A photo slide scanner performs the function of digitizing the entire collection of physical photographs and negatives. It is a must-have for amateur and pro photographers alike. A photo and slide scanner serves the dual purpose of converting the 35mm negative film into a whole new colorful picture on the computer screen and scanning the existing physical photographs into the computer.
The gadget has made the lives of people easier as it provides a medium for storing their precious camera moments onto computers for permanency. It also saves them the hassle of getting the 35mm negative slides developed into physical form via a third party. The scanner works by sliding the photos and negatives in from one side which after processing in the machine comes out from the other end.
There are various brands which manufacture all types of photo slides scanners notably, Hewlett Packard, Nikon, Cannon, Epson, Pardigital and Fujitsu. The scanners vary in prices and features however, they serve the same purpose. Sites such as Amazon, Sears, Price Grabber, eBay etc can provide an idea about the price ranges of photo slide scanners.
The Epson Perfection V300 Photo Scanner is the cheapest photo scanner available. It is a flatbed with a resolution of 4800 dots per inch and 48-bit color capability. It comes with special software applications that remove dust particles and stains from photographs and documents and also convert them into encrypted PDF formats which are ideal for sharing. The photo scanner is a worthy candidate in the line of affordable scanners costing US$100. The Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner is a comparatively high quality scanner with a resolution of 6400 dots per inch. It is faster and has compartments for placing photographs and documents and delivers multiple copies. It comes with a USB cable and software such as Adobe Photoshop which allows the retouching of photographs manually as well as automatically. It uses LED as the source of light to enhance productivity in an environmentally friendly manner. Its price ranges from US$300 to US$349.
Likewise, the Pandigital PhotoLink One-Touch Scanner is a small sized scanner that is suitable for scanning photographs of 5’’ x 7’’ or less. It comes with a resolution of 300 to 600 dots per inch. The scanner belongs to the family of portable photo scanners. The user simply slips in the photo on the sliding sheet which is sucked in by the scanner and digital image appears on the computer screen within less than ten seconds. One feature that appeals the users is that it has a built-in 1GB memory card that allows storage and scanning of more photos. The scanner has a price range between US$74 to US$100.
The HP Scanjet G04050 photo scanner shines when it comes to quality and reliability. It can scan up to a resolution of 4800 dpi to 9600 dpi, without slowing down the process. It is capable of scanning thirty negative frames and sixteen 35 mm slides in one go. It comes with photo refining software which removes any defects from the pictures. HP has set a direct price of US$199 for this scanner.
For professionals, who are looking for a photo slide scanner of quality, they should opt for Nikon Super CoolScan 500 ED which falls in the price range of US$4000 to US$4500.It comes with a dual lens that promises to provide super quality photographs which will be identical or more vibrant than the original ones. The developing time is less than fifteen seconds. It is equipped with software that addresses even the subtle defects in photos and offers a number of alternatives for color, brightness and contrast. The true optical resolution is 4000 dpi which takes the picture on the desktop to an entirely new level. The scanner is durable and comes with a thirty year warranty.
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