Once upon a time, showing off one’s photo collection to friends and family was an anticipated and enjoyable social event where friends and family gathered to view projected photographs in a slideshow. Although slides aren’t widely used anymore, they still make up a sizable portion of most people’s family photo collections.
Therefore, it is important to learn the best way to digitize photos. It is crucial to scan slides to digital and catalog the photos inside them to ensure that these priceless pieces of family history are not lost to posterity. Read on to learn the best ways to convert slides to digital images.
How to Convert Slides to Digital
Here are the top 3 ways to transfer slides to digital. Choose the one that is most feasible, cost-effective, and gives you quality results.
1. Use a Flatbed Scanner
A flatbed scanner is a commonly used piece of equipment for scanning photographic slides. However, you must make sure that the scanner and software has the capabilities to scan transparencies efficiently, as not all flatbed scanners are designed for this use. Be sure that the scanner has a transparency attachment, can scan at a minimum of 2,000 DPI, and has Digital ICE functionality to maximize the quality and reduce imperfections.
2. Scan Slides with a Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
To duplicate old slides, DSLR cameras can be outfitted with slide duplicators to take photographs of old slides. Make sure you use a slide duplicator that is compatible with your camera. They are either spare lenses or devices with built-in lenses and a slide-loading slot.
Once the device has been focused, the slide slot makes it ideal for capturing a high-quality, full-size image. Plus, the slide slot is made of opaque plastic so that the light source may be spread more evenly. For this method, a photo is not even required.
You may use your DSLR as a slide viewer by connecting it to a computer or digital TV via video output. If you have a DSLR camera at home, are willing to spend on a slide duplicator, and spare some time to scan photos, this method may be a good choice for you.
3. Hire a Slide Scanning Service
The best way to digitize photos is to let the professionals handle the job for you. A reputable slide-scanning service will be equipped with the equipment required to convert slides to digital formats. They will also take the time to clean the slides before scanning.
If required, they will also provide post-scanning image touch-ups to ensure you have the highest possible image quality. One benefit of using our slide scanning service is the high resolution they are able to achieve.
The amount of clarity in a digital picture is referred to as its resolution, expressed in terms of dots per inch. Scanning resolutions range from 2000 to 4000 dots per inch for every slide. When working with professionals, you can choose from different slide-scanning resolution options.
So, What Is the Best Way to Scan Slides To Digital?
The best way of transferring slides to digital depends on why you want to scan your slides. If you are looking for a hassle-free slide conversion process and the best quality to preserve your family photos, then working with a professional slide scanning service may be the way to go about it. When you choose a reputable service, you can expect a quick turnaround time and the best results for a minimal cost.
On the other hand, if you want to experiment with slide scanning and are willing to invest in the required equipment, use a flatbed scanner or DSLR to scan slides to digital formats.
Choose Smooth Photo Scanning for a Streamlined Slides Conversion Process
Smooth Photo Scanning is the leading photo-scanning service. With over 25 years in the industry, the team has streamlined the process to facilitate their customers in every way. Slides can be submitted in any format—carousels, magazines, boxes, etc.
The slides are received by expert slide scanning technicians, who scan each image in order using the industry’s best technology. During digitalization, dust particles and tiny scratches are removed with the help of Digital ICE technology. The technicians also restore and correct colors, contrast, exposure, and film grain using the same technology.
The resulting images are reviewed, cropped, turned to the correct orientation, and then auto-enhanced again to breathe new life into your cherished slides. At last, the improved pictures are transferred to the medium of your choosing or online download so that they can be viewed and shared with others. Visit Smooth Photo Scanning to learn more and request a quote.
