Converting (scanning) slides to digital photos

Hello everyone,

I have been rummaging through my parents' photos and came across thousands and thousands of photo slides which my parents took in the

1980s and 1990s. There are some absolutely amazing photos from when we lived in South Africa - most of them are simply brochure perfect, with the detail and composition and the atmosphere they convey - you almost feel you are right there just by looking at the slides! And the slides from the game parks are so unique - for example, there are photos of a herd of elephants crossing right in front of our car or hippos having a mud bath right next to the car!

Of course, these slides have been forgotten for years and I wonder how often somebody looks at them now. (Probably nobody in the last ten years...) So I have an idea of converting them to photos and making into scrapbook albums.

Does anyone know anything about scanning slides? I am vaguely aware it is possible to do but I am not sure how well the photos come out. Also, because of the quantity, I would prefer to do this myself - I get an idea it would be pricey to get them all converted professionally...

Thank you for all your help, Klara

Reply to
Klara
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You will need a slide scanner either one dedicated to the job (which does a better job) or a flatbed scanner with film/slide scanning abilities.

No matter what you choose make sure it has Digital Ice and color restoration capabilities. The digital ice will remove dust, scratches, etc. from the slides (trust me this is a big issue even if you clean them off before scanning) and the other will help restore the color and detail on even slightly faded images.

If you decide to go Flatbed then take a look at Epson they have very good flatbed scanners with good software and features.

If you decide to go dedicated film scanner then Nikon or Minolta are good. If you don't want to buy either then look for a service to do the scanning for you. But, make sure that the cost of having it done doesn't cost more than buy the scanner and doing it yourself.

If you have any other questions, let me know. I have been reviewing software and hardware since 1992.

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Robert

Reply to
Hebee Jeebes

I have a TON of slides I took while in Europe a couple tours. I wanted pics off a few of them for some lo's and was I shocked how much the local film developers wanted to make prints from them.

If I decide to some day (yea RIGHT!) make them into prints I will look at my on NEW scanner and a new printer. they cost me almost 50 cents each to do and that was two years ago.

Good luck and like Robert said RESEARCH your options!!

80 for 06 2 cards

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

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Reply to
OKC Dave

I didn't post the original question, but thanks for the suggestions, Robert. Can any of the dedicated slide scanners handle 110 slides? I have several hundred I'd like to scan. They're all in standard size slide mounts.

Thanks in advance.

Alicia

Reply to
Alicia

You might check into using Photomax. They will scan them in for you. You can do a monthly recurring order, which saves money, or one-time orders. I'm using them to scan in my old childhood photos as well as home movies, which they just started this month. The great thing is then you can not only get prints for 15 cents each, but make DVDs, t-shirts, mugs, photobooks an a TON of other things! They don't ever delete the photos on their site, so you can use it as a backup/archive for all your photos and you can share with family/friends without hogging email space.

For scanning, the prices are:

25 slides, Monthly recurring $29.95 --$24.95 preferred price 75 slides, Monthly recurring $71.95 or $59.95 preferred price 75 slides, one-time order, $74.95 or $62.95 preferred price 150 slides, Monthly recurring $119.95 or $99.95 preferred price 150 slides, one-time order, $124.95 or 104.95 preferred price

They can also take larger orders and you'll get all the original slides sent back to you as well as on a CD. You can sign up for free 5 GB account at:

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--Carrie

Reply to
Carrie

Most of the more expensive ones can, just make sure they have the holder for that size negative. Almost all flatbed scanners that have film and slide scanning capabilities come with holders. I know the Epson's do I have one of the older 2450's and it does. The flatbeds are actually getting better. The $400 to $500 higher end Epson is getting great reviews.

Robert

Reply to
Hebee Jeebes

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