Noob questions on projecting and scanning

[FunkyDragon]

Two noob questions:

Projectors (opaque vs. digital) - Obviously digital projectors are more convenient, but for someone on a pretty tight budget, would it be more worthwhile to go with an opaque projector or a super cheap digital (as in $100 or less). I've seen a few threads about cheaper projectors but none that compare against opaque. What are the best options? Does the Tracer Projector even provide a usable image? Are the cheapest digital projectors any good? Who has actual experience with these?

Scanners - My scanner can fit a regular sheet of paper, but what are my options for something larger? In particular, I am working on a triptych made from three 12"x24" hardboard panels. I know a photo is an option, but that doesn't always render the most true reproduction. What do you guys do for larger artwork?

 

[Melbee]

I have a Tracer Projector and it does work although I haven't used it very much because I didn't like it. I found it too fiddely to use, it needs to be dark to see the image, the focus adjuster is basic and you have to move the whole projector backwards, forwards, up and down for size and position. I haven't tried a digital projector but they can start to get expensive.
As a cheaper alternative I started to use Transfer Paper instead and I like it a lot, I have more control and it's easy to use. I use Saral Transfer Paper which comes in a roll, I made a video if you want to check it out.

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As for the scanner, I have not tried this technique myself but I've read that people scan larger artwork in sections and stitch it together using software like Photoshop. You can find videos on YouTube that will show you how it's done. Good Luck

 

[RebelAir]

I just have a cheap old school a4 projector and find that pretty easy to use and if you do an outline of your reference rather than say printing the reference on the clear sheets I find that even during the day the reference being just a drawn line really helps to be able to see what your projecting..Cost me $20 I think, got a spare globe with it and its served me for about 10 years or so thus far..Would love a good digital one though and if I had a choice I know how much emptier my wallet would be LOL..I personally find it quite annoying to scan larger pics through a small flatbed scanner and stich em, can never get em perfectly lined up LOL, if ya have a surveyors, arcitect of office wharehouse type store near ya, most of them have A1 and larger scanners for their drawings and such and office works I think charges about $2.00 to scan it and will put it on disc if ya want..Good luck..But being hard panels ya may have some issues doing it that way though as many of those scanners work by pulling the sheet past the scanning head rather than having it go the other way..A proffesional printer may even be a good bet, especially if your contemplating on reproductions..kinda depends what ya actually trying to achieve with the scanning aspect..A high res pic may just be ya best bet..GL

 

[airbrushtutor]

I think a decent photo will give you the best reproduction if you know what you're doing and have a good quality camera.
Not a photo taken by a phone or compact camera but a decent dslr.
For under $100 I wouldn't look at anything digital, I would back up what rebel said

 

[FunkyDragon]

Thanks, everyone.