When it comes to film photography, digital cameras have taken over the market, so there’s not as much of a need to develop film at home. However, there is still a large market of film photographers out there and they’re doing a variety of different things with film. Whether you’re shooting 35mm, 120, or even medium format film, there’s a large variety of different cameras to choose from, but when it comes to digitizing your film, the task can be daunting.
Digital scanners are very different from their film counterparts; where film scanners have glass plates that you place your film against and press a button to start, digital scanners have a flatbed design and require you to place your film on them and do the rest by hand. A film scanner also usually has a special film holder that can handle different film sizes and types. A good film scanner is a must-have for any serious film photographer.
Read on to find the best slide negative scanners for your needs.
Our Editor’s Best Slide Negative Scanners Reviews
- SAVE OLD PHOTO MEMORIES: 13/22MP Digital Film Scanner Lets You View, Edit & Convert Your Old Color & B&W Negatives [135, 110, 126mm] & 50mm Slides [135, 110, 126mm] to Digital Files & Save Directly to SD Card (NOT INCLUDED)
- 5” LCD DISPLAY WITH GALLERY MODE: Features Large, Crystal-Clear Screen with Wide Viewing Angle for Instantly Previewing & Editing Photos | Great for Sharing with Friends & Family or Using as an Elegant Digital Picture Frame in Home or Office
- CONVENIENT EASY-LOAD FILM INSERTS: Quick-Feeding Tray Technology Allows for Continuous Loading Action, Making Scanning Fast & Simple! Includes 50mm Slide Holder, Adapters for 135, 110 & 126 Films, Cleaning Brush, USB & HDMI Cables
- EDITING WITH A SINGLE TOUCH: Advanced Capture Software Enhances, Resizes & Converts Photos Via Easy ‘Scan’ Button—No Complex Screens or Settings! | Easy Options Let You Choose Film Type, Adjust Color/Brightness & Assign Date/Time
- SUPER CHIC. UBER COMPATIBLE: Device Handles All Your Old Slides & Negatives, Supports SD or SDHC Cards [Up to 32GB] (NOT INCLUDED) & Connects to Any Type-C USB-Enabled Computer | Gorgeous Design Blends Seamlessly w/ Your Home Décor
- Relive Old Memories - This Mobile Film Scanner allows you to easily convert old slides and film to JPG and store them with just one phone. No need to use a computer or other expensive scanners.
- Various Film Types - The Slide and Film Scanner are compatible with color and B&W 35mm negatives and 35mm slides. The built-in LED backlight can provide illumination to make the film and slide clearer and brighter.
- APP to Scan and Edit - Scan the QR Code on the box or download Film-scanner App in the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. You can use it to edit your film, such as crop, rotate, adjust color and contrast, and you can share it on social media.
- Easy to Operate - Insert 2 AA batteries (not included), insert the slide or film, turn on the LED backlight, and place the lens of your smart phone over the hole and then click to capture. The photo quality depends on the resolution of your phone camera.
- Foldable design - The Mobile Phone Film Scanner is foldable and can be folded into a small box without taking up much space. Good for travel and also a good choice for gifts.
- PRESERVE OLD MEMORIES - Quickly and easily converts 35mm/110/126/Super 8 film negatives & 135/126/110 slides into high resolution 22MP digital JPEG files
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO VIEW - Using the stunning 5'' LCD screen, view your film, slides & scanned images directly on the scanner or use an HDMI cable (not included) to view on your TV or monitor
- BUILT-IN MEMORY & SD CARD SLOT - With a convenient 128MB internal memory and an SD card slot for up to 128GB of expandable memory you'll be able to scan and save a lifetime of photos
- NO COMPUTER NEEDED - No complicated or expensive photo-editing software or driver installation required, you can adjust brightness, RGB color correction, flip and mirror directly on the scanner
- FAST & EASY SCANNING - Simple setup for frustration-free operation to effortlessly scan your photos in less than 5 seconds each with the included fast-loading film trays
- Relive Your Old Memories-Tabletop mobile film scanner lets you view old negatives & slide positives with your smartphone allows you convert old 35mm films old negatives & slide positives to record good times
- Simple and Easy to Use-Insert a slide or negative into the tray, turn on built-in led backlight, place the lens of your smart phone over the hole and then click to capture. If images come out blurry, remember to tap the screen to auto-focus—and keep trying!
- Convenient Collapsing Design -The scanner is small and easy to carry. It can be folded into a small box. When using, unfold the scanner, install the mobile phone, you can scan and burn 35mm film. It is a good helper for outdoor photography.—a great nostalgic gift for people of all ages, no tech savvy required
- Multiple Adaptability - Scan no matter what type of old photos you have, no more complicated scanning equipment or expensive digitizing services! Fun without the headaches of professional conversions | Compatible with 35mm color negatives, 35mm black and white negatives, and 35mm color slides.
- Free APP Scan, Edit and Share-Capture, crop, rotate and filter with the free Rybozen App; adjust color and contrast; share on social media!
- SAVE OLD PHOTO MEMORIES: 13/22MP Digital Film Scanner Lets You View, Edit & Convert Your Old Color & B&W Negatives [135, 110, 126mm] & 50mm Slides [135, 110, 126mm] to Digital Files & Save Directly to SD Card (NOT INCLUDED)
- 7” LCD DISPLAY WITH GALLERY MODE: Features Large, Crystal-Clear Screen with Wide Viewing Angle for Instantly Previewing & Editing Photos | Great for Sharing with Friends & Family or Using as an Elegant Digital Picture Frame in Home or Office
- CONVENIENT EASY-LOAD FILM INSERTS: Quick-Feeding Tray Technology Allows for Continuous Loading Action, Making Scanning Fast & Simple! Includes 50mm Slide Holder, Adapters for 135, 110 & 126 Films, Cleaning Brush & USB Cables (HDMI Cable is not included)
- EDITING WITH A SINGLE TOUCH: Advanced Capture Software Enhances, Resizes & Converts Photos Via Easy ‘Scan’ Button—No Complex Screens or Settings! | Easy Options Let You Choose Film Type, Adjust Color/Brightness & Assign Date/Time
- SUPER CHIC. UBER COMPATIBLE: Device Handles All Your Old Slides & Negatives, Supports SD or SDHC Cards [Up to 32GB] (NOT INCLUDED) & Connects to Any Type-C USB-Enabled Computer | Gorgeous Design Blends Seamlessly w/ Your Home Décor
- Includes adjustable rapid slide feeder; Once you digitize them into JPG files they can be copied, moved, duplicated freely with a simple click of a mouse.
- 5/10 Mega Pixel Stand alone Film/Slide, scan film to your SD card(up to 32GB SDHC) or computer in 1800DPI high resolution
- USB 2.0 interface Convert Video Cable to TV out feature: NTSC/PAL
- Display is 2.4 inch TFT LCD screen (480x234)on the bottom, you can make the adjustment conveniently
- Operation system: Windows XP, VISTA, 7, 8，10，Mac OS
- HIGH RESOLUTION FILM TO JPEG IN SECONDS - MINOLTA Revive 5 Digital Film ScannerEASILY CONVERT COLOR and B&W 35mm, 126, 110 Negative & Slides, Super 8 Films to High Resolution 22MP JPEG Digital Photos Film to JPEG to "Revive" Your Old Slides & Negatives
- EASILY CONVERT COLOR and B&W 35mm, 126, 110 Negative & Slides, Super 8 Films to High Resolution 22MP JPEG Digital Photos Film to JPEG
- LARGE 5-INCH LCD SCREEN - NO COMPUTER NEEDED. Works as Stand Alone Scanner. No software needed.
- 16GB SD MEMORY CARD "INCLUDED" so you can save a lifetime of photos right out of the box. Store up to 2,080 Photos - Compressed (JPEG 100% quality) Images per 16GB SD memory card and 4,161 Photos on a 32GB SD card.
- USB AC WALL POWER ADAPTER "INCLUDED" - Worldwide Voltage 110V/240V with 3-Piece International Outlet Adapter Plugs
- Ultra-Thin Light Pad for Slides: TCNEWCL LED light pad silde viewer, A4 size, allows to scan many photos, slides, positive & negative film simultaneously with your phone, save and upload to any social media.
- Digitize Your Slides and Negatives: Before scanning your slides and negatives, download scanning app on your phone first. It is recommended to use SlideScan app (for scanning slides) and FilmBox app (for scanning negatives).
- Adjustable Brightness: This led light box has 3 levels of brightness to adjust, you are able to get the needed brightness by gently touching the on/off switch.
- Multiple Powered Options: A USB power cable is included in package, you can easily power it with computer, laptop, power bank, USB adaptor, USB hub, etc.
- Magnetic Backlight: 2 x Magnets(Random Color) included are convenient for you to secure slides and negatives to the Light Pad. Eliminate the hassle of flattening rolling negatives.
- Converts 35mm/135, 110, 126Kpk and super 8 films, slides & negatives into digital JPEG format within 2 seconds.
- Stand-Alone and no computer required, tranfers your old film/slides to Color or Black&White picture in SD card(up to 32GB, not included) and supports to adjust the brightness or color of image.
- With software interpolation, digitized photo quality up to 22 megapixels
- Mac & PC compatible, transfers High resolution Images to your computer, laptop, smartphone and tablet
- View the scanned photos directly on integrated 2. 4” color LCD screen, or connect it to TV for larger screen display. Easy to operate for elderly.
- AMAZING MINIATURE FILM SCANNER – All-in-One Device Lets You Scan, View, Edit, Convert & Save Old 135, 126, 110, Super 8 & Monochrome Negatives & Slides; Turn Your Old Pictures Into Sharp, Clear, Detailed Color or Black & White JPEG Files
- MULTIPLE ADAPTERS FOR FAST LOADING – Enjoy Maximum Compatibility & Ease of Conversion w/ a Variety of Adapters Designed for Fast, Continuous Loading; Improve Quality Up to 14/22MP w/ Adjustable Brightness, Color & Reverse/Flip
- UPDATED USER INTERFACE WITH 2.4” LCD – Dedicated Scan & Home Buttons Provide Easy One-Press Scanning & Quicker Menu Navigation; View & Edit Current Slide or Gallery Pictures on the Color Display [Internal Memory Holds Up to 128MB]
- MEMORIES FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM – Use Any SD Card Up to 32GB [Not Included] Perfect for Enhancing & Printing Old Photos & Sharing Old Film Formats on Social Media
- 3-IN-1 INTERNATIONAL ADAPTER & MORE – Extended Accessories Pack Includes Universal Power Source for US, EU & UK, Cleaning Wand, USB Cable & TV Cable Power Adapter; View Images Big Screen TV, Etc.
Best Slide Negative Scanners Buying Guide
Before choosing the best slide film scanner you should consider following options:
1. Image quality: The image quality of a scanner is measured by its resolution, which is expressed in dots per inch (dpi).
A higher resolution scanner will produce a digital image with a greater number of dots per inch, resulting in a clearer image with more detail.
Image quality is also affected by the bit depth, measured as bits per pixel (bpp). The bit depth indicates the number of shades of gray that a scanner can capture per pixel, which determines the scanner’s ability to capture smooth transitions between light and dark areas.
For example, a scanner with 8-bit depth can distinguish 256 shades of gray, while a scanner with 24-bit depth can distinguish 16.7 million shades of gray.
Another measure of image quality is image file format. Some scanners allow you to scan directly to a JPEG file, while others allow you to scan to a TIFF or PDF file.
Depending on your intended use, these differences can make a big difference in the quality of the image you end up with.
2. Speed: The speed of a scanner is determined by its scan resolution, scan mode, and the amount of memory it has.
The higher the resolution, the longer the scan will take. The scan mode you choose will affect the speed of the scan.
Many scanners allow you to scan at different resolutions. For example, you can scan at 300 dpi for a high-quality image and at 600 dpi for a small, low-quality image.
In this case, the scan mode you choose will affect the speed of the scan. For example, a 600 dpi scan will take a longer time than a 300 dpi scan, even though the image quality is lower.
Memory is another factor that affects the speed of a scan. Memory helps the scanner to process data faster, which makes a difference when you’re scanning large amounts of data.
3. Document handling: Depending on your intended use of the scanner, you may need one that has a specific document handling feature.
For example, if you plan to use the scanner to archive your old books, you will need a scanner that allows you to feed a book through the scanner.
On the other hand, if you want to digitize your old photographs, you will need a scanner that allows you to feed the photo through the scanner.
4. Option to connect to the computer: If you are planning to use the scanner for office purposes, you may not need this feature.
However, if you want to use the scanner for archiving old books or photographs, you probably want to connect the scanner to your computer to create a digital copy of your books or photographs.
5. Connectivity: Different scanners offer different connectivity options. The most common connectivity feature is the USB connector, which is compatible with all computers.
Other scanners also offer Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to scan without having to connect the scanner to your computer.
This feature comes in handy when you want to scan something from a distance. You can simply connect the scanner to a Wi-Fi router and scan from your computer or mobile device.
6. User interface: The user interface of a scanner determines its ease of use. Some scanners require you to use complicated software to operate them, while others have a simple user interface with only a few buttons to operate them.
7. Cost: The price of a scanner plays an important role in determining which one to buy.
A good scanner can cost anywhere from $100
What else you should know about slide negative scanners
1. What is a slide negative scanner?
A slide negative scanner is a device used to scan and convert film negatives into digital images.
2. How does a slide negative scanner work?
A slide negative scanner works by projecting light through a negative onto a surface. This creates an image that can be captured by a camera or other device.
3. What are the benefits of using a slide negative scanner?
Some benefits of using a slide negative scanner are that it can help preserve your slides by digitizing them, it can be easier to share your slides if they are in digital form, and you can edit digital photos more easily than slides.
4. What are the drawbacks of using a slide negative scanner?
The main drawback of using a slide negative scanner is that it can be quite slow. scanning each slide can take a minute or more, so if you have a lot of slides to scan, it can take quite a while. Additionally, slide scanners can be quite expensive, so if you are only scanning a few slides, it might not be worth the investment.
5. Which slide negative scanner is the best?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences and needs. Some of the more popular slide negative scanners include the Epson Perfection V550, the Canon CanoScan 9000F Mark II, and the Nikon Coolscan V ED.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best slide negative scanners. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best slide negative scanners will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.