Slide scanners are designed to convert film originals to digital files for sharing, printing, and archiving. If you have an archive of negatives, this is an incredible tool that will breathe a new life into your films. However, not all scanners are the same. They range from the basic models to higher-end scanners. Here is what you should look for when buying a slide scanner.
Output quality
When buying a scanner you should make sure it has the best output quality. What’s more, the images should look clear even when printed in large formats. The quality of scanned photos is usually determined by bit depth. Because color is measured in bits, the higher these values are the better. Other than providing an image with a higher resolution scan, it should reduce the appearance of dust spots. Also, pay close attention to the megapixels you’re interested in. Most scanners will range from 5 to 9. A high number of pixels gives clear images.
Today’s slide scanners have a special feature called interpolation. This is a software technique that creates extra pixels to make the image longer. More interpolation means lower the image quality.
Speed
A top quality slide scanner will give the highest resolution when scanning at the highest speed. With this in mind, you should look for a scanner that has a high scanning rate. Some of the inexpensive models out there may require that you scan to your computer one at a time. It’s important that you check the manufacturer’s definition of speed. Sometimes speed may vary based on the model and paper size. A typical slide scanner takes 10-20 seconds to scan a negative which is considered satisfactory.
Ease of use
A general rule of thumb is to find a scanner that fits your demands. The 35mm slide can be used as standalone scanners. This means you don’t need computer connectivity to scan the negatives. Thankfully, most models require you to feed the slides to get the images in digital format. Others are supplied with software and drivers for Mac and Windows operating systems.
Other programs may include optical character recognition and online cloud integration to convert scanned images to different formats. You should also narrow down on the objective of the scanner will help you make a wise investment decision. Many scanners offer network connections and wireless networking capabilities which allows the user to place them at a convenient place at home or office. A few models will also include copying and faxing options. And if you need to share images with your family or colleagues, look for a device that allows you to scan a high volume of slides per day.
Check its compatibility
If you have a scanner that cannot be used with the present day PC, it’s useless. Get a scanner that is compatible with your software program. If you have an old computer, be sure to check the specifications. Don’t just be dazzled with new products that hit the market within your price range. It’s better to have a pricey scanner than a cheap one you rarely use.
Final thoughts
With technology moving at breakneck speed, you can now convert your old media into shareable content. Slide scanners allow you to turn slides to digital images. If you’re looking for an excellent slide scanner that fits your needs, you should follow the above buying guide.
