How To Select A Slide Scanner

A slide scanner, also known as a negative and/or film scanner, has higher optical resolutions than other types of scanners, usually somewhere around 1800 dpi, and is designed exclusively for film scanning. Some scanners have a pull out tray for the film or slide to rest in, while others have an automatic film loader, which pulls the film in and positions it automatically.

When it comes to choosing a slide scanner, it makes sense to research the different types and compare the features of the products to your personal photography and scanning needs. Nikon offers several models that range in price from about $6,000 to approximately $1,000 and up, with the principal difference between the price brackets being the scan speed. The Nikon 5000 is one of the most widely used slide scanners by both professionals and hobbyists alike, and can be purchased online from various retailers and in many office supply stores and stores that carry professional photography equipment and supplies.

Nikon CoolScan V ED

Nikon CoolScan 5000 ED

Nikon CoolScan 9000 ED

Each of these scanners can produce high quality results, but unless you are planning on scanning a large quantity of slides on a regular basis, it makes sense to trust short term projects to a professional slide scanning service.