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11 Slide Scanner And Negative Film To Digital

By Mawar F Post a Comment
The slide scanner allows you to digitize your slides and sometimes even save old photos. As there are fewer slide projectors, this size makes sense. This way you can view your photos on different devices like PC or TV. You can also print the image and share it on social media. With the help of the best slide scanners, you can edit images and even enhance them.

Slide Scanner


In this comparison, we describe the special functions of 11 flatbed scanners, slide scanners and film scanners. You will learn about the differences, possibilities, and limitations of each model and which scanner is best suited for a particular purpose. In our guide, you'll also find out what you need to pay attention to when buying the best slide scanner.

11 of the best slide scanners with different sensors in a big comparison

1. Reflecta Combo Album Slide Scanner
  • Foil media type
  • Scanner type photo
  • 64400 . Series
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 30 x 20 x 23 centimeters
  • 2400 . resolution
  • Item weight 798 grams
The Reflecta Combo Album slide scanner is perfect for scanning and saving negative slides and strips without a computer. Equipped with a 2.4-inch LC screen for ideal scanning control and offers the option to be able to take photos directly from the photo album without having to delete photos. According to the manufacturer, the slide scanner can store photos on an SD or HC card up to 32 gigabytes. Such cards should not be included in the scope of delivery. According to the manufacturer, the high-resolution CMOS sensor offers 14 megapixels. Lithium-ion batteries are used as a power source.

Suitable for multiple slides: According to the manufacturer, the Reflecta Combo Album slide scanner is suitable as a mount for 5 x 5 centimeter slides, for 35mm negative film type 135, for pocket film type 110 and for Instamatic film type 126.

The slide scanner has no internal memory and a maximum resolution of 4,608 x 3,072 pixels with a scan quality of 3,200 dpi. Supports JPG format and can be operated using 6 buttons. The device works at a scanning speed of 2 seconds per image, but only scans one image. The design, which opens at the bottom, and integrated LED lighting make it easy to scan pictures from books or photo albums. The slide scanner measures 18.2 x 29 x 16.2 centimeters and weighs about 1 kilogram.

What types of slide scanners are there? There are many slide scanners on the market that do not require a PC or laptop. Such scanners have an SD card slot or USB port. Often there is also a small LCD screen on the device. There is more about the different types of slide scanners in the guide that follows the product description.

Advantages
  • High scanning speed (up to 2 seconds)
  • Scannable negatives
  • Photos and documents can be scanned
  • SD card slot (PC independent scan)
  • Suitable for four types of slides (5 x 5, type 135, type 110 and type 1269)
Deficiency
  • To operate manually (slides scan only one at a time without automatic feed)
  • No image editing software
2. Rollei PDF-S 240 SE Slide Scanner
  • Negative media type
  • Scanner type film
  • Model name PDF-S 240 SE
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 14.7 x 20.8 x 22 centimeters
  • Resolution 2400, 1800dpi
  • Item weight 890 grams
The Rollei multi-scanner supports all photo sizes from 9 x 13 centimeters to 10 x 15 centimeters and up to 13 x 18 centimeters. Thanks to the included Mini USB 2.0 connection and 2-in-1 memory card slot, you don't need a computer to scan your images. Follow the scanning process comfortably on the 2.4-inch color LCD monitor. Scan quality is good at 2,592 x 1,850 dpi for photos measuring 13 x 18 centimeters and 2,760 x 1,840 dpi for slides and negatives.

With photo editing software, you can remove cracks, scratches, and blemishes from your precious slides, negatives, and photos. You can also optimize brightness and contrast, so details may appear that you didn't even notice in your previous image. White, energy efficient LEDs ensure brilliant and true color reproduction. Rollei PDF-S 240 SE Diacanner is suitable for all operating systems.

Rollei multi-scanner delivery scope includes: slide mount, 4-in-1 mount for photos in the size above, USB cable, USB power pack and image processing software.

Some product details at a glance:
  • Scan photos, negatives and slides in seconds
  • Image retouching: dust/scratch removal, faded color reconstruction
  • Simple and clear operation with just a few buttons
  • No warm-up time and high power saving with white LED light
  • LCD color monitor
  • USB and card slot for scanning without a PC or laptop
Invest time or money? Remember that you must always stand next to your device when scanning images in order to insert new photos and slides. To scan a larger volume of slides, you'll need to get a more expensive device that has a magazine that can fit the entire slide cassette so you don't have to constantly monitor the scanning process. However, a slightly more expensive purchase of such a professional device is worthwhile, since service providers for negative digitization usually charge 10 euros or more per slide cassette.

Advantages
  • Image editing software
  • High scanning speed (up to 3 seconds)
  • Scannable negatives
  • Photos can be scanned
  • SD card slot (PC independent slide scan)
  • Suitable for three types of slides (9 x 13, 10 x 15 and 13 x 18)
Deficiency
  • To operate manually (slide scans only one at a time, no automatic feed)
3. Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Slide Scanner
  • Negative media type
  • Scanner type film
  • Series 8200iAi
  • IrDA connectivity technology, USB 2.0, USB required
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 12 x 27.2 x 11.9 centimeters
  • Resolution 7200x7200dpi
  • Item weight 1600 grams
  • 48 bit color depth
  • LED type light source
The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai slide scanner scans slides and negatives up to 35 millimeters in size. It achieves a whopping 7,200 dpi resolution. The iSRD infrared channel removes dust and scratches, so you get excellent image quality. The Plustek scanner is equipped with SilverFast Ai Studio 8 software for professional processing of your recordings. This leaves nothing savvy photographers want with this device.

What is meant by dpi? The abbreviation dpi stands for the English term "dots per inch", which literally means "dots per inch". Nothing else is meant other than the resolution of the print file. When printing, the printed image is converted into small dots or rasters. High point density determines image quality. You can read more about the importance of slide scanner resolution and other purchasing criteria in the suggestions section.

With your device, you adjust brightness and color automatically. Because the LED light is white, it doesn't require any warm-up time, which means you save a lot of electricity. The Plustek slide scanner is compatible with all common operating systems. Delivery scope includes: a power pack, two template holders for four framed slides and a film strip with up to six images, a USB cable, and a transport bag.

Some features at a glance:
  • LCD color monitor
  • Scan quality: 7,200 dpi
  • iSRD infrared channel to remove dust and scratches
  • IT-8 for automatic color calibration for color fidelity and detail
Advantages
  • High resolution (7,200 dpi)
  • Image editing software
  • Scannable negatives
  • ISRD infrared channel (removes dust and scratches for good image quality)
Deficiency
  • To operate manually (slide scans only one at a time, no automatic feed)
  • No SD card slot
  • Scan speed is slow (1 to 3 minutes)
  • Only suitable for two types of slides (35 millimeter and type 135)
4. Kodak RODFS35 Slide Scanner
  • Negative media type, diapositive
  • CCD scanner type
  • Model name KODAK Scanza Digital slide and film scanner
  • Connectivity technology cable
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 12 x 12 x 12.7 centimeters
  • Item weight 1 pound
  • CMOS optical sensor technology
Before digital photography took over the market, hardly any photographer could ignore the Kodak name. Founded in 1892, the company dominated the market for decades, especially in the field of film materials. So it makes sense to entrust your analog treasures to a device whose name is closely related to analog photography. But what exactly is behind the RODFS35 slide scanner from Kodak?

Kodak and digital photography: Kodak quickly lost touch with the glory days of digital photography and had to file for bankruptcy in 2012. That same year, the company stopped producing digital cameras, video cameras and digital photo frames. Meanwhile, Kodak had sold photo film production and thus given up its former core business. Today Kodak is focused on the printer business or, as here, on the production of scanners.

The device converts negatives and slides in 35mm, 126, 110 and Super 8 into JPEG format in seconds with a resolution of 14 megapixels. The large and bright TFT LC display with a screen diagonal of 8.9 centimeters provides a preview of the image before scanning and the viewing angle can be easily adjusted using the handy tilt function. The large buttons on the device allow scanning and saving in one step.

A computer is not initially needed, as the scanner can easily save the scanned image on the inserted SD memory card. The scanner supports up to 128 gigabytes, but such cards are not included in the delivery scope. Instead, the device comes with a suitable USB power cable, HDMI cable, power adapter, AV cable, and a cleaning brush.

Which software is required for the slide scanner? Most slide scanners come with accompanying scanning software. Some devices also come with an image editing program. Before you start using the slide scanner, you must install the software on your PC. Many scanning processes such as resolution, scratch and dust correction, as well as file formats are controlled through this software. Installing software on a PC is omitted only for portable slide scanners. Slide scans are saved directly on the device. You can then transfer this data to your PC.

Advantages
  • Automatic image processing
  • Screen with tilt function (more flexible operation)
  • High scanning speed (up to 8 seconds)
  • Scannable negatives
  • HDMI connection
  • TV Connection
  • SD card slot (PC independent scan)
  • Suitable for four types of slides (35mm, 126mm, 110mm and Super 8)
Deficiency
  • To operate manually (slide scans only one at a time, no automatic feed)
5. Plustek OpticFilm 135i Slide Scanner
  • Negative media type, Slide
  • Scanner type film
  • OpticFilm 135i . Series
  • Infrared connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 34.5 x 24.5 x 19 centimeters
  • 7200 . resolution
  • Item weight 2880 grams
According to the manufacturer, the Plustek OpticFilm 135i slide scanner is capable of converting 35 mm slides and negative film automatically in batches - this is ideal for everyone who has an entire box full of slides. This scanner offers a resolution of 7,200 x 7,200 dpi or 69 megapixels for 35mm negative film and slide mounted. However, the manufacturer indicates that only resolutions up to 3,600 dpi are possible in user-defined modes in panorama mode. The slide scanner is equipped with 48-bit input and 24-48-bit output.

With built-in infrared channel: The Plustek OpticFilm 135i slide scanner has an integrated infrared channel which, according to the manufacturer, can detect dust and scratches on negative surfaces and slides. Thus, it can help eliminate errors without changing the image.

According to the manufacturer, the slide scanner from Plustek supports export to third-party image processing software such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. It is compatible with Windows 7/8/10 and macOS 10.12 – 11.X operating systems. According to Plustek, drivers for the model can be downloaded for free from the manufacturer's website. According to the manufacturer, a slide scanner is included with Plus's "Quickscan Plus" software with automatic image processing. The software contains many tools for fast processing - for example, the sharpness, exposure, or contrast of the image must be adjustable.

Advantages
  • High resolution (7,200 dpi)
  • Image editing software
  • iSRD infrared channel (removes dust and scratches for good image quality)
  • Scannable negatives
Deficiency
  • No SD card slot
  • Only suitable for two types of slides (35 millimeter and type 135)
6. Technaxx DigiScan DS-02 Slide Scanner
  • Negative media type
  • Scanner type film
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 8.6 x 11 x 8.8 centimeters
  • 180 . resolution
  • Item weight 300 grams
The Technaxx DigiScan DS-02 is suitable for scanning negative film and slide film. Thanks to its SD card slot and USB port, this portable scanner can be used as a standalone device without a PC. The device also supports the 2.0 MSDC interface, so you can play back images on your PC and TV. Like most devices on the market, the slide scanner has automatic color and exposure adjustments. You can follow the scanning process on the 2.4-inch color LCD screen.

What is a common feeder scanner? Very few slide scanners have a built-in scanner for paper photos. With this device you can digitize conventional photos.

Due to the white LED light, the device does not require warm-up time, which allows you to save a lot of electricity. In addition, the DigiScan DS-02 is compatible with all common operating systems. Last but not least, you can play images on PC and TV. The following accessories are included in the delivery scope of the Technaxx slide scanner:
  • USB Cable
  • Video cable
  • Holder for 135 film negatives
  • Slide movie place
  • Swipe fast loader
  • Power adapter
  • Cleaning brush
Advantages
  • Automatic color and exposure adjustment
  • Scannable negatives
  • SD card slot (PC independent scan)
  • TV Connection
Deficiency
  • No information about scan speed
  • No image editing software
  • Low resolution (1800 dpi)
  • Only suitable for two types of slides (35 millimeter and type 135)
7. DIGITNOW! M125 Slide Scanner
  • Negative media type
  • Negative type of scanner and slide film
  • M125 Series
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 8.6 x 8.6 x 11.2 centimeters
  • 10MP resolution
  • Item weight 270.2 grams
  • 5 Watt
  • Standard sheet capacity 250
No PC required for the DIGITNOW M125 slide scanner. Place your slide or negative in the scanner slide or negative holder and the scanning process can be started with the push of a button. You can digitize six to eight slides at a time. You view the scanned image on the color LCD screen. The scanner takes a few seconds for each image.
The slide scanner saves your images in the internal memory or on an optional SD card in JPG format. You can view and print them on your PC or other devices. At 1,800 dpi, the DIGITNOW slide scanner has a rather low resolution compared to many of the other scanners in our comparison. The scope of delivery includes: video cable, USB cable, film holder, slide mount, slide feeder, Euro DC5V adapter and cleaning brush.

At what point does that mean high image quality? The 1,800 dpi scan quality is somewhat in the lower range. You can talk about the high image quality of around 3,600 dpi.

Some features at a glance:
  • Scan slides and negatives
  • No warm-up time and high power saving with white LED light
  • Compatible with all major operating systems
  • Images can be played on PC and TV
  • Color LCD screen
Advantages
  • Good scanning speed (several seconds)
  • Scannable negatives
  • SD card slot (PC independent slide scan)
  • TV Connection
Deficiency
  • No image editing software
  • Low resolution (1800 dpi)
  • Only suitable for two types of slides (35 millimeter and type 135)
8. Kodak SLIDE N SCAN Slide Scanner
  • Media type SD, USB
  • Scanner type film
  • Model name KODAK Slide N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner
  • Connectivity technology USB, HDMI
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 13.4 x 13.6 x 9.5 centimeters
  • Item weight 1 pound
The Kodak SLIDE N SCAN slide scanner is a digital film and slide scanner that, according to the manufacturer, is suitable for storing old 110, 126, and 135 millimeter black and color negatives. In addition, the scanner can process small format slides with a size of 50 millimeters and slides with sizes of 110, 126 and 135 millimeters. The device supports SD and SDHC cards up to 32 gigabytes in size, although according to Kodak no such memory card is included in the shipping scope. The slide scanner must also be able to connect to a USB-C-enabled computer.

Equipped with an LC display: The Kodak SLIDE N SCAN slide scanner is equipped with a 5-inch crystal clear LC display for instant viewing and editing of images. According to Kodak, the screen has a handy gallery mode.

Thanks to the integrated sensor, the slide scanner delivers photos with an image resolution of 14 or 22 megapixels and, according to Kodak, allows continuous feeding. In addition to the main mount for the 50 mm slide, the shipping package also includes three adapters for the larger slide (110, 126, and 135 mm). This model also has fast charging technology and comes with a cleaning brush as well as HDMI and USB cables for USB 2.0 connections. According to Kodak, slide scanners offer the following options:
  • Selection of the type of foil
  • Color and brightness adjustment
  • Setting the date (1930 - 2050) and time
Advantages
  • LC view with gallery mode
  • For small format slides and larger slides thanks to the adapter
  • Fast charging technology
  • Connection via USB-C is possible
Deficiency
  • Supplied without SD memory card
9. Rollei DF-S 310 SE Slide Scanner
  • Foil media type, negative
  • Scanner type film
  • Model name DF-S 310 SE
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 9.1 x 10.4 x 10.5 centimeters
  • Item Weight 0.28 Kilogram
Anyone who has just discovered photography for themselves and has worked with analog technology or has made it their duty to browse old family photos on negatives and slides to make them available to the whole family usually has a big task ahead of them themselves. The Rollei DF-S 310 SE slide scanner is precisely designed for these tasks. It is capable of scanning up to 20 slides per minute and thanks to the integrated 2.4 color TFT LCD monitor, all images can be viewed quietly and, if necessary, resolved immediately.

Easy to use: simply place the material on the rail provided and start the scanning process with the push of a button. The scanner handles exposure and color monitoring to ensure the best results.

The scanner's precision lens works with a resolution of 14 megapixels and therefore can extract even the smallest details from images. If desired, the resolution can be interpolated up to 24 megapixels. The SE version, SE stands for Special Edition, comes with a large accessory pack. There are not only magazine slides for framed slides and slides for negatives, but also inserts for Super 8 films and inserts for 110 films. A cleaning brush, USB and AV cable are also included in the shipping range.

What are the advantages of a professional slide scanner? If you have high demands on image quality and want to digitize a large number of slides, a professional slide scanner has a number of advantages to offer. Because with such a device you can easily scan in full slide cassettes at once and, depending on the price range of the device, you will receive very sharp images. Of course, slides that are in very poor condition can only be converted into good quality images in digital form to a certain extent.

Advantages
  • Good scanning speed (up to 3 seconds)
  • Scannable negatives
  • SD card slot (PC independent slide scan)
  • Fits four types of slides (5 x 5, Type 135, Type 110 and Super 8)
  • Cleaning brush included
Deficiency
  • No information about dpi
  • No image editing software
10. Somikon NX6100-944 Slide Scanner
  • Media type photos
  • Scanner type film
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 20.9 x 18.2 x 16.2 centimeters
  • 3200 . resolution
  • Item weight 220 grams
  • LED type light source
With this stand-alone Somikon negative slide and scanner, you can scan your slides with and without frame and 35 mm negative film strips without the need for a computer. You have direct control over the scanning process on the high-resolution color LCD display. It is also possible to connect the scanner directly to a television or other monitor with a video cinch connection. Simple and clear device operation is carried out with ease using six buttons.

The high scanning speed allows you to digitize about 20 slides per minute in JPG format. Brightness and color are automatically adjusted and optimized. Rubber feet ensure a non-slip stand when inserting slides. The Somikon NX6100-944 comes with a wide range of accessories. The scope of delivery includes: Slide slide with magazine, negative slide, video cinch cable, mini USB cable, USB power supply unit and anti-static brush.

Some product features at a glance:
  • No warm-up time and high power saving with white LED light
  • LCD color monitor
  • USB and card slot for scanning without a PC or laptop
  • Scan quality: 3,200 dpi
  • Direct connection to televisions and monitors with video cinch
  • A wide range of accessories including
What is the video RCA connector? The name sounds more complicated than that. The video cinch connection cable is a universal connection cable for connecting video OUT to video IN. If your DVD player or CD player has such a connection, you can connect the device to an amplifier, AV receiver, or video projector.

Advantages
  • Good scanning speed (up to 3 seconds)
  • Scannable negatives
  • SD card slot (PC independent slide scan)
  • Video cinch connection (connection for television and monitor)
  • Suitable for four types of slides (35 millimeter, type 126, type 110 and type 135)
  • Cleaning brush included
Deficiency
  • No image editing software
11. DIGITNOW! Portable Slide Scanner
  • Negative media type
  • Scanner type film
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 8 x 8 x 10 centimeters
  • Item weight 275 grams
This model from DIGITNOW is a very convenient and portable solution. You don't need a PC or laptop to scan images. Instead, the scanner stores images on the internal memory, which is 128 megabytes. An SD memory card can be inserted as an option to expand the memory up to 32 gigabytes. The sensor has a resolution of 14 megapixels and scans can be viewed on a 2.4-inch LCD screen before being stored.

An interchangeable adapter is included in the shipping range so that different movie and image formats can be scanned. Included are adapters for 35 millimeter, 110 and 126 film as well as Super 8. A suitable USB cable and cable for connecting to a television are also included in the shipping range.

When was the slide scanner developed? One of the first slide scanner manufacturers was Japanese camera manufacturer Nikon. In early 1988 he brought professional slide scanners to the market, which were very expensive. They offer excellent image quality and high scanning speeds. In 2009, Nikon stopped producing slide scanners. Meanwhile, many other manufacturers have conquered the market.

Advantages
  • Image editing software
  • Scannable negatives
  • SD card slot (PC independent slide scan)
  • TV Connection
  • Fits four types of slides (5 x 5, Type 135, Type 126 and Super 8)
  • Cleaning brush included
Deficiency
  • No information about dpi
  • No information about scan speed
What are the advantages of digitizing negatives and slides?

Slide Scanner


In the digital age, there are fewer and fewer slide projectors. If you want to save your images into the digital age, you must digitize them. You then have many options for viewing and printing your images on PCs, televisions, and other devices. In addition, you can share your photos on Instagram, Pinterest and Co.

But the biggest advantages are as follows: With the slide scanner, you can edit and enhance your images in terms of color, brightness, and contrast. Maybe details are revealed that you didn't even notice in the previous slide?

How does a slide scanner work?

The slide scanner consists of the scanner itself and a transparency unit. The unit of transparency is usually a slide where you insert three to four slides or a negative strip with four or six images and insert them into the device. To capture images, a slide scanner illuminates the image similar to a slide projector. The scanner scans the image information pixel by pixel and converts the captured image into a digital file using an analog to digital converter.

In most cases, the storage format is JPG format. However, some slide scanners also save images in TIFF, RAW, and PNG formats. Depending on the type of scanner, the image is stored on the internal memory, SD card, or connected PC.

What are other ways to digitize images?

Slide Scanner


Depending on the quality of the device, buying your own slide scanner can be expensive. In addition, larger professional scanners also take up a bit more space. Therefore we would like to introduce you to some alternatives to slide scanners. Whether one or the other option is right for you depends on how many images you want to digitize, how often, and what you want the image quality to be.

There are the following methods for digitizing an image:
  • Turning paper
  • Agfa Digiprint
  • Medium negative
  • Ilfochromes
We now want to introduce you to individual methods with their advantages and disadvantages.

Turning paper

This method is similar to printing negatives, only without photo paper. However, the contrast and color saturation are lower than when scanning with a slide scanner.

Advantages
  • Relatively cheap
  • Direct procedure
Deficiency
  • Lower contrast compared to slide scanner
  • Weaker color saturation compared to slide scanner
Agfa Digiprint

Since slides are also scanned line by line with Agfa-Digiprint, this process is most similar to scanning a slide. Color and brightness are optimized and contrast is well maintained. Software is used for image processing, which you must set up and calibrate properly. In the end you will receive the image on commercially available photo paper.

We can describe the image quality with Agfa Digiprint as good. However, you cannot save slides digitally. Once the photo is exposed on photo paper, the process is complete. You then have the option of scanning and digitizing the photos with a document scanner. Unfortunately, this is associated with a decrease in quality.

Advantages
  • Good picture quality
  • Easy to use at home
Deficiency
  • Software must be properly calibrated
  • No digital slide storage possible
Medium negative

In this process, the slides are photographed. Camera attachments or contact copies are used to generate negatives from which you can make prints. The drawing results are good, but the effort is relatively high.

Advantages
  • Good picture quality
  • Direct procedure
Deficiency
  • Takes a lot of time
  • Relatively high effort
Ilfochromes

Ilfochrome is a special photo paper that provides better contrast than reverse paper. White is lighter and black is darker. The contrast range lies between slides and conventional photographic paper. Because the Ilfochrome process is too expensive, it is rarely used even though the drawings are good.

Advantages
  • High contrast range compared to reverse paper
  • Color, brightness and contrast optimized
  • Additional compression possible
Deficiency
  • Relatively expensive
  • Not available everywhere
What types of slide scanners are there?

Slide Scanner


There are three main categories of slide scanners, their properties and functions which we will explain to you in more detail below:
  • Hybrid device
  • Custom film and slide scanner
  • Camera attachment for digitizing images
Hybrid scanner

The hybrid scanner is a normal flatbed scanner with a transparency attachment through which slides are scanned. Because you send each slide through the scanner manually and individually, you can always choose the optimal image settings. However, the drawback of a single scan compared to scanning an entire magazine is that it takes a relatively long time to digitize your images.

Transmitted light attachment is built into most devices or supplied with the device. Hybrid scanners are a good solution if you want to scan a lot of different documents and prefer a handy, versatile device.

Advantages
  • No additional scanner required for slides and photos
  • Attachments are suitable for different slide sizes
  • Individual settings are possible for each slide
Deficiency
  • Usually a magazine scan cannot be performed
  • Autocorrect isn't just aimed at slides
Movie and slide scanner

You can scan slides and photo negatives with a film scanner. Among hybrid scanners, on the other hand, there are only a few devices that also digitize negatives. With a film scanner, on the other hand, you cannot scan other documents.

Another advantage of dedicated film scanners is that in most cases you can scan slides in magazines and therefore take less time to digitize your images. If you want to scan multiple slides, you will definitely prefer the film scanner's automatic feed mechanism over the hybrid scanner's individual manual processing.

Advantages
  • Digitizing slides and photo negatives
  • Often it is possible to scan the entire magazine
Deficiency
  • Separate device required for other documents
Camera attachment

This is not a direct slide scanner. A prerequisite for good image results is that you have a camera with a high resolution. You attach a special attachment or lens to this camera. With this method, slides are photographed and scanned line by line.

The disadvantage of this method is that it is relatively complicated and you can only edit the slides that were photographed afterwards, as there is no automatic correction of scratches and dust. In addition, you should first check whether the appropriate lens fits in your digital camera.

Advantages
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Not complicated
  • No settings required when scanning
Deficiency
  • Image needs to be reworked
  • A good camera (eg SLR) is required
How much does a slide scanner cost?

The price range for slide scanners is quite wide. You can find portable slide scanners that don't connect to a PC starting at $30 and scanners usually don't exceed the $150 price range. Professional kits often cost $1,000 or more.

Where can you buy a slide scanner?

Slide scanners can be purchased at electronics stores. Alternatively, you can also compare and purchase devices online. The choice of suitable stores on the Internet is huge. Almost any device is available, especially on Amazon. The disadvantage of internet shops is that you can't get advice. However, there are helpful customer reviews for most devices.

Which purchasing criteria should you pay particular attention to when choosing a slide scanner?

Slide Scanner


In this section, we go into detail about the individual criteria so you know exactly what is important when buying a scanner. You should definitely pay attention to the following aspects when comparing different slide scanners:
  • Resolution
  • What and how much can be scanned?
  • Interface
  • Software
Resolution

As a rule, manufacturers indicate resolution in dpi (dots per inch). This is the point density. The rule of thumb is that the scan result is better the more pixels it scans. Most slide scanners have a resolution of 1,800 to 3,600 dpi. Professional devices offer up to 4,800 dpi. Because slides and negatives contain more image information than print, they require a higher resolution than photo paper, which good results are already achieved at 300 dpi.

What and how much can be scanned?

As the name suggests, you can digitize slides and negatives with a slide scanner. But there are also slide scanners that can do more than that. Many scanners are designed for different slide frame thicknesses. Some devices only allow you to scan four frames of film strip at a time, others even six frames of film strip. The magazine scanner digitizes the entire magazine slide at once, with other scanners you have to insert the slides one by one.

There are also multifunctional devices that scan not only slides and negatives, but also PDF documents and paper photos. The type of scanner you prefer depends on what you want to digitize regularly and how high-quality you want the image to be. Scanners that can convert multiple copies at once are useful for scanning a large number of slides and negatives relatively quickly.

When is a professional scanner useful? If you want truly professional results, we recommend using a dedicated professional device that accepts all frame thicknesses and has a high resolution.

Interface

Most slide scanners have a USB connection so you can transfer scanned images to a PC and edit them there. With a portable slide scanner or a stand-alone scanner, you don't need a PC. Images are saved directly to the device and then to the SD card. Stand-alone scanners usually also have image processing software. In addition, many slide scanners have an HDMI connection so they can be connected directly to a television.

Software

The slide scanner has operating software that can be used to make image corrections. With it you edit contrast, color and brightness. Some software programs have additional setup options. Some also provide image previews so you can make corrections before scanning.

What's so special about slides compared to conventional photos?

Slides are distinguished from other types of images by their high image quality. The different layers that make up the slide offer a range of high contrast and especially natural colors. Since their appearance in the second half of the 20th century, slides have been of excellent quality.

Slides also have a few drawbacks: scratches and dust reduce projection quality over time. In addition, the gelatin coating on the slides is susceptible to mold and bacteria. Through digitization, slides can be made more durable and also optimized through image processing.

Frequently asked questions about slide scanner

Can a slide scanner only scan images or movies too?

Simple tools for beginners can only be used for pictures. Movies cannot be digitized with it. Special film scanners have a very high resolution because the negatives or positives are so small. Compared to simple slide scanners, such as flatbed models, the cost is of course also much higher.

Is the image quality worse when scanning slides with a glass frame compared to a plastic frame?

The following applies to all optical instruments: Imaging performance decreases the more glass the incident light has to pass through. Each sheet of glass reflects and absorbs light and has a certain amount of aberration. Compared with flatbed scanners with transparency units, film scanners have the advantage that the film material is filtered directly, which is to avoid two additional glass plates between the slide and the scanner. This means that image results are significantly better with a film scanner.

However, if you insert a glass-framed slide, the results of a good film scanner will also be reduced. Not only that the glass frame absorbs and reflects more light. It also accumulates dust and dirt on it. In addition, air bubbles and pockets of moisture may form between the glass plate and the film that is also scanned.

Conclusion: With a slide scanner, it is best to use a glass-free framed slide with a platenless film scanner for digitizing.

Can I also rent a slide scanner?

Yes, you can also rent a slide scanner. You don't necessarily have to go to a local photo store for this, but you can use an online provider like Amazon.

Is negative scanner the same as slide scanner?

The difference between a slide scanner and a negative scanner is that the slide is positive. However, almost any device can scan slides and negatives. The negative is then converted into a positive using the software.

Is a slide scanner from Lidl or Aldi recommended?

Negative scanners and slide scanners from Lidl and Aldi usually have a good price-performance ratio. Unfortunately, this device is only available seasonally. If there is a new model from Lidl or Aldi, you should look at customer ratings before buying it online.

Conclusion

Nowadays, it is increasingly difficult to find a place that provides negative photo film printing services. A slide scanner can be a great solution if you still have old photos, negatives, and slides.

With Slide scanner, you can convert your photos to digital format more concisely. Well, after reading this article, we hope you can find the best slide scanner you want.

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