# Why are Epson V500 flatbed scanners less sharp at max dpi?

**URL:** <https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/why-are-epson-v500-flatbed-scanners-less-sharp-at-max-dpi/4759>\
**Category:** Flatbed and Film Scanners\
**Created:** [March 9, 2022, 3:20pm UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/why-are-epson-v500-flatbed-scanners-less-sharp-at-max-dpi/4759 "2022-03-09T15:20:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DanielDTeoliJr](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forums.negativelabpro.com/danieldteolijr/32/2545_2.png) [@DanielDTeoliJr](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/u/DanielDTeoliJr)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2022, 3:20pm UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/why-are-epson-v500-flatbed-scanners-less-sharp-at-max-dpi/4759/1 "2022-03-09T15:20:35Z")

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On an Epson V500 scanner, 9600dpi and 12800dpi seem less sharp than 6400dpi and 4800dpi which seems to be the sweet spot.

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**Author:** ![Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dbc845/32.png) [@Doug](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/u/Doug)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2022, 6:14pm UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/why-are-epson-v500-flatbed-scanners-less-sharp-at-max-dpi/4759/2 "2022-03-09T18:14:48Z")

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Because those are interpolated resolutions versus true optical output. The V500 isn’t usually capable of more than +/- 3200 ppi true optical resolution IF you get the film in the right focus plane for your scanner and perfectly flat.