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10 Best 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 by1,271
Scan Speed
Film Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
10845 reviews

Scan Speed
The easy-load film tray speeds up the scanning process, although it can sometimes cause slight misalignments that need correction.
Film Compatibility
While the scanner handles most film types well, it can struggle with curled negatives, which may require manual adjustments.
Connectivity
You absolutely need an SD card for this scanner, but once you have it, transferring images to your computer is straightforward.

The Kodak Digital Film Scanner is a handy tool for digitizing old photo memories with a 22MP resolution, making it suitable for preserving detailed images. The scanner offers basic editing options for adjusting color and brightness, which can help improve scanned images. The 5-inch LCD screen is a standout feature, allowing you to preview and edit photos directly on the device. This makes it user-friendly, especially for those who prefer a straightforward process without needing a computer for initial edits.

The scanner is compatible with a variety of film types, including 35mm, 126, and 110 negatives and slides, which makes it versatile for different collections of old photos. It features a convenient easy-load film tray for quicker scanning, though it may still be a bit slow compared to more expensive models designed for high-speed scanning. Connectivity options include USB and HDMI, ensuring you can easily transfer scanned images to your computer or view them on a larger screen. However, the need for an SD card (not included) for storage might be an extra step for some users.

The device’s design is both practical and stylish, fitting well into home or office settings. This Kodak scanner is a solid choice for casual users or hobbyists who want to digitize their film collections with relative ease and decent quality.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,271
Scan Speed
Film Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
10845 reviews

Scan Speed
The easy-load film tray speeds up the scanning process, although it can sometimes cause slight misalignments that need correction.
Film Compatibility
While the scanner handles most film types well, it can struggle with curled negatives, which may require manual adjustments.
Connectivity
You absolutely need an SD card for this scanner, but once you have it, transferring images to your computer is straightforward.
#2

KODAK REELS 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer Converter with Big 5” Screen, Scanner Converts Film Frame by Frame to Digital MP4 Files for Viewing, Sharing & Saving on SD Card for 3” 4” 5” 7” and 9” Reels

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Scan Speed

Most important from
585 reviews

Resolution
The quality of the digitized MP4s is impressive, making old home movies look good even on modern screens.
Scan Speed
Conversion process is slow, taking about 27 minutes for a 3-minute Super 8 movie, but it's worth the time investment compared to professional conversion costs.

The KODAK REELS 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer Converter is a great tool for those looking to bring their old film into the digital age. It features a highly automated frame-by-frame digitizing process with an 8.08-megapixel sensor that captures decent clarity, contrast, and color accuracy. The resulting 1080p digital video files, while not supporting sound, are of good quality for most users' needs.

The big 5” screen with touch buttons makes it easy to control and edit films without needing external equipment. This compact device is also portable, making it convenient for travel and storage. Compatibility with various reel sizes (3” to 9”) enhances its versatility. One of the primary strengths is its ease of use; no computer or software is needed since everything is done directly to an SD card (note: SD card not included).

It connects via USB for transfers to other devices, though this might limit speed and flexibility compared to more modern connectivity options. The resolution at 240 might not meet the needs of professional users seeking the highest detail and dynamic range. The lack of sound capture could be a significant drawback for some. With a weight of 5.8 pounds, it's manageable but not the lightest option out there. It’s a solid choice for families or hobbyists looking to preserve and share their memories, especially given its user-friendly interface and thoughtful design features.

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Scan Speed

Most important from
585 reviews

Resolution
The quality of the digitized MP4s is impressive, making old home movies look good even on modern screens.
Scan Speed
Conversion process is slow, taking about 27 minutes for a 3-minute Super 8 movie, but it's worth the time investment compared to professional conversion costs.
#3

Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner

Rating
9.5
Resolution
Scan Speed
Film Compatibility

Most important from
464 reviews

Resolution
Despite lacking wireless capabilities, the V850's resolution and scan quality are top-notch, making it worth the investment for high-resolution digitization projects.
Scan Speed
Scanning up to 12 slides at a time significantly reduces the effort and cost compared to outsourcing to a photo lab, offering great value for preserving memories.
Film Compatibility
The scanner excels in scanning capabilities for various sizes of negatives and slides, making it a versatile tool for digitizing large collections.
Software and Features
The scanner is user-friendly and efficient for processing color slides, prints, and negatives, providing excellent results for both amateur and professional use.

The Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner is a strong choice for photography enthusiasts and professionals looking for high-quality film scanning. Its standout feature is the impressive resolution of up to 6400 dpi, which ensures that you capture every detail and nuance in your film images. The dynamic range of 4.0 Dmax is also commendable, allowing for smooth gradations and fine shadow details, which is essential for achieving professional-grade scans. The dual lens system is particularly beneficial, letting users switch between two lenses for optimal results based on the type of film being scanned.

One of the key strengths is its versatility in film compatibility, catering to various film formats, which adds to its usability for both modern and older films. The scanner works with a broad range of operating systems, making it accessible to many users, regardless of their computer setup, which is great for those who may not have the latest technology.

The Epson V850 Pro is relatively hefty and weighs around 20.9 pounds, which may be cumbersome for users looking for portability. Additionally, while it comes with powerful scanning capabilities, the initial cost might be on the higher side compared to entry-level scanners, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious users. The scan speed is decent but might not be the fastest in the market, potentially making it less appealing for those needing quick results. In terms of connectivity, it uses USB, which is standard, but there are no wireless options, which could limit flexibility for some users.

Rating
9.5
Resolution
Scan Speed
Film Compatibility

Most important from
464 reviews

Resolution
Despite lacking wireless capabilities, the V850's resolution and scan quality are top-notch, making it worth the investment for high-resolution digitization projects.
Scan Speed
Scanning up to 12 slides at a time significantly reduces the effort and cost compared to outsourcing to a photo lab, offering great value for preserving memories.
Film Compatibility
The scanner excels in scanning capabilities for various sizes of negatives and slides, making it a versatile tool for digitizing large collections.
Software and Features
The scanner is user-friendly and efficient for processing color slides, prints, and negatives, providing excellent results for both amateur and professional use.

Buying Guide for the Best Film Scanners

Choosing the right film scanner can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the market. A film scanner is a device used to convert film negatives and slides into digital images. The right film scanner for you will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of film you are scanning, the quality of the digital images you require, and how often you plan to use the scanner. Understanding the key specifications and how they relate to your needs will help you make an informed decision.
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 general use, a resolution of 2400 DPI is usually sufficient. For professional use or large prints, you might need a resolution of 4000 DPI or higher. Consider what you will be using the scanned images for; if you need high-quality prints or detailed enlargements, opt for a higher resolution.
Dynamic RangeDynamic range measures the scanner's ability to capture the range of tones in the film, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. It is usually expressed as a number, with higher numbers indicating a greater range. A dynamic range of 3.0 is adequate for most purposes, but for professional-quality scans, look for a dynamic range of 4.0 or higher. If you are scanning film with a lot of contrast or detail in shadows and highlights, 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 depth, which is sufficient for general use. For professional or archival purposes, a 48-bit color depth is recommended. If you need precise color reproduction, especially for professional photography or archiving, opt for a scanner with higher color depth.
Scan SpeedScan speed refers to how quickly the scanner can digitize a film frame. This is usually measured in seconds per frame. Faster scan speeds are convenient if you have a large volume of film to scan. For occasional use, scan speed may not be as critical, but for high-volume scanning, look for a scanner with faster speeds to save time. Consider how much film you need to scan and how patient you are with the scanning process.
Film CompatibilityFilm compatibility refers to the types of film the scanner can handle, such as 35mm, medium format, or large format. Ensure the scanner you choose is compatible with the film formats you plan to scan. Some scanners are versatile and can handle multiple formats, while others are specialized for specific types. Think about the types of film you have and choose a scanner that can accommodate them.
Software and FeaturesThe software that comes with the scanner can greatly affect your scanning experience. Look for software that offers features like dust and scratch removal, color correction, and batch scanning. These features can save you time and improve the quality of your scans. Consider what features are important to you and choose a scanner that includes software with those capabilities.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as USB, Wi-Fi, or memory card slots, determine how you can transfer scanned images to your computer or other devices. USB is the most common and reliable option, but Wi-Fi can offer more flexibility. Think about how you plan to use the scanner and choose one with connectivity options that suit your workflow.

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