Can a scanned image be as good as its original?

[AYC Nee]

Hi seniors

I took some transparencies (ASA100) using a medium format camera and scanned them using a V700 scanner at a resolution of 3200 dpi. The scanned image is not as sharp as the transparency. The edges of objects appear to be a bit fuzzy when enlarged. Would an increased resolution help? I examine the transparency with a 22x loupe and it is much sharper and contains much richer details. I am scanning the transparency directly on the flatbed with a non-Newton glass on top to keep it flat. Using the film holder that comes with the scanner produces far worse results.

Any hints most welcome.

AYC

[AYC Nee]

Hi seniors

Maybe I should rephrase the question. I am keen to know the ideal resolution for scanning negatives and transparencies, assuming the final print size is not an issue, but the objective is to capture the maximum resolution which is compatible with the grain size of the film. Would this be 3200, 4800 or 6400 dpi? Assuming there is a diminishing return, i.e. large file size, long scanning time, etc, what will be an ideal value?

Any advice much appreciated.

Regards,
AYC

[lypklypk]

I don't have a film scanner, but I think it's partly due to scanner you're using. Dedicated film scanners produce better results (and expensive too!), and are able to capture more detail. Increasing the DPI works if you're printing it large, but otherwise, I don't think it helps anything.