VIISAN VF3120 vs VF3240: Which A3 Flatbed Scanner Should You Choose?
VIISAN’s VF-series A3 flatbed scanners are popular for digitising artwork, photos, books, magazines, newspapers, and CAD drawings—without the page-feeding risks of an ADF. Two of the most searched models are the VF3120 and the VF3240. If your cost difference is only around $50–$60, the smart decision comes down to speed, resolution, and the type of scanning your customers do every day.
At a Glance: The Real Difference
Think of the VF3120 as the “excellent value A3 flatbed” for schools and general large-format scanning. The VF3240 is the “productivity + detail upgrade” designed for faster throughput and higher-resolution capture—especially useful for graphics, publishing, and archival-quality scans.
Comparison Table: VIISAN VF3120 vs VF3240
| Category | VIISAN VF3120 | VIISAN VF3240 | What it means for buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Resolution | 1200 × 1200 dpi | 2400 × 2400 dpi | VF3240 captures finer detail for graphics, publishing, and archival scans; VF3120 is excellent for general A3 scanning. |
| Speed (A3 colour @ 200 dpi) | ~8 seconds per A3 page | ~4 seconds per A3 page | VF3240 is ~2× faster—big productivity gain for regular scanning workloads. |
| Best-fit workload | Occasional to moderate scanning | Frequent scanning / time-sensitive workflows | If scanning is part of daily business operations, VF3240 usually pays back quickly. |
| Max Scan Area | 304 × 426 mm (12" × 17") | 304 × 426 mm (12" × 17") | Both handle true A3 / tabloid size scanning. |
| Buttons / One-touch workflow | Scan / PDF / Email / Print | Scan / PDF / Email / Print | Both are easy for front-desk, admin staff, and education environments. |
| OCR capability | Bundled OCR engine (software-dependent) | OCR support listed (Windows; multi-language) | If searchable PDFs / text extraction is a priority, VF3240 is the safer upsell choice. |
| Connection | USB | USB | Both are straightforward “plug-in and scan” devices. |
What Actually Changed (and Why It Matters)
1) VF3240 is built for speed-sensitive workflows
If someone scans A3 pages all the time—book spreads, posters, classroom materials, drawings, or customer archives—speed becomes the hidden cost. VF3240’s faster A3 scan time can cut scanning sessions dramatically.
2) VF3240 is the better pick for fine detail and graphics
When customers scan art prints, illustrations, design proofs, or detailed technical drawings, the extra optical resolution can preserve line sharpness and small text better. If they plan to crop, enlarge, or publish the scans, VF3240 is usually worth the upgrade.
3) VF3120 remains the “best value” option for education and general office use
Many customers don’t actually need 2400 dpi. For scanning assignments, worksheets, posters, and general archiving, VF3120 delivers strong results at a lower spend. For schools, libraries, community organisations, and occasional A3 scanning, it’s a very sensible choice.
Who Should Buy Which Model?
Choose VF3120 if you’re:
- A school, library, or small office needing reliable A3 scans
- Scanning occasionally (projects, forms, posters, newspapers)
- Prioritising value over maximum speed/detail
Choose VF3240 if you’re:
- Scanning frequently (daily/weekly) and want faster throughput
- Digitising graphics, artwork, publishing proofs or detailed plans
- Creating archives where detail matters (museums, studios, councils)
- Wanting the stronger “future-proof” choice for a small price difference
Video: VIISAN VF-Series (VF3120 / VF3240) Demonstration
Bottom Line Recommendation (When the Price Gap is Only ~$100–$160)
If the buyer scans A3 only now and then, the VF3120 is a strong-value choice. But if scanning is part of an ongoing workflow—or if they care about faster turnaround + higher detail capture—the VF3240 is typically the better long-term purchase.
Shop VIISAN A3 Flatbed Scanners at OzToner.au
Not sure which model fits your workflow? Send us your use case (documents, books, artwork, CAD drawings, volume per week) and we’ll recommend the right scanner setup.
FAQ
Are VF3120 and VF3240 both true A3 scanners?
Yes—both support large-format scanning up to A3/tabloid size, making them suitable for plans, posters, artwork, and book spreads.
Is VF3240 worth upgrading if the price gap is small?
Usually yes for frequent scanning, graphic work, or when time matters. The higher resolution and faster scan speed are the practical “upgrade wins” for most business use cases.
Can these scanners handle books and bound documents?
They’re flatbeds, so they’re far more book-friendly than ADF-only scanners. For best results, keep pages as flat as possible and scan in good lighting conditions.