If you want to digitize some old family albums, there’s a few things to consider before buying a photo scanner.
Firstly, don’t be overwhelmed by features such as the resolution, speed, color depth, type of feeder, and more.
In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about photo scanners.
I will also recommend some of the best scanners on the market, that are suitable for all types of users.
Best Photo Scanner
Epson FastFoto High-Speed Photo Scanning System
- The fastest scanner in the world
- Scans one photo a second
- Scans everything from photos to panoramas and postcards
- 2nd Generation FastFoto software for organizing, restoring, and sharing
- ScanSmart software by Epson
- Different modes for archiving, sharing, and enlarging images
- Easy connectivity options for both wireless and USB
- Photo enhancement features
- Scans more than one size in a single batch
- Single-step technology
- Auto upload feature for backup while scanning via Google Drive and Dropbox
With the Epson FastFoto Scanner, you can quickly scan thousands of photos and save them to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Its Fast Foto software allows you to scan and share all the memories you’ve captured from your family vacations, anniversary celebrations, and more.
An added feature is the single-step modern technology that allows you to capture both sides of the photo, this is helpful for notes scribbled on the back of photos, etc.
This Epson model is fast, efficient, and has everything you would want in a photo scanner. You can even scan multiple different sizes in a single batch.
What customers are saying
Customers gave this photo scanner great reviews and many were extremely happy with its auto enhancement feature which revitalizes their dated photos.
They also love its fast scanning and the ability to place various sized photos in a single scan without a hitch.
However, some people had issues with the photo quality of the scans, particularly in TIFF mode, and said the scanner tends to jam easily due to its sensitivity to curvature and paper.
Best Mobile Scanner
Doxie Go SE - The Intuitive Portable Scanner
- No computer required
- Portable
- Scans up to 600dpi
- Auto-adjust software
- Images can be uploaded to Dropbox, iCloud Drive, and One Note
- Rechargeable battery included
- OCR technology
- SD card included (for storing up to 32GB).
If you’re on the road a lot and need a reliable portable photo scanner, you’re going to love the Doxie Go SE Portable Scanner.
This scanner features auto-adjust and OCR technology as well as an SD card that allows you to scan up to 4000 images before syncing is needed.
You also do not need a computer for scanning. Simply charge it and plug it in when you need to scan documents, receipts, or photos.
It even has a rechargeable battery and you can scan up to four hundred images per charge.
All in all, a good companion for the road.
What customers are saying
Most people who bought this portable scanner gave it excellent reviews.
They loved how fast and quiet it scans, the quickness of the battery charge, the auto-adjust feature, and the fact that they can scan various sized documents hassle-free.
However, some customers had issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and some had paper feeding issues with images scanning only halfway through or jamming.
Best Flatbed Scanner
Epson Perfection V550 Color Photo
- Excellent optical resolution of 6400 dpi
- Transparency unit for scanning slides, film, negatives, and more
- Auto-adjustment
- Digital ICE technology
- Software for easily fixing photos
- No warm-up time
- ReadyScan LED technology for fast scanning
- Easily scans multiple images per scan
- 48 Bit color definition
- Converts scanned paperwork into editable text
If you’re on the hunt for a flatbed photo scanner that not only offers versatility but also exceptional performance for any task, this Color Photo scanner will be perfect for you.
You’ll be able to capture high-quality images with its 6400 dpi optical resolution which works irrespective of whether you are scanning negatives, documents, slides, or film.
The Digital ICE and Easy Photo Fix software included will allow you to make dated photos look like they were taken today.
Scanning multiple film strips, slides, and photos simultaneously is also not a problem for this nifty gadget. This model definitely gets our seal of approval.
What customers are saying
Most customers agreed that this is an excellent scanner with the standout features being its ease of use, scan quality of negatives, and color restoration feature for restoring old photos.
The biggest issue some customers had was the Digital ICE and Easy Photo Fix software not working well, especially on MAC’s.
Professional Photo Scanner
Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner
- Detailed color scans with 6400 dpi resolution
- 0 Dmax tonal scope
- Two lenses for excellent results
- Compatible with various Windows operating systems
- Digital ICE technology for removing any surface blemishes on the film
- Able to scan multiple sized film, slides, and negatives
- Progressive optics
- Comes with software and film holders
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner is an excellent choice if you want photo scans that look incredibly professional.
The photo scanner has a dual-lens that produces exceptional quality scans and the ICE technology automatically gets rid of any surface flaws in the film.
It can also digitally archive film or slides of up to 6400 dpi resolution. This is our top choice in the category of professional photo scanners.
What customers are saying
Customers gave this printer plenty of 5-star reviews with the top benefits being its ease of use, upgraded optics, various scanning templates, and the quality of the scans.
However, some customers received faulty scanners, and a few of them had issues with the software.
Fastest Photo Scanner
Fujitsu fi-7160 Color Duplex Document Scanner
- Designed for fast and reliable scanning
- Can scan up to 120 images at 300 dpi in one minute
- Document feeder with an 80-sheet capacity
- Scans receipts, ID and credit cards, and sticky notes up to a thickness of 1.4mm
- Intelligent Sonic paper defense
- 60PPM scan speed
- 600dpi optical resolution
- Compatible with most operating systems
When it comes to speed, dependability, and accuracy, businesses of all sizes can benefit from the Fujitsu fi-7160 Duplex Document Scanner.
It has an impressive 60ppm scanning speed and a capacity of scanning up to four thousand scans per day.
One of the best things about the scanner is that you can scan mixed batch documents of various sizes and thicknesses at the same time.
Another great feature is the acoustic sensors on the scanner that enable it to stop the moment any misfeeds in the document feeder are detected.
This eliminates paper jams that may damage your paperwork.
What customers are saying
Customers were exceptionally happy with their purchase and many complimented the scanner’s accuracy, speed, high-quality scans, and having no issues with the software.
One issue some customers had was that the serial number is part of a grey market, meaning that Fujitsu US is not obligated to do any repairs or replacements.
Best Cheap Photo Scanner
Plustek Photo Scanner
- 300dpi optical resolution
- Compatible with various Mac and Windows operating systems
- More effective than a standard flatbed scanner
- Image correction functions
- Quick and easy scanning
- Scans various sized documents, cards, and photos
If you’re looking for a cost-effective photo scanner that would get the job done quickly and efficiently, this is the one for you.
The Plustek Photo Scanner offers quick and easy scanning with a 300 dpi optical resolution. You can scan and digitize about a thousand photos in a single afternoon.
The unit also comes with image enhancement software and you can download editing restore software as well. Another plus is that it is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
What customers are saying
People who bought this scanner highly recommend it and praise its speed, ease of use, and high-quality scans.
However, some customers had issues with streaks appearing on the photos and some units stopped scanning after recalibration.
Other Recommended Scanners
Canon CanoScan Photo Film & Negative Scanner
With this efficient photo scanner, you can look forward to scanning anything from film to documents and photos.
The unit comes with intuitive software that is capable of scanning and organizing all your files. A standout feature is the Super Toric lens that delivers superior-quality scans.
Other features include auto image corrections, power-saving LEDs, and an automatic scan mode.
Canon ImageFORMULA R40 Office Document Scanner
This scanner is perfect for scanning photos, reports, receipts, and more. It is quick, efficient and can scan up to forty pages a minute on both sides.
Other features worth mentioning are its Mac and Windows compatibility, easy setup, CaptureOnTouch software, and 60-sheet ADF.
HP ScanJet Pro 2500 f1 Flatbed OCR Scanner
This flatbed photo scanner is ideal for government, financial, and educational sectors.
It comes with advanced software features that are ideal for editing, enhancing, and optimizing document and photo scans.
The unit is energy-star rated and has an auto-off function. The scans can be uploaded to Dropbox and Google Drive as well.
ClearClick QuickConvert Photo, Slide, & Negative Scanner
With the ClearClick Quickconvert photo, negative, and slide scanner you do not need a PC for scanning.
This cordless and portable unit comes with a rechargeable battery and the setup is pretty straightforward.
Digitize your slides, photographs, and your negatives at a 14MP resolution in minutes. You can also use the USB cable or SD card for transferring images to your Mac or PC.
Fujitsu Departmental ADF + Flatbed Color Duplex Scanner
This photo scanner is fast and can scan eighty pages per minute in monochrome, color, or grayscale.
The scanner is equipped with an 80-page ADF and the flatbed enables you to scan fragile documents, book pages, or objects that have physical depth.
Overall, this scanner is durable, superfast, and produces high-quality scans.
Things To Consider
Resolutions
The resolution indicates the amount of detail in an image that can be pulled by the scanner. The basic photo resolution is 300 dpi, however, you can achieve up to 1200 dpi.
When enlarging photos you should have 3200 dpi or more. Every photo scanner scans a specific number of dpi (dots per minute).
A higher resolution is recommended for scanning photos, however, for basic documents, 600 dpi will suffice.
Color depth
Photos are scanned at various color depths. The average color depth utilized for most scanners is 30-bit.
Speed
For scanners that are used extensively, you will want a model that is fast so you can save time. Check for high speed along with various resolution options when choosing a scanner.
Before deciding on which photo scanner you want to buy, compare your top choices. You can find the speed specifications for different models on the manufacturer websites.
Image compatibility
You must have an idea of the type of graphics you want to scan. For example, standard flatbed photo scanners cannot scan negatives or films.
Type of feeder
You have a choice of two kinds of feeders: manual or automatic.
Flatbed scanners have manual feeders where you will need to feed every page. It takes longer to scan but the scan quality is more advanced.
With automatic feeders you can scan multiple pages of different sizes and thickness at once, however, paper jams can happen from time to time.
Flatbed scanners feature a lid and glass plate, while document handlers utilize a feeder mechanism for loading multiple sheets per scan. Some photo scanners can do both options.
Choose the one that works best for you.
