For folks with normal vision, i.e. 20-20, 150 dpi in the final print is about the resolution they can see clearly. If your vision is better, you can see better. So the final resolution for a 16x20 print will need to be 600 dpi for the original scan. That assumes no cropping, no issues with focus in the scanner, etc. If you want to be safe and account for folks with really good vision, i.e., 20-15 or better, you should scan at 1200 dpi or better. Much higher than that is wasted IF the final target is 16x20. It is true that drum scanners do get higher resolution. But they also can deliver higher dynamic range than flat bed scanners. Until you get to scan resolutions that can resolve at the grain level, dynamic range counts. So if you want a working scan that will let you see what's in the negative, a flat bed at 600-1200 dpi is the way to go. Then you can decide crop, final print size, etc. and whether you need what a hi-res drum scanner can deliver. James Luke 23:24
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