As the world keeps becoming more digital, the idea of saving pictures in photo albums is gradually becoming old fashioned. This is because with the growing usage of smartphones it is easier to save photos on them digitally.
Do you wish you could share your old picture in digital formats? This just got easier as with the great negative scanners this is achievable. Negative film scanners are devices that can help you convert your pictures into digital formats.
However, getting to choose the best negative scanners to buy can be a difficult challenge. To make it easy for you, we have reviewed the Best Negative scanners in 2021 to guide you in buying.
Best Negative Scanners 2021
1. Plustek OpticFilm 8100
This film scanner boasts of a 7,200 dpi max. scanning resolution and provides excellent scan quality and good detailing. It is affordable and has one of the best scanning software in the market.
Pros
- Excellent scanning quality
- Affordable
- Very good software
Cons
- A bit slow
- Shadow detailing is subpar
Price: View on Amazon
2. Kodak Scanza
The Scanza is a device that converts film to JPEG digitals in seconds. It also optimizes all sorts of photographic film formats as well as scan 35mm, Super 8, and 8mm negatives. In addition, scanned files can be transferred to both Windows and Mac.
Furthermore, this scanner comes with a built-in full-color LCD display system, several film adapters, and inserts, as also an easy to use operating system and interface too.
Pros
- Built-in LCD display
- Easy to use.
- Scans quickly.
Cons
- Small display.
Price: View on Amazon
3. Plustek OpticFilm 8200i
The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i is a powerful scanner having a resolution of 7200 dpi. It comes with a sharp optical system that makes it capable of producing brilliant detail in shadow areas. Also, it offers a great tone and color range.
Furthermore, it has a built-in infrared channel that helps users to remove dust and scratches on original negatives and slides without extra post-processing.
In addition, it features an IT 8 calibration slide, which assists in the delivery of clear and accurate colors having quite a number of in-depth detailing.
Pros
- 7200 dpi resolution
- Powerful and Fast.
- Accurate tone and color range
- built-in infrared channel
- Works with Mac and PC.
Cons
- Software and drive issues.
Price: View on Amazon
4. Epson Perfection V550 Scanner
It’s a true photo scanner because of its traditional flatbed design and maximum scan area of 8.5 x11.7”. There is no better choice in comprehensive film scanning than its monstrous 6400dpi resolution. You also get to enjoy the latest photo restoration technologies with the Perfection V550’s impressive suite of software. It isn’t an expensive option either and is fully compatible with Windows and macOS systems. The scanner can also accommodate panoramic films of up to 6 x 22cm.
Features
- Flatbed design
- ReadyScan software
- LED illumination
- Digital ICE
- Integrated transparency unit
- 6400dpi optical resolution
- 48-bit depth
Pros
- Cheap
- Extreme resolution
- Offers extensive customization
- Versatile operation
- Energy-efficient and easy to use
- High-resolution scanner
- Invisible profile
Cons
- Not fully Mac compatible
- Operates slowly
Price: View on Amazon
5. Wolverine Titan
The Wolverine Titan scanner conveniently scans in stacks of 35mm photos and archives, regular 8mm, and super 8 movies for quick digital conversion and sharing. This device is designed with both Mac and Windows OS compatibility. In addition, it can connect to a television or other digital monitors as well.
It is user friendly and comes with a digital JPEG conversion feature, which helps you to digitally convert everything you need. Also, this device processes 20-megapixel digital images within seconds, and saves all images into the internal memory or directly to an optional SD/SDHC memory card.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Quick scans.
- Share images to TV or monitors.
- USB and HDMI.
Cons
- No editing, or color correcting feature.
- Low-quality images.
Price: View on Amazon
6. Nikon CoolScan VLS-50 ED
This scanner which is compatible with both Windows and Mac comes with a 4,000 dpi optical resolution having a scan speed of about 38 seconds. Also, it has a 4.2 density, 14-bit A/D conversion, a digital ICE4 advanced suite for innovative image correction technologies, 8 or 16-bit output, as well as an updated USB interface.
In addition, the Nikon CoolScan VLS-50 ED offers you high quality 35mm slide scanning, APS film scanning with its optional IX240 film adapter. It is also worth mentioning that it gives an easy 35mm film strip scanning and prepared slide scanning with the optional medical slide holder.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Fast
- LED illumination
- Advanced image correction
- User-friendly operation.
Cons
- No monochrome preset
Price: View on Amazon
7. Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE Scanner
If you are looking for a negative scanner with a great resolution, then the Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE Scanner is just ideal for you. This scanner designed to scan 35mm negative film strips and transparencies at an amazing 10,000 x 10,000 dpi.
Also, this scanner makes it possible to get enlargements at a rate of up to 48 x 32 inches at 300 dpi. Additionally, it has a USB 2.0 port for fast data transfer and computer connectivity. It is also worth mentioning, that this scanner is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS and also scans negatives at a range from 63 seconds at 3600 dpi to 91 seconds at 7200 dpi.
Pros
- It is Fast.
- Impressive resolution.
- Built-in processing features.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
Cons
- Hard to repair.
- Tray issues.
Price: View on Amazon
8. Kodak Slide N Scan Film
While the design is not flatbed like we prefer, KODAK Slide N Scan is a significantly cheaper option than competitors. It supports both SD and SDHC cards with a maximum of 32GB memory and offers USB Type-C connection. A combination of Tray technology and Quick-feed innovation ensures you can continuously feed the scanner new films as it scans.
Features
- 5” LCD
- HDMI and USB connections
- 22MP image sensor
- Adapters and cleaning brush
- 4ounces
- 5.3 x 5.4 x 3.7”
- 126, 110, and 135mm negatives compatible
Pros
- Saves directly to SD
- Includes Gallery Mode for preview
- Continuous loading action compatible
- Reasonable price
- Incredible scan speeds
- Intuitive use
Cons
- Can’t fix bad images
- Resolution isn’t impressive
Price: View on Amazon
9. Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim
There are very few negative scanners that personalize the word minimal like Lide 400. It maintains the flatbed build without compromising scan speed that can reach as high as eight seconds. Lide preserves image details with its 600dpi optical sensors and includes multiple image enhancement software.
Features
- 600dpi
- Travel lock
- Five built-in EZ buttons
- USB Type-C port
- 0.4 x 14.5 x 7.7”
Pros
- Low price
- Offers an auto-scan mode
- Can autodetect film type
- Fast scan speed
Cons
- Complicated to operate
- Falsely advertises as 4800dpi
Price: View on Amazon
10. Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless System
The price may take some getting used to, but there are many advantages that only FastFoto FF-680W can offer. Not only does it connect wirelessly, which allows it to upload and backup your scanned files automatically. Its resolution isn’t bad either, given that its high flexibility and 1200dpi value.
Features
- USB and Wi-Fi
- Single-step technology
- One second can speed at 300dpi
- ScanSmart with OCR
- Windows and macOS compatible
- EPA certified
Pros
- Offers wireless operation
- Auto-upload and auto-scan
- Has image restoration software
- Convenient use
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy and expensive
- Poor MacOS support
Price: View on Amazon
