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darmanb

darmanb

Well-known member
This question is a little bit different from DVXUser's primary topics, but I trust your oppinions and know that you guys can help me out!

I have a classic Canon AE1-Program 35mm SLR Camera, which gives me astonishing results. I want to digitize and retouch some of the images. What technical requirements of a scanner should I look for to get the best possible digital image within "normal" scanner price range?

I will not need to enlarge the digital pictures extremely, but would maybe like to get the resolution equivalent of 5MegaPixel digital camera.

Many thanks!
 
Re: Scanner

if you've got the cake, look at the minolta dimage 5400. It will scan 35mm negatives and slides at 5400 dpi. Any more resolution then that and you're just enlarging dust and grain rather then picture.

Not cheap though...500-700. You can also keep an eye on ebay for a used artixscan, polaroid scanner, or nikon coolscan.

I really want to get myself a 5400 for personal use. Hell, if I had one I could probably scan your negatives on the cheap! Maybe I should check my bank account!

In shopping for a scanner (assuming you want a negative scanner). Look for something with a high D-Max (dynamic range)...somewhere around 4. There are tricks to increase the dynamic range, but 4 is a nice fat depth.

Look for something with noise/dust removal software. You ideally want something at 3000+dpi for good enlarging.
 
Re: Scanner

I'm getting excellent 5x7s from a Canon 9900F flatbed with slide adapter, and I"m scanning at 1600 dpi. For larger, I could go as high as 3200.
 
Re: Scanner

Unless you have a lot of images to scan, look into having a service bureau do the scanning for you. For the $300 - $500 you'd spend on a good scanner, you can get an awful lot of scans done by people who do it professionally, and save a lot of your own valuable time...plus when you're done you won't have invested in an expensive piece of hardware from which you may or may not get much further use...
 
Re: Scanner

Max has a point, but make sure you account for the time/cost of retouching, color correction, etc.
 
Re: Scanner

I only suggested own his own scanner because his post says "I have a classic Canon AE1-Program 35mm SLR Camera, which gives me astonishing results." Since he said "gives" I'm assuming he still uses it and intends to keep using it.

Even if there is a fixed number of negatives to scan...if it's over 50 scans, you're better off buying a scanner retail and then dumping it on ebay when you're done. It will be much cheaper then similar quality scans from a service.
 
Re: Scanner

Many thanks for help!
Very usefull replies (as always).

Oh, did I mention this is THE BEST web-site ever!!!


Best regards!
 
Re: Scanner

ok stupid question but couldn't you do better by finding a processor who can take your film/negatives etc and put them on cd rom at high res and save you a step?

there has got to be a processor who has a really high end system who can do better than you could at home.

matthew
 
Re: Scanner

I thought about that, but having it home would save me a lot of time! I am not looking for an expensive scanner. Something mid-range with "good" results would be fine. But I am still looking. If I don't decide soon, I will end up buying a Digital Camera ;D
 
Re: Scanner

There are kinda...three levels of scans for 35mm film. You've got your low end scan...anything under around 2800 dpi, maybe a flatbed scan, etc.

There's your mid-range scan, 3000-5400dpi, made on a dedicated negative scanner.

Then there's your "high end" scanner. Anything in the 3000-8000 dpi range done on a drum scan or an imacon.

Professional scans will easily cost upwards of $100 per frame. The "bulk" scanning service is generally of lower resolution then what you could do with a modest negative scanner. Even the old HP S20 is going to be better then a bulk photo CD in most cases.

(Also you're going to lose the bulk pricing because your negatives aren't going to be in a continuous roll. All development labs cut the negatives into strips, limiting the ability to scan a whole roll unattended.)

How about giving a price range?
 
Re: Scanner

Keep an eye on ebay. Look into the Nikon Coolscan series, artixscans, sprintscans from polaroid. If you keep hunting, you can find a great 35mm negative scanner under one of those names.

In a pinch, you can look into the HP s20. It's much lower resolution, but it will still perform better then most flatbeds.

If you do a regular search on ebay for "coolscan" "artixscan" and "sprintscan", you will get a good idea of the prices and might just find something in your budget.
 
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