If you're looking to buy a new photo scanner then this is the article you need to read. To begin with we will compare the difference between normal scanners and dedicated photo scanners. We will then take a look at some features to keep an eye out for. We will then finish off with a look at the main brands and their product ranges.
Regular Scanners vs Photograph Scanners
First of all, you must decide what type of scanner you need. Do you want a versatile all-round flatbed scanner which is able to scan all kinds of documents, or do you want a dedicated photo film scanner, designed specifically just for scanning photos? Or do you want a combination of the two, a photo film scanner that is also able to scan other documents?
The advantages of owning a good all-round scanner is that you can use it not just for photos but for scanning anything. On the other hand, with a dedicated photo scanner, you will get a machine that is perfectly suited to getting the best out of your photographs, with excellent image resolution, highly sensitive color, slide and photo negative holders, as well as many other photography-specific features and functions.
Features of a Decent Image Scanner
Photo scanners come with a wide range of useful features, but here are the most important features that you must have:
· Film & Transparency Scanning: is the scanner designed specifically for scanning films and transparencies? Check to see what fittings it comes with and whether it is able to scan your chosen medium.
· Scanning Resolution: a good high resolution scanner is the the Canon CanoScan 9000F. This has 9600 x 9600 color resolution with a 48-bit color depth and more than 281 trillion colors.
· Photo Restoration: if you are scanning old photo negatives, then it's useful to be able to instantly retouch any imperfections along the way.
· Bundled Software: you don't want to just scan your photos and then leave them on your computer in their scanned state. You want to be able to easily edit your photos as well, and that's where bundled photo software is extremely useful.
The Major Picture Scanner Brands & Their Product Ranges
Obviously, there are a lot of brands that make scanners, but these are the top brands of photo scanners:
· SVP: $39-$170. A broad variety of dedicated photography film scanners at incredibly reasonable prices.
· Epson: $100-$2,500. A great selection of products spread across a very broad price range.
· Pacific Image Electronics: $60-$500. A small assortment of dedicated photo film scanners.
· Nikon: $200-$6,000. A small assortment of dedicated photo film scanners, spread across a particularly wide price range.
· HP: $38-$178. A small collection of scanners at decent prices.
Author Resource:
Still undecided which photo scanner to buy? Visit Best Photo Scanner where you will find reviews of all the top scanners, including the Canon 8800F