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Quick answer: Buy the Epson Perfection V850 Pro if you want a new unit, since Epson lists the V800 as discontinued. A used V800 is only worth it at a clear discount because, according to Filmscanner.info, image quality matches.
Check Epson V800 Price on Amazon
Check Epson V850 Price on Amazon
Epson V800 vs Epson V850: Specs at a Glance
Highlighted rows show where the two products differ.
Epson’s European site lists the V850 Pro as discontinued too, so check stock and seller before you buy.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Image Quality
Epson promised better results from the V850 Pro’s High Pass Optics, with anti-reflection coatings and a high-reflection mirror. Filmscanner.info compared the two and found no measurable difference, saying the scanners achieve the same image quality when run with the same software. Both offer the same 4800 and 6400 dpi dual lens system and a 4.0 Dmax rating. Unless you can prove otherwise with your own files, the extra optics should not be the reason to spend more.
Winner: Tie
Film Holders
The V850 Pro includes two complete sets of film holders, eight in total, against four with the V800. Each set covers 35mm slides, 35mm strips, medium format up to 6 x 20 cm, and 4 x 5 inch film. A second set lets you load the next batch while the first scans. Filmscanner.info reports the holders are height adjustable for focus but hold fewer frames than the earlier V750 Pro’s, and that their glass covers can reduce quality.
Winner: V850 Pro
Software and Color Calibration
Bundled software is the real everyday difference. The V800 ships with SilverFast SE, while the V850 Pro ships with SilverFast SE Plus, which Filmscanner.info says adds multi-exposure and automatic frame recognition. The V850 Pro also includes an X-Rite i1Scanner kit with IT8 targets for color profiling. Filmscanner.info notes a V800 paired with SE Plus works out to nearly the same scanner, so the software bundle explains most of the gap.
Winner: V850 Pro
Speed and Workflow
Filmscanner.info found scan speeds match when both scanners use the same software, and the white LED source means there is almost no warm-up time. Expect slow work at high resolution either way: it reports about 35 minutes for a full 12-slide batch at 4800 ppi with EpsonScan, and up to two hours for some large format scans. The two scanners are the same size and use the same USB 2.0 connection.
Winner: Tie
Availability and Buying Advice
Epson’s US site marks the V800 Photo as discontinued and names the V850 Pro as its replacement. Epson’s European site also lists the V850 Pro as discontinued, though Epson’s US store still showed it for sale, so stock may be limited. Any V800 you find now will likely be used or refurbished. If you want a warranty and a new unit, the V850 Pro is the only one of the pair with a realistic path.
Winner: V850 Pro
Winner by Category
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Epson V800 if:
- You find a good used unit well below V850 Pro pricing
- You scan as a hobby and do not need a second holder set
- You will add better scanning software yourself
Check Epson V800 Price on Amazon
Buy the Epson V850 if:
- You want to buy a new scanner rather than used
- You scan large batches and want a second set of holders
- You want SilverFast SE Plus and calibration targets in the box
Check Epson V850 Price on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Epson V800 discontinued?
Yes. Epson’s US site labels it discontinued and names the V850 Pro as the replacement.
Does the V850 Pro produce better scans than the V800?
Filmscanner.info found no real difference in image quality or speed when both used the same software.
Do both support medium and large format film?
Yes. Both handle 35mm, medium format up to 6 x 20 cm, and 4 x 5 inch film through included holders.
Do they include Digital ICE?
Yes. Both support Digital ICE dust and scratch removal, and an optional fluid mount accessory is sold separately.
Final Verdict
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro is the better choice for most buyers who want a new scanner. The V800 is discontinued, and the V850 Pro adds a second holder set, SilverFast SE Plus, and color calibration tools. A used V800 is fine if the price gap is large, because Filmscanner.info found the same image quality from both.