If you want to scan and save images while making sure that antique slides, film negatives, and even photos are preserved over time, photo scanners are a great investment. Depending on the conditions in which they are stored, physical things may deteriorate with time, fade in the light, or sustain water damage. In any case, you don’t want to leave your treasured photos up to chance.
Scanning capabilities are included with many of the top printers, but they are often designed for office documents. High-quality images can be digitized using a specialized photo scanner, guaranteeing that the original photos’ tone, color, and detail are accurately captured. So that you may feel certain about preserving your most treasured images, we have compiled our selection of highly regarded photo scanners and expert-approved scanners in this guide.
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Best overall pickEpson Perfection V600
$undefined$349.99Amazon
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Best for film negativesPlustek OpticFilm 8100
$undefined$349.00Amazon
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Best high speed scannerEpson FastFoto FF-680W
$495.00$529.99Amazon
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How we picked the best photo scanners
In addition to leveraging my personal experience as a consumer technology journalist for CNET, TechRadar, and NBC Select, I also sought input from other gadget experts when choosing these recommendations. I considered the following criteria when selecting particular models:
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Image quality
: When scanning photos, the most important metric is image quality. We looked for models with a decent ppi (pixels per inch) while keeping in mind that not all buyers will want the large file sizes that come with high resolution scans. -
Price
: If you re buying a dedicated photo scanner, rather than an all-in-one printer-scanner-copier, you re likely paying more for fewer features overall. However, we looked for models at a variety of price points to ensure there was something for every budget.
The best photo scanners
Epson Perfection V600
Epson Perfection V600
- Fair price
- Extensive features
- Nothing to note at this time
Because of its affordable price, Kaz Marzo, Operations Manager and photography specialist at Image Acquire, suggests the Epson Perfection V600. He claims that it performs admirably at preserving the original colors and details of images, something that many pricey scanners are unable to do. The V600 is a fantastic first option for people looking for a straightforward, efficient solution because it can scan color images, film negatives, and documents and connects via a single USB cable.
Brand: Epson | Size: 19 x 11 x 4.6 inches | Color: Yes | Capacity: 10 sheets | Connectivity: USB | Weight: 9 pounds
Plustek OpticFilm 8100
Plustek OpticFilm 8100
- Focus on film
- Included carry bag
- Can t scan documents
Unlike some of the other scanners on this list, the OpticFilm 8100 is not a flatbed scanner, which means it does not have a hinged lid or the room required to scan A4 documents. However, it can scan 35mm film negatives and slides, enabling digital reproduction of images at higher resolutions, ranging from a low-quality 600 dpi to a high-quality 7200 dpi. This is a good choice for anyone scanning film negatives, according to Marzo. A dust-proof bag is included with the OpticFilm8100 for convenient storage and transportation.
Brand: Plustek | Size: 4.7 x 10.7 x 4.7 inches | Color: Yes | Sheet Capacity: N/A | USB connectivity | Weight: 3.52 lbs
Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner
Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner
- Low cost
- Slim design
- No film negatives
The CanoScan Lide 400 is the only affordable picture scanner you need to consider. This thin model won’t take up much room because it is only 0.4 inches thick. As long as you avoid scanning film negatives or slides, which the Lide 400 s sensor isn’t meant for, it can still scan a variety of images and documents with a maximum resolution of 4800 dpi. Additionally, out of more than 5,900 reviews, it has a 4.2 Amazon rating.
Dimensions: 7.7 x 14.5 x 0.4 inches; Color: Yes; Sheet Capacity: 1; Connectivity: USB; Weight: 3.6 lbs; Brand: Canon; Resolution: 4800 x 4800 dpi
Epson FastFoto FF-680W
Epson FastFoto FF-680W
- High speed
- A4 document scans
- No film or slide sensor
If you need to scan a large number of images quickly, this high-speed Epson scanner is ideal. You can configure a stack of 36 photos to automatically feed the scanner and scan up to one picture per second with a sheet tray for photos. Although the 24-bit color depth is a bit less than some of the 48-bit versions on this list, the FastFoto is an excellent choice for efficiency and simplicity; it has more than 3,000 reviews and a 4.5 Amazon rating.
Epson brand, resolution of 600 dpi, dimensions of 6.7 x 11.7 x 6.8 inches, color, sheet capacity of 10, USB connectivity, and weight of 8.2 lbs
Epson Perfection V39 II
Epson Perfection V39 II
- Slim design
- Removable lid
- Nothing to note at this time
At just $99, this thin Epson picture scanner provides a portable method of scanning documents and images. In order to accommodate larger, bulkier items like books and magazines, it has a lid that can be completely removed and a 4800 dpi resolution for detailed image quality. As of this writing, 4,800 reviews have given the V39 II an Amazon rating of 4.1.
Brand: Epson | Size: 9.9 x 14.4 x 1.5 inches | Color: Yes | Capacity: 1 sheet | USB connectivity | Weight: 3.1 pounds
How to shop for the best photo scanners
It’s crucial to know what qualities you require in a photo scanner before making a purchase.
Scanner type: Although many models are capable of scanning a variety of photos, documents, and images, this isn’t always the case, particularly with less expensive scanners. For example, you’ll need a picture scanner with the right sensor if you want to scan transparent slides or film negatives. A flatbed scanner that can handle photos and other paper documents is more expensive than certain picture scanners that can only handle film negatives and slides.
Image quality and settings: According to Marzo, many scanners perform poorly because users don’t handle the photos properly and use the scanner’s settings correctly to get the best performance out of your model. According to Marzo, a lot of individuals make blunders here. Additionally, scanning at extremely high settings doesn’t necessarily result in better images; it can cause the file to grow excessively without enhancing the image’s appearance. Correct use of a high-quality scanner yields the best results; merely making adjustments on the computer can destroy the original appearance of the photo.
Frequently asked questions
A common metric for determining how much visual detail your photo scanner can capture is pixels per inch, or PPI. While a high number permits more pixels and, thus, more units of information in the scan, a low number indicates less detail.
According to Marzo, 300 to 600 ppi is usually sufficient for storing or distributing original photos. It can be useful to scan at 1200 ppi if you need to enlarge the image.
According to Marzo, scanning is typically preferable to taking old images. This is because scanners are good at collecting details and offer consistent lighting without the glare and other issues that can arise from camera lenses. Additionally, scanning will not be as reliant on the lighting of the room you are in.
When scanning, storing, or sharing images, there are a variety of file kinds to take into account, each with advantages of its own. According to Marzo, JPEG is frequently preferable for pictures since it maintains high quality while reducing file size, making it ideal for sharing and viewing. When scanning documents with clear text, PDF is preferable. Generally speaking, TIFF files provide the highest image quality, but they also need to be hefty in size.
You should be able to restore the complete image quality of your photos as long as the photo scanner has a respectable ppi resolution. But Marzo adds It’s crucial to avoid using a higher resolution than is necessary because doing so enlarges the file without enhancing the image.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we take precautions to guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Kaz Marzo is the Operations Manager at
Image Acquire
. Kaz really loves telling stories through pictures and knows a lot about photography. At Image Acquire, Kaz leads a team serving photography enthusiasts and professionals. Kaz keeps up with the latest photography trends and techniques, helping Image Acquire become the go-to place for photographers.
Why trust NBC Select?
Since 2017, Henry St. Leger has covered the most recent advancements in consumer electronics, including smart speakers, VR headsets, TVs, and headphones. They currently work as a freelancer for NBC Select, Healthline, and The Independent after formerly serving as the News & Features Editor at TechRadar.
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