Are you tired of piling hard copies of files now and then? Are they consuming much of your space? What if we show you a rescue plan, wouldn’t that be great? Of course, yes! Well, the process is easy. With a simple film and slide scanner, you can scan and save your hard copies files to your PC or smart device.
Just like their names, film, and slide scanners are designed to scan films and save images, making them useful devices for preserving memories for future access. For over two decades, we have been in service, we have gained first-hand experience with different types of scanners, and we have decided to help you make the right decision while shopping for film scanners.
Best Negative Scanners:
KODAK SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner
Kodak Scanza is well known for its large tilting LCD screen measuring 3.5 inches which not only allows you to watch photos on a large screen size but also makes scanning and editing easier.
In the box, this device will come with several adapters, which are aimed to expand its usability—worried about connectivity? Rest easy! Kodak Scanza was developed to support USB connectivity as well as HDMI cables. Without a doubt, this device is among the 35 mm film scanners out there in the market.
This device is on its level. The majority of customers who had first-hand experience agreed in a common accord that this is a super high scanner that you shouldn’t lack. From an intuitive interface to a large LCD screen to high scanning speed, Kodak Scanza makes the scanning of films and slides a hassle-free process.
As with any other product, there can’t be one or two people with negative experiences. With this device, you cannot scan your slides directly to your PC even though the manual indicates you can do so.
Indeed, Kodak Scanza is a useful scanner that can serve basic scanning needs. It is very affordable and can last for a long without experiencing technical breakdowns. Furthermore, it is easy to operate. Try this scanner, and you will never regret it.
Features
- Large tilting LCD measuring 3.5 inch
- Friendly interface
- Connectivity: HDMI & USB support
- Fast film scanning speed
- One big multi-purpose button
- Speed load adapters
Pros
- It has one big button which serves several actions making its use easy.
- Can scan films in seconds. This makes it useful even to scan loads of film within a short time.
- It has an HDMI port and USB port that enable external connections for easier sharing of files.
- Comes with external adapters that enhance its usability.
- Has a large LCD with a display measuring 35 mm for easier viewing, editing, and scanning.
Cons
- It can only create digital images with up to 14-megapixel resolution, so scanned photos will not be pristine.
Magnasonic Film Scanner
Effortless and fast scanning speed are the surest elements you will get when using a Magnasonic film scanner. That’s not all. With a 22 MP resolution, this scanner ensures you get fantastic images with a quality tone.
This scanner comes with in-built memory storage that can hold up to 128 MBs, which enables you to scan and store images. Also, operating this scanner is easier as it has a 24-inch LCD screen that allows you to view larger images.
The friendly interface is also another significant design adjustment, and users will like the wide film and slide compatibility, which makes this device more versatile. If you want the film negative scanner, the Magnasonic film scanner won’t be the wrong choice.
The device is easy to set up. It also works very well and produces high-quality images. However, even with its goodies, it didn’t lack some downsides. One of the disadvantages that the majority of customers pointed out is it doesn’t remember your previous settings when it shuts down after a period of inactivity.
Second, the manual doesn’t give a procedure for how to capture shots from the film even though it comes with plastic trays.
This device is worth the gold. By using it, you can convert a thousand negatives of different sizes and shapes to digital copies, and back up these images for a lifetime memory. According to its outstanding features, the Magnasonic film scanner is a favorable scanner that will help you preserve memories. Give it a trial, and you will never regret it.
Features
- In-built 128 MB memory storage
- 22 MP resolution
- Fast and efficient scanning
- Intuitive interface
- Wide film and slide compatibility
- 24 mm LCD screen
Pros
- It has in-built memory storage that can store several images.
- Has a 24-inch LCD screen for more comfortable viewing and editing of images.
- It can scan an image within seconds, enhancing its usability.
- Has a friendly interface that you can operate even without reading the manual.
Cons
- It can absorb and magnify any dust on the negatives.
Veho Smartfix Portable Scanner
There is no good reason why you should go for a large and complicated scanner while a small and simple scanner can still offer amazing results in fast and convenient ways, just like larger scanners.
This scanner comes with an adjustable scanner slide feeder that moves rapidly, ensuring fast scanning. Because this scanner has a USB port, you can decide to save or store your images on other devices like pc, smartphone, or your pc.
The product works fine. The majority of customers are okay with how it operates. This device produces quality images on 35 mm slide negatives. It is also easy to use. The only drawback with it is that it scans even dust if available on slides.
No doubt, Veho Smartfix scanner is among the negative scanners in the market that anyone willing to save their family history buried in the little envelopes. It is the real deal for money value. However, this scanner would be great if Veho developed an adjustable slide holder that could fit negatives larger than 35mm or 110 mm slide decks.
Features
- Standalone design
- Compatible with PC and Mac devices
- 24-inch LCD screen
- 14-megapixel image resolution
- Intuitive and easy-to-use design
- Speed loading adapters
Pros
- Although Veho Smartfix is compatible with PCs and Mac devices, it doesn’t require an external connection to operate as it can store images on its internal memory.
- It is shipped with fast-loading adapters.
- It is designed with a user-friendly outface.
- With a 24-inch LCD screen, you can scan, view, and edit images with ease.
Cons
- It has a maximum of 14 MP resolution, which makes scanned digital images appear tainted.
DIGITNOW Film Scanner
Digitnow has already made a name for developing scanners with relatively large built-in memory storage. For an affordable scanner like this, the 128 MB internal storage you will get is incredible, and you will hardly need to add more since you can transfer images to other devices.
Not forgetting its compatibility, this device will connect smoothly with both Mac and PC. Additionally, it will connect with your Smart TV, giving you the freedom to view your images straight from the slides and films.
As it is a standalone scanner, you will not require any software or computer to carry out your scanning. On top of all, it is designed with a 2.4-inch color screen, which makes scanning easy.
The device is excellent. It works very well with slides. It is the slide scanner you will ever get. We no longer have to worry about what to do with slides anymore. To get an equal value for your money, buy a Digitnow film scanner
Do you have old slides that you would like to digitalize? This little scanner is perfect for that. The customized slide tray will hold your slides in place, covering and securing the frayed edges on your slide. You can quickly capture and save mode directly to your computer, or use it alone with an optional card.
Features
- Standalone design
- 24–inch color screen
- Speed load adapters
- 22 MP resolution
- Expandable memory up to 32 GB
Pros
- It is easy to operate as it has a 24-inch LCD screen
- Doesn’t require additional software or an external PC to run.
- It comes with easy-speed adapters.
Cons
- Only support external memory of up to 32 GB in size.
ION Pics 2 SD Slide and Film Scanner with SD Card
Enjoy your old memories on the wall frame. Rediscover your old forgotten negative films and slides with ION Pics 2SD.
This high-quality photo negative scanner transfers your images directly to your SD, allowing you to enjoy your old pictures with the latest technology. It is easy to use – just one button to start the scan, which takes a few seconds to complete.
ION Pics 2SD is a negative photo scanner that doesn’t disappoint. It is durable and maintains pleasing outcomes as it did when new. Even though there may be better and more efficient products, for the cost, this has been a great item.
If you want a scanner that is easy to use, then ION Pics 2SD is what you are looking for. Overall, this scanner is the perfect tool for every enthusiastic photographer.
Features
- ReadyScan LED tech
- Fast and seamless scanning
- Easy-to-use interface
- In-built SD card port
- Standalone operation
Pros
- Handles all types of negative films and slides smoothly.
- It does not require a computer to be attached.
- It has an intuitive user interface.
- Allows you to send images to your TV with a USB cable.
Cons
- The manual guide isn’t detailed enough.
- Magnifies any dust in the negative.
zonoz FS-ONE Ultra High-Resolution Negative Film Scanner
Zonoz might not be a famous brand, but this device is proof that you do not have to buy from top brands to get high-quality products as it is well built, and its performance will not disappoint. The film and scanner provide up to 22 MP resolution to ensure you get the image quality.
There is also a 24-inch LCD screen that makes it easier to view and edit the images with high resolution, which is quite good considering the size and the cost of this scanner. It comes with adapters and a cleaning brush making it a complete scanner set.
This photo film scanner is designed specifically for people with a giant of slides sitting in the closet gathering dust. It is easy to set up. The quality of images is excellent for average home users.
There is nothing much to say about this product, but you can’t get anything less than perfect images with quality pristine with Zonoz FS-One.
Features
- 22 MP image resolution
- 2.4 TFT color LCD
- Easy-to-use interface
- Speed loading adapters
- Standalone design
Pros
- It is easy to operate.
- It comes with loading adapters.
Cons
- Can only hold 4 slides at a time in the plastic holder.
KODAK Mobile Film Scanner
This device is capable of scanning films through your smartphone and formulating them into JPEG images within seconds, which makes it one of the most reliable scanners out there. On top of everything, the Kodak Mobile scanner is portable.
At first, the device looks flimsy, but when correctly assembled, it is sturdy to support the phone. However, the device does not automatically adjust the background light.
If you are looking for a portable photo scanner, then you’ve landed the right deal. It is easy to use. Even though the results are not of high quality, the device is appropriate for home-based usage.
Features
- A variety of scanning features
- A convenient and collapsing design makes it portable
- Easy to snap images, edit, and review.
- Compatible with 35 mm color film negatives
- In-built LED backlight
Pros
- It is easy to operate as you just need to download supporting apps to your smartphone.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- Impossible to adjust the height of your camera over the slide.
Wolverine Reels2Digital Moviemaker Pro
Don’t wait for memories to fade by converting your movie reels into digital movies using this simple and easy-to-use digitizer.
The device is innovative and produces surprisingly sharp images with better resolutions. The only drawback with it is that there is a tremendous drag of the film in the gate as a result of the pressure plate around the film-advance pawl.
Here you have a fantastic film slide scanner that will make you excellent films. Besides, you can use this device to over-scan by adjusting the scan and then editing to your desired version. Buy it and the watch has real value for your money.
Features
- Fully automated to digitalize 8mm movie reels
- Standalone device
- Playback to TV using the included cables
- Compatible with PCs and Macs
- Scans and automatically saves the digital movie into an SD card
Pros
- It is easy to operate.
- It is shipped with speed and flexible cables.
- Can operate on its own without necessarily using software or a computer.
Cons
- The pawl is not strong enough to pull the image, leaving jerky or vertically displaced images.
Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 High-Resolution Film to Digital Converter
Now you can convert all those stacks of 35 mm, APS slides, and negatives into digital JPEG images and share them with friends as well as preserve them forever. Thanks to the Wolverine Titan scanner for this innovative device.
It has an appealing design as well as a large screen that makes scanning and editing easy. Although it has several drawbacks, the major one is the weird yellow tint in images.
Are you looking for a high-quality scanner that will serve all your needs with a breeze? Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 will not disappoint you.
Features
- Fast-loading negative adapters
- 4.3″ color screen and HDMI ports
- Standalone scanner
Pros
- It does not require software to operate.
- Fast and easy to use.
- It has a large screen and a beautiful design
Cons
- Any dust on the negative is magnified on the scan.
All-in-One Digital Scanner
With now all-in-one digital film scanner from Digitnow, you can firmly reminisce those memories easier and faster. This device can scan films to JPEG images. It comes with speed adapters to make your scanning possible.
With this all-one photo slide scanner, it is possible to scan almost everything without much hassle. Plus, there is no need to connect to a computer or external software. Besides, it offers quick and high-quality images.
All-in-one Digital scanner is a promising scanner widely recognized for its outstanding results. Everyone can manage to use it by following the user guide manual. It also scans films and slides at high speed.
Features
- Easy file transfer
- Extra-large LCD screen
- Standalone device
- Speed load adapters
- Intuitive interface
Pros
- It has an intuitive interface that is easy to operate.
- It does not require external software or a computer to scan, view, and edit.
- Has a large LCD screen that makes viewing and editing possible.
Cons
- It only supports a memory card up to 32 GB in size to store images.
- Seems to pick up and magnify dust on negatives
Factors to Consider
Color accuracy
Because you will be scanning old negative films and slides, it’s paramount that you consider a product with excellent color accuracy.
This helps to develop photographs with digital color mimicking the actual color they could have been if commercial color photography had been there back in the day.
Software
Most of the 35 mm slide scanners will come with software that enables you to scan and convert negatives to digital.
Not all models will come with such software, and if you are serious about restoring your photos, you must invest in different pieces of editing software.
Bit depth
It is also referred to as color depth. It is crucial in determining the clarity of your images. The higher the bit depth, the clearer your image will look. Consider purchasing slide and negative scanners with high bit depth.
Prices
Regardless of whether you are buying a flatbed scanner or a scanner that feeds slides automatically, you have to consider pricing. Quality scanners are never cheap. So be ready to spend much to get a reliable scanner in return.
FAQ
What is the average time it takes to scan a slide?
Generally, not more than ten seconds. Even though most of the scanners are advertised as extra fast, none are that slow.
Must I be tech-savvy to use film and slide scanners?
No, film and slide scanners are designed to be used by anyone. They have intuitive controls and are easy to understand the user manuals.
Will scanned images look okay when printed?
This will largely depend on the resolution you are relying on, but in most cases, yes.
What can I do if my scanner is not detected?
If it used to work and it stopped, consider disconnecting and reconnecting the AC power cable. Although it’s not a full guarantee, it might work.
Why scan my negative films and slides?
Memories are priceless! And because many people have thousands of images in different formats, scanning them enables you to:
- Preserve them in digital media.
- Get rid of clutter and organize all your images.
- Efficiently distribute them to friends and families.
Final Verdict
As the saying goes by, everything that has a start has an end, and here we come to our conclusion. But, wait, before finalizing, we would like to announce our overall best pick. Zonoz FS-ONE is our top selection. Although it’s not from a famous brand, its performance will stand out from other scanners.
Its cost is pocket-friendly and will serve you for a good deal of years. Moreover, it has an intuitive interface that everybody can operate by only following manual instructions. Try it today to enjoy your old memories by placing digital images in the frames.
