How Does a Negative Scanner Work?

Scanning the Negative

A negative scanner works in much the same way as a standard flatbed scanner, using light and a component known as a CCD (charge-coupled device) array, which contains light-sensitive diodes, to capture a digital image of the scanned material. The main difference between negative scanners and flatbed scanners is that a negative scanner provides greater resolution. A high-intensity light is scanned over the negative, with the CCD recording a digital copy and sending it to the scanning software on the computer.

Converting to Positive

Scanning software for negative scanners is different from that used with flatbed scanners because it automatically converts it to a positive image. It also allows you to create both black-and-white and color images from a single scan.

Advantages

Using a negative scanner ensures that all the detail of the original image will transfer to the digital print. Scanning from photographs loses detail from the gloss and any defects in the print. Though negative scanners cost more than standard desktop scanners, the increased detail and automatic conversion make them the preferred choice of photographers wishing to convert film negatives to digital prints.