The Best Negative Scanners
How do I convert negative film to digital? There are several film scanners to digitize negatives. In fact, a simple comparison is not enough. With features and top notch hardware, the scanners can produce high quality results. Negative scanners are designed to work with slides, negatives, and a wide range of films. Which negative scanner is best? The best negative scanners should be easy to use. Ideally, you only need to put the negatives or slides in it and the images get digitized. Standalone scanners need a computer to edit, save, and scan images.
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A List of Top 10 Best Negative Scanners
Epson Perfection v600
This negative scanner can work with photo, film, slides, and paper. Its convertible interface allows you to get good results with little effort out of the negative. Its Digital ICE can remove mechanical defects and foreign particles that are common with old films.
Pros
High resolution
Automatic modes
Fast speed
Plustek Opticfilm 8100
This negative scanner can generate sharp results with lots of details that you can even print on A3 size. Another thing you will like about this scanner is its dMax. This combined with multi-exposure feature, it can extract great deal of detail from the contrasted images.
Pros
High-resolution scans
Convenient bundled software
Good quality
Multi exposure feature
Cons
No dust removal feature
Epson Perfection v800
The major difference with the v600 is the installed LEDs. Yet, the quality of scanning is not influenced by this change. If you like using enclosed software, it handles the tasks and can help you get good results. But, the bundled software provides better functionality, thanks to Multi-exposure function.
Pros
Time saving software
Curved negatives
Helpful manual
Cons
Software failures are common
Magnasonic All-in-One Film Scanner
If you need a compact scanner that you can carry around without having to compromise on image quality, then Magnasonic All-in-One Film Scanner is simply the best. Ideally, this scanner provides 3.8 dynamic range and 48-bit color depth. With the resolution of 10,000 x 10,000 dpi, you are guaranteed beautiful large prints and high-quality images.
Pros
Auto color correction
48-bit color depth support
Cons
Not standalone
Canon CanoScan 9000f MkII
This negative scanner has great features. For instance, it takes care of undesirable imperfections such as scratches or dust. In this way, you can achieve color depth of 48 bits and with a resolution of 9600 x 9600 dpi. Moreover, with the 35mm slides, you have the freedom to slide them no matter the thickness of the frame. It also comes with a film holder that locates 4 mounted slides. You will have to load it when the fixture is on your scanner, which is quite tricky.
Pros
Easy to use
Large scanning area
Scratch elimination feature
Cons
Does not automatically size the image
Reflecta CrystalScan 7200
This is a heavy negative scanner with impressive 3.8 dMax. Also, it can produce images with 3600 dpi that are improved by built-in dust detection system. The provided fixtures are convenient and sturdy. The slider is easy to load because of the improved design.
Pros
High resolution scans
Dust elimination feature
Sturdy holders
Supports different file formats
Cons
Low productivity
A bit expensive
Heavy scanner
Plustek Opticfilm 135
This negative scanner is loaded with lots of feature that make it practical and functional. For instance, it has an integrated channel that can detect scratches and dust on the film. Moreover, it supports independent image editing. This canner has a holder that can accommodate 35mm film frames. Also, you will like the overall quality of the device.
Epson Scanner v550
This scanner delivers a resolution of 6400 x 9600 dpi. Ideally, you will find this to be enough for most cases. Its color depth is 48 bits and optical density of 3.4 dMax that accurately reproduces slightest color shades. The device boasts ICE technology, color restoration function, and dust removal feature. You can print the result on A3 format or more with minor adjustments. Some users have reported that the plastic of the frame feels a bit flimsy.
Pros
High-resolution scans
Effective dust removal
Histogram compensation correction
Cons
Slow capture
Wolverine Data F2D Titan 8-in-1
This negative scanner has a lot of features that make it a perfect choice for professional photographers. The unit has large LCD screen and it is not only large but perfect for viewing your scanned images. Also, it works great if you want to make edits. Another thing you will like about this scanner is the image quality it produces. With the 20MP sensor, the unit gives up to 5,472 x 3,648 pixels. You will also fall in love with its speed of conversion.
Pros
Standalone scanner
Very fast
LCD display
Cons
Low internal memory
Pyle Digital 3-in-1 Photo Film Scanner
This is a reliable scanner that deserves its place on the best negative scanners. With the auto image processing and CD management system, it is perfect for negatives. Also, the 2.4 inch LCD screen allows you to manage the files and editing more efficient.
Pros
Easy to transfer files
Versatile scanner
Fast scanning
Cons
Low screen resolution