Best Slide Scanners

The best slide scanner and printer combination is used for converting old photos to digitized pictures. Decide and buy the most affordable scanner for high quality scanning and conversions.

If you are looking to convert old photos into digitized pictures then you need a slide scanner. Picking and buying a scanner is not easy especially if you don’t know what is important.

There are enough varied scanners that offer speed, convenience, and even extra cool features but ultimately you want a great quality digital reproduction.

What scanner is best to convert old negatives and films? The answer depends on how fast or experienced you are with photography and scanners. Learn more about the different types of slide scanners.


Why Buy a 35mm Slide Scanner?

The slide scanner is specialized for scanning unique 35mm slides and film negatives. The slide or film is put into a single slot in the scanner or inside a tray, which is then inserted.

Slide Scanner for converting digitized pictures

If you want to see old photos appear digitally without having to buy an expensive printer then a slide scanner is the easiest way.


Our Top 10 Picks: Slide Scanners Highlights


Top 10 Best Slide Scanners

Best Overall Slide Scanner

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Magnasonic makes the best all around scanner for quickness, ease of use, features, price, image quality, and is compatible with various slides. There is no better scanner for general use and convenience; the Magnasonic is even fairly priced and cheaper than most other scanners.

This is an impressive digital convertor because it has the capability of 22 MP quality and a faster than usual scanning process. You will get scanned pictures that are immediately on your scanner ready to be seen and appreciated. The viewer is a 2.4 inch LCD screen, which adds to the ease of use and appeal.

The Magnasonic offers 128MB of integrated memory, so you have the ability to save and store up to one hundred photos. This incredible feature makes the scanner very valuable for high usage and portability.

Photo enhancement is of course possible with the Magnasonic, therefore you don’t have to download software for programs and operating.

All in all, the varied and numerous features from color reproduction to saving options make the Magnasonic very appealing. Also, you get the incredible versatility to load many different types of slides and negatives with no problem at all.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Good price point considering all the features
  • Quick Scan Speed that immediately shows the images on an LCD screen viewer
  • 128MB integrated memory along with the capacity of 22 MP quality photos
  • Compatible with various slides and old photos
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Not much instruction to using this scanner for first time users
  • The screen and sturdiness of the scanner has been criticized on Amazon reviews

Best 35mm Slide Scanner

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Kodak makes the ultimate scanner for practical and quick use. This is a popular and well liked brand that has produced a high quality and performing scanner. Expect high quality conversion and processing and attractive design and professional functionality.

Many scanners are possible but no scanner is as highly rated and fully functional and powerful as the Kodak Scanza. Why? First, you can convert a lot of old negatives and media like 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 footage, and more. The versatility is the key here because the Kodak Scanza offers a lot with the variety it can convert.

Moreover, the speed and quickness of use is appealing for many potential buyers. You have speed loaders that increase and maximize the time of the scanning. In terms of scanning and volume, the Kodak Scanza is a perfect scanner for anyone with bulk slides or negatives that need to be digitized.

Technical specifications include a resolution of 22MP. Moreover, you have a portable and stand alone scanner that makes it extremely portable. The overall scanner supports up to 128 GB of SD memory.

In general, this is a very well rounded scanner because it has higher than average image and photo quality. Also, you get a fast turnaround for conversion and overall ease of use.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Intuitive user interface for selecting, editing, and converting old photos
  • Film to JPG very quickly so it is convenient and handy for conversion
  • Supports up to 128 GB of SD memory
  • Popular and well respected brand
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Not as affordable as other budget scanners that are less known
  • Resolution is better than average but image output could be improved

Best for Color Slide Scanner

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Plustek has made a top of the line corrective film scanner that can fix old photos. This is a scanner that offers high resolution capacity, hardware-based dust and scratch removal, and top notch color calibration.

Some extra features include an infrared channel that can help detect and correct dust and scratches on old photos. Therefore, this is one of the leading scanners for correction and overall improvement.

The automatic calibration of this scanner guarantees that there will be accurate and more precise color matching. Reliving and perfecting your old negative to enjoy digitally means professional enhancement. This is the biggest selling point of the Plustek scanner.

Overall, this is a smart investment for anyone looking to recapture and improve upon negatives and old photos. There is an HDRi function that provides 64 bit color. Expect premium resolution at 7,200 pixels per inch, so crisp optical reproductions.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
  • The most intensive photo correction and processing from infrared channel detectors
  • Automatic Color Calibration for matching and getting best colors
  • High optical resolution at 7,200 pixels per inch
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Restricted scanning because you can only scan one slide or frame at any one time
  • Software is not easy to figure out and work with overall

Best Professional Slide Scanner

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This is the ideal professional scanner for anyone wanting top quality conversions. The Epson scanner is designed for professional photographers or hardcore hobbyists. The price tag may be a bit much, but the Epson offers

In terms of image quality, the Epson is better than the Epson Perfection V800 because it contrasts between smaller changes in shades, hues, and resolution in general. There is a dual lens system that has the capacity for 4800 x 9600 DPI.

If you are seeking pro conversions for old negatives then look no further than this scanner because you get incredible detail and range in your images.

The greatest benefit to this scanner is that it comes with the software Digital Ice program. This software program is able to detect and remove dirt and flaws to perfect before final image processing.

Overall, you will not be disappointed with this top scanner as it is in a class of its own. Expect to pay a higher price for more features, software, and higher image conversions.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Extremely high Resolution because of Dual Lens System
  • Digital Ice Program that detects and removes dirt and flaws from negatives
  • Extra features with advanced archival capacity
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Expensive price tag is a negative, but it is professional quality conversion
  • Difficult to use software that can seem challenging to learn

Best Portable Slide Scanner

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The Veho scanner comes with a rechargeable battery best for portability and traveling anywhere to use. As well, the scanner is a standalone unit that is easy to use and features more accessibility.

In terms of features, this scanner has a lot of nice options and portability overall. For example, you can utilize an LCD screen for previewing photos. Moreover, you have multiple trays to convert your negatives into digital images. As well, you can do straight to microSF, so transferring your negatives to SD card is possible and easy.

There is a removable lithium-ion rechargeable battery, so you get the ability to do some easy travel and scanning anywhere anytime. As well, there is a USB charging cable for easy and convenient powering.

Technical specifications specified are that the Veho scanner is compatible with PC and Mac systems. The scanner can support up to 32GB as well. Beware as there are some limitations that may not be ideal because the resolution output is 5 megapixels.

Overall, this is a handy and portable scanner to be used anywhere and everywhere, which is very appealing. You can do basic editing and the scanner has average functionality to convert and transform your images.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Ease of use makes this scanner quite convenient for anyone to use
  • Rechargeable Battery that makes the scanner good for portable use and travel
  • Attractive LCD display for photo toggling and editing
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Relatively expensive considering some limitations and image quality issues
  • Low resolution output for photos makes it less than ideal for overall image quality

Best Compatible Slide Scanner

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Pyle makes the most compatible scanner for varied negatives, so you won’t have to worry about any limitations in what you can convert. As well, this scanner is Mac and PC accessibility and great for color balance and exposure correction.

What separates this scanner from the rest of the competition is accessibility and versatility. This Pyle model has the capacity to scan 35mm, Super 8 Film, 126 KPK, 110, and 135 slides and negatives to create more detailed digital copies.

Another big advantage, is that the Pyle has a 14MP imaging sensor that guarantees image clarity and pristine detail. The scanning is beyond most of what other scanners can do in this range.

You won’t find a better scanner for color adjustment that helps with overall image and color balance as well as exposure. Users can do adjustments easily with scanned negatives and films. Moreover, you get the ease of use that provides an easy connection to PC, Mac, and even television media systems.

In conclusion, the Pyle scanner is the ideal option for advanced scanning, color correction, and compatibility with various negatives and old photos.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Wide range of compatibility with various negatives from 35mm to Super 8 Film and more
  • Advanced imaging sensor; 14MP that gives photos extreme clarity and quality
  • Great color adjustment and correction features
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Directions can be difficult to understand, so this is not meant for beginners
  • Some users have complained of digital reproduction quality not being similar enough to originals

Best User Friendly Slide Scanner

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Kodak makes an easy one touch navigation scanner. This is ideal to do scanning from anywhere easily with a convenient menu and overall design. The Kodak gives you the ability to do enhancement with varied old media, and wide compatibility for conversion.

There are interchangeable adapters that come along with this scanner that make it easier. For example, you easily use for maximum compatibility for a wide range of commonly used slide and film formats and media.

You can start using this quickly, no installation needed or additional software required. There is even the possibility to improve your images and quality as well. Slide scanner has a built in image interpolation mechanism that greatly enhances old photos. Thus, photos can be converted to 22 megapixels.

Moreover, you have automatic exposure and color balance adjustment with your conversions. The image preview on the Kodak is attractive because of the design There is a 2.4” digital LCD display for preview; as well the capacity to save images to SD memory card.

Kodak is popular for a variety of reasons and brand appeal is one, but the scanner isn efficient and high performing scanner for premium conversion.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Attractive design and portability; Kodak is popular for its brand appeal
  • Built in image interpolation system guarantees better quality photos of 22 Megapixels
  • Easy to use navigation and requires no installation or setup
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Scanner requires frequent cleaning for efficient usage and conversion
  • Price tag is over $100 and may be a bit much for some users

Best Budget Slide Scanner

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This scanner is a lightweight, small, and fast option that will not break your budget. However, despite the less expensive price, you should still expect high quality without sacrificing detail and overall resolution.

Another major selling point for this scanner is image quality and conversion success. Why? Expect photos that review incredible resolution that recapture colors and details from older media and film.

When you want to scan quickly then the Digitnow scanner performs well because of the fast loading tray. You can quickly easily load pictures of old slides and start scanning away and then eventually see your reproductions.

Digitnow does not require a PC for operation because of its innovative design. You can easily start scanning without a PC. Save and transfer files with ease to SD cards to start building your collection of converted photos.

In conclusion, this is a high performing scanner that is cheaper than the competition and not difficult to use.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Lightweight and attractive design makes it accessible to bring anywhere
  • Speed loading adapters means fast scanning for multiple conversions
  • Simple setup to convert photos requires no PC for operation
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Tray is built for fast use, but the tray itself is weak and may break
  • Problems with color correction and balance

Best for Speed Slide Scanner

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ClearClick makes an extremely fast scanner that will be more than easy and quick to use. Scanning happens in seconds; overall it is easy to use without a computer or drivers needed.

A main selling point for this scanner is the large preview screen that makes it easy to see what you are doing and scanning. The ease of use is a selling point for this scanner, so expect a quick and simple process for converting media and photos. No computer is needed to do scanning, so this eliminates the requirement of software or drivers that may be confusing.

Scans have a resolution of 22 megapixels so the quality is fine considering your demands or preferences. In terms of media, the ClearClick is accessible with formats like slides, negatives, and film as well 35mm and other kinds of negatives and slides.

Moreover, you can automatically adjust the specific color and brightness intensity of the selected scan. You have the power to control the settings manually or by accessible and convenient buttons on the scanner.

The ease of use is the selling point, so you can with no difficulty start scanning and enjoying your pictures. How? The scanner goes directly into your TV so all the media and photos are easily viewable with just an HDMI to HDMI cable.

Once, you have everything ready to scan all you need to do is load your slides. Once the slides are in the scanner then you press the “OK” button and you have your pictures.

In conclusion, this is a quick and easy scanner that will make the scanning process smooth and super fast. You will not be disappointed with the speed, but beware of lack of advanced features.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Quick and super smooth scanning process means you can get pictures in 1-2 Seconds
  • Accessibility to most any situation makes this convenient without the use of a computer or driver at all
  • Large preview screen means you can see what you are doing before scanning and saving
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Limited advanced features means that this is not a high performing and premium product
  • No SD card or HDMI to HDMI cable included with scanner

Best Beginner Slide Scanner

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Wolverine has created a compact scanner built for ultimate image quality. Overall, the advantage tends to be for resolution quality and clarity compared to most other similar scanners in the market. This a great entry level scanner because of the digital interface and all in one conversion.

Expect to convert 35mm, 127, 110, APS slides and various negatives into digital quickly. It may not be the quickest scanner but it gets the job done within three seconds. You can easily view the details on a large 4.3” color screen viewer as well.

High definition detail is the key for this scanner, so expect a great reproduction. Wolverine offers an easy and effective method to convert all film, regardless of media and age, into 20 megapixels.

In conclusion, you will not find a better scanner for speed, consistent resolution and image quality, and compatibility. The Wolverine is a must for photo scanner hobbyists and more serious professionals.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!

Why We Recommend It:
  • Compact size and ease of use means that anyone can use it without difficulty
  • Consistent high quality conversion to 20 megapixels regardless of age of photo
  • No computer software is needed as the Wolverine has an effective all in one digital conversion
You need to pay attention to It:
  • Not suitable for professional photographers as the functions are basic
  • Color balance and editing is not advanced for correction and editing

Slide Scanner Buying Guide

Best Slide Scanners

These are important characteristics to look for when buying a slide scanner. Make sure to determine what is most crucial for your needs before buying.

  • Resolution

You need to pick what detail in the picture is best for you. Mostly the 300-1200 DPI (dots per inch) will be fine for your scanning needs and printing 3200 DPI resolution.

  • Speed

You don’t want to waste too much time on one photo, so consider the transfer rate for any scanner.

  • Ease of Use

You don’t want to be confused by difficult instructions, so convenient and easy to use scanners are attractive.

  • Cost and Budget

Some brands are worth the price for the features and name brand reputation and quality, but be certain how much you want to spend.

  • Accessories Availability

Make sure a TV cable, memory card, USB cord, and more are included with your scanner.

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