How to Find the Best Photograph Scanner - Things to Keep in Mind

Feb 8
08:30

2011

Marcus Lewison

Marcus Lewison

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If you're looking to buy a new photo scanner then this is the article you need to read. We will start by comparing standard scanners to photo scanners. We will then take a look at some features to keep an eye out for. We will then finish off with a look at the main brands and their product ranges.

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Normal Scanners vs Photograph Scanners

First of all,How to Find the Best Photograph Scanner - Things to Keep in Mind Articles you need to decide on what type of scanner it is that you want. For example, are you looking for a general multipurpose scanner which can scan anything? Or are you looking more for an actual photo scanner, designed specifically for the task of scanning photo films and negatives? Or do you want a combination of the two, a photo film scanner that is also able to scan other documents?

There is a lot to be said for having a general multipurpose scanner, because you can use it for scanning any kind of document. Nonetheless, a dedicated photo scanner will be designed specifically for the purpose of scanning photos. This will ensure you get the best quality digital images from your photo films and negatives, and will come with specific functions for getting the most out of your photos.

Features of a Decent Photo Scanner

Photo scanners come with a wide range of useful features, but here are the most important features that you must have:

Film & Transparency Scanning: is the scanner designed specifically for scanning films and transparencies? Check to see what fittings it comes with and whether it is able to scan your chosen medium.
High Scanning Resolution: an example of a scanner with good resolution would be the Canon CanoScan 9000F. This has 9600 x 9600 color resolution together with a 48-bit color depth and greater than 281 trillion colors.
Photo Restoration: if you are scanning old photo negatives, then it’s useful to be able to instantly retouch any imperfections along the way.
Photo Software: once you’ve scanned in your photos, you want to be able to view and edit them on your computer, so it’s useful if the scanner comes with some good photo editing software.

The Major Photography Scanner Makes & Their Product Ranges

Obviously, there are a lot of brands that make scanners, but these are the top brands of photo scanners:

SVP: $39-$170. A broad choice of dedicated photography film scanners at exceptionally reasonable prices.
Epson: $100-$2,500. A great variety of products spread across an especially big price range.
Pacific Image Electronics: $60-$500. A small selection of dedicated photo film scanners.
Nikon: $200-$6,000. A small assortment of dedicated photo film scanners, spread across a very wide price range.
HP: $38-$178. A small collection of scanners at great prices.