Best Film Scanners for Hobbyists & Photographers | 2022 Comparison & 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. It is user-friendly, easy-to-use, and comes with a display.
On the other hand, there are pricier scanners 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 | |
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2. Epson Perfection V600 | |
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3. Plustek OpticFilm 8100-35mm | |
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4. Reflecta film scanner 8/8mm | |
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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 for hobbyist
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
Reflecta 8/8mm Film Scanner | Best to convert 8mm film into digital video
The Reflecta 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 Reflecta directly to a computer via USB wire transfer.
Unlike other film scanners, the Reflecta requires no computer or external software. Users can rely on the device itself to adjust brightness, sharpness, and framing. Many appreciate the Reflecta's frustration-free operation right out of the box.
At just 12.6" x 7.5" x 5.1", the Reflecta is big enough to get the job done but sleek enough for convenient travel.
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Reflecta: Check the current price
7 Best-Selling Film Scanners in the UK | Comparative Table
Customers' Choice
DIGITNOW! Slide Scanner Convert 35mm Negative Film &Slide to Digital JPEG Save into SD Card with LCD Display No...
- 5/10 Mega Pixel Stand alone Film/Slide, scan film to your SD card or computer in 1800DPI high resolution.(Only support SD card up to 32GB)
- 2.4 LCD Full Color Screen for easy viewing, you can look it clearly before scanning.
- Supports NTSC/PAL TV out interface through a 3.5mm video jack.
- Scanner body measures: L87xW86xH102 mm. CMOS sensor scans at 1824 x 2736 pixels (10Megapixel interpolated scan at 2588 x 3888 pixels).
- USB & AC Power Adapter included. Compatible with windows XP, Vista,7, 8, Laptop and Mac. Please Buy with Complete Confidence.
Best Value
Kodak SCANZA Digital Film Scanner, Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 and 8mm Film Negatives and Slides To JPEG...
- FILM TO JPEG IN SECONDS – Powerful 14/22MP KODAK SCANZA 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 [SCABLES & EXTRAS INCLUDED – Mac & PC Compatible Converter Comes w/USB Power Cable, HDMI Cable, AC Adapter, Video Cable & FREE Film Cleaning BrushD 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
Most Popular
Best Budget
KODAK Mini Digital Film and Slide Scanner - Converts Film Negative and Slides from 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 and...
- Amazing miniature film scanner - With this all-in-one device, you can scan, view, edit, convert and save old negatives and slides from 135, 126, 110, Super-8 and monochrome negatives. Transform your old images into sharp, clear, detailed colour or black and white JPEG files
- Multiple adapters for fast charging - Maximum compatibility and easy conversion with a variety of adapters for fast, continuous charging; Improve quality up to 14/22 MP with adjustable brightness, colour and reverse/mirrors
- Updated user interface with 2.4 inch LCD - Special scan and start buttons for easy one-button scanning and faster menu navigation; View and edit current slide or gallery images on the colour display [Internal memory holds up to 128 MB]
- Memories for the new millennium - Use any SD card up to 32 GB (not included); perfect for enhancing and printing old photos and sharing old film formats on social media
- INTERNATIONAL 3 IN 1 ADAPTER AND MORE - Extended accessory pack with universal power source for USA, EU and UK, cleaning rod, USB cable and TV cable power supply; View pictures on large screen TVs, etc
Most Discussed & Reviewed
Film Scanner with 22MP High Resolution Slide Scanner Converts 35mm, 110 & 126 and Super 8 Films, Slides and...
- All-in-One Film Scanner: Converts 35mm, 110 Film, 126KPK and Super 8 Slides & Negatives to JPEG Digital Files
- High resolution: Fast and High quality 22 Megapixel Scanning Instant Capturing Technology Digitizes High resolution JPG Files Within Seconds
- USB Transfer: Built-in 128M memory and external memory card supports up to 128GB(not included) that allows you to convert even more of your high resolution images to your computer, laptop, smartphone and tablet.
- Easy to Use: touch Operation Takes Just 1 to 2 Seconds, stand-Alone and no computer or software required, 4.3 "TFT color screen or directly onto your television with HDMI cable(not included). Instant preview and Resolution, Brightness, Coloration & editing your photos.
- System required: WindowsXP/Vista/Windows 7/windows8/windows10/MAC
Best Cheap
DIGITNOW! 22MP Film & Slide Scanner All-In-1,Super 8 Film,110/126 Film, 35mm Negative/Slide to Digital JPEG...
- 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.
Other Popular Film Scanners
DIGITNOW! High Resolution 135 Film/Slide Scanner, Slide Viewer and Convert 35mm Negative Film &Slide to Digital...
- Includes adjustable rapid slide feeder; Transfer piles of films and slides quickly. The scanned images could be copied, moved, duplicated freely with a simple click of a mouse.
- 5/10 MegaPixel Stand alone Film/Slide, Supports to digitize 35mm negative and slide as JPG files to your SD card or computer in 1800DPI high resolution.(Only support SD card up to 32GB)
- USB 2.0 interface Convert Video Cable to TV out feature: NTSC/PAL.
- Display is 2.4 inch TFT LCD screen (480*234)on the bottom, you can make the adjustment conveniently.
- Operation system: Windows XP, Windows VISTA, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10.
Veho Smartfix Portable Stand Alone 14 Megapixel Negative Film & Slide Scanner with 2.4” Digital Screen and 135...
- Convert 135 slides and 135/110/126 negatives into digital images
- Stand-alone portable design with no computer or software required
- Small/lightweight with built-in 2.4” TFT LCD screen, one touch scanning and Tacton rubber touch finish
- Instant preview and built-in auto-exposure, colour balance and other image enhancements
- Optional USB connection compatible with Mac/PC for easy file transfer
Wireless Digital Film Scanner with 22MP, Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 Films, Slides, Negatives to JPEG,...
- Converts 35mm, 126, 110 and Super 8 and 8mm film negatives and slides to JPEGS within seconds with faster speed. Digitized photo quality up to 22 Megapixels, Mac & PC Compatible, transfers high resolution images to your computer, laptop, smartphone and tablet.
- Stand-Alone and no computer or software required, Tilt-Up 3.5’’ color TFT LCD screen, easy operation & Convenient adjust scanning resolution, brightness & coloration.
- Support WiFi Wireless Connection, easy to access the scanner via mobile WIFI, allows you can view, download or delete the photos.
- Intuitive user interface with functional buttons, easy to capture & save images to SD card or computer. (Please note: SD card is not included, the format of SD card is FAT 32, maximum capacity up to 128G. )
- Comes with easy-loading film & negative adapters & film inserts&more, allows you to video out for TV connection(TV&HDMI cables included)
KODAK SLIDE N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner with Large 5” LCD Screen, Convert Color & B&W Negatives & Slides 35mm,...
- SAVE OLD PHOTO MEMORIES: 14/22MP 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
DIGITNOW! All-in-One High Resolution 16MP Film Scanner, with 2.4" LCD Screen Converts 35mm/135slides&Negatives...
- 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
Winait 7'' Reel Digital Roll Film Scanner for Super 8mm and 8mm Film
- HOME USE DIGITAL FILM SCANNER this one is for normal home use, not professional, the film transfered is MP4 files, which is compressed format, and the video quality is not high resolution, if you need profeesional resolution, please do not choose this one
- 7'' REEL MAX this one max support 7'' reel, it also can support 3'' and 5'' reel, do not support the size than 7''
- SUPER 8 AND 8mm FILM this one only support super 8mm and 8mm film
- FREE FPS SOFTWARE we provide one free software for change fps of video, the software is in the package u disk, it only can work with Windows system computer
- 1 YEARS WARRANTY we provide 1 year warranty, any problem, please contact with us, we will reply you within 24 hours
Digital Film Scanner with 22MP, Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 Films, Slides, Negatives to JPEG, Tilt-Up 3.5"...
- Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm film negatives & Slides to JPEG Digital Files within 2 seconds with faster speed.
- Stand-Alone and no computer or software required,Tilt-Up 3.5’’ color TFT LCD screen,Easy operation & Convenient adjust scanning resolution,brightness & coloration.
- Digitized photo quality up to 22 Megapixels, Mac & PC Compatible, transfers high resolution images to your computer, laptop, smartphone and tablet.
- Intuitive user interface with functional buttons, easy to capture & save images to SD card (not included), supports up to 128GB.
- Comes with easy-loading film & negative adapters & film inserts&more, allows you to video out for TV connection(TV&HDMI cables included)
Rybozen Mobile Film and Slide Scanner, FILM to JPEG,Converts 35mm Slides & Negatives into Digital Photos with...
- 【Foldable and Space Saving Design】This scanner is foldable and do not take up much room, you can Fold it into the Size of a Small Box, so it's very convenient to storage and travel.
- 【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.
- 【Simple and Super 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. Please note: the quality of photos will be limited to the resolution of your phone's camera.
- 【Relive Those Old Memories】 Rybozen mobile film scanner allows you Convert old 35mm Films and Slides With Your Smartphone to record good times. This scanner is a great gift for parents and interesting toy for kids.
- 【Free APP to Scan Edit and Share】Use free Rybozen App to Capture, Crop, Rotate and Filter; Adjust Color and Contrast; Share on Social Media!
High Resolution 35mm Film Scanner converts Negative Slide & Film to Digital Photo, Supports Windows XP/Vista/...
- Converts film &slide to digital image(135mm or 35mm negative /slide) in computer with updated software within 2 seconds, quick single pass scanning. No memory card required
- WIth 1800/3600 DPI interpolation resolution, it supports to save high resolution images in your PC and edit the scanned image with the software in CD
- System required: WindowsXP/Vista/Windows 7/windows8/windows10/MAC
- . Powered by USB, no other additional power required.
- Package included: USB Film Scanner , USB Cable, Software CD, Negative Film Holder, Positive Slide Holder, Manual,Cleaning Brush
PictoScanner - Scanner for Negatives Slides and Films - Uses Only your Smartphone - No PC required - Converts...
- 🎞️ PictoScanner is a simple, smart and user-friendly way to scan and share your old film negatives and 35mmslides using your smartphone and the PictoScanner app. All it takes is knowing how to take a photo on your smartphone.
- 🎞️ Download free of charge The PictoScanner application on Apple Store or Google Play depending on your smartphone software.
- 🎞️ To scan a photo: place your film negative in the slider, open the app, shoot the negative. The scanned photo opens on your smartphone screen as a positive. You can edit it as you wish.
- 🎞️ Share your photos on the social networks (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.), add it to your photo gallery, or send it to friends and family by email or SMS
- 🎞️ Manufactured in a high grade cardboard box, easy to set up, PictoScanner uses an LED back light and the eye of your camera to get the scanning job done. A one-page only instructions for use is included in the carton.