Choosing the Right Photo Scanner: What Do You Want to Scan? 

The type of scanner you buy will be based on the type of work you want to do with it.

The most popular scanners are flatbed scanners. These scanners allow users to work with prints, paper documents, and even three dimensional objects. There are some that even have a transparency hood or adapter to scan slides and negatives.

If most of the work will involve scanning transparencies, film, and negatives a dedicated film scanner is the better option. The resolution on these scanners is more appropriate for film and negatives.

If the majority of scanning done will be from books then flatbed scanners with a sheet feed would be a poor choice. Sheet feed type scanners are good for large volume scanning of single documents and images but are more likely to jam.

Another popular option is a multi-function scanner which can scan, print, and copy.

Epson - Perfection V500 Photo - Photo Scanner 

Click on the image to learn more or to buy

This Epson Perfection V500 photo scanner features:

6400 x 9600 dpi resolution

17" x 22" enlargements from film

Dust and scratch removal with Digital ICE®

Easy Photo Fix® to restore faded color photos

New ReadyScan LED technology for fast scan speeds

Built-in TPU - scans slides, negatives and medium format film

Adobe® Photoshop® Elements included

True-to-life reproductions with 48-bit color

Optional ADF to scan multiple documents fast

Hi-Speed USB 2.0

Choosing the Right Photo Scanner: Is It the Right Size? 

If a flatbed scanner is chosen then the bed size has to accomodate the items to be scanned. If the user will scan 12"x 17" documents, then the bedsize should be at least this large.

Epson Perfection V200 Flatbed Photo Scanner 

Click on the image to learn more or buy

This Epson is capable of scanning photos, film and even 3D objects with it's high-rise lid. It provides 4800 dpi resolution for outstanding quality.

Other capabilities include:

Scanning images to e-mail

Copying photos and documents for archiving purposes

Scanning film for enlargements

Scanning books and magazine layouts

Restoring faded color photos

Scanning slides and negatives

Choosing the Right Photo Scanner: Image Quality 

The quality of the images a scanner can produced is determined primarily by color depth/bit depth and resolution. In general, 36 to 48 bit depth is more than enough for most purposes.

A minimum resolution of 300dpi or 300spi is sufficient for text documents but 1200 dpi/spi is needed for photo reproduction. Film/negatives require at minmum of at least 2400dpi.

Looking for a "dynamic range" of at least 3.2 is also advised for the best quality.

Choosing the Right Photo Scanner: Speed 

If you have only an occasional need to scan and scan in small volumes, speed isn't so critical. However, if you have much to do speed becomes quite important.

A good generally rule is that an average speed of 10-20 seconds to scan an 8 x10" image is sufficient for most uses.

HP Scanjet G3010 Photo Scanner 

This HP Photo Scanner provides high definition scans with with 4800 x 9600 dpi resolution. It features:

HP Real Life technologies which allow automatic red eye removal

Text editing from scanned documents and magazines

Scanning of 35 mm slides and negatives

Dust and scratch removal from photos, slides or negatives

Restoration of faded color

Ability to create PDFs for easy filing and sharing via e-mail.

HP Photosmart to organize, edit and e-mail photos without large attachments

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection.

Choosing the Right Photo Scanner: Other Functions 

Photo scanners like other home electronics are cabable of multi-tasking.

Can the scanner scan to print, scan to file, fax, or e-mail? Does it come with software to allow it to scan, edit and even take text to a word processing file.

Flatbed scanners are also available that can scan film or slides if shoppers check for such features.

HP Scanjet G4010 Photo Scanner 

This HP photo scanner will function with photos, slides and negatives. It offers 6-color 96 bit photo scanning with 4800x9600 dpi resolution. It's features include:

Photo and document preview

Scans of slides or negatives

Printing of scans as copies from the users printer

Saving of scans as PDFs

E-mailing without large attachments

HP Photosmart to organize, edit, share and save scans, as well as simple ways to edit and enhance scans, save and organize photos by category and create unique projects

USB 2.0 connectivity

HP Real Life technologies for automatic red-eye removal and contrast sharpness adjustments

HP Adaptive Lighting to enhance dark photos

Choosing the Right Photo Scanner: Compatibility 

Obviously any photo scanner should have compatible connections to existing devices. USB 2.0 or Firewire are recommended for faster transfer.

HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner 

Click on the image for more information or to buy

This HP Photo Scanner offers 6-color, 96-bit scanning for high definition reproductions with 4800x9600 resolution. It features:

Text editing from scanned documents

Scanning of 35mm slides and negatives: other film sizes using a built-in adapter.

Dust and scratch removal

Photo restoration

HP Real Life for automatic red eye removal and enhancement of dark photos.

Easy scan, print, and copy functions

HP Photosmart for easy edit and e-mailing of

3-D scanning of books and larger items

Learn More about the HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner 

More About the HP G Series Scanners 

Canon Photo Scanners 

Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Film/Negative/Photo Scanner (2168B002)

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 10/08/2008)

Canon CanoScan 4400F Color Image Scanner (1306B002)

Amazon Price: $85.71 (as of 10/08/2008)

Canon CanoScan LiDE 25 Color Image Scanner (0307B001)

Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

Canon CanoScan LiDE 600F scanner (0302B002)

Amazon Price: $132.99 (as of 10/08/2008)

Canon CanoScan LiDE90 Color Image Scanner (2167B002)

Amazon Price: $79.00 (as of 10/08/2008)

More Helpful Information About Photo Scanners 

Care for a Photo Scanner

Useful information about caring for a photo scanner and how to avoid damage.

Choosing the Right Resolution

Find out more about choosing the right resolution when scanning images.

How Stuff Works

Learn more about how a photo scanner works.

Pop Photo

The latest product reviews and tests.

Photo Scanners in the News 

Epson Perfection Photo Scanner 10/7/2008 7:29:52 PM

Paul [leveille.paul@sympatico.ca]

Epson Perfection V500 Photo Scanner for $249.99

... Ice technology removes dust particles and scratches from images Energy-efficient LED light eliminates warm-up time while allowing faster scans 1-year limited manufacturer's warrantyClick here for Epson Perfection V500 Photo Scanner.

Epson - Expression 10000XL Photo - Flatbed 48-Bit Photo Scanner ...

Epson - Expression 10000XL Photo - Flatbed 48-Bit Photo Scanner With 2400 x 4800 Resolution With 2400 dpi resolution - higher than any other B-size flatbed scanner available today - plus a 3.8 Dmax and 48-bit color, ...

Epson Perfection 4490 Photo Scanner Realize Your Wishes At Cheap Price

Epson Perfection 4490 Photo Scanner - This flatbed scanner features Digital ICE technology, which gives you built-in dust & scratch removal for film, and Epson Easy Photo Fix, that provides one-touch color restoration. ...

Photo Scanner: Did You Find the Scanner You Want? Let Us Know! 

If you didn't find what you needed on this page, visit our full service home electronics store.

Lisa_Jo This is a wonderful lens:) Posted August 02, 2008

bdkz Great lens! I love my scanner. Posted March 20, 2008