Slide Scanning: A Detailed Guide on How to Scan Your 35mm Slides
Slide Scanning: A Detailed Guide on How to Scan Your 35mm Slides
Slide Scanning: A Detailed Guide on How to Scan Your 35mm Slides
Free Online Articles Directory
Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
ABAnswers
0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Login
Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out
Email
Password
Remember me?
Lost Password?
Home Page > Computers > Information Technology > Slide Scanning: A Detailed Guide on How to Scan Your 35mm Slides
Slide Scanning: A Detailed Guide on How to Scan Your 35mm Slides
Posted: Nov 04, 2010 |Comments: 0
|
Gather and Organize
I’m sure somewhere in your possession, like most people, is a box or two of old slides, photos, or negatives collecting dust in an old cabinet or drawer. For this entry, I will focus on slide scanning. Generally, people take pictures to capture a particular special moment or setting that can be preserved and shared for generations. However, as time goes on, these forms of media can and will degrade. As you may know, the best solution to this problem is to somehow find the time or money to get all of these images digitized. Depending on the quantity of images, this can be quite a daunting task for any individual. With the right game-plan, and preparation, it could turn out to be a fun, engaging project that will bring your whole family together.
The first step in the process is to determine how many of your slides you wish to have scanned. This is a very important step, as it will help determine which route would be best for you, whether it be purchasing an accessory for your home scanner, rent or purchase a brand new scanner, or to simply have a digitizing service transfer them for you.
The next huge thing to consider before proceeding is to determine how much time you actually have to devote to the project. For example, if you have a full-time job, a busy family life, and 1,500 slides that need to be scanned in 8 days for Grandma’s 80th birthday, buying a manual feeding scanner isn’t the most practical route.
Note: Resolution or (DPI) is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. So, roughly, a 35mm slide has the approximate resolution of that of a 13 megapixel digital camera image (about 3,600 dpi). So if you scan a slide at less dpi, then you limit what you can do with the final image compared with the slide. On the contrary, if you are digitizing to send to family and friends, then 3 to 6 megapixels (2000dpi) is plenty for the average 4×6 photo print. However, if you plan on blowing the images up to 8×10, 11×14 or larger, you need to start with as big a digital image as possible.
Using a Scanning Service
This is a great solution for a person with a lot of slides, a busy lifestyle, and an eye for quality. Typically digitizing companies will use the most high-end equipment on the market to scan your slides. This can be extremely beneficial for people who want to preserve their slides at the highest available quality. Media transfer companies also has a dedicated image scanning department and technician which provides for much faster turnaround times compared to what you can get accomplished alone.
Renting a Scanner
Renting a scanner can be an effective method to process any number of slides. The rental will generally consist of a Nikon CoolScan of some kind, and will often come with the bulk slide loader, making large orders much easier to process. However, it may be difficult to pin down a place that will rent the equipment to you. Trying local photography stores and studios may be your best bet to start looking. Renting a scanner can cost up to 0 per week, not accounting for time learning to use the machine and software, which makes this option best for people who have working knowledge of the equipment.
Buying a Scanner
Before purchasing a brand new flatbed, check to see if the flatbed scanner you already own can scan slides and negatives. Go to the manufacturer’s website and search for your scanner model and any accessories it may be combined with. Typically, the accessory you would be looking for would be a new top cover that has a scanning lamp in it and is glass on the bottom of the cover, compared to the typical plastic over foam. When you place slides or film on the glass scanner bed, they are scanned with the lamp in the top cover, and the image is captured in the lower array as normal. There may also be some slide and film holders that may or may not come with the new top cover. If you do find you can buy the accessories to get the job done, then all you need to do is decide if the money and the time to do the job, fits with your needs. There are also dedicated slide and negative scanners available to consumers. For this article I will break them down into three categories; Low-end, Medium, and high-end.
The low-end dedicated scanners are usually equipment that will actually take a 3-5 megapixel digital image of your slide rather than scanning it. These products typically cost around 0, and are much faster at transferring slides as it takes a digital image rather than a full scan. Ion Slides to PC is an example of a low-end slide scanner.
The middle ground is a very interesting place. The bottom of the middle ground, say around 0 to 0, is occupied by some compact scanners that are fully manual, but some offer scan resolutions as high as 7,200 dpi. Plustek OpticFilm 7300 is an example of a middle ground scanner.
The high end of the 35mm slide and film scanner market has traditionally been occupied by the Nikon Coolscan, in its many incarnations, for a very long time. So if you want to scan at 4,000 dpi with possibly the best optics and scan quality you can find, you will part with nearly ,100, and if you want to use a 50 slide batch processor, add another 0 to the bill. Nikon Supercoolscan 9000 is an example of a high-end scanner.
Keep in mind that most software bundled with scanner products are mediocre-at-best. Play around with the included software, but be aware that there are many, many programs available that work much better than what’s put in front of you immediately. Take some time to do some research, and seek out the most reliable and effective software for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, ask yourself if you ever plan to take film photos again, or if you are planning to just stick with digital from here on out. If you have no foreseeable plans in the future to ever use film cameras again, it may be more cost and time effective for you to seek out a service to digitize your images, rather than buying a scanner and equipment, learning to use it, and spend time scanning each image.
After you are done digitizing your entire slide collection, you may be wondering what in the world to do with your boxes and boxes of old slides. Some people will throw them out, some will put them back in storage. Before doing anything, I would recommend backing all of your images to an archival-grade DVD or two, in addition to a hard drive. So, dumping you originals is a personal preference. The only issue you may face in the future, is if you did not scan at a high enough resolution for large prints, and down the road someone wants large prints. If you had the originals you have a choice to rescan it at higher resolution to make the big prints of higher quality.
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/information-technology-articles/slide-scanning-a-detailed-guide-on-how-to-scan-your-35mm-slides-3610661.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #3610661)
Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy!
Chris Papciak -
About the Author:
Chris Papciak has been working with computers and media for over 15 years. He has extensive knowledge in the field of media transfers, more specifically video tapes. He currently works as as a video transfer technician at a Southern California based company called DVD Your Memories, which specializes in converting old media formats to digital such as Film to DVD San Diego and VHS to DVD San Diego.
]]>
Questions and Answers
Ask our experts your Information Technology related questions here…
200 Characters left
If I use component video cables on my dvd/vcr player will it play back the vhs on that signal?
How do I add an image / photo in my column article
We have photos saved on our memory card and SIM card that we have inserted into our new Samsung Galaxy S phone. How do we access these photos and videos?
Rate this Article
vote(s)
1 vote(s)
Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish
Article Tags:
vhs to dvd, photo scanning, slide scanning, scrapbooks, video conversion, video transfer, video to dvd, photos to cd, photo dvd, image scanning, san diego, irvine
Latest Information Technology Articles
More from Chris Papciak
Family Media: Top Ten Reasons To Transfer Your Old Media to DVD
Most of the time, we’re not thinking about our family’s old media or how it may be disintegrating before your eyes! This article will detail 10 reasons why you should get your old media converted to CD/DVD or Digital files.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Home and Family>
Genealogyl
Nov 08, 2010
Different Types of Video and Audio Tapes
As technology progresses, we’re constantly switching out the old for the new. Well, as everyone already knows, this also applies to your family media such as video and audio tapes. There’s been so many different tape formats and shifts of technology over the years, it’s hard for anyone to keep track of the model names or equipment needed to play their old video tapes.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Jan 13, 2011
Improve quality of your VHS to DVD Transfers
Most VHS tapes just do not look as good when played today as it did 20 years ago. They can suffer from all sorts of symptoms such as color loss or degradation, warping, flickering etc. Often times these problems can be so severe, that it can distract from the video itself. Thankfully, with a little bit of knowledge and equipment, you can still get the most our of your old video tapes.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Jan 05, 2011
Convert VHS to iPod; Watch Home Movies on Your iPod
If there is one common trend this decade, it’s that consumers love new gadgets. From the iPod to in-car GPS devices, we pretty much have everything we could ever want, right at our fingertips. In this new wave of convenience devices, our lifestyles are changing dramatically. Just image how things were before cell phones and ipods. What did you do, and where did you go? How did you get there?
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Jan 13, 2011
Film to DVD Transfers: Frame-By-Frame Vs Real Time Transfer
When it comes time to transfer 8mm film to DVDs, you may be wondering just how it’s done, and what the best quality transfer is. The type of film transfer service that is performed on your footage can make a world of difference in the end. It’s best to your own research to determine exactly what you want to get out of your film transfer, whether it be quality or cost. Many of the companies out there today will use cheaper, lower-quality methods such as a real-time transfer.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Hardwarel
Nov 08, 2010
Choosing The Right Photo Scanner
Proper photo scanning equipment isn’t cheap, so it’s best to be as prepared as possible before you make your purchasing decision. Below is an excerpt from about.com which details some of the top photo scanners on the market today.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Hardwarel
Dec 16, 2010
VHS Tape Repair: A Simple Guide to Fix Your Broken VHS Tape
For many families, video tapes often contain some of the most precious memories they have. Since the advent of the camcorder, millions of people worldwide have been filming important events in their and their family’s lives. At some point, many of us have had a tape break, or a VCR eat up their video tape, resulting in a tape that simply won’t play normally anymore.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Data Recoveryl
Nov 08, 2010
SharePoint 2010 is software products family developed for the file sharing, collaboration and web publishing. The family of this particular software includes Microsoft SharePoint Server, SharePoint Foundation, SharePoint Workspace etc. After SharePoint 2003 and 2007, Microsoft decided to upgrade the system and SharePoint 2010 was launched in 2010 with improved features.
By:
Austin Maltbyl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 07, 2011
How Do You Choose An IT Support For Your Business?
In Thailand there are many IT Support and IT Service companies (both Thai owned and foreigner owned). In comparing them, there is a wide contrast ranging between qualified IT service companies to small startups by people with a few years of IT experience and foreigners who are looking for a means to extend their stay in Thailand.
By:
clarityitl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 07, 2011
The Intranet Model-Communications, Business Processes and Knowledge Management
For an intranet to be truly successful it must provide a balance of all of these elements-Communications, Business Processes and Knowledge Management.
By:
Anuj Kumarl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 07, 2011
Are you receiving EXE errors on your system? It is reported by maximum Windows users that they are continuously receiving EXE errors (ntoskrnl, iexplore, svchost, userinit, wmiprvse and other application errors) on their system. In this article you would learn how to fix EXE errors and speed up your Windows in few easy steps.
By:
Real Techl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 07, 2011
2011 Promises High Growth for 3D Modeling Market
Beginning 2011 the 3D modeling market is expected to grow to a new high after a decline during the 2008-09 global recession and nearly a no-growth period of 2010. As the economies around the world come out of recession, significant opportunities for the 3D modeling can be seen in the increasing popularity and demand for 3D movies, and growing interest in the gaming industry.
By:
Gene Kangl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 07, 2011
Cabinets and Rack Mounts for Industrial Use
It is very important to keep all the commercial places organized and well managed so that the functioning of the organization can remain smooth. Cabinets and racks can not only help you in keeping things sorted but they can also protect and make things easily accessible when needed.
By:
Rack worldl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 07, 2011
Tips on how to conduct a background check applying on line tools?
Engines like google.com, enable it to be simpler to execute background checks to get information on individuals as well as firms for several purposes. Many well-known search engines offer elementary free of charge background facts to get an almost speedy come back.
By:
John Downeyl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 06, 2011
Human approach to computer processing
A more human approach to processing raw data could change the way that computers deal with information, according to academics at The University of Nottingham.
Researchers in the School of Computer Science at the University’s Malaysia Campus are exploring ‘granular computing’ — a computer paradigm that looks at groups or sets of information, called information granules, rather than the high level of detail at which data is currently processed.
By:
Paramita Bannerjeel
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 06, 2011
How to Prevent Skipping on Your Vinyl Record LP
Vinyl records certainly were not the most durable forms of media we’ve ever had, but they sure do sound great when in good condition. Records can suffer from all sorts of deterioration, much of it causing unwanted skipping or audio distortion.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 02, 2011
VHS Restoration Tips and Techniques
The goal of VHS restoration is to create a product that looks or sounds better than the source. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways, and commonly uses a combination of factors to achieve the desired results. Results will often vary, depending on the condition of the video, and what combination of techniques or equipment you’re using.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 02, 2011
Retouch Old Photos, Photo Restoration Techniques
Think about the oldest photos you have. The odds are that it is probably pretty important to you. What kind of condition is it in now? 30-40 year old photos tend to have more problems that not, often suffering from torn edges, faded colors, creases, and so on. It could probably benefit from some photo retouching work. Before the digital age, photo retouching was all done by hand on either the photo itself, the negative, or a combination of both.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 02, 2011
How to Convert Your Camcorder to DVD
One of the easiest ways to convert your camcorder to DVD is to hook up the camcorder to a recording device such as a DVR with a DVD Burner. For this example I’ll be using a Sony Hi8 camcorder. To do this yourself, follow these steps.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Feb 02, 2011
Different Types of Video and Audio Tapes
As technology progresses, we’re constantly switching out the old for the new. Well, as everyone already knows, this also applies to your family media such as video and audio tapes. There’s been so many different tape formats and shifts of technology over the years, it’s hard for anyone to keep track of the model names or equipment needed to play their old video tapes.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Jan 13, 2011
What’s the Difference Between Super 8 and 8mm Film?
8mm film and Super 8 film look surprisingly similar at first glance, which can make it difficult to figure out which is which, especially if you have both types of film. Fortunately, when you get it up close, it’s easy to spot a couple key differences which will make telling them apart much easier in the future. 16mm film should be instantly recognizable, as it’s twice the width of 8mm and super 8 film.
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Jan 13, 2011
Convert VHS to iPod; Watch Home Movies on Your iPod
If there is one common trend this decade, it’s that consumers love new gadgets. From the iPod to in-car GPS devices, we pretty much have everything we could ever want, right at our fingertips. In this new wave of convenience devices, our lifestyles are changing dramatically. Just image how things were before cell phones and ipods. What did you do, and where did you go? How did you get there?
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Jan 13, 2011
How to Unwind VHS Tapes; Manually Rewind Your Video Tape
VHS tapes were never perfect. They often broke, got stuck in the VCR, or didn’t want to rewind. Whatever the problem is, it usually happens the the tape you care most about. If you’ve ever had a VHS tape that wouldn’t play, rewind, or fast forward, you might be able to fix it by manually rewinding your VHS tape. You will need to fix this issue if you ever wanted to do aVHS to DVD transfer, or even watch the tape again. Tapes usually get stuck when one of the reels gets caught on one of the casse
By:
Chris Papciakl
Computers>
Information Technologyl
Jan 13, 2011
Add new Comment
Your Name: *
Your Email:
Comment Body: *
Verification code:*
* Required fields
Submit
Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy
Sign Up Today
Author Navigation
My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder
My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box
Chris Papciak has 30 articles online
Articles Categories
All Categories
Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing
Computer Forensics
Computer Games
Data Recovery
Databases
E-Learning
File Types
Hardware
Information Technology
Intra-net
Laptops
Networks
Operating Systems
Programming
Security
Software
]]>
Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog
Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Mobile Version
Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us
Business Info
Advertising
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2011 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.
Hiring The Best Videographer To Capture Those Special Wedding Moments!
