The Best A3 Scanners in 2021

We are often asked, “what is the best A3 scanner for artwork”, or more simply, “which is the best A3 scanner?”. Well, there are a lot of A3 scanners available and they can be purchased in both flatbed and sheet-fed forms. We’ll explain a few of our choices for the best A3 scanners.

Best A3 Flatbed Scanners – A3 scanner for artwork or photography

Epson Expression 12000XL (Pro)

Without doubt, the best A3 scanner for artwork is the Epson Expression 12000XL. This scanner is specifically designed for the graphics industry and those looking to scan artwork up to A3 size.

The standard version can scan up to an impressive 2,400dpi. Whilst the PRO version comes bundled with an additional flatbed scanner lid called a transparency unit. This allows for scanning of film negatives and transparencies with an advanced 4,800dpi scan resolution.

The colour output that the Epson Expression 12000XL gives is second to none in the A3 flatbed scanner market and you will find no better unit than this in 2021. SInce this article was first posted there have been a number of new additions to the scanner options provided. We are often asked to draw comparisons between the Epson 12000XL and Plustek OpticPro A320E. The Plustek A320E has an impressive 1600dpi and sturdy build quality - a great option for arts and crafts hobbyists looking to buy a budget A3 flatbed scanner for the first time.

At the top end of the category is the Contex IQ FLEX A2 flatbed scanner. The IQ Flex is a high end flatbed scanner, capable of producing incredible quality scans at output sizes of up to A2. The Contex IQ Flex boasts an impressive maximum resolution of 9600 dpi with an optical output of 1200 x1200 dpi - truly pushing the boundaries of scanning technology. 

Epson Workforce DS-50000

Another option for those looking for an A3 scanner for artwork is the Epson Workforce DS-50000. More commonly used as a scanner for large business documents such as CAD drawings or architects’ plans, the DS-50000 still has some very good colour reproduction and internal lighting, whilst also delivering a powerful 1,200dpi scan resolution. It can also be purchased as a network scanner, with the DS-50000N offering network connection

It is an excellent A3 flatbed scanner and does offer a lower cost option.

Canon A3 Flatbed Unit 201

Finally, we can recommend the Canon A3 Flatbed Accessory as good value option. It must be noted that this is not a standalone scanner, it should be paired with a suitable Canon Image Formula scanner to work. As of 2023 the Canon 201 tethered flatbed unit has been discontinued. However, The Scanner Shop regularly sources existing 201 units, which we restore and make available to buy via our Refurbished Scanners category page.

Best A3 Scanners for high volume scanning

Canon Scanners

Canon scanners have a long history in the document management industry, spanning over 25 years of manufacturing and scanner software supply. They currently offer a new range of A3 scanners with network scanning capabilities and high-volume document capture. The Canon DR-G2110 would be our pick, as it can scan at a very quick rate of 110ppm and has a feeder capacity of 500 sheets, making it perfect for mailroom or government scanning departments

Kodak Scanners

Kodak another hugely dependable scanner manufacturer, with incredible image enhancement software, Perfect Page, built into their entire Alaris A3 scanner range. We are currently offering free delivery the new S3000 range and these scanners also offer flatbed scanning functionality as well as network scanning connection. Our pick would be the Kodak Alaris S3100f as it offer a wide range of scanning features to suit almost any use-case. Please note, although the S3100f will scan A3 documents, the (f)latbed functionality is for A4 only. This A3 document scanner can be tethered to the Kodak Alaris A3 Flatbed Scanner Accessory for scanning fragile documents, large-scale drawing plans, photographs etc.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding our wide range of A3 scanners then please do not hesitate to contact us via email or telephone and we will happily disucss scanner information and pricing.

Published on 10/05/2021