The Canon ImageFormula RS40 and Epson FastFoto FF-680W are specialized scanners designed to digitize hardcopy photos, slides, and documents easily. Both offer robust software, one-touch operation, and high scan quality.
However, there are some notable differences between these scanners in terms of speed, file handling, formats, and overall workflow. This in-depth comparison examines the key specs and capabilities of the Canon RS40 versus the Epson FastFoto scanners.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Canon ImageFormula RS40 | Epson FastFoto FF-680W |
| Maximum Optical Resolution | 600 dpi photos, 300 dpi documents | 600 dpi |
| Maximum Scan Area | 8.5″ x 118″ | 8.5” x 34” |
| Auto Document Feeder | 50 pages | N/A |
| Photo Feeding | Manually on flatbed | Auto feeder for 36 photos |
| Negative Film Scanning | With transparency adapter | Built-in |
| Max Scan Speed | 35ppm / 70 ipm | 45 ppm photos, 65 ppm docs |
| File Formats | JPG, PDF, Word, Excel, PPT | JPG, TIFF, PDF |
| Memory Card Slots | SD, CompactFlash | None |
| Display Screen | None | 2.4” LCD |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 |
| Bundled Software | Canon CaptureOnTouch | Epson ScanSmart |
| Dimensions | 18.9 x 7.1 x 7.1 in | 11.7 x 6.7 x 6.7 in |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs | 7.3 lbs |
| Price | $459 | $649 |
Overview of Canon ImageFormula RS40
The Canon ImageFormula RS40 is designed as an easy-to-use scanner focused primarily on digitizing photos and slides. It has a built-in transparency adapter and Super Toric lens to capture high resolution images from film negatives.
The RS40 also functions as a business document scanner with a 50 page auto document feeder. It can scan at fast speeds up to 35ppm in black and white mode. The scanner connects via USB and Ethernet and includes Canon’s CaptureOnTouch software.
Memory card slots and a Kensington lock slot provide additional utility. The sturdy RS40 delivers photo digitization, document scanning, and versatility in one.
Overview of Epson FastFoto FF-680W
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W aims to provide an ultra convenient way to scan hardcopy photos with batch capabilities. It has an auto-feeder that can scan up to 36 photos rapidly. The FastFoto has built-in transparency scanning for negatives and slides as well.
It scans directly to the cloud with its Wi-Fi connectivity and includes Epson ScanSmart software. A unique dust removal feature helps optimize scans.
With fast speeds up to 65 ppm for documents and 45 ppm for photos, the FastFoto excels at high-throughput scanning jobs with minimal user input needed. It brings automated digitization to casual users in a compact, appliance-like package.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Epson V550 and V600
Key Differences Between the Canon RS40 and Epson FastFoto
The Canon ImageFormula RS40 and Epson FastFoto FF-680W take somewhat different approaches to delivering dedicated photo and document scanning. There are some key differences in their designs and capabilities.
Intended Purpose:
The RS40 aims to balance robust photo scanning with business document handling via its transparency scanning options and 50 page ADF. The FastFoto focuses more narrowly on casual photo scanning with its auto-feeder but lacks an ADF for documents.
Feeding Mechanisms:
The FastFoto has an automated feeding tray that can quickly scan up to 36 loose photos in one batch. The RS40 relies on manual placement of photos and slides on its flatbed. But the RS40 has the advantage of the 50 page ADF for documents.
Maximum Scan Area:
The RS40 can scan extraordinarily long documents up to 118” in length. The FastFoto maxes out at standard letter size of 8.5” x 34”.
Speed:
The FastFoto has an edge in pure scanning speed with rates up to 65 ppm for documents and 45 ppm for photos. The RS40 maxes out at 35 ppm and 70 ipm for duplex jobs. But both deliver good throughput.
Display Screen:
The FastFoto incorporates a 2.4” LCD display for controlling and previewing scans. The RS40 lacks any display which gives the FastFoto better ease of use.
Connectivity:
The FastFoto includes built-in Wi-Fi for connecting wirelessly to scan directly to mobile devices and cloud services. The RS40 relies on USB 2.0 and Ethernet cables for connectivity.
Included Software:
Both scanners include robust scanning software suites. The RS40 comes with Canon CaptureOnTouch while the FastFoto includes Epson ScanSmart. Both make scanning and managing files easy.
File Formats:
The RS40 can output scanned files in a wider array of formats including JPG, TIFF, PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The FastFoto is limited to just JPG, TIFF, and PDF formats.
Memory Card Slots:
The Canon RS40 has built-in slots for directly scanning from SD and CompactFlash memory cards. This isn’t offered on the FastFoto.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Kodak Slide N SCAN and Scanza
Dimensions and Weight:
The Epson FastFoto has a smaller footprint at 11.7 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches and 7.3 pounds. The Canon RS40 is bulkier at 18.9 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches and 9.7 pounds.
FastFoto provides automated high-volume photo scanning for casual users, while the RS40 balances robust photo capabilities with business document handling. The choice comes down to which features best suit your scanning needs.
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Pros and Cons of Canon ImageFormula RS40
Pros:
- Balances photo scanning with 50 page ADF for documents
- Scans extremely long documents up to 118”
- Robust bundled Canon CaptureOnTouch software
- Fast 35 ppm / 70 ipm scan speeds
- Can directly scan from memory cards
- Ethernet and USB 2.0 connectivity
- 600 dpi photo scans and 300 dpi documents
- Transparency scanning built-in
- Wide array of output file format support
- Reliable Canon imaging technology
Cons:
- Lacks automated photo feeder
- No built-in LCD display
- Manual photo scanning less convenient
- No built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Large footprint takes up desk space
- Costs more than competing photo scanners
- Heavy at nearly 10 lbs
Pros and Cons of Epson FastFoto FF-680W
Pros:
- Automated feeder for up to 36 photos
- Fast 45 ppm photo & 65 ppm doc scanning
- Convenient 2.4” LCD screen
- Built-in transparency scanning
- Document dust removal
- Scan directly to the cloud via Wi-Fi
- Compact 11.7 x 6.7 x 6.7 inch footprint
- Bundled Epson ScanSmart software
- Photo only design simpler for casual users
- Lower $649 price tag
Cons:
- No automatic document feeder
- Max scan area of 8.5” x 34”
- Limited file format support
- No memory card slots
- Large batch scanning inconvenient
- Slower USB 2.0 only connectivity
- Lacks advanced scan editing features
- No automated feeding for slides/film
- Not ideal for business document scanning
Also Read: Comparison Between Canon Pixma And Epson Ecotank
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For quickly digitizing large volumes of loose photos, the Epson FastFoto FF-680W is one of the best and fastest options thanks to its automated feeder than can batch scan up to 36 photos rapidly. It can scan a photo in as little as 1 second.
For old photos, the Canon ImageFormula RS40 is an excellent choice thanks to its high 600 dpi resolution, built-in transparency scanning, and Super Toric lens designed specifically to capture fine detail from film negatives. This makes it ideal for digitizing old 35mm slides and negatives.
Most any modern scanner like the Canon ImageFormula RS40 or Epson FastFoto FF-680W include TWAIN or WIA drivers that make them compatible with Windows PCs. The RS40 in particular offers very full-featured CaptureOnTouch scanning software for PCs. FastFoto focuses more on mobile/cloud connectivity.
The Canon RS40 is arguably the best overall scanner for photos and negatives. It combines a transparency unit and Super Toric lens purpose-built for negatives with the versatility to scan stacks of documents too. The auto feeder on the Epson FastFoto also makes quick work of large piles of loose photos.
Also Read: Comparison Between Epson ET-3830 and ET-3850
Final Thoughts
For those needing to digitize box-loads of loose photos quickly, the Epson FastFoto delivers automated batch scanning convenience. But the Canon ImageFormula RS40 provides a more well-rounded solution with professional-level photo digitization combined with robust business document handling.