Best Film Scanners for Hobbyists & Photographers | 2022 Buyer’s Guide
What is the best film scanner? There are versatile multi-use models that are suitable for a range of applications. An excellent example is the KODAK SCANZA scanner, which is a good choice for in-home use and hobbyists. With a price of under $200, it is user-friendly, easy-to-use, and comes with a display.
On the other hand, there are pricier scanners about $400 like Plustek and Epson that are designed for professional photographers. These models have their peculiarities, too. The Epson Perfection V600 effectively removes imperfections from scanned photos, allows for enlargements from film, and restores faded colors. Besides, this is an energy-efficient option. The Plustek OpticFilm 8100 can handle different slide types because of the built-in ICC profile and is ideal for scanning black-and-white film.
1. KODAK SCANZA | |
2. Epson Perfection V600 | |
3. Plustek OpticFilm 8100-35mm | |
4. Magnasonic Super 8/8mm |
How Do Hobby Film Scanners Differ from Professional-Grade Scanners?
Got a bunch of family photos or memories stuck on old reels of film? Not to worry - now, it's cheaper and easier than ever to safely scan and host them on the Cloud. Many are turning to film scanners, which allow the film to be scanned directly to a computer without the need for any intermediate printmaking stages.
Of course, not all film scanners are made equal - different products will vary significantly in terms of price, quality, features, and extensibility. The highest-quality film scanners are able to produce digitized images with the highest clarity and color resolution. They utilize digital ICE tech to automatically correct for scratches, cuts, tears, and creases in the finished scan.
Moreover, these professional scanners utilize a thin glass lens to capture 4,000 dpi optical resolution with CCD image sensing technology and 40-bit color output. Of course, professional-grade scanners can be very expensive. Interestingly, many of the most expensive models only specialize in one type of film for the most specific sets of purposes.
Most opt for hobbyist devices, like the Kodak Scanza, that compares reasonably well to the best scanners. Hobby-level scanners can convert multiple types of film, like 35mm, 126, 110, and 8mm, into one digitized format. On average, they include a 14-megapixel sensor that captures images in high definition, yet doesn't quite capture the clarity of professional models.
We recommend mid-priced scanners for those that want to digitize important documents, like receipts, letters, and bookkeeping materials. They're also great for keeping family photos safe for years to come.
Review of the Best Film Scanners
Below, we have rounded up a short-list of the best film scanners on the market. Their prices range from $160 to $370. Each scanner is optimized for different film types and is packed with distinct features. You may choose a versatile film scanner for numerous options for device pairing and digitized scan sharing or a professional-grade device that can remove imperfections from scanned photos.
KODAK SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner | Best 35mm film scanner under $200
Converting film to JPEG in seconds, the Kodak Scanza can handle 35mm, 126, 11, Super 8, 8mm negatives, and slides. A bright, spacious 3.5" LCD screen displays the converted images for easier operation.
The kit includes a helpful tray and insert directory, which allows users to easily edit the images for RGB and resolution, browse their gallery, and more. It even comes with a MacOS and PC-compatible converter, USB power cable, HDMI cable, AC adapter, video cable, and film cleaning crush.
The Scanza makes it seamless to digitize your old memories by recommending the correct adapter types for specific film strips. All film is automatically saved to your SD card, which can then be transferred via USB to your computer or projected onto a TV.
The three-piece adapter plugs into any standard wall outlet found in North America, Europe, Asia, and more.
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KODAK SCANZA: Check the current price
Epson Perfection V600 Film & Document Scanner | Best for Photographers
The Epson scanner allows for unparalleled enlargements from film, reaching up to 6400 x 9600 dpi (or 17" x 22") over a maximum scan area of 8.5" x 11.7".
With the power of Digital ICE, the scanner removes the appearance of dust and scratches from film and can even autocorrect creasing. The device is paired with proprietary easy-fix tech that makes it easy to restore faded colors to photos with a single tap.
Users can scan slides, negatives, and medium-format panoramic film with the built-in transparency unit. The scanner utilizes an energy-efficient ready scan LED light source that requires no warm-up time and results in faster scanning for large projects.
Scans can be even converted into editable text using the ABBYY FineReader Sprint Plus OCR application. Many use the scanner to capture everything from receipts to invoices, 3D objects, and recordkeeping documents. Four different buttons allow you to scan, copy, scan-to-email, and create PDFs.
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Epson Perfection: Check the current price
Plustek OpticFilm 8100-35mm Negative Film/Slide Scanner | Best High-Performance
The Plustek supports the digitization of 35 mm slides, negative films, 35mm negatives, and slides with a 7200 DPI (69 megapixels) 48-bit color output.
The scanner is especially well-suited for black-and-white film since it automatically corrects scratches, lightens ultra-dark shadow areas, and keeps mid-tons fully intact. The 3.6D dynamic range reveals a broader range of shadow details and reduces photo noise.
Additionally, the Plustek is bundled with QuickScan and LaserShoft Imaging software to increase the efficiency of the hardware. The device supports the Windows 7/8/10 and MacOS operating systems.
Perhaps the Plustek's most compelling feature is its built-in ICC profile, which allows for the processing of many different slide types. The color management system ensures all scanned images look exactly the same when printed and displayed.
Colors are captured with a highly sensitive CCD sensor that ensures no physical contact with sensitive media during the scanning process.
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Plustek OpticFilm: Check the current price
Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner | Best to convert 8mm film into digital video
The Magnasonic automatically converts reels 3", 5", and 7" reels of 8mm film into digital mp4 files with the push of a button. While it doesn't capture sound, the scanner allows users to playback their scanned video with the built-in 2.3" LCD screen or cast it to a TV.
All videos are saved directly onto the device's SD card up to 32GB - that's up to 120 hours of video. Unfortunately, the SD card needs to be purchased separately.
Alternatively, videos can be transferred from the Magnasonic directly to a computer via USB wire transfer.
Unlike other film scanners, the Magnasonic requires no computer or external software. Users can rely on the device itself to adjust brightness, sharpness, and framing. Many appreciate the Magnasonic's frustration-free operation right out of the box.
At just 12.6" x 7.5" x 5.1", the Magnasonic is big enough to get the job done but sleek enough for convenient travel.
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Magnasonic Super: Check the current price
Best-Selling Film Scanners in Canada | Comparative Table
Customers' Choice
Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner - B11B198022
- Create extraordinary enlargements from film - 6400 x 9600 dpi for enlargements up to 17" x 22"
- Scan slides, negatives and medium-format panoramic film - built-in transparency unit
- Remove the appearance of tears and creases from damaged photos - digital ice for prints
- Remove the appearance of dust and scratches from film - digital ice for film
- Restore faded colour photos with one touch - EPSON easy photo fix included
- Create extraordinary enlargements from film
- Remove the appearance of dust and scratches from film
- Remove the appearance of tears and creases from photos
- Restore faded color photos with one touch
- Scan slides, negatives and medium-format panoramic film
Best Value
Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner, Converts 35mm/126KPK/110/Super 8 Films, Slides,...
- Effortlessly convert your 35mm, 126KPK,110, Super 8 and Negatives into premium high resolution 22MP digital photo JPEG files. Still images only, not video. Relive and share your memories in no time with only the push of a button.
- View your scanned slides and films with the built-in, vibrant full color, 2.4 inch LCD screen or directly onto your television with the included Video Out TV cable. No computer is needed to transform your slides from outdated to updated.
- Thanks to the generous 128MB of built-in memory, save up to 100 images directly onto the All-in-One Converter. The easy to use SD card slot expansion allows you to hold even more of your high resolution images until you are ready to transfer them to your computer, smartphone, tablet or digital picture frame.
- Quickly and seamlessly scan all your film without the need to precut into strips and painfully line up correctly. When teamed up with the one-touch scanning software you can go from loading to saving in less than 5 seconds.
- Start editing your photos right out of the box with the easy to use plug-and-play interface. No complicated computer software or driver installation needed.
Most Popular
Magnasonic All-in-One 22MP Film Scanner with Large 5" Display & HDMI, Converts 35mm/126/110/Super 8 Film &...
- 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
Best Budget
Film Negative Scanner 22 MP 110 135 126KPK Super 8 Negative Photo Scanner 35mm Slide Film Scanner Digital Film...
- 🎞High Effective speed-load adapter enable smooth and fast loading, convert the old 35mm film into digital one. Editing tools allow you to adjust RGB levels [red, green, blue] so old photographs can turn out as good as new one. Video Out for TV Connection (Cable Included); Mac & PC Compatible.
- 🎞Film Tapes: Select film type (color negative, slide positive or b/w negative) &Converts old 135 film (36 x 24mm), 126 film (27x27mm), 110 film (17 x 13mm), Super 8 film (4.01 x 5.79mm) & slides to JPEG digital files. Dimension is 87(L)X86.5(W)X102.5(H)mm.
- 🎞Easy to use: simply push the old films or slides into the device, press the "Scan" button when ready, it will turn the films or slides into digital photos and save them on your computer forever. You can view and edit photos right on the scanner, so there’s no need for secondary software. Once the image appears on the screen, use the flip and reverse functions to change orientation; you can also adjust brightness and RGB values for perfect coloration.
- 🎞No Computer Required: Saves to Internal Memory or Optional Memory Card. And you can also help your parents or grandparents to keep and share the old family photos with the younger generation. A step-by-step instruction manual is included. It's definitely a best Halloween gift.
- 🎞Compact and Lightweight: portable carry, suitable for office and home application, portable and mini keep your precious photo eternity, built-in software interplater adjust and improve the quality to 22 megapixel.
Most Discussed & Reviewed
KODAK Film Scan Tool for PC and MAC – 5MP Digital Film Scanner Converts & Saves 35mm Film Negatives & Slides...
- SEND PHOTO MEMORIES FROM SLIDE TO PC | NEW KODAK Low Res Film Scanner Tool Lets You View, Edit & Convert Your Old 35mm Film Negatives [Color/Black & White] & Slides to Digital Files [JPEG or TIFF] & Save Directly on Your PC or Mac
- ADVANCED EDITING WITH A SINGLE TOUCH | Simple-to-Use Capture Software & Dedicated Scan Button Allow for Fast, Effortless Operation | Rotate, Mirror & Adjust Color Balance & Brightness Right on Your Computer Screen
- CONVENIENT EASY-LOAD FILM INSERTS | Quick-Feeding Tray Technology Allows for Continuous Loading Action—Much Faster Than Other Film Scanners! | View, Edit, Upload & Share Hundreds of Films & Slides in a Single Session
- IMAGE INTERPOLATION RESIZES TO SCALE | 5-Megapixel Sensor Captures Picture, Then Digitally Enlarges from Standard 2592 x 1680 Pixels to 5184 x 3360 Pixels for Decent Image Quality | Your Cherished Photographs—Supersized!
- ADAPTERS & CLEANING BRUSH INCLUDED | Interchangeable Trays Scan Films, Thinner Plastic Slides & Thicker Cardboard Slides for Max Compatibility | Also Includes USB Connector & Bonus Cleaning Tool for Dusting Films & Scanner
Best Trusted
Magnasonic All-In-One Film & Slide Scanner, High Resolution 22MP, Converts 35mm/110/126/ Super 8/8mm Film &...
- BRING BACK THE MEMORIES - Easily and quickly converts 35mm/110/126/ Super 8/8mm negatives & 135/110/126 slides into high resolution 22MP digital JPEG files
- MULTIPLE VIEWING OPTIONS - Using the built-in 2.4" LCD screen, view your film & slides directly on the scanner or use the included RCA video out cable to view on your TV
- BUILT-IN MEMORY & SD CARD SLOT - Save your photos directly onto the digital film converter with its 64MB of internal memory or use an SD card (up to 128GB) to store even more scanned images
- NO COMPUTER NEEDED - No complicated or expensive photo-editing software or driver installation required, you can adjust brightness and color directly on the scanner
- FAST & EASY SCANNING - Simple setup for frustration-free operation and effortlessly scan your photos in less than 5 seconds each with the included fast-loading film trays
Best Cheap
Kodak Scanza Digital Film & Slide Scanner – Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm Film Negatives & Slides to...
- FILM TO JPEG IN SECONDS – Powerful 14/22MP KODAK Film Scanner Converts Old 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm Negatives & Slides to JPEG Digital Files
- LARGE, BRIGHT 3.5” TFT LCD – High Definition Built-In Color Display Features Adjustable Brightness & Convenient Tilt for Easy Operation & Image Viewing
- AN ADAPTER FOR EVERYTHING – Unit Arrives w/Multiple Film Inserts & Adapters for Fast, Flexible Operation; Big One-Touch Buttons Allow for One-Step Scan & Save
- INTUITIVE USER INTERFACE – Includes Helpful Tray & Insert Directory; Easily Edit Image RGB & Resolution, Browse Gallery [SD Card NOT Included, supports up to 128GB] & More
- CABLES & EXTRAS INCLUDED – Mac & PC Compatible Converter Comes w/USB Power Cable, HDMI Cable, AC Adapter, Video Cable & FREE Film Cleaning Brush
Other Popular Film Scanners
KODAK Mobile Film Scanner – Scan & Save Old 35mm Films & Slides w/ Your Smartphone Camera – Portable, Collapsible...
- OLD MEMORIES COME TO LIFE – Cool Tabletop Film Scanner Lets You Convert Old Film Negatives & Slide Positives With Your Smartphone; Just Scan & Save to Share!
- ALL YOUR OLD PHOTO TYPES – Compatible w/ 35mm Color Film Negatives, 35mm Black & White Film Negatives & 35mm Color Slides; No More Expensive Conversion
- Free app for scanning, editing and sharing-SUPER EASY TO OPERATE – Just Insert Old Film or Slide in the Tray, Turn on Built-In LED Backlight, Place Camera Lens Over Hole & Capture in Seconds Via the App
- FREE COMPANION APP – Use the Android App to Capture, Crop, Rotate & Edit Images; Add Borders & Filters; Adjust Color & Contrast; & Share on Social Media!
- CONVENIENT COLLAPSING DESIGN – Platform & Tray Fold Out & Break Down Into the Size of a Small Box for Effortless Storage & Travel; Perfect Portable Companion
All-in-One High Resolution 16MP Film Scanner, with 2.4" LCD Screen Converts 35mm/135slides&Negatives Film Scanner...
- Smart Converter: Effortlessly Scan Your Photos, Postcard, Slides, and Negatives to the scanner (128MB built-in memory) or SD card(Included-4G). no computer needed. Digital JPG Pictures in Fast and High quality 16 Megapixel Scanning Instant Capturing Technology Digitizes High resolution JPG Files Within Seconds
- Convenient Editing: Ocr Cd(only for win): Includes Easy Image Transfer and Editing Software, Color Screen for Viewing Your Pictures
- Faster Speed:touch Operation Takes Just 1 to 2 Seconds, Standalone Operation, No Computer Necessary. No Warm up, Calibration or Scan Head Pass Needed, Scans 35mm and 135mm Negative/Slide and Scans Photo of Size 3 1/2x5 inches, 4x6 inches and 5x7 inches, 2.4 inch Color Screen, Mac and PC Compatible
- USB Transfer: The Photos Can Saved onto SD Memory Card. After Scanning Your Photos, Simply Plug the Scanner into Any USB Port on Your PC or Mac and Put the Scanner in "USB Transfer" Mode to Transfer the Digitized Photos to Your Computer
- Easy to Use: This All-in-One Digital Scanner Is Designed for the Average Person, so You Don't Have to Be a Computer Genius to Use It. No complicated computer software or driver installation needed. Start editing your photos right out of the box with the easy to use plug-and-play interface. The manual includes English ,Germany,French ,Italy and Spanish
KODAK Mini Digital Film & Slide Scanner – Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm Film Negatives & Slides to 22...
- 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] or Hook Up to Computer, Laptop or External Device Via USB 2.0; 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; Send & View Images on Mac/PC Computers, Big Screen TV, Etc.
Magnasonic All-In-One Slide & Film Scanner, High Resolution 23MP, Converts 35mm/110/126 Negatives & 135 Slides...
- BRING BACK THE MEMORIES - Easily and quickly converts 135 slides & 35mm/110/126 negative film into high resolution 23MP digital JPEG files
- MULTIPLE VIEWING OPTIONS - Using the built-in 2.4" LCD screen, view your film & slides directly on the scanner or use the included RCA video out cable to view on your TV
- BUILT-IN MEMORY & SD CARD SLOT - Save your photos directly onto the digital film converter with its 64MB of internal memory or use an SD card (up to 32GB) to store even more scanned images
- NO COMPUTER NEEDED - No complicated or expensive photo-editing software or driver installation required, you can adjust brightness and RGB directly on the scanner
- FAST & EASY SCANNING - Simple setup for frustration-free operation and effortlessly scan your photos in less than 5 seconds each with the included fast-loading film trays
Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner, Converts Film into Digital Video, Vibrant 2.3" Screen, Digitize and View 3",...
- BRING BACK THE MEMORIES - Automatically converts your 3", 5", and 7" reels of super 8/8mm film into digital MP4 files with the push of a button. Scans video only, no sound.
- MULTIPLE VIEWING OPTIONS - Playback your scanned video on the built-in 2.3" LCD screen or view on a larger TV/monitor via the included RCA video out cable.
- SD CARD SLOT - Save your scanned videos directly onto an SD card up to 32GB (not included).
- NO COMPUTER NEEDED - No complicated or expensive photo-editing software required, adjust the brightness, sharpness, and framing directly on the scanner.
- EASY SCANNING - Simple setup for frustration-free operation and effortless scanning right out of the box.