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10 Best 35mm Film Scanners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KODAK Slide N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner with Large 5” LCD Screen, Convert Color & B&W Negatives & Slides 35mm, 126, 110 Film Negatives & Slides to High Resolution 22MP JPEG Digital Photos

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,306
Resolution
Scanning Speed
Build Quality and Size

Most important from
10849 reviews

Resolution
The quality of digital conversions is impressive, bringing old memories back to life with clarity.
Scanning Speed
Scanning old slides and negatives is quick and efficient, allowing users to digitize large collections without hassle.
Build Quality and Size
The compact and lightweight design of the scanner makes it convenient to store and use in various settings.

The KODAK SLIDE N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner offers a convenient solution for digitizing old photo memories with a resolution of 22 megapixels. This high resolution ensures that your scanned images are clear and detailed. The large 5” LCD screen is a standout feature, allowing you to preview and edit photos instantly. The easy-load film inserts and quick-feeding tray technology make the scanning process user-friendly and efficient, which is ideal for those who may not be tech-savvy.

The scanner supports a variety of film types, including 35mm, 126, and 110 film negatives and slides, making it versatile for different formats. Additionally, the editing feature with a single touch simplifies photo enhancement and conversion processes. The device also supports SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB, though it should be noted that the SD card is not included. Connectivity options include USB and HDMI, allowing you to connect the scanner to various devices for easy file transfer and viewing.

The compact design of the scanner, along with its lightweight build (1 pound), makes it easy to store and use in any home or office setting. While the KODAK SLIDE N SCAN is praised for its user-friendly nature and high-quality scans, users should be aware that it may not offer the same dynamic range and color depth as more professional-grade scanners. Additionally, the scanning speed, while decent, may not be the fastest for high-volume scanning tasks. This scanner is a great choice for hobbyists and individuals looking to preserve their memories without delving into overly complex technology.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,306
Resolution
Scanning Speed
Build Quality and Size

Most important from
10849 reviews

Resolution
The quality of digital conversions is impressive, bringing old memories back to life with clarity.
Scanning Speed
Scanning old slides and negatives is quick and efficient, allowing users to digitize large collections without hassle.
Build Quality and Size
The compact and lightweight design of the scanner makes it convenient to store and use in various settings.
#2

Kodak Slide N Scan Max Digital Film Slide Scanner, Black/Yellow (RODFS70)

Rating
9.6
Scanning Speed
Software and Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
1208 reviews

Scanning Speed
Great for quickly and easily reviewing and scanning old family slides and negatives.
Software and Compatibility
You can adjust exposures and colors in real-time, seeing changes immediately before saving.
Connectivity
Connecting the scanner to a large monitor enhances the editing experience for detailed adjustments.
Build Quality and Size
The 7-inch screen is useful for quick edits and doubles as a digital picture frame.

The KODAK 7" Digital Film Scanner is a user-friendly device designed to convert various film formats, including 35mm, 126mm, and 110mm negatives and slides, into 22MP JPEG files. One of its key strengths is the large 7-inch LCD display, which offers a clear and wide viewing angle, making it easy to preview and edit photos before saving them.

The easy-load film inserts and continuous loading action streamline the scanning process, making it fast and straightforward, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. Additionally, the scanner includes advanced capture software that simplifies photo enhancement and conversion with just a single touch, allowing users to adjust color, brightness, and other settings effortlessly.

Compatibility is another highlight, as it supports SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB (cards not included) and connects to USB Type-C enabled computers, ensuring it works with a wide range of devices. The scanner's build quality and size make it portable and easy to store, but it may feel a bit lightweight for those expecting a more robust construction. Also, the need for an HDMI cable, which is not included, could be a minor inconvenience for some users. This KODAK scanner is well-suited for casual and hobbyist users who want an easy and efficient way to digitize their film collections, but it may not meet the high standards of professional users seeking top-tier imaging performance.

Rating
9.6
Scanning Speed
Software and Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
1208 reviews

Scanning Speed
Great for quickly and easily reviewing and scanning old family slides and negatives.
Software and Compatibility
You can adjust exposures and colors in real-time, seeing changes immediately before saving.
Connectivity
Connecting the scanner to a large monitor enhances the editing experience for detailed adjustments.
Build Quality and Size
The 7-inch screen is useful for quick edits and doubles as a digital picture frame.
#3

Plustek OpticFilm 8300i Ai Film Scanner - Converts 35mm Film & Slide into Digital, Bundle SilverFast Ai Studio 9 + QuickScan Plus, Include Advanced IT8 Calibration Target (3 Slide)

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Color Depth
Scanning Speed

Most important from
201 reviews

Resolution
Image quality is superb, with clear visibility of film grain even at 3600dpi.
Color Depth
Kodachrome slides may require manual adjustments to avoid over-saturation of blue tones.
Scanning Speed
The scanning speed is impressive, taking about 30 seconds per image at 3600dpi and 3 minutes at 7200dpi.
Software and Compatibility
SilverFast 9 software has a steep learning curve but offers powerful features once mastered.
Build Quality and Size
Detents for film feeding and flaps to keep dust out are thoughtful design features.

The Plustek OpticFilm 8300i Ai Film Scanner offers a high resolution of 7200 dpi, which is excellent for converting 35mm film and slides into digital format with impressive detail. Its dynamic range and 16-bit color depth ensure rich and accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for professional use. The inclusion of advanced IT8 calibration targets helps achieve precise color calibration, which is a significant advantage for users seeking high-quality scans.

The scanner also boasts a 38% increase in scanning speed compared to its predecessor, thanks to the new generation chip, making it more efficient for large volume scanning tasks. The bundled software, SilverFast 9 Ai Studio and Plustek Quick Scan Plus, provides powerful image processing capabilities, enhancing the scanning experience with features like multi-exposure and HDRi. Compatibility with both Windows and Mac OS, along with USB connectivity, ensures ease of use across various systems.

The build quality is solid, although the scanner is somewhat bulky with dimensions of 10.7 x 4.73 x 4.7 inches and a weight of 2.74 kilograms, which might be a consideration for users with limited desk space. While some users may find the software interface complex initially, Plustek offers US-based expert support, which can help mitigate this issue. This scanner is well-suited for photographers and enthusiasts looking for high-resolution and precise color scanning capabilities.

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Color Depth
Scanning Speed

Most important from
201 reviews

Resolution
Image quality is superb, with clear visibility of film grain even at 3600dpi.
Color Depth
Kodachrome slides may require manual adjustments to avoid over-saturation of blue tones.
Scanning Speed
The scanning speed is impressive, taking about 30 seconds per image at 3600dpi and 3 minutes at 7200dpi.
Software and Compatibility
SilverFast 9 software has a steep learning curve but offers powerful features once mastered.
Build Quality and Size
Detents for film feeding and flaps to keep dust out are thoughtful design features.

Buying Guide for the Best 35mm Film Scanners

Choosing the right 35mm film scanner can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding the key specifications can help you make an informed decision. A film scanner is a device that converts film negatives and slides into digital images. The right scanner for you will depend on your specific needs, such as the quality of the scans you require, how often you plan to use the scanner, and any additional features you might find useful. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a 35mm film scanner.
ResolutionResolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the level of detail the scanner can capture. Higher resolution means more detail and larger file sizes. For casual use or sharing online, a resolution of 2400 DPI to 3200 DPI is usually sufficient. For professional use or large prints, you might want a scanner with 4000 DPI or higher. Consider your end use: if you need high-quality prints or detailed archiving, go for higher resolution; for web use or small prints, lower resolution will suffice.
Dynamic RangeDynamic range measures the scanner's ability to capture the range of tones from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. It is often expressed as a number, with higher numbers indicating better performance. A dynamic range of 3.0 to 3.6 is good for most users, while a range of 4.0 or higher is ideal for professional photographers who need to capture subtle details in both shadows and highlights. If you are scanning high-contrast images or slides, a higher dynamic range will be beneficial.
Color DepthColor depth, measured in bits, indicates how many colors the scanner can capture. Higher color depth means more accurate and vibrant colors. Most film scanners offer 24-bit color, which is adequate for general use. However, for professional work or if you need the highest color accuracy, look for scanners with 48-bit color depth. Your choice should depend on how important color accuracy is for your projects.
Scanning SpeedScanning speed refers to how quickly the scanner can process an image. This is usually measured in seconds per scan. Faster scanning speeds are convenient if you have a large number of films to digitize. For occasional use, scanning speed may not be as critical, but if you plan to scan large batches regularly, look for a scanner with faster speeds to save time.
Software and CompatibilityThe software that comes with the scanner can greatly affect your experience. Look for scanners that come with user-friendly software that offers features like dust and scratch removal, color correction, and batch scanning. Additionally, ensure that the scanner is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.). If you are comfortable with post-processing, advanced software features might be less critical, but for ease of use, good software can make a big difference.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you connect the scanner to your computer. Most scanners use USB connections, but some may offer additional options like Wi-Fi or Ethernet. USB 3.0 provides faster data transfer compared to USB 2.0. Choose a scanner with connectivity options that match your setup and preferences. If you need to move the scanner around or use it with multiple devices, wireless options might be more convenient.
Build Quality and SizeThe build quality and size of the scanner can affect its durability and ease of use. A well-built scanner will last longer and withstand regular use. Consider the size of the scanner, especially if you have limited space. Portable scanners are smaller and easier to store, but may lack some features of larger, more robust models. Think about where and how often you will use the scanner to determine the best balance between size and build quality.

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