Hobbies And Interests
Amateur Slide Scanner
The amateur slide scanner ranks as the least expensive method for scanning slides. The typical home use slide scanner connects to a computer via a USB cable and comes with a holder for 35mm slides and one for 35mm negatives. These scanners offer resolution up to 2592 x 1680 dpi (dots per inch). At this resolution prints made up to size 5̶1; x 7̶1; still retain very good quality. These scanners offer ease of setup and ease of use usually through a single button.
A number of retailers including Hammacher and Schlemmer, Brookstone and Best Buy sell amateur slide scanners. A self-contained unit, most amateur scanners come with software for image manipulation and printing. This unit works great for creating digital backups of slides and negatives.
Flatbed scanner
Some flatbed scanners offer a range of scanning options including flat material, slides and negatives. Only flatbed scanners designed to accommodate slides work correctly. Without an internal light source above the image to shine light through the slide during scanning, a flatbed scanner will not scan slides appropriately. Epson makes a full line of flatbed scanners that include slide scanning capabilities. The Epson Perfection V-750-M-Pro offers 6400 dpi, an enhanced optical system and Digital ICE technology. Digital ICE automatically removes imperfections and dust during the scanning process. Flatbed scanners make an ideal unit for creating digital storage files and printing of analog media.
Dedicated film scanner
Dedicated film scanners offer the highest non-commercial quality scan available. The big brother of the amateur film scanner̵2;it uses dedicated slide and negative holders like its little brother, but offers advanced optics, resolution and scanning capabilities. The Nikon Super COOLSCAN 9000 ED offers Nikon ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, multiple film formats, 4000 dpi and a 16 bit analog-to-digital converter. Dedicated film scanners have the ability to create beautiful files perfect for making large prints.
Drum scanner
Drum scanners clearly belong in the domain of the professional photography lab or studio. Drum scanning delivers the highest quality available from 35mm slides and negatives. This type of scanner costs a lot, is physically large and requires special skills to operate. Drum scanned images produce extremely large file sizes and individual scans are expensive. The quality of a drum-scanned image remains superior to that produced by amateur and dedicated film scanners.