Best Slide Converters 2012

Converting slides to digital images is a smart way to preserve all the important history and events captured on film. But how best to go about the process takes a little forethought.

Slide Converter vs Slide Scanner

A slide converter and a slide scanner are very different. A slide converter is basically like a small digital camera that takes a picture of your slide and converts that picture into an image file. The output is usually a JPG file between 5 to 9 megapixels.

A scanner on the other hand can scan a slide at a very high resolution which results in a better better image in both clarity and color reproduction. Most slide scanners also have additional features incorporated into their hardware or software which can enhance the final image, things like dust removal or color restoration.

Overall, using a slide scanner to digitize you slides or negatives will result in better images. This can be especially important if you have plans to print enlargements or need to do any digital restoration.

Why Buy a Slide Converter?

So if a slide scanner gives better results, then why buy a slide converter? The answer is because not everyone needs high-quality nor has the time to invest in such a process. Depending on the number of slides you have, scanning them can be a large time investment because scanning can be slow and more involved.

Using a slide converter is a simple and quick process in comparison. You load your slides into the feeder, hit a button and you are done. Move onto the next slide.

Most slide converters are also stand-alone units, meaning you can use them independent of a computer. You can sit on the couch and watch TV while you scan your slides. The digital images are stored on a memory card and can be later transferred at your convenience.

Finally, slide converters are much smaller than a flatbed scanner and generally cheaper. They are a nice option for the person who doesn't have room for a scanner or doesn't have the budget to warrant the additional cost.

But do be aware that if you buy a slide converter you will be trading ease for quality. There are many mixed reviews online for the slide converters listed here and I think some people may have had unrealistic expectations. Before you buy, make sure you think about whether ease or quality is most important to you.