Widelyunknown wrote:Thanks dpc. The only people who will be using it will be people I "train." I just want to avoid any potential issues.
So I think I'm going the DSLR route. I have a Rebel XS but the problem I have been running into is that the stock camera mounting location puts the camera closer than the minimum focal length for the lens I have. I have a friend bringing a lens later that should put me closer to the original location. Something like this:
That puts the front of the lens roughly 20 inches away from the platen which lies outside of the minimum length for this lens. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-18-55m ... 530&sr=8-2
I still need to test it, but that's where I'm at. One of the reasons I want to go the expensive DSLR route is that Canon cameras come with an EOS utility that allows me to tether 2 cameras, run them simultaneously, and download images directly to my laptop. I mentioned it here.
That mounting location is pretty close to the original plane that the camera was supposed to mount on. It is also 4.5 inches back.
Actually the XS can focus at less than 11 inches with the kit lens. That link you provided is misleading. http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_s_18_55mm_f_3_5_5_6_is_ii#BrochuresAndManuals from the Canon site shows that the minimum distance is 10.4 inches.
At least mine can, and so can my T3i. I think your problem is the position of your camera. If that frame member the camera mounts on was lower you could center your image better.
I plan on using both my XS and T3i for my scanner. With the shutter release via wire rather than the brake cable, it will be a lot better. I will show you more as I get things built.