—the V39 II is a compact, budget-friendly option for casual users, while the V600 is a feature-rich, professional-grade scanner ideal for photographers and hobbyists.

Design and Build Quality

Epson Perfection V39 II
The V39 II is a lightweight and compact scanner, weighing just 3.1 pounds with dimensions of 14.4″D x 9.9″W x 1.5″H. Its slim design makes it a space-saving option for small desks or home offices. However, some users have noted that the build quality feels somewhat flimsy, with a plastic construction that may not withstand heavy use over time. The removable lid allows for scanning thicker items like books, but the overall durability is a concern for some.

Epson Perfection V600
In contrast, the V600 is a bulkier and heavier scanner, weighing 9 pounds with dimensions of 19″D x 11″W x 4.6″H. Its larger size accommodates advanced features like the built-in Transparency Unit for film scanning. The build quality is generally more robust, though some users still find the plastic construction less premium than expected. The V600’s design is better suited for professional use, where durability and functionality take precedence over portability.

Scanning Performance and Resolution

Epson Perfection V39 II
The V39 II offers a solid 4800 dpi optical resolution, which is more than sufficient for scanning photos, documents, and artwork. It delivers clear and detailed scans, particularly for everyday tasks like digitizing old photos or creating digital copies of documents. However, it lacks the specialized capabilities for film or slide scanning, making it less suitable for advanced photography projects.

Epson Perfection V600
The V600 stands out with its impressive 6400 x 9600 dpi resolution, making it a powerhouse for high-quality enlargements and professional-grade scans. It excels in scanning slides, negatives, and medium-format panoramic film, thanks to its built-in Transparency Unit and Digital ICE technology, which removes dust and scratches from film and prints. This makes the V600 a superior choice for photographers and archivists who need precise, high-resolution scans.

Feature	Epson Perfection V39 II	Epson Perfection V600
Optical Resolution	4800 dpi	6400 x 9600 dpi
Film Scanning	No	Yes (with Transparency Unit)
Document Scanning	Yes	Yes
Photo Restoration	Easy Photo Fix	Easy Photo Fix + Digital ICE
Maximum Scan Area	8.5 x 11.7 inches	8.5 x 11.7 inches

Features and Software

Epson Perfection V39 II
The V39 II is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It features one-touch scanning buttons for quick tasks like scanning to PDF or email. The included Epson ScanSmart software allows for basic editing and cloud storage integration, though an internet connection is required for full functionality. The Easy Photo Fix technology is a standout feature, enabling users to restore faded photos with a single click. However, the V39 II lacks advanced tools like OCR software, which limits its utility for professional document management.

Epson Perfection V600
The V600 is packed with advanced features tailored for professionals. It includes ABBYY FineReader Sprint OCR software for converting scanned documents into editable text, making it a great tool for office use. The scanner also comes with ArcSoft PhotoStudio for advanced photo editing and enhancement. The four customizable buttons allow users to instantly scan, copy, email, or create PDFs, adding to its versatility. The ReadyScan LED technology ensures instant scanning with no warm-up time, further enhancing productivity.

Usability and Speed

Epson Perfection V39 II
The V39 II is praised for its ease of setup and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners. However, its scanning speed is relatively slow, especially for high-resolution tasks. Users have reported mixed experiences with the software, with some finding it intuitive and others encountering glitches. Despite these limitations, the V39 II remains a reliable option for casual users who prioritize affordability and simplicity.

Epson Perfection V600
The V600 offers a more robust scanning experience but comes with a steeper learning curve due to its advanced features. While some users appreciate its fast scanning speed, others note that high-resolution scans can take several minutes, particularly for film or slides. The software experience is also mixed, with some users praising its capabilities and others finding it cumbersome. Nevertheless, the V600’s performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for professionals.

Price and Value

Epson Perfection V39 II
The V39 II is a budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for casual users or those with basic scanning needs. Its affordable price point, combined with solid performance for everyday tasks, offers good value for money. However, its limitations in terms of build quality and advanced features may deter users with more demanding requirements.

Epson Perfection V600
The V600 is significantly more expensive, reflecting its advanced capabilities and professional-grade performance. While it may be overkill for casual users, it delivers exceptional value for photographers, archivists, and professionals who need high-resolution scans and specialized features like film scanning and OCR.

FAQ

What is the main difference between the Epson Perfection V39 II and V600?

The main difference lies in their target audience and capabilities. The V39 II is a budget-friendly, compact scanner designed for casual users who need basic photo and document scanning. In contrast, the V600 is a professional-grade scanner with advanced features like film and slide scanning, higher resolution (6400 x 9600 dpi), and tools such as Digital ICE and OCR software, making it ideal for photographers and professionals.

Can the Epson Perfection V39 II scan film or slides?

No, the V39 II does not have the capability to scan film or slides. It is designed primarily for scanning photos, documents, and other flat materials. If you need to scan film or slides, the V600 is the better choice, as it includes a built-in Transparency Unit for this purpose.

Is the Epson Perfection V600 worth the higher price?

The V600 is worth the higher price if you require advanced features like film scanning, high-resolution enlargements, and professional-grade photo restoration tools. For casual users or those with basic scanning needs, the V39 II offers better value for money. However, for photographers, archivists, or professionals, the V600’s capabilities justify the investment.

How do the scanning speeds of the V39 II and V600 compare?

The scanning speeds of both scanners vary depending on the task and resolution. The V39 II is generally slower, especially for high-resolution scans, while the V600 offers faster performance thanks to its ReadyScan LED technology. However, some users have reported that high-resolution scans on the V600 can still take several minutes, particularly for film or slides.

Which scanner is better for restoring old photos?

Both scanners include Epson’s Easy Photo Fix technology, which makes restoring faded photos simple. However, the V600 goes a step further with Digital ICE technology, which removes dust, scratches, and creases from both film and prints. If photo restoration is a priority, the V600 provides more advanced tools for achieving professional-quality results.

Can I use the Epson Perfection V39 II or V600 with a Mac?

Yes, both scanners are compatible with Mac operating systems. The V39 II supports Mac OS X 10.6.x and later, while the V600 supports Mac OS X 10.6.x through 10.10.x. However, always check the latest compatibility updates from Epson to ensure smooth operation with your specific Mac version.

Do these scanners come with OCR software?

The V39 II does not include OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software, limiting its ability to convert scanned documents into editable text. On the other hand, the V600 comes with ABBYY FineReader Sprint OCR software, making it a better choice for users who need to edit scanned documents.

Which scanner is more energy-efficient?

Both scanners are energy-efficient, but the V600’s ReadyScan LED technology gives it an edge. The LED light source requires no warm-up time, consumes less power, and generates less heat compared to traditional scanners. The V39 II is also energy-efficient but lacks the advanced lighting technology found in the V600.

Can I scan 3D objects with these scanners?

The V600 is capable of scanning 3D objects, thanks to its adjustable lid and high-resolution capabilities. The V39 II, while not specifically designed for 3D scanning, can also handle small 3D objects if the lid is removed or adjusted. However, results may vary depending on the object’s size and texture.

Which scanner is better for a home office?

For a home office, the V39 II is often the better choice due to its compact design, affordability, and ease of use. It handles everyday tasks like document and photo scanning efficiently. However, if your home office work involves professional-grade scanning, such as film or high-resolution photo restoration, the V600 is the more capable option.

Conclusion

The Epson Perfection V39 II and V600 cater to different audiences, each excelling in its respective niche. The V39 II is a compact, affordable scanner ideal for casual users who need a reliable tool for basic photo and document scanning. On the other hand, the V600 is a feature-rich, high-performance scanner designed for professionals who require advanced capabilities like film scanning, photo restoration, and OCR.

Aspect	Epson Perfection V39 II	Epson Perfection V600
Best For	Casual users, home offices	Photographers, professionals
Resolution	4800 dpi	6400 x 9600 dpi
Film Scanning	No	Yes
Software	Basic (ScanSmart)	Advanced (OCR, PhotoStudio)
Price	Budget-friendly	Premium

Ultimately, your choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable scanner for everyday use, the V39 II is a great option. However, if you need advanced features and professional-grade performance, the V600 is well worth the investment.