Canon USA P-215 Document Scanner

UPDATE: I've used this scanner for 4 years; made 1500 or so scans, and it's been totally reliable. If you read my original review below there were a lot of workarounds and quirks in the operation. I thought the driver was flakey, but, today, 3/24/2018, I installed the updated CaptureOnTouch Pro Version 4.1.1617.1103 updated on 11/17/17. Download at CanonUSA. This software must have been the problem all the quirks have been fixed. The scanner capture button works. Scanning starts as soon as paper or cards are loaded. The operations are faster. The configuration options make sense and include intuitive, custom profiles for scanning and file save options so each of your common type of document can be scanned at specific settings, named with custom parameters and saved in a custom folder. It's a resident program in Windows so the scanner responds without any keystrokes. Now if a single sheet of paper is loaded in the feeder tray or a card is touched to the card feeder, they are grabbed, scanned on both sides and returned in 10 seconds or less including the file saved in the right folder. >>>>>>>>>>>> Original review was changed: Spell checked! >>>>>>>>>>> I really like this scanner. When closed for transport all of the sensitive parts are well protected and the latch is secure. I wouldn't toss it into a loose backpack, but for a briefcase or sales case, it's nicely protected. When you open it or more accurately unfold it, you end up with a good sheet-feed scanner that takes up little space and can scan almost anything very easily. The sheet feeder works very well for 10 sheets at a time. Occasionally it chokes and feeds several sheets at a time. All scanners will do this from time to time, but this one is very easy to clear. One simple press latch on the front side. If you get a multi-feed flip the whole stack over and scan it from the bottom. The tops of papers get torn, stapled, clipped and handled making them uneven, but the bottoms of pages are almost always pristine. Flip the whole file right side up in any PDF software with 2 or 3 clicks. The paper guides and paper support were tough to put into such a small package and they are clever, but they also work well. It scans both sides of a page in one pass! Occasionally it scans a blank side, but they are easy to delete. It does not miss any sides. There is a dedicated card scanner built into the front side! It takes a little concentration to get the feel of feeding this card scanner, but once you make peace with it, it works great. Scans both sides and spits the card back out the front. The trick is to insert gently until it trips the sensor. Pushing does not work. Once you get the hang of it you can scan any card you feed it including paper business cards, credit cards, health insurance cards, driver's licenses. The software is good and simple, nothing to do, read, configure or mess with. It's resident and ready in the background, really in the background, unnoticeable. It doesn't take significant computer resources and it starts instantly. I like it. The unique ID plus date/time naming scheme is fine. I let the PDF files stack up in a folder on the desktop and keep scanning during the day and go back and rename when I have time. There are lots of ways you could automate the renaming the PFD's using other software. The one USB cable powers it off of my Dell E6430 without a problem. Older computers may have USB ports that provide less power and you might be able to use a USB doubler cable that pulls power from two USB ports or get a power supply. Since neither are included it's probably very rarely needed. My guess. This scanner seems a little fragile because it uses some clever design tricks to provide a lot of features, but has been durable and solid in day to day use and transport from home to office each week. Packs-up and sets-up and runs without any fuss and does it's job. .

This scanner is better than my expensive scanners and is unbelievably fast. I bought this as I had one day to access discovery in a felony criminal case. Knowing that I couldn't possibly read and take notes on what was in discovery (well over 1,000) pages, I knew that I should scan the documents so that I could review them later. I did have another mobile scanner, but having to feed pages into it one at a time would probably not work for scanning this many pages -- I'd run out of time. I ordered this because the description said that you could put more than one page at a time in the feeder. Very true. This also duplexes in one pass, which is a feature that's not often found on more expensive scanners. I tested this at home before I absolutely needed it and couldn't believe how fast it scanned documents. It passed the paper over the scan area without pauses and so fast that I didn't believe that it could have possibly captured the image. Wrong!!! I loaded the Canon software that came with the scanner and find it to be easy to use, but since I wanted the discovery in with the other documents I'd previously scanned related to this case, I used software that came with another one of my mobile printers. This scanner worked seamlessly with that software. The only thing I regret about this scanner is that I didn't buy it sooner. I have spent so much money on desktop scanners and other brands of mobile scanners and this scanner beats them all. My other scanners are now collecting dust because this scanner is my go-to scanner whether at home or on the road. If it breaks or burns out, I'll buy another one because I won't do without this fantastic little guy. It is slightly heavier than other mobile printers, but not so much as to not be a good choice for someone who has to take their "office" with them when they travel. Parts for this scanner are available from Canon at a reasonable price and replacing the paper feeder and rollers, if necessary, is an easy job to do, unlike other scanners. Canon has made it possible for the consumer to make repairs to this scanner without having to take it in to a repair center or sending it back to Canon. With any piece of equipment that feeds paper through it, after a period of time and reams of paper having passed by the (printer and scanner) rollers, the rollers wear out and need replacing. Repair ease is saves time and money if you can do it yourself. I repair my own equipment and although I haven't needed to replace rollers on this scanner, I recognize how easy it will be to do so when the time comes. This scanner isn't made out of flimsy materials. I bought the case made for it, but I can attest to how durable this scanner is as it's traveled in suitcases when I fly, in the trunk of my car, the backseat of the car (where it fell off onto the floor when I suddenly had to stop), in my computer bag, etc. and not only does it work flawlessly, but it shows no signs of wear. I didn't order the case until weeks after I had the scanner. Scanners designed for office use aren't designed to scan photographs or negatives, and if you need a scanner for photographic purposes, this isn't the scanner you need as it is designed for office-type scanning not the minute detail type scanning photographic scanners need to capture, but it does scan in color.

I wanted to have a scanner to archive documents, reports, bills, etc. and eliminate paper storage for my home. I didn't need a super fancy business scanner, but I did want an ADF and duplex scanning. The obvious choices are the Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300 Instant PDF Sheet-Fed Mobile Scanner (PA03603-B005) and these new Canon Scan-tini products ( Canon imageFORMULA P-150 Portable Document Scanner(Scan-tini) and Canon imageFORMULA P-215 Portable Document Scanner (Scan-tini) ). I read a lot of reviews for the various scanners from these two companies. The Fujitsu scanners are very well regarded in terms of hardware but their software is a little antiquated. The Canon software is supposedly a little better. I don't have the Fujitsu and only played with my new Canon P-215 briefly, so I don't know this for sure. I decided to go with the Canon P-215 instead of the Fujitsu S1300 because: * USB 3.0 (only P-215, not P-150), so can work optimally with just one cable connection * Comes with software for both Windows and Mac (again, only P-215 apparently) * Supports TWAIN driver compatibility * Better default app software (Windows) * Slightly larger ADF capacity (but quality is unclear based on reviews, thought it worked fine for my 2 tests so far) * Scan-tini products minic a flash drive when connected via USB, containing a mini version of their default app software, so you don't need to install any software at all -- Nice if you're using it on other computers while traveling * P-215 also has a cute card-size scanning slot, nice touch The USB 3.0 feature implies to me newer (better?) hardware design. The TWAIN driver compatibility allows other programs to scan directly into them. And I like the option of using it with both Windows and Macs (we use both at home). Those are the biggest advantages for me. But the Canon scanners have these disadvantages: * They don't include other third-party software, i.e. ABBYY FineReader for ScanSnap 4.1 which sounds like it does some OCR of the scanned images. I found that the PDFs generated from Canon's default CaptureOnTouch app could search for some words but cut-and-paste of the text from a financial report was very garbled. I found the ABBYY FineReader 11 Professional Edition from a different retailer for a bit less and with a rebate, so I ordered it to perform proper OCR. I don't have it yet but tried the free trial, and its PDF was much smaller and had all the proper OCR recognition performed so cut-and-paste worked very well. * Fujitsu scanning hardware sounds like it may be the best * Scan-tini scanners don't come with the AC adapter (optional accessory)

Coming from an all-in-one (AIO) printer/scanner, this sheet scanner is fast, efficient, and convenient. I scans both sides at once and will automatically detect if it's single sided so it doesn't give you a bunch of blank pages. It's much quicker with the 20-sheet feeder when compared to me flipping/changing pages on my AIO. It's weight feels dense, yet this typically is what a solid product feels like. Doesn't feel plasticky and flimsy. The setup is really quick and has it's own image application or TWAIN driver straight to applications like Acrobat. There is an optional second cord to plug in for power allegedly to add speed to the scans. I have not tested this as the single cord to the USB was pretty quick for my uses. There is also a card scanner where you can pop it in. It will suck it and spit it back out while scanning it. I've seen hospitals and other places use a Fujitsu scanner (size of a standard toaster). And it seems to work quickly in capturing an image. But the Scan-tini has the added benefit of portability and size. What I don't like about it...nothing really from my personal use. This doesn't scan books. That's what the flatbed AIO is for. But for sheets, I highly recommend this.

If you're going to be using OSX Mavericks, you may want to give the Fujitsu s1300i a look. I was looking between the P-215 and the s1300i for scanning in my household bills to both go paperless, and have easier access to looking for old bills without having to go digging through storage bins stuck up in the attic or in a storage unit. I am primarily a Mac household; 2 MBP, 1 mini, and several other IOS devices. I just got my P-215 in today after purchasing it over the Fujitsu s1300i, because of the TWAIN support in OSX. Well, what I did NOT realize, is that all the info was written pre-Mavericks, and Mavericks has more/less crippled a lot of their TWAIN support. Long story short, there are no working TWAIN drivers for the P-215 and OSX Mavericks. You can hack your way around using some 3rd party stuff, but, it really doesn't work that well... bad move on Apple's part for this. Now to be fair, it's a good scanner. It's fast, and so far, has done what I am needing it to do. I think this is primarily because all I'm wanting to do is to scan bills into PDF, and save to dropbox. Now, the software that comes with this scanner is CaptureOnTouch. There are a lot of negative reviews of this software, and while I can see where the reviews are warranted, it hasn't been a problem for simply scanning to PDF. The fact that the CaptureOnTouch software doesn't allow a simple way to push directly to DropBox, leads me to this conclusion... This is an older scanner, and Canon doesn't seem willing to update their software to support more cloud based services. I'm presuming this is because their P-215ii is slowing starting to find it's way into the market, which will probably soon put the older P-215 on the discontinued list. One thing also to note... It's really hyping the USB 3.0... What I discovered, is that the scanner's onboard storage (which is acting as nothing more than a flash drive to the computer it's connected to) is in fact seen as the fast USB 3.0. The scanner piece shows up under the USB 2.0 bridge, leading me to believe 1 of 2 things: (a) the scanner will only send the image back to the computer via USB 2.0 speeds, and it's really only using the USB 3.0 piece for power and storage -- OR -- (b) the scanner scans the file to the USB 3.0 flash storage first before sending it to the computer... I tend to believe (a), since taking time to save the image to internal flash, then to the computer would probably take just as much time as it would sending the image directly to the computer via USB 2.0 speeds. Plus, the flash storage is only about 100mb large, meaning that large scans would start to hose up the works a little. In a nutshell, even though it SAYS it's USB 3.0, I don't think it's sending the image from the scanner to the computer with USB 3.0 speeds; it seems to only be really using it to power the scanner. Something else to look at, which the Canon is still the winner... is daily use, or duty cycle. The P-215 is said to be good to scan up to 500 pages a day without causing premature wear on the scanner. The Fujitsu is still showing to only be at 80 pages a day before bad things happen. Clearly, the Canon wins here, if you plan on scanning a lot of documents, even if at only 12-16ppm. The only other place where the Canon shines, is the paper holder. Canon says it holds 20 pages in the ADF, where Fujitsu is still showing only 10. If you're scanning in a large stack of documents into 1 PDF, such as a copy of your mortgage agreement, etc, the Canon wins this one too. IN CONCLUSION... The P-215 being sold, is about 2 years dated on it's software, and Canon doesn't seem to care. If you have OSX Mavericks, don't buy this scanner thinking you'll easily be able to use anything other than the included software; you're going to have a bad day if ya do. If you want a portable scanner that you'll be using to scan more than 80 pages a day... then the P-215 is probably a better deal for you than the Fujitsu s1300i. There is no *native* DropBox support with the CaptureOnTouch software, but, you can tell the software to save to a folder and just choose your DropBox folder instead; I've been doing this, it's really not that big of a deal. If you're wanting to lightly use a scanner with FAR more updated features, TWAIN support is of no concern, and easier options to things like DropBox, then you may want to consider the Fujitsu s1300i instead. Your workload will probably be the determining factor on your purchase.

I primarily bought this to scan the new style of receipts most stores use today. The kind that fade right away especially if they are crinkled or subjected to friction (being stuffed in a pocket, shopping bag or wallet). the scanner boots up immediately. The UI is very laymen and easy to use. One gripe is that I seem to not be able to rename an individual scan. I have to go to the individual saved file to do so. Not a big deal but it does add two more steps to doing the scan that is pretty much seamless and quick otherwise. It will do long receipts up to 1,000 mm. In order to do this you have to go into advanced settings to select a long document function. However what you get is a long white digital document with a narrow receipt in the corner. It took a few attempts to do a biz card, it wouldn't always recognize what it was scanning in the dedicated biz card port (uses the same scanner eye for the whole device). And it scans it to the corner of an 8x10 document. I am still trying to get it to crop that white field. I am sure there is a way. There is an intelligent crop function to eliminate surrounding white borders but it doesn't always seem to work. Not a big deal but I think that is just user error. The rollers are only OK. For a worn receipt that might have a crinkled bottom edge it won't always feed perfectly and jumble up. Feeds flat sheets and think paper (a UPS sticker and its backing) without error.. ONE NOTE: It eats two USB ports. !. for power (dedicated to the scanner. don't break it) 2nd for the data. ---- I have used this for 24 hrs. Tested it on both a desktop IMAC and a Macbook Air. And I really like it. It is super light and doesn't take up a lot of room on a desk or cafe table. (besides the two cords) I put a lot of criticism in this review only to help those who are looking at buying it. Nothing is perfect but for business I highly recommend this. Great to scan a contract, lease or purchase agreement immediately after signing it. I haven't scanned documents beyond two sheets but I am sure it will handle more than that.

My P-215 worked OK when new, but after just a hundred or so pages scanned, it's now having feed problems. Specifically it doesn't like to feed a single page or the last page in a stack. It will also sometimes feed multiple pages at once. I've tried cleaning the rollers and feed area but it makes no difference. It's a shame as it's otherwise a nice scanner and one of the few that doesn't require the installation of any proprietary software. The OCR built into the internal scan applications works surprisingly well at creating text searchable PDFs and it's also, unlike the Scansnaps, Twain compliant (although that does require starting it in a different mode) allowing use of a variety of software. It's a nice size and the scan quality is quite good for a portable scanner. Because it's USB powered it's scan speed is limited but that's an acceptable trade off. What's not acceptable are the misfeeds. I'm going to try my luck with Canon support and hope they have a fix and/or can replace it with one that works correctly. But, until it's clear Canon has resolved the feed issues, I'd suggest avoiding the P-215.

Like many others I was in between purchasing the Fujistu s1300i and this Canon P-215. I was able to score a good deal with the Canon and I liked the idea of having the card scanner built-in so decided to give it a try. VERY GLAD I did! This thing handles anything you throw at it and the scans are quick and look great. The software works flawlessly with my Mac. I'm actually using Eaglefiler to scan into and it works like a champ (No need to pay the high prices for Neat Re__ipts). I like how portable this unit is although I didn't purchase it for that reason it is nice to save some desk space. When you open the lid it instantly connects and lights up and is ready for action. I would not hesitate to recommend this to a friend. My only one issue was the first unit I had seemed to have some issues with the roller feeding the paper on single sheets. I kept having a few misfeeds so since I was within my return window I requested a replacement and the new unit works great with no feed issues. I'm sure like most electronics you can receive one that doesn't quite work right. Pros: Quick scanning speeds, can handle lots of documents, card reader and small compact size. I forgot to mention I currently have it plugged into both USB ports but have not tested the speed with only using one. I have read from others that the difference cannot be noticed in speed (due to the fact that it does not come with a power supply). Don't hesitate on this fantastic scanner.

User friendly,good product

Quite a good scanner! I'm impressed by speed, quality and ease of use! I believe it is quite expensive compared to other scanners but we definitely get what we pay for! I purchased this scanner to go as much digital as possible and this product will definitely help me a lot to reach my goal! Too bad we cannot find it easily in regular physical stores!

Très correct, je connaissais déjà le produit, pas besoin de télécharger l'application qui est déjà présente branché en USB

I Love the product very good but after scan paper containing tray is not there

a great product...space saver, easy to transport if needed, and ultimately easy to use. anyone with scanning needs no longer has to get up and go to an alternate mfc machine, just use this with your pc...time is money...so I guess you will save money too. good quality scan..monochrome and color, while scanning both sides at once. thumbs up from this guy.