Need to Scan Slides & Negatives - Product Advice

[reimerd10]

I have many old slides and pictures that I would love to have in my iPhoto library. For most of my pictures I also have the negatives. I'm looking for a scanner that can make my dreams come true.

I've seen a few products but was wondering if anybody here had any experience doing this and / or advice as to what brand and model they could recommend.

Also, is it better to scan the negative or a print? Some of the prints are damaged where the negative is still good but other prints are undamaged.

 

[jlcharles]

It's by far better to scan the negative. You didn't mention what format, but I'll assume 35mm is all. I'd suggest the Nikon Coolscan V ED. It's going to run upwards of $500 I think, but after you finish scanning everything you can always sell it. Unless you still shoot film that is.

 

[Doylem]

Another vote for Nikon Coolscan V ED: simple to use and terrific results. You're always better off going back to the source: slides and negs, rather than prints. A fine-grained 35mm slide holds a remarkable amount of information...

 

[Photomax]

If you live near a major city then check professional camera stores that also have a rental counter. Here in Seattle I am able to rent a Nikon 5000 ED for the weekend for like $40. You can then scan away, dumping the scans into a folder for later editing...