How to Buy a Photo Scanner for Family Photos

Since you were born, your parents started taking photos of you.  The photo included other family members and other special events related to them.  However, these pictures can get lost or destroyed.  Unfortunately, along with the lost photos goes memories.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on how to buy a photo scanner.

photo scanner

 

 

The best way to save your family photos is to store them in your personal computer. Furthermore, one of the best methods is to use a high-quality scanner.  What does a scanner do?  It scans physical photos and transforms them into digital photos directly onto your computer.  Fortunately, you can save tons of them without worrying about them getting lost.

Also, scanners have existed since the 1950s.  However, they only became available for the larger public in the 90s.  The best photo scanner is are the flatbeds. They are easy to use and are compatible with almost every type of computer. If used excessively, many photo scanners can deteriorate your images. So, be sure to select a photo scanner that will endure usage.  Especially, if scanning your family photos is the main goal. 

In the $100 price range, there are lots of photo scanners that can do the job.  But, if you have used a camera with film negatives or you are planning on scanning artwork, a nice scanner can go up to $200. They can come with features that will hold your pictures in place.  This feature can be useful when scanning photos.  Additionally, you must pay attention to how they use the combination of light and mirrors.  If pixels are missing, and that is due to the light or the mirrors, the quality of your scan will be affected. 

As a result, there are three major points to consider when buying a photo scanner:

  • The first one is the resolution.  The more dots per square inch, the better your pictures will come out on the computer.
  • Secondly, image-sensing technology is very important too. Remember that contact image sensors are good for scanning documents.  However, the charged coupled device or CCD can hold a large number of photos and that is what you need.
  • Last, check the dynamic range and tonal range. The higher range it has, the better scan you will have.   For example, Letter D represents the top range. Same thing goes with the tonal range, the higher, the better.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of a photo scanner, you may also want to start considering a high-quality printer to reproduce your images as well.  Keep in mind that digital storage can be fragile, so “hard copies” are good to keep on hand. 

The types of printers used by artists for artwork should be considered.  However, these can become quite expensive.  Additionally consider a printing service, which uses very high caliber equipment to produce quality prints.

We hope you found our tips on how to buy a photo scanner helpful.  Go forth and start scanning your family photos! The market has a lot of scanners ready to be bought, coming in different shapes and colors, but remember that the specifications are the most important factor you have to look for when getting one.