It's really just like everything else, cameras, stereo, computers, roller skates and bowling balls. But the Chevy will get you to the grocery store just fine too. Don't minimize the importance of the scanner software, it is very important. Everything shown on my web pages is done with software. ScanWizard is very easy to show off, it is excellent.
Software varies considerably among scanner brands.
Frankly, in scanning, like in photography, I believe that user skill and attention will make a greater difference than the equipment. The original photo quality is also quite important. But the tools do count too of course. Price is less a factor today. Prices have drastically fallen.