Tips In Choosing The Best Slide Scanner

Deciding which device to purchase from a slide scanner selection can be frustrating considering the fact that there are several brands and models being sold in the market today. There are several factors that you need to consider because slide scanners come in different sizes and shapes. Their features and functions also vary depending on the manufacturer. To help you out in deciding which scanner suits your needs, below are some practical tips you can follow.




1) How will you be using the slide scanner? Keep in mind that scanners are specifically designed and manufactured to be used on 35mm slides and various film negatives. Here's what you need to know - some scanners are better suited for 35mm slides while other models are more appropriate for film negatives. With that said, you should choose a scanner based on where you are going to use it. Additionally, you must keep in mind that there are entry-level scanners and there are high-end scanners. The majority of entry-level scanners can only work on 35mm slides while their high-end counterparts can be used to scan several mounted slides in batches. Obviously, the high-end variants will be more expensive because they can accomplish more in less time.

2) Consider the software that is used to control the scanner. Many slide scanners are plug-and-play devices which mean you can start using them after you've plugged them into your computer. Usually, you will have to install some software so that you can manipulate the scanned photos using your computer. Some scanners enable you to connect the software with third-party applications like Photoshop. On the other hand, some scanners come with their own complete set of editing and storing functions. This means that you can do everything you want with your scanned images using the scanner's built-in software.

3) Consider the quality of the scanned images. This is one of the most important things you must take into account when choosing from a slide scanner selection. You should look at the specs of the scanner with regards to hardware resolution and optical resolution. You must also make comparisons with regards to color depth or bit depth and Dmax (dynamic range). Basically, this is the measurement of the amount of detail that the scanner is capable of recording digitally. If you are not familiar with these terms, you should seek advice from a graphics artist or professional photographer.

4) Only choose scanners manufactured by reputable brands. As we mentioned earlier, there are dozens of slide scanners being sold out there. It's highly recommended that you only buy from well-known manufacturers. Not only do they sell high-quality scanners, they offer quick customer support as well. When it comes to quality, the best slide scanners in the market today include the Wolverine F2D Mighty, the Sharper Image Photo Converter, the Pacific Image ImageBox MF, the Hammacher Schlemmer Superior, and the ION Film 2 SD Plus.

If you follow these simple but practical tips, choosing from a slide scanner selection shouldn't be too difficult. To summarize, you should consider how you are going to use the scanner, the software that comes with the device, the quality of the scanned images, and the brand that manufactures the gadget.