If you’re a 90’s kid like me, you’re familiar with film cameras. As we all know, there isn’t any use for film cameras and negatives now. But back in the day, these things were crucial as these were the only medium used to preserve memories.
These days, film camera usage is very minimal. A splash of water is all it takes to damage your memories. What can you do to preserve pictures? Buy a film scanner of course!
Film scanners are a handy piece of technology that’ll digitize your film rolls and negatives. The digitized films will allow you to share or store them virtually. But how will you know if a film scanner is good or not?
Film scanners vary both in terms of quality and prices. Features such as bigger resolution, a connection interface, speed, and ease of use are the things to look forward to while buying a film scanner.
Don’t worry! In today’s article, we’ll be discussing the best film scanners in 2024!
Let’s begin!
Our Recommendations
- Plustek Optic Film 8200i SE – Best Overall
- Plustek Opticfilm 8100 – Best In Price
- Epson Perfection V550 – Best In High-End Features
- Pacific Image PowerFil – Best In Scanning Negatives
- DIGITNOW All-in-one – Best For Beginners
- Epson Perfection V600 – Best In Versatility
- Kodak Digital Film Scanner – Best For Home And Office Use
- Plustek OpticFilm 135 Scanner – Best For Professional Photographers
- Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII Scanner – Best In High-Quality Scans
- Wolverine Reels2Digital (8mm and Super 8) – Best In Instant MP4-Conversion
- Digital MovieMaker Film Scanner (8mm and Super 8) – Best In Making MP4 Videos
Plustek Optic Film 8200i SE
To begin our list, we’ve got the Plustek Optic Film 8200i SE. This is the best film scanner from Plustek. Let’s discuss why it’s the best!
Let’s begin with the scan quality first as that’s the most important thing. The Plustek Opticfilm 8200i SE has a max scan area of 1.45 x 1.00 inches. It comes with pretty good color and grayscale depth. The color depth is 48-bit internally and 24-bit externally. Meanwhile, the internal grayscale depth is 16-bit and external grayscale depth is 8-bit.
With the scan quality out of the way, let’s talk about the performance. It’s pretty good! In terms of optical resolution, the Plustek 8200i SE has 7200 dpi for 35 mm films. The preview speed is a minimal 8 sec.
It also removes any dust and scratches off your negative and detects the clean picture. There’s also a USB 2.0 (USB Type-B) interface. Finally, it supports film/prints in 35mm format.
It’s a nearly perfect scanner. But the only problem we found was that it was a bit slower while scanning at a higher resolution.
Overall, the Plustek Opticfilm 8200i SE is a great scanner with a lot of utilities. You should go for it.
Pros
- Pretty good color and grayscale depth going as high as 48 and 16 bit respectively.
- Pretty decent optical resolution of 7200 dpi for 35 mm films.
- It takes 36sec and 72 sec respectively while scanning strips at 3600 and 7200 dpi.
- The dedicated infrared scanning channel detects clear pictures even if it has scratches and dust.
- A fast USB 2.0 (USB Type-B) interface.
- The large max scan area of 1.45 x 1.00 inches.
Cons
- It is a bit slow while scanning at a higher resolution.
Plustek Opticfilm 8100
If you liked the specs of the Plustek Opticfilm 8200i SE but it’s a bit too expensive for you, go with the Plustek Opticfilm 8100 instead! It’s a film scanner that’s nearly identical to the 8200i SE model but is also relatively cheaper.
Let’s start with the scan quality. The Plustek Optic film 8100 comes with a decent scanning area of 1.45″ x 1″. It has color, grayscale, and B/W scan mode. You can print any kind of picture you want. As for compatibility, it supports 35mm negatives and 35mm mounted slides.
The performance is similar to that of the 8200i SE. It has an optical resolution of 7200 dpi (dots per inch). It also comes with a dynamic range of 3.6. The preview speed is 8 seconds with multi-sampling on. As for the scanning speed, it’s 36 seconds at 3600dpi and 113 seconds at 7200 dpi with multi-sampling on at both times.
The rest of the features are standard too. There are two buttons called the IntelliScan and QuickScan button. These buttons pack some interesting features such as quick scanning, shadow detection, and a few other things. The Plustek 8100 also has a USB 2.0 interface.
However, as it’s a downgraded version of the 8200i SE, there are quite a few downgrades too. First of all the scanning speeds at high resolution is pretty slow. The shadow details aren’t that good. There also isn’t any auto dust/scratch removal.
Overall, this scanner was aimed at those who wanted to use the Plustek 8200i SE but wasn’t looking forward to spending much. So if you want to keep the costs down, this would be perfect for you.
Pros
- A decent scanning area of 1.45″ x 1″.
- The color, grayscale, and B/W scan mode offer versatile picture scanning.
- Compatible with 35mm negatives and 35mm mounted slides.
- The optical resolution of 7200 dpi is similar to the 8200i SE model.
- Fast USB 2.0 interface included.
- The IntelliScan and QuickScan button provides much-needed utility.
Cons
- Scanning speeds at high resolution is pretty slow.
- The shadow details aren’t that good.
- Lacks auto dust/scratch removal.
Epson Perfection V550
The Epson Perfection V550 is the definition of value-for-money. It provides a lot of high-end features at a very reasonable price.
The Epson perfection is a flatbed scanner. It has a max scan size of 8.5 x 11.7″. The 6400 dpi optical resolution provides impressive results. You can enlarge pictures up to 17 x 22 inches. The Epson V550 is compatible with 35-millimeter slides, negatives, and film built-in transparency unit.
In the performance unit, the Epson C550 is doing pretty good too. There is a Digital ICE technology that we are particularly fond of. This technology removes scratches and dust on the film. You can also restore faded images with one-touch restorations.
The rest of the scanner is pretty decent. The ReadyScan LED technology provides superfast scanning without the need for warming up. You can also scan multiple images at once with the auto edge detection technology. Finally, you can also convert scanned documents to text.
What we aren’t fond of is the slow capture rate. On top of that, the auto exposure behaves weirdly with the negatives.
Overall, the Epson Perfection v550 is truly perfection. Yes, it has its downside but it’s still a top pick film scanner.
Pros
- A max scan size of 8.5 x 11.7″.
- The 6400 dpi optical resolution provides impressive results.
- Pictures can be enlarged up to 17 x 22 inches.
- The Digital ICE technology removes scratches and dust on the film.
- Multiple image scan is supported through auto edge detection.
- Scanned images can also be converted to texts.
Cons
- The capture rate is slow.
- Auto exposure is problematic while scanning negatives.
Pacific Image PowerFilm
If you have lots of negatives to scan and don’t know which scanner to pick, go for the Pacific Image Powerfilm. This scanner has the ability to scan lots of negatives!
Despite having a name for scanning negatives, the Pacific Image Powerfilm has other proficiencies too. It has a max scan area of 0.94” x 1.42″. As for its compatibility, the range is pretty diverse. It’s compatible with color positives, B&W negatives and 35mm strips of color negatives
As we’ve mentioned already, it isn’t a conventional scanner. But the performance of this scanner hasn’t been tampered with. Up to 10 strips of six frames can be digitized at once.
The rest of the things are kept as minimal as possible. It can scan up to 24MP quality. Relatively faster scans can take a minimum of 24 seconds. It also supports 16-bit color settings. It also has a Magic Touch Technology that automatically removes dust and scratches.
Overall, the Pacific Image Powerfilm is a great scanner for negatives. Though the price is a bit on the higher side, it provides great value for the money spent.
Pros
- Large scanning area of 0.94” x 1.42″.
- Compatible with color positives, B&W negatives and 35mm strips of color negatives
- This workhorse can scan Up to 10 strips or 60 frames at once.
- Scans up to 24MP quality.
- A pretty fast scan time of 24 seconds.
- The magic touch Technology automatically removes dust and scratches.
Cons
- Expensive
DIGITNOW All-in-one
For this final one, we decided to go for a scanner that’s a bit underrated. You probably even haven’t heard its name. We are talking about the DIGITNOW and it’s a great scanner.
For a cheap priced scanner, it’s compatible with 35mm,110 Slides & Negatives, 126KPK, and Super 8 films. You can convert these slides and negatives to JPEG format in less than a minute!
The DigitNow all-in-one doesn’t require a computer to run. Meanwhile, the speed-load adapters make scanning easy and super fast. Thus the Digitnow can be used by literally anyone. However, it’s still compatible with a PC and Mac.
As for the technical specs, it supports SD cards up to 32GB. Anything you scan will be saved to the internal memory automatically. It has an auto resolution of up to 22 megapixels. Finally, it has a 2.4-inch LCD for easier navigation.
What are the downsides? Well, technically we wouldn’t call them a downside. Rather let’s just call them the missing features. But as it’s meant to be a simplistic film scanner, you can’t complain about it.
Overall, the Digitnow all-in-one is a handy film scanner for the basic task of scanning negatives and slides. If you’re looking for an entry-level film scanner then this is it.
Pros
- Simple to use.
- Compatible with 35mm,110 Slides & Negatives, 126KPK, and Super 8 films.
- Scanning is fast and easy through the speed-load adapters.
- Up to 32GB SD card support.
- Up to 22 megapixels of auto resolution.
- The 2.4-inch LCD provides easier navigation.
Cons
- Too simple.
- Entry-level film scanner.
Epson Perfection V600
This Epson printer is a direct competitor of the CanoScan 9000F MKII as they are pretty much similar in terms of price and quality of prints. The Epson Perfection is loved by most photographers due to its versatility and flexibility.
Pros
- The Epson V600 produces quality images and comes with Epson’s Digital ICE dust and scratch removal technology that is used on both print and film scans to remove any appearances of creases or tears from the damaged film.
- The printer’s holders also offer multiple formats thanks to the improved compatibility.
- The printer also allows you to create remarkable enlargements from your film – 6400 by 9600 dpi with enlargements of up to 17 by 22 inches.
- It also has a Transparency Unit that lets you easily scan negatives, slides, and medium-format panoramic film.
- It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS operating systems.
Cons
- A bit slow when scanning depending on the settings selected.
Kodak Digital Film Scanner
For easy digitization of old 35mm, 110, 126 and 8mm/Super 8 films, the Kodak Digital Film Scanner is an excellent option. Extremely compact and moderately priced, its a great option to fit at a home office, without cluttering too much desk space. With nearly 500 customer reviews on Amazon, and averaging 4 stars, it’s also been through a rigorous test by the public and come out very favorably.
Pros
- Compact (only about 5in x 5in).
- Priced competitively (usually around $200)
- Covers 33m, 8m, 126, 110 and Super 8 films
- Instantly conversion to JPEG format
- 14 Mega Pixel Sensor (HD Clarity)
Cons
- Only for pictures, NOT for video/movies.
- Will only scan negatives, NOT un-developed, raw film.
Plustek OpticFilm 135 Scanner
While this scanner from Plustek is more expensive than any other scanner in our review, it is worth it and is best suited for professional photographers. Well, not to say anyone can’t buy it.
Pros
- This scanner allows you to digitize your 35mm negatives and slides at a resolution of 7200 dpi resulting in high-quality scans. The scanner is able to reproduce professional prints of up to 24 by 20 inches or larger.
- For its price, the scanner has a powerful range of shadow and light that makes it easy for you to capture extreme shadows as well as high light details.
- The scanner has the SilverFast Ai Studio 8 scanner software which makes it stand out as it aids in the optimization of image quality while improving your workflow.
- With it, you are able to preview all your scans without necessarily having to use any other application to open it, boost the images with different image tools as well as provide easy and convenient options for sharing and organizing all your files.
- The scanner is compatible with both Mac and PCs.
Cons
- More expensive than most mid-range film scanners and is limited to scans of up to 35mm.
Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII Scanner
The CanoScan 9000F MKII scanner is one of the most famous film scanners you can find in the market. While it is quite affordable, the scanner delivers excellent results.
Pros
- As a flatbed scanner, it connects to a computer to function as well as capture images of the films that have been placed under its lid on top of the device. It works just the same way any traditional scanner would work.
- The scanner produces great scans that are of high quality and that have a resolution of up to 9600 dpi and a color depth of 48-bit. In addition to your film scans, you can also use it for slides, photos, and documents.
- The scanner includes a dedicated software that aids in all your image scanning, organization and correction needs and helps to restore the image color as well as remove the scratches and dust.
Cons
- The scanner takes a few minutes to scan.
That does it for our photo film scanners, next we will move into the other kind of film scanners, the film movie/video scanners.
Wolverine Reels2Digital (8mm and Super 8)
For those needing to take old family movies in 8mm or Super 8 and convert them into digital forms, this is probably your best option. The Wolverine brand film reel coverters set the standard for their class, as there are not too many affordable options for film-to-digital movie scanning/converting, and Wolverine is the most popular in the industry.
PRO TIP: If need larger reels (up to 9”), go for the upgraded model, the MM100PRO. It’s more expensive, but gets the job done. The model listed here only supports 3″ or 5″ reels.
Pros
- Instantly convert to MP4.
- Watch playback on built-in LCD viewer.
- Video-out to TV or Laptop.
- Save to SD Card (not included)
Cons
- Like others, it does not transfer sound.
- SD Card is not included.
Digital MovieMaker Film Scanner (8mm and Super 8)
For those that have old film reels from family movies somewhere stacked in the attic or basement, this machine is for you. Get those old fire hazards out of the closet and get them into digital format. This MovieMaker film scanner looks just like an old tape reel recorder or projector, and is able to make MP4 videos out of 8mm or Super 8 movie reels. Super cool!
Pros
- Scans to 1080P and 30FPS
- 32G Memory Card enclosed, so no PC needed to scan
- Built in video viewer (view the movie directly after its scanned.)
- Video-out connect available to TV or Laptop
Cons
- Some customers complained that it felt cheaply made.
- Like others, it does not transfer sound.
Final Thoughts
As we grow older, we cherish our childhood more than ever. Though we can’t go back in time, we can take a stroll through memory lane and save those memories with the help of film scanners.
In this article, we’ve discussed some of the best film scanners around. Be it negatives or slides, these are the best scanners for your films. So pick the one that suits you the most!
What Specs Should You Be Looking For In Film Scanners?
Film scanners are the best way to convert film originals into digital files. Whether you are looking to convert them for printing, archiving, or sharing, a film scanner is the best option available. It can be one of the best tools you invest in if you buy the right one. That being said, there are plenty of scanners on the market and knowing how to identify the right one is key to getting the most out of your purchase. Below, we will be going over some of the specs that you ought to look for when buying one.
Specs To Look For When Buying One:
1. Resolution
One of the main things that you ought to look for when you are trying to identify the right scanner would have to be the resolution it offers. Finding the scanner resolution is key because it will determine the kind of results you are able to get from it. Unfortunately, there is no standard when it comes to scanning resolution. Some manufacturers report it as optical resolution and some use hardware resolution. For those that report optical resolution, you are getting much more of a true and accurate representation of the included sensor’s capabilities. Whereas, if the hardware number is reported, you can bet like TV’s there is some sort of interpolation involved to reach the marketed resolution. You want to look for a scanner that has a high DPI for its optical resolution.
2. Color Depth
When you are comparing the various scanners on the market, you should be looking at the color depth because it will dictate how wide of a gamut of colors it is going to be capable of achieving. Ideally, you want a film scanner that has a high number when it comes to its color depth measurement. After all, the higher the number means that the image is going to be much more accurately displayed with smoother overall image quality. This depth is measured in bits. Therefore, you want to identify a scanner that offers more bits because it will yield better overall quality.
3. Density + Maximum (DMAX)
This is the measurement that is used in order to showcase the optical density of the scanner. Therefore, it can tell you how much detail you can expect to get from each recorded portion of the film. When looking at DMAX, you want to look for a higher number. The greater the number, the better capable the scanner will be in order to effectively reproduce the detail in some of the hardest areas to do so. This includes shadows and highlights.
These are the primary specs that you should be looking at when you are weighing your options. However, there are plenty of other things that you want to look for when you are shopping around.
What Else To Look For In Film Scanners:
1. Software
This is a big one if you are going to be using the film scanner a lot. You want to look at the software that is used to control the scanner because it will dictate whether or not it is easy to use and it will also dictate the features that you are able to get out of it. You want software that is optimized for the hardware to allow for the most features to be utilized.
2. Format
When you are shopping around for this type of scanner, you want to consider the format that you are planning on primarily using. If you know the intended format that you are planning on using, you will be able to figure out which scanner to look for based on what kind of film it is capable of accommodating. Not knowing the format which you intend on using is one of the sure ways to end up with the wrong scanner.
3. Dust Reduction
Some film scanners have included hardware-based dust reduction technologies which you can take advantage of in order to save time. Having a film scanner with built-in dust reducing technology will minimize the amount of time you have to spend cleaning your photos after scanning.
4. Price
Knowing your budget is another major consideration that you want to make. There are so many different kinds of scanners you can find available to choose from at virtually every price point. Therefore, you want to have some idea of how much you intend to pay for the scanner. There are scanners that fit entry-level criteria all the way to the high-end. Knowing what you are planning on using the scanner for can go a long way towards helping you identify which scanner to select at which price point.
5. Display
You want to factor in whether or not the scanner has a built-in display and how good the display is. Having a built-in display can be a major advantage if you are looking to use the scanner on-the-go and you want an accurate representation of what you are getting.
6. Speed
This might not be important for everyone. However, if you have a lot of films that you are going to feed, you might value having a scanner that is speedy. You should look at the scan speeds noted by the manufacturer to get a good idea of how quickly you will be able to scan your film in both full color and monochrome.
7. Scan Area
As mentioned previously, this is going to determine how you are able to use the scanner and with which film you are able to use it. You want to consider the scan area and the flexibility it offers in the scan area to find the scanner that fits your needs the best.
In the end, there are plenty of specs that you want to look for when you are shopping around for the right film scanner. By following the many tips above, you should be in a good position to identify the right option to purchase. You really want to consider what you will be using it for when you are making your buying decision. After all, some scanners might offer more than enough for your needs and some might not do enough based on the features you intend on using.