How to Compare 35mm Film Scanners
Manufacturers of 35mm film scanners produce a range of equipment, for personal and commercial use. Along with prices, comparisons of scanning speed, quality, computer interface and bit depth can serve as important specifications to compare before selecting a 35mm film scanner.
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Resolution
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The resolution of a scan means the the number of dots per inch (dpi) a scanner produces. Film scanner resolution typically ranges from 2,700 dpi to 8,000 dpi. An 8,000 dpi scanner can produce a higher quality scan than equipment rated at 2,700 dpi.
Bit Depth
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The bit depth (or color depth) number of a scanner represents the number of colors produced. An 8-bit scanner can produce over 250 colors for a grayscale image, while a 24-bit scanner can produce millions of colors from a color slide. Higher bit depth equipment can produce more colors than lower bit depth devices.
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Computer Interface
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35mm film scanners on the market today often include a computer interface (connection) already available on computers, such as a USB connection. Select scanners can require interfaces that need additional equipment, such as SCSI or Firewire adapters.
Prices
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35mm film scanner costs start at under $100 for consumer grade equipment, to thousands of dollars for professional devices. The price of a scanner often correlates with the quality of a scan produced, with more expensive equipment producing better results.
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References
- Photo Credit film image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com
