With the world steadily becoming more digital, the idea of shooting analog images is becoming less attractive. Digital photograph makes things a lot easier but there are still lots of people that prefer to shoot with films. With so much happening online, one key area film cameras come short is the fact that it denies you the convenience of sharing your images online. There has been a remedy for this, however, in the form of negative film scanners.
Negative film scanners are devices that can help you digitize your images captured with film cameras before printing them. With this device, you can convert your film images to digital formats and save them before going ahead to print. You can also share such digitized images online like you would share images originally captured through digital photography.
Negative film scanners come in different models and sizes. Most of them have additional functionalities including software that let you retouch scanned images. You should also consider such things as the acceptable format, the resolution, color depth and Dmax offered by the scanner.
We have researched extensively to put together a list of 10 best ten slide and negative film scanners you can buy now. Check our comprehensive list below.
Top 10 Best Slide/Negative Film Scanners
1. DIGITNOW 22MP All-in-One Film & Slide Scanner
This is an all-in-one scanner with advanced technology that eliminates the need for a computer connection in order to operate the scanner: it scans on its own. It can handle a variety of film types including 35mm, 110 & 126 KPK negatives and slides, as well as Super 8 film. It comes with speed loading interchangeable adapters that lets you feed all these film types. The integrated 2.4” color LCD screen lets you view and edit images as you scan. It comes with 128MB internal memory and you can add an optional SD card to save scanned images. The valuable package also comes with several accessories.
2. DIGITNOW All-in-One Film Scanner
Another great product from DIGITNOW, there are so many impressive features and reasons to buy this device. It functions smoothly to convert your photo prints, slides, and negative films to digital images. It is also easier and faster to use than most scanners in the market. It is also convenient for editing the digital images with the built-in editing software. There is also the helpful color 2.4” LCD screen to guide you while you edit the scanned images. This negative film scanner can work without a computer and you don’t need to be a genius to operate it. You can simply transfer the images through USB. Internal memory is 128MB but there is 4GB SD card included in the package.
3. Epson Perfection V600
This is a scanner from industry leaders Epson that can handle most things you throw at it. In addition to converting negative films, the device can handle photos and documents of different types including invoices and receipts. The versatile scanner has a built-in Transparency Unit that is used to scan slides, negatives and medium-format panoramic film up to 6 x 22 cm. It also features Epson’s Digital ICE dust and scratch removal technology that works on print and film scans to remove any appearances of creases or tears from a damaged film. The device is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
4. Epson Perfection V800 Photo Scanner
This is among the best rated film scanners you will find in the market. Though it is reasonably more expensive than many other devices that can scan your photos and negatives, the quality of scanning you will obtain with it will make you forget the extra amount you spent. Some of the reasons you get such extraordinarily perfect digital images include the 6400 dpi, a 4.0 Dmax, and dual lens scanning. The Digital ICE technology also work efficiently to remove defects from films. It also comes equipped with powerful software: LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast SE software for enhanced functionality. It is compatible with different Windows and Mac operating systems.
5. Ivation High Resolution Film Scanner
This is a versatile High Resolution scanner that can digitize images from 135, 110, 126, Black and White, Films Slides and Negatives. In addition to the main scanner unit, the 23MP film scanner from Ivation comes with interchangeable adapters to feed the different film types. There are other interesting things about this device and the fact that it is actually inexpensive makes it more attractive. The Extra-large LCD (3.5”) enables you to observe each image as clearly as possible while editing. There is also a built-in interpolation that can upgrade each image from 14 to 23 megapixels for excellent image quality.
6. Kodak Scanza Digital Film & Slide Scanner
Kodak is an industry pace-setter and you can always expect any product from the company to be top quality. This device does not disappoint at all. It is a versatile device that will help you to digitize a variety of antique films including 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 and 8mm negatives. As you scan the device, the Kodak Scanza allows you to edit and transfer your digital devices to Mac and Window devices for further manipulation and sharing. There is also a built-in extra-large LCD color display (3.5”), as well an easy operational interface to make things easy. It can support microSD card of up to 128GB for storing.
7. Magnasonic All-in-One Film Scanner
Though an all-in-one film scanner, this is a budget option that you may love for so many reasons. It offers an affordable solution for individuals that want to bring their personal film, slides, and negatives into the digital world without breaking the bank. The portable device delivers outstanding 22 megapixel quality scans, all the same. It is also a very fast scanner, taking just seconds to digitize your negative films. It also offers you the ability to edit your images with a full color LCD screen to view them as you edit. It is also versatile, accepting 33mm negatives, 126, 135, and 110 films, as well as Super 8 films, slides and negatives.
8. Pacific Image Prime-Film 7200U
This is a compact scanner that you will love for so many reasons including its reasonable price. Though it may not be the best choice for a professional photographer, it will help someone who has strong passion for the art. It provides impressive scanning for 35mm negative and transparencies at 7200 x 7200dpi resolution. This allows for enlargements up to 18 x 12” at 300dpi. You will also get up to 48 bit color integrity with this scanner.
9. Plustek OpticFilm 8100
This device is specially made to offer excellent scanning solution for film photography and slide conversion. Of course you should expect nothing less from a company that has been manufacturing dedicated film scanners for over 20 years. The OpticFilm 8100 is a 7200 dpi resolution scanner, designed with state of the art illumination and optical systems that deliver outstanding image quality from film negatives. Other impressive features include dynamic range shadow, professional software bundle, compatibility with various windows and MAC operating systems.
10. Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film Scanner
This is a powerful scanner from Plustek that can handle most things you throw at it, especially when it comes to resolution and color calibration. It offers an impressive 7200dpi resolution with 48-bit color depth to get the best out of your original negative film. It also comes with the built-in SilverFast software that is capable of handling scanning, editing, and color reproduction easily and in a timely manner. Other features that will interest you include the button utility software in the form of QuickScan, inbuilt infra-red channel and the fact that it is green compliant.