Film/Slide scanners

[Andrew Bichard]

I want to scan all my old slides and film negatives into digital format.

Up to now, I have been using a four year old flatbed scanner with a film holder in the lid. It's a pain to use (fiddly to thread the film into the holder) and the end results are not that great.

I could buy a more up-to date flatbed scanner with better resolution and software, I could buy a low-cost 'no name' dedicated film scanner or I could buy a mid range dedicated film scanner like the Nikon Coolscan V ED LS50.

I want high quality scans - minimum 5 megapixel, preferably more.

I want ease of use - I have 40+ years worth of photos and need to be able to load the slides & film into the scanner. I don't want to spend hours retouching dust flecks and adjusting colour casts, brightness & contrast in software.

I want quality, but I don't want to overspend, as I want to upgrade my 4 megapixel digital camera within six months, in time for my next Disney visit!

Can anyone offer advice, or point me in the direction of a discussion group that might be able to help?


Andrew

[safetymom]

I would look at the Epson 4990 or 4880. They will batch scan and it also does a great job. It has digital ice if any images need some correction.

There are two versions and I would get the cheaper one if you are trying to save money. The more expensive version comes with more software but the scanner is exactly the same.

I love mine for slides and negs. It's very easy to use also.

[Geoff_M]

I have a Nikon Coolscan IV and it works great for me. It too has Digital ICE. Whatever scanner you get make sure it has ICE. Non-ICE scanners bring out the worst in negative... every little scratch tends to show up.

[Marimar]

I would go w/the best dedicated negative scanner you could afford.

[safetymom]

Many pros think the Epson 4990 is as good as a dedicated film scanner. Then you can use the flatbed to scan other items also.

[pyrxtc]

I scan slides also and I have been looking at a lens attatchment that lets you put a slide at the end and you take a picture of that. So your picture is as many megapixels as your camera is and no scanning problems.

[Andrew Bichard]

Many pros think the Epson 4990 is as good as a dedicated film scanner.

Since my original post, I have been researching further. Most reviewers say that film capable flatbed scanners are every bit as good as dedicated scanners, unless you want to spend thousands to buy a top end professional scanner. The Epson comes out top in the reviews with a Canon close behind and one of these will be the direction I take.

It seems it is time to retiremy old Agfa Snapscan!

Thank you everyone for your help. Now how about a Canon Prixma IP8500 to go with it?

[Olaf]

I have an Epson 4870 and it can do all that, but let me caution you. When you scan at that high res, it takes forever. Even longer with Digital Ice.

[manning]

Canon 9950F and Epson 4990 are neck and neck. Choose the one that most fits you needs.

[adrien32]

I scan slides also and I have been looking at a lens attatchment that lets you put a slide at the end and you take a picture of that. So your picture is as many megapixels as your camera is and no scanning problems.

Has anyone used one of these? Does it work well? It seems like it would be a good option for someone with a zillion slides to scan, like me. :confused3

[fiffy]

I've used the Nikon negative/slide scanners before. I honeslty don't remember which model it was in the Coolscan line. There are only two negatives to it that I have encountered. On negatives it does a very good job of scanning....a little too good. It tends to scan all the grain as well as the image and the end results looks even more grainie then a print would. The other negative was with slides. Not always but often wherever there were bright highlights you would get this very unnatural glow effect. I supose neither is a HUGE negative to the unit, but for me it is. Maybe I'm just too picky. :P I know that with the minilab I run I can scan both negatives and slides at as large as a 12x18 @ 300dpi with no ill efects so I use that one. But not everyone works in a camera store so thats not always an option. LOL
We also use epson flat bed scanners and although they are good they don't give the quality I know I can get. Again, no bad quality, just not as good. For home use I honestly don't see either as being a bad option. Just make sure the scanner (whichever you go with) will give you a high enough resolution. Oh and Digitol Ice just owns. :thumbsup2