Epson and Fujitsu are two of the biggest names in document and photo scanning. The Epson FastFoto FF-680W and Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 are two of their most popular home and office photo scanners.
But which one is right for your needs? This comprehensive comparison examines the key features and performance of each model to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Epson FastFoto FF-680W | Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 |
| Scanning Speed | Photos: 1 photo/sec, Docs: 30 ppm/60 ipm | Photos: 8 ppm, Docs: 30 ppm/60 ipm |
| Maximum Resolution | 600 dpi | 600 dpi |
| Daily Duty Cycle | Up to 4,000 photos | Up to 1,500 scans |
| Supported Media | Prints up to 8.5″ x 34″, Polaroids, albums, books | Papers up to 8.5″ x 220″ |
| Connectivity | WiFi, USB 3.0, SD card | WiFi, Ethernet, USB 3.0 |
| Software Features | Face detection, photo corrections | Document management, OCR |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years |
Overview of Epson FastFoto FF-680W
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is designed specifically for digitizing photos quickly and easily. Key features include:
- Scans up to 1 photo per second at 300 dpi
- Auto-detects photo prints and removes backgrounds
- Built-in plate accommodates up to 30 photos at once
- Advanced imaging technologies for restoring faded photos
- Create shareable scans, mp4 movies, and Dropbox uploads
- Easy Epson ScanSmart software included
Ideal for:
- Digitizing family photo collections
- Preserving old photo prints and albums
- Creating digital backups of cherished photos
Overview of Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500
The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 is a versatile document scanner suitable for home office and personal use. Key features include:
- Scans color pages at 30 ppm (60 ipm) at 300 dpi
- 50-page automatic document feeder
- Built-in OCR software converts scans into searchable PDFs
- Intelligent multifeed function prevents misfeeds
- Scans directly to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive
- Comes with Adobe Acrobat Standard and integrated document management
Ideal for:
- Organizing receipts, tax documents, business cards
- Digitizing books, magazines, photos up to 8.5″ x 220″
- Automatic scanning workflows to boost productivity
Also Read: Is ScanSnap iX1300 Better Than iX1600?
Key Differences Between Epson FastFoto FF-680W and Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500
- Photo Scanning Ability
The Epson FastFoto is the clear winner when it comes to photo scanning. It can scan a 4″ x 6″ photo in as little as one second and has a duty cycle of up to 4,000 photos per day.
The scanner has a built-in 30-photo tray and auto-detects prints, removing backgrounds instantly. It also has advanced imaging technologies to restore faded colors in old prints.
The ScanSnap iX1500 has basic photo scanning capabilities but is designed more for document management. It has a lower photo scanning speed of 8 ppm and duty cycle of 1,500 scans per day.
The smaller feeder means you’ll have to manually feed in photos one-by-one. It lacks the proprietary photo enhancement tools found in the FastFoto.
- Document Scanning Ability
For business documents, tax forms, receipts, etc., the ScanSnap iX1500 pulls ahead. It matches the FastFoto’s 30 ppm (60 ipm) scanning speed but has a more robust 50-page feeder.
The iX1500 is better equipped for scanning multiple documents hands-free with features like ultrasonic double-feed detection.
Its integrated OCR software instantly converts scans into searchable PDFs and editable Word/Excel formats.
The FastFoto lacks business-centric tools like OCR, folder profiles, and automated workflows. While it can scan letter-sized documents, its focus remains digitizing photos and memorabilia. For serious document management, the ScanSnap is the superior choice.
- Maximum Scan Area
The ScanSnap iX1500 can handle a wider variety of originals thanks to its 8.5″ x 220″ maximum scan area. You can scan everything from business cards up to panoramic photos, folded documents, thick books, and fragile items.
The FastFoto maxes out at 8.5″ x 34″ scan area. While sufficient for most photo prints, ScanSnap’s longer feeder allows you to scan full-page newspapers, large portfolios, and scrapbook pages that the Epson cannot.
- Software and Features
Epson’s FastFoto software suite contains everything you need for managing photos. It includes built-in tools for photo enhancement, dust/scratch removal, and creating movies or cloud uploads.
The workflow is tailored specifically for getting prints digitized and organized quickly.
The ScanSnap Manager software focuses more on document management with features like OCR, folder profiles, searchable PDFs, and integration with cloud and business apps.
It’s better for complex scanning jobs and automated workflows but lacks FastFoto’s polished photo editing tools.
- Connectivity
Both scanners can connect wirelessly over WiFi networks as well as wired USB 3.0. The ScanSnap iX1500 adds Ethernet networking for connecting directly to routers or NAS devices. This gives it more flexibility for use in home office setups and business networks.
The Epson FastFoto relies solely on WiFi and USB which is fine for home use. But the ScanSnap’s wired networking options make it easier to share scanner access in a multi-user environment.
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- Warranty and Support
Fujitsu provides a more generous 3 year limited warranty compared to Epson’s standard 1 year warranty.
Both companies offer paid extended warranty plans but the longer included coverage from Fujitsu provides better peace of mind, especially for business use.
Regarding support, both brands offer technical support by phone and email. Fujitsu also provides helpful resources like an online knowledge base, remote diagnostic tools, and video tutorials.
Overall, Fujitsu edges out Epson slightly when it comes to included warranty coverage and technical support options.
- Pricing
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W retails for $549 while the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 sells for $595. Given the extra year of warranty coverage and business-centric features offered by the ScanSnap, its slightly higher price point seems justified.
For casual home photo scanning, the Epson FastFoto provides better value. But for professional and business use, the ScanSnap iX1500 is worth the extra investment.
Also Read: Is Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500 Better Than ix1600?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the ScanSnap iX500 can scan photos. It has a maximum resolution of 600 dpi and 48-bit color depth suitable for photo scanning. The 50-page automatic document feeder can handle individual photo prints up to A4 size. While photos can be scanned, the iX500 lacks dedicated photo enhancement features. It’s better suited for document management than digitizing photo collections.
The ScanSnap iX1600 is an upgrade over the iX1500 which improves its photo scanning capabilities. It scans photos and receipts at 40 ppm and has better color accuracy with 96-bit color depth. The iX1600 lacks a dedicated photo tray but can handle scanning loose photos with the 50-page document feeder. Overall, the iX1600 works well for occasional photo scanning needs but specialized photo scanners are still better for digitizing large collections.
ScanSnap scanners are designed and manufactured by the Japanese company Fujitsu. Fujitsu develops the ScanSnap line of desktop document scanners as well as the software and business services that integrate with them. ScanSnap scanners cater especially to business and home office markets.
The ScanSnap iX1600 is an upgraded version of the iX1500 model. Key improvements include faster 40 ppm scanning speed, higher color depth up to 96-bit, and support for longer 220″ scan lengths. It also adds convenience features like animated OLED operation guides. Both models have core features like OCR, document management, and cloud connectivity. The iX1600 brings faster performance and slightly expanded scanning capabilities at a higher price point.
Final Thoughts
When selecting between the Epson FastFoto FF-680W and Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500, consider your primary scanning needs.
For quickly digitizing boxes of old family photos, the purpose-built Epson FastFoto is the best choice. Its speed, tray feeder, and photo corrections really shine for this use case.
But if you need a robust document management scanner with OCR and automated workflows, the ScanSnap iX1500 is the superior option.
It brings excellent speed and paper handling plus powerful business software. The iX1500 is the smarter long-term investment for home office use while the FastFoto excels at archiving photo memories.