Best Slide Scanners

We couldn't help mentioning the scanner's software. The device comes with a disk that has a couple of programs, compatible with Windows and Mac OSes. The first one is called QuickScan. Basically, it is used for making copies of the slides in just a few seconds. The resulting file has a small resolution, therefore, it's more appropriate for the recently made, good quality film.

The second program is SilverFast Ai Studio 8 for professional film scanning. It can even quickly process and save images in 64bit HDRi RAW format for professional use. The maximum resolution of the copy is 7200 dpi. This is approximately equal to a photo, taken with a 70 MP camera, which is really huge. Just for reference, iPhone 7 has a 12 MP camera. Thus, SilverFast is a perfect tool if you want to restore old archive photos from the negatives. Generally, the 3600 dpi is enough for standard scans, though. Anyway, the 7200 dpi will be suitable for getting detailed scans of architecture masterpieces or similar subjects with countless tiny parts and elements that might be blurred out with some other scanners.

Even more, SilverLight has a variety of configurable options for the full or partial color correction, image noise and grains reduction. The icing on the cake is the support of the special iSDR technology that can automatically and instantly fix such things like small fissures and scratches on the film, fingerprints, dust, and other things. This was made possible owing to the scanning technology in Infra-Red light.

First of all, librarians and catalogers will love the fact that the scanner's lamp does not warm the film up, so it won't get damaged, while the old slides are inside the scanner. Also, the digitalized pictures can be saved in image files with incredibly high resolution, that will show all of the smallest details of the original film.

Additionally, Plustek OPTICFILM 8200ISE can be a great buy for both professional retouchers and photo enthusiasts who love taking photos with 35mm film cameras. With it, they will be able to protect and preserve the precious memories, captured on the fragile layers of plastic.

The Wolverine F2D Mighty doesn't require any special programs or drivers on your PC, therefore, it's compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. The device is powered via a Mini-USB-to-USB cable (included) and comes with an AC-USB adaptor. Thus, you can either hook it up to a computer or a wall plug. In addition to the standard LCD screen, the device can be connected to a TV screen via a composite vide cable that can be bought separately. The buttons on the control panel are used for turning the device on-off, selecting a film size and format, save or delete images or upload them to an SD card.

As a result, we can recommend this film scanner to all photo enthusiasts who prefer working with different slide formats and want to share them quickly with friends and relatives online.

Memory cards are way more durable than slides or photos. However, even they may require protection, especially, during transportation. To protect such tiny things like SD cards, a lot of people worldwide use protective hard cases, that can be bought online.

The history of the first photo can be traced back to the 19th century, when Joseph Niépce captured the image with the camera obscura on a thin paper, layered with the silver chloride. Anyhow, the mass production of the 35mm handheld photo cameras began in 1925 with the release of the Leica I model by Leica company. For many following years, the company has been holding the leading positions in the industry.

Another notable moment in photo history was in 1963, when the Polaroid introduced its instant camera that could develop the film in a matter of seconds, allowing more and more people to use a camera without the necessity of expensive film developing in photo laboratories or print shops.

Nowadays, people mostly use digital cameras instead of film rolls that become more and more expensive to develop. Thus, the demand for the slides and photo film is somewhat low. However, the film can capture the smallest object details with almost microscopic quality, while a digital sensor has a megapixel limit. Therefore, in terms of capturing the details, the fine grain film can still be superior to most of the digital photos. But to preserve the old negatives and slides, people need using some special devices like these film scanners.

If you have all of your negatives mixed together in one box or small plastic pockets and you are going to keep them after the scanning, you need to use either some binder or holding pages to store these slides appropriately.

In addition to the film holders, the package includes an 8 GB SD memory card for storing the scans. The included thin brush can help you clean the dust from the insides of the scanner, reaching from each side of the slide slots.

The CD has a PhotoPad program for Mac OS and Windows. In it, you can edit your scans with such basic functions like cropping and quick color corrections. However, the scanner does not require the computer connection to operate. Thus, if your friend asks you to scan some of his or her old negatives collection, you can bring this device with you and get the digital copies right at their home.

Overall, the ClearClick Photo, Slide, Negatives Converter is a great investment for creating digital copies of a large scans collections. After that, you can use it as a small office scanner for up to A6 paper sheets.

If by any chance you haven't got a micro SD card yet or you'd like to upgrade your old one and get a more capacious one, you can pick one from here.

Along with the LCD display, the control buttons are also placed on top of the housing. The included manual can be a bit confusing about some of the device functions. However, the controls are not complicated at all - choose the size, place the film, press the scan. Easy as that.

Another good news is that you don't need to install any drivers to work with this scanner. Actually, you don't need a computer at all. The device is powered via USB port and has a slot for SD cards. By the way, the manufacturer offers us to use this scanner as a card reader if your computer doesn't support this option, which may come in handy in many situations.

Overall, it is a solid multi-functional device that will quickly digitalize all of your slides, negative strips, and photos. Although it is a bit tall, it will surely take much less space than a big office scanner on your table at home or in the office.

The film and photo restoration also requires a quality monitor with a reliable color calibration. Therefore, check out our review of the best monitors for photographers.