The beauty of taking photos with a film camera lies not just in the surprise element of not being able to preview your shots or even in the distinct organic look and feel of the results you get, but also in the careful process of developing the film and making your own prints. However, you do miss out on some of the conveniences of digital photography—like being able to share your images online. If you’re a film photographer, you’ve probably wished to make the process of digitizing them a little easier and more convenient. This is where finding the best film scanners for you come in handy.
What is a Film Scanner?
A film scanner is a device that scans film directly into a computer without first having to print it. The photographer no longer needs to make a print then scan that print. The intermediate step is completely illuminated with a film scanner. You can also apply modifications such as precise cropping and choosing different aspect ratios prior to printing.
Direct film scanning also captures additional dynamic range and more accurate colors than scanning from a photograph. If you’re a photographer who wants to convert your slides or negatives into digital format, you need a film scanner in your workflow.
The best film scanners save you from all the hassle of having to develop your photos and scanning the resulting prints. They allow you to go straight to scanning the film, so you can save a digital copy of your negatives onto your computer. And with many of today’s printers equipped with the ability to scan films, slides, prints, and even documents all in one, they can pretty much cover all of your scanning needs.
Features to Consider When Buying a Film Scanner
When shopping for the best film scanner for your needs, there are multiple features you should consider. Here are a few top specs:
Type of Film
What will you use the scanner for? Do you plan on scanning just 35mm film or do you also plan to capture medium format? If you plan on doing medium format, then make sure you get the best scanner for 120mm film. If you plan on capturing a boxes of 35mm film, you may want to consider a model that allows for batch scanning.
Maximum Colors
How important is it to capture the maximum colors possible? The bit depth or color depth of a scanner controls the number of colors it can capture accurately. The higher the bit depth, the more colors are captured and the more resistant it is to artifacts such as banding on smooth color gradients.
Dust and Scratch Removal Options
Does your film archive need robust dust/scratch removal tools? Research the scanner to see if it comes with a robust dust/scratch removal tool.
Dynamic Range
How much dynamic range do you need to capture? A scanner’s ability to capture a wide dynamic range from film is referred to as Dmax. The larger the Dmax, more detail the scanner is able to extract from the deepest, darkest shadows of film.
Resolution
How much detail needs to be captured? Pay attention to the reported resolution the scanner is capable of capturing. You may see “hardware” and “optical” resolution. Optical is the more important value to consider as it does not involve any interpolation algorithms.
What Are the Best Film Scanners for Photographers?
Film scanners have a pretty wide price range. In this list, we’ve included film scanners for all budgets, ranging from below $250 to ones above $500, so you can choose the right one for your project and your budget.
Here are our top picks for professional film scanners:
- Epson Perfection V600
- Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI
- Plustek OpticFilm 8100
- Epson Perfection V850 Pro
- Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE
- Pacific Image PowerSlide X Automated 35mm Slide Scanner
- Epson Perfection V39 II Color Photo and Document Flatbed Scanner
Epson Perfection V600
Many film photographers use the Epson Perfection V600 and love it for its flexibility and versatility. You get a solid image quality (supplemented by Epson’s Digital ICE dust and scratch removal technology, which the scanner uses on both film and print scans) and improved compatibility with multiple formats via its holders.
Overall, it’s another great scanner that you can consider if scan quality is more important to you than speed and convenience.
Why We Chose This Scanner
If functionality, high-quality scans, and affordability are your priorities, then it’s hard to go wrong with the Epson Perfection V600. As a multipurpose photo scanner, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to use this unit right out of the box. It even includes all of the scanner adapters you need for 35mm film, mounted slides, and medium-format negatives.
Key Features
- Optical Resolution: 6400dpi
- Max Resolution: 12800dpi x 12800dpi (Interpolated)
- Scan Formats (Film): 35mm Film, 35mm Slides, Medium Format Film
- Scan Area: 8.5in x 11.7in
- Color Depth: 48-Bit
- Scan Speeds: 21 msec/line (6400 dpi full color & monochrome)
- Optical Density: 3.4 Dmax
- Digital ICE (Dust and Scratch Removal) Technology
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI
As we go a little higher in terms of price, we get significantly improved image quality and specs. Take the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI, which lies between entry-level and professional, and is one of the best film scanners you’ll find under $500.
This bread loaf-sized device operates a lot like the other scanners in this list. Scanning at full resolution will obviously take longer (nearly two minutes), but if you’re alright with lower resolutions, scans can take as fast as 36 seconds.
One of the best features of the OpticFilm 8200i AI is its advanced SilverFast Ai Studio 8 scanner software, which helps optimize image quality and improve your workflow. It allows you to preview your scans without having to open other applications, enhance your images with different image tools, and offers easy and convenient options for organizing and sharing your files.
Why We Chose This Scanner
If you need a straightforward scanner solely for film negatives, then the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI ticks all the boxes. The internal 7200 dpi high-resolution sensor reproduces negatives beautifully, while the infrared channel cleans up your scans automatically. When it comes to color accuracy for color film, this scanner is more than capable.
Key Features:
- Optical Resolution: 7200 dpi
- Scan Formats: 35mm Film, 35mm Mounted Slides
- Color Depth: 48-Bit
- Scan Speeds: 36 secs. (3600dpi) / 113 secs. (7200dpi)
- Scan Area: 1.45in x 1.0in
- SilverFast Ai Studio 8 Software
- Integrated Infrared Dust & Scratch Removal
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Plustek OpticFilm 8100
Another one of Plustek’s print scanners, the OpticFilm 8100 offers 7200 dpi optical resolution and more accurate color in your images through its light sources. This scanner is portable as well: it’s as small as a loaf of bread, and it doesn’t occupy too much space. Plus, dual one-touch buttons allow the OpticFilm 8100 to smoothly scan your photos so that you can share them on your favorite social networking sites.
The OpticFilm 8100 comes with SilverFast Multi-Exposure software that gives your images a higher dynamic range resulting in more shadow detail and less noise. It even has SilverFast NegaFix, a feature with over 120 profiles for negative film. NegaFix guarantees optimal results every time you convert your negatives into positives, too.
Other features and add-ons bundled with this photo negative scanner include SilverFast’s SE Plus 8 software, two film holders, and a carrying bag.
Why We Chose This Scanner
[50 words] A slightly scaled-back version of the Plustek 8200i, the 8100 is still robust and capable for home use or professional slide and negative scanning. With a slightly lower price point, this compact film scanner performs corrective adjustments, delivers high dynamic range, and makes enlarged printing possible for any of your scanned images.
Key Features
- Optical Resolution: 7200 dpi
- Scan Formats: 35mm Negatives, 35mm Mounted Slides
- Color Depth: 48-Bit
- Scan Speeds: 36 secs. (3600dpi) / 113 secs. (7200dpi)
- Scan Area: 1.45in x 1.0in
- SilverFast SE Plus 8 Software
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Epson Perfection V850 Pro
While it comes with a higher price tag, the next Epson film scanner on our list will help you achieve the necessary quality and control for preserving your priceless originals. The V850 Pro scanner gives you excellent results thanks to its 6400 dpi resolution, 4.0 Dmax density, advanced optics, and dual-lens scanning. And just like the V600, this top film scanner features Epson’s Digital ICE technology, which removes surface defects from your film or prints.
The V850 Pro also has a ReadyScan LED light source for greater productivity in scanning your images. ReadyScan allows the device to start scanning after less than a second so that you can produce digital prints faster. A4 scanning takes around 12 seconds, while 35mm negative scanning is almost a minute long (at 4800 dpi).
You’ll also get clear focus and optimal image quality with this flatbed scanner’s adjustable and sturdy holders for 35mm strips and slides, medium-format prints, and 4 x 5” film.
Why We Chose This Scanner
The versatility of this flatbed scanner really sets it apart from other models. No matter the size of your slides, negatives, or printed photos, the Epson Perfection V859 Pro can handle it with a simplified workflow and impressive clarity. This scanner also warms up and scans much faster than many other film scanners on the market.
Key Features
- Optical Resolution: 6400 dpi
- Maximum Resolution: 12800 dpi
- Scan Formats: 35mm Slides, 35mm Strips, Medium Format, 4 x 5” Film
- Scan Area: 8.5in x 11.7in
- Color Depth: 48-Bit
- Scan Speeds: 10.8 ms/line for Full-Color & Monochrome Images
- Optical Density: 4.0 Dmax
- Digital ICE (Dust and Scratch Removal) Technology
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE
Just like the 8200i AI and the 8100 scanners, Plustek’s OpticFilm 8200i SE provides film photographers with useful scanning functions. It scans images at 7200 dpi and fixes minimal edge contrast variations using advanced lighting and optical systems for better scans. And if your negatives and slides have some flaws, don’t fret. This film negative scanner features a built-in infrared channel that detects surface defects on your images.
You’ll also find it easy to enhance your precious memories with the OpticFilm 8200i SE. SilverFast software boasts intelligent functions for smoother adjustments and superb results every time. The software has a WorkflowPilot feature to give you a step-by-step guide on all scanning processes. You’ll enjoy smooth scanning as SilverFast features multi-tasking capabilities and 64-bit support.
Why We Chose This Scanner
The 8200iSE scanner by Plustek is a reliable scanner for digitizing large collections of film negatives or slides. This model’s multipass scanning technology helps capture fine details, highlights, and shadows accurately, while the simple software interface eliminates traditional learning curve headaches.
Key Features:
- Optical Resolution: 7200 dpi
- Scan Formats: 35mm Negatives, 35mm Mounted Slides
- Color Depth: 48-Bit
- Scan Speeds: 36 secs. (3600dpi) / 113 secs. (7200dpi)
- Scan Area: 1.45in x 1.0in
- Built-in Infrared Channel for Defect Removal
- SilverFast SE Plus 8 Software
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Pacific Image PowerSlide X Automated 35mm Slide Scanner
A professional-grade 35mm slide scanner, the Pacific Image PowerSlide X Automated Scanner makes batch workflows much easier to manage. The optical resolution is top notch, the color depth is impressive, and the resulting scans are accurate and detailed. You’ll also enjoy scans of up to 10,000 dpi, so you can comfortably enlarge scanned images into big, beautiful prints.
The magazine in this scanner can accommodate up to 50 slides at a time, letting you start the slide processing process while moving on to other tasks. The USB connectivity works well with both Windows and Mac computers, too.
This scanner may have a higher price point than most others on this list, but there are several very good reasons for that! It’s among the best on the market for tint and saturation accuracy, as well as dust and scratch removal.
Why We Chose This Scanner
For big scan jobs, it can be challenging to find a reliable set-it and forget-it scanner. Save precious work hours by letting this model operate on its own, and by spending less time in post production making color corrections, removing dust, and repairing scan errors. The PowerSlide X will simplify your life.
Key Features
- [50 words for key features]
- 10,000 dpi max scanning resolution
- Magic Touch tech eliminates dust and scratches
- High color scan accuracy
- Magazine feeder holds up to 50 slides at once
- Multipass Xposure technology scans each image three times for best final scan quality
- 48-bit color depth
- USB interface
- Platform: Mac or Windows
Epson Perfection V39 II Color Photo and Document Flatbed Scanner
The Epson Perfection V39 II Color Photo and Document Flatbed Scanner is a versatile unit one of the best film scanners for home use and professional use.
This compact flatbed scanner provides full functionality while taking up minimal space on your work surface. You can use it in horizontal mode, too, or you can elevate it using the included kickstand for a vertical orientation.
Easy-to-use buttons for one touch scanning save time in your workflow. Instead of initiating a scan via computer menus, you can press the button and be on your way.
Scan a variety of media from photographs to pages in your favorite books and photo albums thanks to a high-rise, removable lid. The 4800 dpi optical resolution provides terrific clarity and color rendering to ensure accurate scanning and reproductions you’ll love.
The built-in software and features eliminate frustration, increase scanning speed, and provide useful tools like color restoration for faded photos and oversized image stitching.
Why We Chose This Scanner
When you’re shopping for any piece of tech, you should think about both your current needs and any you may have in the future. That’s why we love the Epson Perfection V39 II. It’s packed with future-proofed features and it’s portable, compact, and easy to use. Scan photos, books, text documents, and just about anything else you can think of.
Key Features
- 4,800 dpi max scanning resolution
- CIS (Contact Image Sensor)
- High color scan accuracy
- Removable scanner lid for thick or oversized media
- Epson Easy Photo Fix technology for image restoration
- Kickstand for upright scanning
- USB interface
- Scan in color at 300 dpi in 10 seconds or 600 dpi in 30 seconds
- Platform: Mac or Windows
How to Scan and Edit Film
For the sake of simplicity, let’s use the PrimeFilm XAs 35mm film scanner as an example. Much of the process can be applied to other scanners. The first step is to make sure your film is as clean as possible. Remove any dust with a clean microfiber cloth before starting the scanning process. When scanning, choose the following options: 48-bit color depth, RAW DNG file format, and scanning at 5000 dpi. Also, consider using the manual focus option set to “0”.
Then, edit your scanned in files in Lightroom. Be sure the download the plugin associated with your scanner. For this example, use the Negative Lab Pro plugin and choose the “Frontier” color emulation. In the other options, it’s all also about personal preference. For example, do you prefer a warmer tone or a cooler one? Once the file has been edited, then it behaves like any other digital image.
You can fine tune the white balance, play around with the contrast, and adjust the highlights and shadows. More so for film scans than digital camera files, you may need to adjust the shadows and highlight portions separately. Here’s where the split toning comes in handy, which allows you to adjust the hue/saturations of the highlights/shadows independently. As the final two steps, apply sharpening and noise reduction per personal taste.
Film Scanner FAQs
Let’s take a look at a few of the frequently asked questions shoppers have when considering a new scanner.
Can you scan a negative with a scanner?
Technically, you can use a regular flatbed scanner to digitize your negative. However, there are a couple of problems to be aware of. First, the optical resolution of most flatbed scanners is too low to capture a large amount of detail from the negative. When examined side by side with a file from a dedicated film scanner, the image from the flatbed scanner will appear soft.
Second, a negative is ideally scanned with back lighting, which most flatbed scanners aren’t able to provide adequately. Without the backlighting, the resulting scan will have muted colors and lack dynamic range. You can somewhat overcome this obstacle with the use of silver cardstock.
Can you use a regular scanner to scan film?
Same as scanning a negative, you can use a scanner to scan film. However, you’ll run into the same issues as you would with scanning a negative. You can also use the same DIY hack using a silver cardstock. A brief Google search will yield several other methods such as a desktop lamp and a plain white paper.
Remember that you’ll still need to invert the colors and perform touch ups such as removing scratches and dust artifacts from the scanned in file. Other adjustments including white balance will also need to be made. The positive aspect of creating a DIY hack is that you can make the design large enough for any size.
Ready to take your film photography talents to new heights? Follow our How to Develop Film: Step by Step Guide for Color and Black and White Film next!
