best slide and negative scanners for mac

Flatbeds that scan film, however, have another light source in the lid to illuminate the negatives or slides. Most typical flatbed scanners have a single light source that goes under the document. You lift the lid, place the film, and start scanning. These models feature a clear, glass bed with a lid. If you’ve ever seen a standard photo scanner, you’ll recognize a flatbed film scanner. Film scanners come in one of three basic types-flatbed, dedicated film scanners (also known as transparency or slide scanners), and drum scanners.

When choosing, you need to be cognizant of the type of film you intend to scan and what you plan to do with the scans. The best film scanners capture the light, shadows, and colors of the original film with accuracy and clarity. Use the best film scanners to enhance your artistic preferences.

Best budget: Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner.

Best professional: Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner.

Best for digital video: Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner.

Best negative scanner: Plustek OpticFilm 8300i Ai Film Scanner.

Best flatbed scanner: Epson Perfection V600.

Read on to get the lowdown on the models that made our list, along with tips to help you choose the best film scanner for you. Professionals will need the manual control and versatility of a more expensive film scanner, while hobby photographers don’t need to make the same financial investment. Consequently, your chosen film scanner will need to work for the type of film you use as well as offer the quality that works for your purposes. Others work with several types of film as well as scan documents and printed photos. The best film scanners preserve the look and feel of the original film and make it easier to edit, share, and replicate your work.įilm scanners come in different sizes, use different technologies, and may only work for certain types of film. There are also film scanners that convert 8 mm and Super 8 film into easily edited and shared MP4s.

Film scanners aren’t just for photography either. Enter the film scanner, which converts film images to digital format. However, you can’t deny the ease of editing and sharing digital photos. There’s a look and texture to film photography and video that their digital counterparts can’t capture. For some photographers, film is still magic.

Best slide and negative scanners for mac