Scanner Preferences?

[Tara]

For the last few years, my mom has been talking about getting a scanner to scan in all of her negatives and be able to share childhood photos with all us kids. I was thinking this would be a great Christmas present from my dad (since he has more $$$ than I do!)...and I could use it too! :)

Anyway, anyone have suggestions about scanners - - specifically ones that are good for scanning negatives?

Thanks!

[sunshine06]

I'm not sure about scanning negatives but we have an Epson Stylus CX4800 and it worked great with scanning in my ultrasound pictures. I even had a flipbook created with them. It's an all-in-one (printer, copier, scanner) and we also use it for our church as well because it prints so well.

[Kristen]

I've had good luck with Epson too. I've read that the version with the negative feeder is more trouble than it's worth, that the strip of negatives frequently ends up crooked. But my dad's Epson scanner (without the extra feeder) does a beautiful job on negatives and slides. His is a couple of years old, so even if I could remember the name-and-number, it wouldn't be useful.

[elizabethlmccoy]

I just got the microtek i320 other than freak issues that caused me to send it back twice it is AWESOME!!! it comes with Digital Ice for scanning pictures and negatives. it has an attachment for negative scanning but I haven't used it yet. I want to start soon.

I bought mine from the manufacturer and it was only $99!!! A great bargain to me.

[LokiZ]

For scanning negs and slides....

I go with minolta. I use a Dimage Scan Dual III model AF-2840, There are other units out there that are just for transparent medium as well.

you can probably get one like mine on line for $200 now although it was originally around $350 I picked mine up for $100

I also have a HP Scanjet 4370 flatbed scanner. It works ok for transparent but like nearly all flatbeds and the software they use, scanning negs and slides were an after thought so it is somewhat cumbersome and the resolution just doesn't measure up to a dedicated scanner. (my Dimage 3 is upwards of 10 megapixels) Also I have never seen a flatbed scanner that allows you to adjust focus on your negs and slides which can make a difference especially on old negs and slides.

Also the dual scan can do quilte well timewise...did 115 pictures last night in less then 2 hours (slides) and negs would actually take less time as there are ususally 4 or 6 pics on one negative vs. hand loading 4 slides into the holder.

Also not sure about most flat beds but mine only does 2 slides or 2 negs at a time, if you have a lot to do it might get real old real quick.

I forgot to add...Scanners like these are usually sold in camera stores not Walmart, Staples, or officemax. Or you can by them online.

[cooksalot]

Just noticed this thread. Thanks Loki I was wondering if it was worth 189 at Costco for one of these. When I have money next I'll have to pick one up. :D

[LokiZ]

Who knows Vicky, you could make some of it back hiring your self out for those with memories needing digitized in a big way. :D