Best 35mm Film and Slide Scanner Reviews: Who Makes the Best Film and Slide Scanner?

There are thousands of people out there who managed to take a lot of pictures before the digital cameras came out and completely revolutionized the way in which photos could be seen without having to develop them. Now there is a great way for people to be able to scan their old 35mm slide and film and create digital versions that will be as clear as possible.

In this article we are going to focus on the best 35mm slide scanner and 35mm film scanner and we will provide quick, but very useful slide and film scanner reviews that you can use when you decide to purchase yours.

Best 35mm Film and Slide Scanner Reviews

Slide and negative scanners are formatted in a way that it handles needs of slides and negatives to develop them in full sized quality pictures. 35mm slide and negative scanner further allows the users to convert the 35mm slide as well as film negatives into proper digital format. So for all those who store their memories in a film, such scanners can truly revolutionize the manner in which they archive the images.

If you have been looking for a good quality 35mm slide and negative scanner but are confused as to which one to opt for, here are the main things that a quality scanner should have.

See also: Best Photo Printer for Home Use and Mobile Printing

What Does A Good 35mm Slide and Negative Scanner Have? Have a Quick Sneak Peek.

Features you may need

  • Scanner you choose should have scan time under one second per negative or slide
  • Attractive resolution for image scanning
  • Enough internal memory
  • Pictures to be uploaded to computer/laptop or digital frame
  • LED light for quick scanning; no warm up time required
  • Compact sized scanners are portable and easy to handle
  • Low energy consumption scanners
  • Dust and scratch removal technology
  • Photoshop elements or other software enhancers/editors for photo retouching

Output quality

When it comes to buying the best 35mm slide and negative scanner, make sure that it offers high output quality. Research carefully about the top scanners with best output and then make an informed decision.

Speed

Top quality 35mm slide and negative scanners have high speed mode scanning even at highest resolution around 7200 dpi. The high resolution scans produce larger files and so you need fast transfer rate to scanner’s internal memory or SD/SDHC card.

Ease of use

The high end 35mm slide and negative scanners available these days are easy to use as well. All you need to do is to just feed in the slides and negatives and you will be able to get your images in digital format. It is as simple as that. Such scanners have gained much popularity because of their ease of use quality. Stand-alone scanners scans and digitize on its own and does not need a computer connectivity.

Accessories availability

  • TV cable
  • Memory card
  • Speed load slide and negative adapters
  • USB cable
  • Power adapter
  • Cleaning brush/cloth
  • Instruction manual

After you have got an idea as to what to have in your 35mm slide and negative scanner, here we present for you the top slide and negative scanners to take a look at.

Best Scanner Options for 35mm Slides

KODAK SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner

KODAK SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner

Pros

  • Versatile; scans most films and negatives
  • 22MP resolution
  • Speed loaders included for fast scanning
  • Portable and stand alone
  • Tilting LCD Display
  • Supports up to 128 GB of SD memory

Cons

  • Output needs some tweaking
  • Resolution could be improved
  • Image output could be improved
  • Super 8 film only converts to still images

When you need versatility in scanning your slides and other negatives, this Scanza by Kodak is a first choice and here’s why.

The Kodak company is a company that specializes in image technology. Kodak cameras are one of the first cameras that use film negatives. Rest assured that the Scanza can scan your film, slides, 126, 110, Super 8 and even 8mm negatives (black and white or colored).

Scanning with this scanner is not that hard. It has speed load adapters for most slides and negatives. You can preview your images with its 3.5″ tilting LCD.  If the screen is too small for you, you can connect this scanner to your TV or even to your laptop (via HDMI). Save your digitized image to an SD card (not included) immediately. It can support up to 128 GB of memory so you have more space to save your images. The digitized output is in JPEG format the same with Super 8 film.

On the other hand, you may not appreciate the immediate results and may customize your digitized images via Photoshop or Lightroom. Note that the results are good but even better on flatbed scanners with high resolution and advanced scanning technology.

A mini version of Kodak Scanza, the KODAK Mini Digital Film & Slide Scanner is also available as a cheaper alternative.

Verdict

There is no doubt that this scanner delivers. It can scan most negatives, not just slides. Price point is acceptable. The scans are a bit average and could be improved if Kodak will launch a new upgrade. But overall, the Kodak Scanza is a great scanner especially to those with bulk slides or negatives waiting to be digitized.

Braun Multimag SlideScan 7000

Braun Multimag SlideScan 7000

Pros

  • Superb scanning ability
  • High resolution
  • Automatic batch scanning
  • Accepts very few circular trays for batch scanning
  • Multi-image output format (JPEG, TIF)
  • Very rare jamming occurrences per batch scanning
  • Dust and scratch removal technology
  • Windows and Mac compatible

Cons

  • Hefty price
  • Slow scanning speed
  • Not stand alone
  • Heavy

If you need an automated batch scanning for your old 35mm slides, then here is an answer to your prayer. The Braun MULTIMAG SlideScan 7000 is not an ordinary slide scanner but offers something impressive on it’s pocket. So let’s take a look at what this scanner boasts.

First, this automated scanner can scan fifty (50) 35mm mounted slides per horizontal tray. Automation doesn’t mean you could just leave the scanner in autopilot. This scanner is susceptible with jamming issues just like the Pacific Image PowerSlide X. However, jamming occurrence is very rare per batch around 1 or 2.

If you have a CS slide magazine that can accommodate 100 slides, you can speed up your scanning. Again, do not leave the scanner while scanning by batch. Circular trays can also be used with this scanner.

Next, the output quality produced by this scanner is superb. The maximum resolution you can achieve with the scanner is 10,000 dpi. This means high quality fine prints can be achieved with this scanner. Also, the Braun included a CyberView X software that can help you remove dust and scratch of the digitized image through the MagicTouch. Note that using this tool could increase the scanning time.

Scanning slides with Braun MULTIMAG SlideScan 7000 is slow at some point. Using CyberView X’s MagicTouch could increase 2 minutes per slide at the highest resolution while 1 minute at lowest resolution. That’s why this scanner is made automatic batch scanning.

Lastly, the price of this scanner is hefty. Therefore only get this when you are experienced in scanning slides and you know how to achieve the best scans possible with its features and software being fully utilized.

Verdict

Achieving high quality scans from your old 35mm slides is a hard thing  to do but with this automated batch scanner by Braun, it is possible. Though you may find this expensive, nothing beats automated scanning plus superb quality scans. Note that this scanner is not for the novice.

Pacific Image PowerSlide X Automated 35mm Slide Scanner

Pacific Image PowerSlide X Automated 35mm Slide Scanner

Pros

  • Fast and automated scanning ability
  • Feeder holds 50 slides at a time
  • Superb image quality
  • Optical resolution up to 10,000 dpi
  • Magic touch, scratch and dust removal technology

Cons

  • Hefty price
  • Not stand-alone

The Pacific Image PowerSlide X can do the most intensive 35mm scanning. When it comes to resolution, output quality and cleaning technology, it outshines other slide scanners. You can choose two output formats either TIF or JPEG. Since this scanner is not stand-alone, you need a PC or Mac to view the digitized output. A driver software must be installed to integrate with the scanner.

Verdict

The Pacific Image PowerSlide X offers high speed scanning with a superb and vibrant output though it comes with a hefty price for its limited 35mm scanning ability.

Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE


Pros
  • Slide holder holds 4 frames
  • Up to 10,000 dpi resolution scanning output
  • Supports 48-bit color depth
  • Bundled with SilverFast® SE for brilliant enhancements
  • Automatic color correction
  • Reliable dust and noise reduction technology
  • Multi-format output

Cons

  • Limited to 35mm film and slide scanning
  • Not stand-alone

The Power of a full size scanner is now in the compact Pacific Image Prime Film XE.

The Pacific Image Prime Film XE is a sleek and compact scanner that would sit nicely on your desk. It offers the convenience of a portable unit without having to lose quality. This scanner features 48-bit of color depth and a 10,000 x 10,000 dpi resolution so you can expect large, high quality prints. This input color depth allows you to maximize the quality of your images up to 16-bit in your final scans. Combined with the dynamic range of 3.9, you can create high quality digital images straight from your 35mm slides or film. It’s simple to use, featuring a one-touch scanning that gives you results in minutes.

On the other hand, the Magic Touch technology lets you remove dust and scratches from your scans so your images are crisp and clear. It has infrared sensor that detects dust and scratches. Another unique feature of the scanner is that digital noise reduction that reduces the grain you normally find when you scan 35mm slides or negatives and when enlarging images once they are digitized. Along with the magic touch, the scanner automatically corrects the color of your images to appropriate levels even on your faded films. This scanner has multi-format output of TIFF or JPEG.

Verdict

The Pacific Image Prime Film XE is a powerful compact scanner with a simple-to-use interface with a superb scratch and dust removal technology. It operates quickly and efficiently, and is compatible with both Mac and Windows 7, 8 and 10.

Wolverine F2D Saturn Digital Film & Slide Scanner

Wolverine F2D Saturn Digital Film & Slide Scanner


Pros
  • Full-color 4.3″ LCD Display
  • Fast slide and film scanning
  • Easy navigation menu
  • Supports up to 128 GB memory
  • PC and MAC connectivity without driver installation

Cons

  • Flimsy adapters
  • Digital output may need to be enhanced by photo editing software
  • No dust and noise reduction technology

The Wolverine F2D Saturn is a good option for 35mm slide or film scanning. With a reasonable price, you can convert your old slides or film negatives to digital. You can view directly the scanned image with its built-in LCD display. The scanning speed is superb that takes up to 2 seconds on average. There is no SD card included but it can store up to 100 digital images. You need to maintain the cleanliness of the mirror because this unit has no dust and noise reduction technology. The output format is JPEG.

This scanner also supports 120 Film.

Verdict

Scanning with Wolverine F2D Saturn is very easy and produce good quality output. This is a good option for starters who want their slides and film digitized.

Best Scanner Options for 35mm Film Negatives

Epson Perfection V600



Pros
  • Scans films and slides, documents and photos
  • ReadyScan LED technology for faster scanning
  • Digital ICE for film produces excellent output
  • Highly efficient
  • Multi-output format

Cons

  • Using Digital ICE slows scanning speed
  • Not stand alone
  • Needs PC or MAC to save digitized images

Other Available Advanced Models: Epson V800, Epson V850, Epson FastFoto FF-680W

The Epson Perfection V600 is a multi-purpose scanner that scans not just documents and old photos but also film negatives and slides. This unit is excellent if you’re scanning 35mm film negatives, thanks to its ReadyScan LED technology which speeds up scanning and requires no warm-up time while Digital ICE helps removes scratches and dust. What’s great about this unit is not just its excellent scanning but it is highly efficient, making this unit an ENERGY STAR® qualified.

Using this scanner requires MAC or PC. Unlike stand alone scanners which do not require third party hardware, Epson Perfection V600 needs to be connected to either by MAC or PC to process the scanning and save your digitized output. You can choose JPG, BMP, TIFF or PDF media output formats.

Verdict

Scanning film or slide requires investment of time. The Epson Perfection V600 helps you cut most of the time consumed in scanning thanks to its advanced technology. If you happen to have films or slides that need to be digitized, this unit is a perfect option.

Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 High Resolution Film to Digital Converter

Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 High Resolution Film to Digital Converter with 4.3-inch Screen and HDMI Output

Pros

  • Can digitize slides and films in seconds
  • Stand-alone scanner
  • LCD Display
  • SD/SDHC card options
  • Up to 20MP image resolution output

Cons

  • Internal memory only saves up to 40 images
  • Only supports 32 GB of SD/SDHC memory
  • Image quality may opt you for third party image editor/enhancer
  • Scanner is not built with high quality material

The Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 is easy to use scanner with built-in software and 4.3″ LCD display for instant viewing of digitized images. This scanner claims to scan slides and images in just three seconds. The output is not great though it is not bad either. With up to 20MP output resolution, images are decent enough to be viewed on computers though printed output might be a little problem. This scanner scans 35 mm, 126, 110, and Super 8 negatives and the slide adapter can scan 35mm, 126, and 110 mounted slides.

Verdict

The Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 is a user-friendly scanner. The price is reasonable for its features abilities. This is best recommended for starters.

Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner

Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner

Pros

  • Incredibly cheap
  • Scans most types of films and slides
  • High resolution up to 22MP of output quality
  • Speed loaders included for fast scanning
  • Accessories included
  • Portable and Stand-alone; No computer required
  • LCD Display

Cons

  • Not the best color output
  • SD card limited to 32GB capacity
  • Given the price, overall not built with premium quality

The Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner features a 14MP sensor for clear and detailed scanning on your old films and slides. The built-in software can improve quality up to 22MP. Output format option is only JPEG (ideal for web). There is no need for computer as this scanner automatically saves digitized output into the internal memory or if you preferred, into an SD card. This scanner scans all types of films and slides (35mm Film, Super 8 Film, 110 Film, 126 Film, 135 Slide, 110 Slide and 126 Slide).

Verdict

The Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner is the best choice for starters for its inexpensive and quality value. Reviving your old memories is easy with this scanner.

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE

Pros

  • Sports a 7200 dpi resolution
  • Automatic dust and scratch detection technology
  • Fast scanning even with highest resolution
  • Multi-format output
  • SilverFast® SE Plus 8 produce brilliant results

Cons

  • No screen display for instant viewing
  • Not stand-alone

The OpticFilm 8200i SE offers a great way to scan film and slides in a speedy and detailed manner. It can scan up to 7200 dpi resolution in approximately 113 seconds. The output quality is astonishing and offers multi-format output options – JPG, TIF, PCX and BMP. The SilverFast® SE Plus 8 software helps the cleaning and detailing of the scanned images.

See other available model: Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film & Slide Scanner 

Verdict

Though OpticFilm 8200i SE is not a stand-alone scanner, it provides great option to scan film and slide and produce great result with its advanced technology.

Veho VFS-008 Smartfix Scan

Pros

  • Popup LCD Display
  • Portable with integrated rechargeable Li-Ion battery
  • Fast one touch scanning ability
  • Supports SD/SDHC Card
  • Bundled with 2GB SD card
  • Stand-alone

Cons

  • SD/SDHC card supports only up to 8GB
  • Limited to 35mm and 110 slide and film

The Veho VFS-008 Smartfix Scan offers amazing features to scan and digitize old films and slides. It supports 35mm & 110mm slides and negatives. The image sensor is only 5MP but it has a CMOS lens which makes the image more accurate and contrast. The resolution can go up to 3600 dpi and the output format is JPEG. The scanning speed is absolutely fast which takes up to 2 seconds while the preview speed can take only up to 0.5 seconds. The scanner supports PC and MAC connectivity using USB.

Verdict

Having a scanner like Veho VFS-008 Smartfix Scan can help you scan, digitize or archive your old slides and films. Though it is not recommended for big project scanning, the features this scanner have is a great value for money.

Conclusion

If you have a large number of 35mm slides and 35mm film negatives that you want to turn into digital photos, these are all great options that will provide what you need. These slide and film scanner reviews should be a great way for you to determine the kind of machine that you want and that you are able to afford.

Now you will be able to take all of those memoirs that you had stored in boxes and upload them to your computer, website or social media pages. We recommend that you invest on the best quality you can find if you have a large collection of slides or films that need to be converted to a digital format.


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