Slide, Negative Film, Photo Scanning: FREE Scanning Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

When you save your slide, negative, and photo scans as JPEG digital images, make sure the “compression” level is not too high. In this article you’ll learn how to properly setup your scanner so that your scans are saved at the highest quality JPEG’s possible.

Next time you scan your slides, negative, and photo, watch for something called JPEG “compression” level.  Don’t worry, all this will make sense soon.

For now, just know that your scanner’s default “compression” level is probably set too high.  This means your scans will lose some pixel quality.  I will show you where to adjust the JPEG compression levels.

But first, you need to know two things about JPEG image files.  Once you know this stuff, then you’ll be able to control the quality of your JPEG files.

1.  JPEGs Files Are Compressed

Professional photographers and graphic designers like to use TIFF image files.  TIFFs are huge.  Sometimes they are 500 MB in file size.  They’re great because TIFF’s have a lot of digital data.  And the more data they have, the more a person can manipulate and edit that digital image.

But, for you and I, TIFFs are over-kill.  Most of this digital data is redundant, and doesn’t add to the overall quality of your image.

So, somebody figured out a way to remove all this useless data that didn’t affect the quality using a compression method.  Your TIFF file is sized down from 500 MB to 5 MB — but without losing any picture quality.

So what you end up with is a high-quality digital image, but at a file size that won’t clog up your computer space or take forever to upload.

2.  You Can Control This Compression

When you save your slides, negative, and photos as JPEG’s, your scanner will give you the option to change the compression level.

Except the problem is, maybe like my scanner, your scanner’s default compression level is too high.  The more compressed your JPEG, the less detail you’ll see.  It doesn’t matter if you scanned your slide at 4000 DPI.  If you save that slide scan at a high compression level, it will take a way some detail.

3. Where Can You Change Your JPEG Compression Level When Scanning

Now that you know that you have the option to change the JPEG compression level, you’ll need to read your scanner’s manual to find this option.  With my scanner, the option to change the compression level of the JPEG comes up when I’m about to save my scan.  There’s an “JPEG Option” box I click to adjust the compression level. Once I have this set, I don’t have to touch it anymore.

My scanner’s default compression level is 6 out of 10.  That’s too high.  It gives me a small file size. But who cares.  I want quality pixels.  So I changed my compression level to 1 out of 10.  This will ensure that all my scans will be the highest JPEG quality possible — with the lowest compression level possible.

Need Help With Your Slide, Negative, Photo Scanning Project?

Hello, my name is Konrad.

If you’re stuck with your home scanning project, check out my free scanning guide:

HowToScan.ca: Free Slide, Negative, Photo Scanning Tips

Thanks for visiting!

Konrad M.

ScanCanada.ca: Slide, Negative, Photo Scanning Services — Guaranteed 100%

Are You Making An Of These Negative Scanning Mistakes?

In this article, you’ll learn why you’re not getting the quality negative scan you expected — and what to do about it.

1. Using Your Scanner To Fix Your Negative Scans

Here’s the thing,  you don’t need an expensive scanner to get quality negative scans.  All scanners do the same thing — they all can give you a 4000 DPI + negative scan.  It doesn’t matter if you have a $300 scanner or a $3000. They all can give you high resolution scans.

But what you’re paying for is the extra features.  You know, “Dust Removal”, “Color Fix” — and other “scan enhancement” features.

Listen, I’ve been editing images since 2001.  I would LOVE to find a program where I press a few buttons and every dust and scratch is gone, the colour is perfect, and the exposure is fixed.

But it doesn’t work that way.  Don’t get me wrong though.  Features like Dust Removal, Color Fix, etc. are great if you’re a novice.  But to really get to that next level of quality scans, you need to use software designed to fix images.

So avoid using your scanner’s enhancement features — turn them off!  Instead, open your scan in software designed to fix images.

2.  Thinking Scan Resolution Means Quality Digital Images

Did you know that after about 1500 DPI, you’re no longer scanning the detail of your negative?  You see, your negative has a limit. The negative was “printed” using an emulsion matte.  And this emulsion has a limit of about 1500 dots per inch.  Just like your photos which has a limit of 300 dots per inch. You’re limited to the physical specs of your negative.

So, anything higher than 1500 DPI you’re not going in “deeper” and uncovering more detail.  Say you scanned your negative at 4000 DPI.  All you did was take a 1500 DPI image and made it BIGGER without losing detail. You didn’t add more image detail.  What your scanner did was make sure that your 4000 DPI scan looks EXACTLY the same as your 1500 DPI scan, but only bigger.

When would you want 1500 DPI?  If you just want to re-print your negatives at 4″ x 6″ or watch your scans on your 1080p HDTV, you’ll be safe with 1500 DPI.  At 4000 DPI, you can print your image at 18″ x 24″ at excellent quality.

Personally I scan my negatives at 4000 DPI — it’s always better to have too many pixels than too little.  But I just want you to know that resolution has very little to do with quality.  Yes, if you scanned less than 1500 DPI you’ll get a lower quality scan.  But at 1500 DPI you’ll be safe.  And the more you know how resolution works, the more control you have with what you do with your scans.

3.  Not Getting Help With Your Negative Scanning Project

If you follow your scanner’s manual, and use Dust Removal, Color Fix, etc. you’ll get OK negative scans.

But if you’re serious about having high quality negative scans, and would like to learn a new skill, I invite you to visit my free scanning guide:

How To Scan Negatives Like A Pro: Free Scanning Tips And Advice

In the scanning guide you’ll learn:

• How To Use Resolution To Control What You Do With Your Scans
• How To Fix Dust, Faded Color, Exposure Using GIMP / Photo Shop / Light Room
• How To Remove Film Grain Using GIMP / Photo Shop / Light Room
• How To Properly Load And Clean Your Negatives

This is exactly how I scan and edit my clients’ negatives.  And I’m more than happy to share my scanning “secrets”.

Good luck with your negative scanning project!

Konrad M.

ScanCanada.ca

Learn How To Scan Your Slides Into Quality Digital Images

Stuck scanning your dad’s slides?  Check out my slide scanning guide, and you’ll learn:

• You don’t need an expensive scanner to get quality slide scans.
• What resolution you should scan your slides.
• How to properly edit slide scans using GIMP, Lightroom, and Photo Shop.
• Load your scanner so you don’t scan your slide backwards.

These scanning methods are exactly how I edit all my clients slides.  And I’m more than happy to share my scanning “secrets”.  Check out…

How To Scan Slides Like A Pro: HowToScan.ca

Thanks!

Konrad M.
ScanCanada.ca | 647 726-2265 | 206, 2 Royal York Rd. | Toronto

When Should You Save Your Slide, Negative, or Photos as TIFF or JPEG

If you’re a commercial artist, magazine, museum, then NEVER scan your slides, negatives, or photos as JPEGs.  Saving your scans as TIFFs will give you file size of around 100 MB. At best, you’ll get around 12 MB from a JPEG scan.

Does 100 MBs mean you have a better quality digital scan?

No.  Don’t confuse file size with the quality of your scan.  The only reason you’d want a 100 MB digital photo is because you have more data to work with.  So if you’re doing any commercial editing, it’s better to have as much digital data as you can.

Also, at 100 MB, you can print your scans at billboard size.

Saving Your Scans As JPEGs Is Safe

JPEG images are great if you have a home scanning project.  And just because you have a JPEG and not a TIFF, does NOT mean the quality of your scans will be worse.

Basically, a JPEG is a compressed version of a TIFF (technically a RAW file).  Instead of a 100 MB file, you can have the same looking image, but at 12 MB or less.  The math involved in the compression “knows” what data it can get rid of and what data it can keep– and you end up with the same looking image, but at a smaller file size.

How To Make Sure Your JPEG Compression Is NOT Too High

There’s one small catch.  Most scanner’s default compression level is a bit too high for my liking.  Sure, at a higher compression level you get a smaller file size.  But at the cost of quality.

Here’s how to change the compression level when you’re saving your cans as JPEGs.

I’ll be using a simple Epson home scanner.  Your scanner might be a bit different.  But you still can follow along because this stuff is bascailly the same, no matter what scanner you have.s

Anyway, here’s a screen shot of my scanner’s settings:

1. Look for something called “File Saving Options”.  My Epson scanner has an icon for this option.

2. Another window will open up.  This is where I choose if I want to scan JPEG, TIFF, etc.

3. Once I choose JPEG, there’s another option just for JPEG format.  Again, your scanner might be different.  And you might have to fiddle and look around to find these options on your scanner– but they’re there.

4. Now I have the JPEG options window open.  This is where I choose what compression level I want my scans saved as.  If I have 0 compression, that means I have the highest quality JPEG I can get. But these means I’m going to get a bigger file size.  At 100 compression, you basically won’t see any detail form your image.  But you will have a very small file size.

So the balance is high quality vs. a reasonable file size.  My Epson’s default is around 10 compression.  Which is way too high for me.  My sweet spot is around 3 or 4.  This gives me a 5 MB digital image.  At 0 compression, I get a 12 MB file.   But sometimes 12 MB is too clunky– say for email or uploading.

Do You Have A DIY Home Scanning Project?

Hi, Konrad here. I’m the owner of ScanCanada.ca and been scanning since 2005.  I’ve scanned over 500, 000 slides, negatives, and photos.  If you have a home scanning project, and you’re not getting the results you expected, then you’re welcome to check out my How To Scan guide.  I’ll show you exactly how I scan my customers slides, film, and pictures.  And I try to be as non-technical as I can.  Check it out here…

How To Scan Slides, Negatives, Photos: http//HowToScan.ca

Or if you like a small team of professionals to convert your slides, negatives, photo into digital, please visit:

Scanning Services: http://ScanCanada.ca

Thanks!

This scanning blog is just one place  where you can find my articles on how to convert slides, negative film, and photo into digital. Here’s where you can find my stuff…

HowToScan.ca

This is my side project when I’m not scanning for a living.  I will show you exactly how I scan my customer’s slides, negatives, and photos.  I try to make is as non-technical as I can.

Check it out, FREE Slide, Negative, Photo Scanning Guide

eZineArticles.com

These articles are a bit more technical, and my major focus is on understanding resolution.  I also have quick scanning tips as well.

Please visit, eZine Article Expert Author on Scanning

Squidoo.com

Here’s where you can get quick, fast tips on scanning your own slides, negatives, and photos.  If you don’t have the time, and want to jump right into scanning, check out, Squidoo: Squidoo Lensmaster HowToScan

Imagine your Dad’s reaction when he sees 60 year old slide scans of himself when he was just a boy.  Convert your family slides, negative film, and photo into HD quality digital images.  Slide, Negative Film, Scanning Services Toronto.
 

Your Digital Images Will Turn Out Backwards If You Do Not Know What Side To Scan

Make make sure your slide or negative film scans do not turn out like this:

Here is 3 quick tips to make sure you scan the right side of your negative film or slide, please check out…

What Side To Scan Your Slide or Negative Film

Most people think you need a lot of resolution / DPI to get high-definition digital photo scans. But the fact is, if you scan your 4”x6” photos 300 DPI, you still get HD quality digital images.  Here is 3 reasons why:

1.  Your HDTV Has A Screen Resolution Of 1080 x 1920

It does not matter if your HDTV is 32 inches or 52 inches– if you have an 1080p HDTV, the “screen resolution” is 1080 x 1920 pixels.  What does screen resolution have to do with your photo scans?

2.  Your 4”x6” Photo Scans Have A Pixel Dimension of 1200 x 1800

Instead of “screen resolution”, your digital photos have what is called “pixel dimension”.  When you convert a photo into digital, you are going to get digital image that has a pixel dimension of 1200 x 1800.

3.  Always Look At Pixel Dimension As A Yard Stick

Resolution is always confusing because there is so many terms: DPI, mega pixels, pixel dimension, screen resolution, etc.  To make it easier for you, always look at the pixel dimension or scree resolution.  Forget about DPI, mega pixels, 720p, 1080p– those are all fancy marketing terms that mean the same thing.

Anyway, back to your photo you converted to digital.  Remember I said that it has a pixel dimension of 1200 x 1800.  Now, if you look at your HDTV, it has a screen resolution (same thing as pixel dimension) of 1080 x 1920.  This means when you put your digital photo on your HDTV, it is going to fit perfectly.  Your HDTV won’t have to crop it, size it down, stretch, etc., to make it fit on the screen.  Your 4”x6” photo scan at 300 DPI is considered HD quality.

Always try to find a number like, 1080 x 1920.  And use your HDTV as a yard stick.  If, say your digital camera is 2 mega pixels, check and see the pixel dimension of the digital photos.  If your digital photos from your camera are 1200 x 1800 (give or take), then you know they are HD quality.  Always use pixel dimension or screen resolution as the yard stick.

Learn More About Photo Scan Resolution So You Can Have More Control Over Your Digital Images

Choosing the right DPI for photo scanning is just the start.  If you like to learn more on how to get better looking photo scans, please read my eZine article:

Get Excellent Quality Photo Scans: Three Tips

Good luck with your photo scanning project!
Konrad M.
ScanCanada.ca

At 1500 DPI, You Will Get HD Quality Digital Images

If you’re converting your negatives or slides into digital, and want true HD quality digital images, you don’t need to scan them at 4000 DPI.

Scanning your originals at 1500 DPI will give you true HD digital images.  Also, scanning at 1500 DPI is going to save a lot of time.  At 4000 DPI, it takes me about 3 minutes to scan a negative.  At 1500 DPI, it takes about 45 seconds.

How can 1500 DPI be true HD?  Well, have a look at your HDTV.  Did you know the resolution of your HDTV is only 1080 x 1920.  Have a look…

Or take a look at your computer monitor– in my case it is only 1366 x 768.  Check it out…

How about an iPad? The screen resolution on that thing is 1024 x 768.  Here is the big picture…

What’s do these numbers have to do with your slide or negative scans?  Well, if you scan a 35mm slide or 35mm negative at 1500 DPI, you are going to get a digital image that is 1275 x 1950.  Look here…

You see, at this pixel resolution, your digital images are bigger than your HDTV.  1500 DPI is all you need!

Learn More About Resolution So You Can Have More Control Over Your Digital Images

This stuff is just the begining.  If you want to learn more about resolution so you can do a lot more with your scans, check out…

Understanding Resolution For Better Slide, Negative Scans

Good luck with your scanning project!

Konrad M.

ScanCanada.ca: Professional Slide, Negative, Photo Scanning Services Toronto

Why Are You Not Getting Quality Slide, Negative, Photo Scans?  Here Are 5 Reasons Why And What You Can Do To Get Better Looking Scans

- by Konrad M., owner of  ScanCanada.ca

Mistake #1: Thinking You Need The Most Expensive Scanner With All The Bells And Whistles

Do you think Eric Clapton needs the most expensive guitar to sound like he does?   No, of course not! He can use any old guitar you find in pawn shops, and he still can sound great.

Maybe like me you went out and got the best scanner you could find.  It had all the fancy features that promised you quality scans.  Then when you finally figured out how to use Digital Ice, Color Fix, DEE, etc., you still got lousy looking scans.  It is very frustrating.

Why can you NOT get consistent quality scans with even the best scanners out there?

Any scanner on the market is amazing at giving you a lot of pixels.  A $200 scanner can scan the same amount of pixels as a $6000 scanner.

But here is the rub:  scanners were made to scan pixels, but not at EDITING your scans.  Sure, the more expensive the scanner, the more scan enhance features it comes with.  But if you ever tried scanning you know how frustrating it is to get scans that look worse than the originals, even after you pressed all the fancy buttons.

You need accept the fact that there are no short-cuts.  It would be amazing if you could press a few buttons, and let the scanner to all the work.  But that is not how it works.  If you continue to rely on your scanner to edit your slide, negative, photo scans, you will NEVER get quality digital images.

Mistake #2:  The More Resolution You Use, The Better The Quality Image You Get

What do you think most people do when they load up their scanner and choose a resolution or DPI (dots per inch)?

I think most people want to go as high as possible.  They use the highest DPI the scanner can give.  But all they get is a HUGE digital image that has MORE dust and scratches.

Just because you scan your negatives or slides at 4000 DPI, or photos at 1200 DPI, does not mean you will get higher quality images.  There is a point where you STOP scanning image detail, and start scanning the surface of the film or photo.

For instance, photos have a limit of 300 DPI.  After that you are scanning minute dust and scratches, the gloss off the photo paper, oil from finger prints, etc.

Yes, I recommend scanning at higher resolutions, but do not think that you will get more quality.  Scanning at a higher resolutions will never work at getting you higher quality.

Mistake #3: Here Is How To Scan 2000 Slides, Negatives, or Photos In ONE Week

If you want to scan as many originals as you can, as fast as you can, here is what you can do.

First, do not bother cleaning your slides, negatives, photos before loading your scanner.  Sure, cleaning your originals before putting them in the scanner will remove 90% of the dust, but who cares, cleaning just gets in the way.

Second, just load your originals in any which way you want– and hope you scanned the right side so that the scan is not backwards.  Do not bother learning what side you should scan.  Taking the time to load your originals properly will just slow you down.

Yeah, you get it.. I am being sarcastic.  But what is funny is, these small things like cleaning your originals and learning what side to scan are so trivial that most people skip them to save time.

But remember this one thing: these are your ONLY originals, you may as well convert them into digital RIGHT the first time.  This means you have to take your time.

Sure, scanning is a BIG job that takes a while. But if you do the job right the first time, you are ensuring that your originals are backed up properly.  If anything happens to those originals, you will have the peace of mind knowing you have EXACT copies, or better looking copies, backed up digitally.

Mistake #4: Thinking You Need Be An Expert At Graphic Design To Get Quality Images

Earlier I talked about how you should not use your scanner to edit your photo, negative film, or slide scans.  Here is what I recommend instead: edit them yourself, using software designed for fixing digital photos.

I know what you are thinking, “he is crazy!”.

But the only way to get quality slide, photo, negative scans is to edit the digital images by “hand”. I know it is very tempting to use your scanner software to do this job– but if you have ever tried using this method, you know how frustrating it is to keep getting bad scans.

You need a better method to scan and edit your family’s slides, negatives and photos.

Mistake #5: Not Getting Help With Your Home Scanning Project

You know what, it took me 6 years to figure out how to get quality scans, and to perfect it.  Let me tell you a story how figured it out.

It was 2004 and I just spent weeks scanning my parents photos.  At the time they looked OK.  I had a pretty good scanner, and I used scan enhancement features like Digital Ice to fix my scans.

But then I put my scans on my HDTV and they  looked horrible– all of them were absolutely useless.  I was so frustrated because I just spent all that time scanning them, and they were useless.  But you learn from your mistakes.  And thanks to this mistake, I figured out how to perfect scans, every time.

Anyway, I picked up the project again, and this time I would try a different way.  I guess I am lucky because I have been using Photoshop since 2000, so I knew how to manipulate digital images.  So instead of using all the fancy scan enhancement features that came with the scanner, I did a “natural” scan.  This means I had a digital image with NO editing done to it.

I then opened the natural scan in Photoshop and spent hours trying to figure out how remove dust and scratches, fix color fading, bring back the exposure levels, etc.  It was not perfect, but it was WAY better than my first attempt.

It took me months to perfect this technique.  And now 6 years later, I have a business scanning family and commercial slides, negative and photos for a living.  I have converted over 500,000 slides, negatives, and photos into digital.  I NEVER use short-cuts like Digital Ice, and I have a small team of graphic designers that help me edit all scans by “hand”.

The Best Part? Discover How I Scan And Edit My Customers Slides, Negatives, And Photos

The best news is, I have a side project showing you how step-by-step how I edit my customer’s slides, negatives, and photos.  If you are the DIY type check out…

How To Scan Slides, Negatives, Photos: Free Scanning Tutorial: HowToScan.ca

You do not need Photoshop– you can download a free program called GIMP that does the exact same thing.  And since I will show you in my scanning tutorial, step-by-step, you do not need a technical background in graphic design.  All you need is a strong commitment in wanting better looking, higher quality family scans.

And one more thing.  Do your friends and family a big favour– when you learn these scanning techniques, teach them what you have learned.  It is the biggest gift you can give them: to permanently preserve their family story by showing them how to convert their own slides, negatives, and photos into quality digital images.

Good luck with your family scanning project!
Thank you,

Konrad M.
ScanCanada.ca: Professional Slide, Negative, Photo Scanning Services Toronto

Trouble Scanning Your Own Slides, Negatives, Photos? Here Are 3 Tips That Can  You Get Better Looking Scans

I have been scanning since 2005, and scanned over 500,000 slides, negatives and photos.  Here are three core things I have learned to get me better quality scans.

1) What Does Digital Ice Do To A Photo, Slide, Negative Scan

My first tip is not to use Digital Ice.  Your scanner may have all these fancy scan enhancement features, like Digital Ice, Color Fix, Dust / Scratch Removal, etc.  Do not be tempted to use them.

I know, scanning your family’s originals is a big project, and it is going to take a long time.  And it is very tempting to think your scanner has a quick fix for getting quality scans in a short time.

The fact is, you might save some time, but you will pay in another way.  Check out what Digital Ice did to this negative film scan….

The negative scan on the left has detail missing because Digital Ice thought some of the white in the lettering was dust.

The whole point of digitally archiving your family’s slides, negatives, and photos is so they are AT LEAST the same quality as the originals.  If your scans look lousy, then what is the point of converting them?  Even if you save some time using Digital Ice, you still end up with digital photos that are not worth keeping.

2) How Can You Get Better Scans Using The Scanner You Already Have

I can use a $200 scanner, and get great high quality scans everytime.  How?  First, I do not use the scan enhancement software that came with the scanner.  What I do is, I try to get a “raw” or “natural” scan.  No Digital Ice, no DEE, no Color Fix, none of those fancy sounding features.

Once I get a natural scan, I edit the digital photo in software MADE to edit digital photos.  I know, I know… this may seem like a lot of work.  It is just easier to press the Digital Ice button, and let the scanner do all the work.  But you do want quality scans, right?  And if you want the job done right, you may as well take some time to learn some quick editing tips.

I have a side project called HowToScan.ca.  This is a free scanning tutorial, showing you exactly how I scan my customer’s slides, negatives and photos.

Even if you do not know anything about Photoshop or GIMP (a free photo editing program that dose exactly what Photoshop does), that is ok.  In my scanning tutorial I will show you, step-by-step, how to scan and edit your family’s slides, negatives, and photos.

Check out…

A Non Technical Scanning Guide: HowToScan.ca

And here’s the table of contents….

HowToScan.ca: Free Scanning Guide, Table Of Contents

3) What Resolution Should You Scan Your Slides, Negatives, and Photos

Here is the quick answer– if you want all your digital images to be at least HD quality, here is the resolution I use….

4” x 6” Photos: 300 DPI
35mm Slide scans: 1500 DPI
35 Negative Film scans: 1500 DPI

When you scan your photos at 300 DPI, you will get a digital image that is 1200 x 1800.  This number means that your digital photo will fit perfectly on your 52”, 1080p HDTV.  How? Well, your HDTV has a screen size of 1080 x 1920.  And your 300 DPI photo scan is 1200 x 1800. In other words, your digital photo has a larger resolution than your HDTV.

Also, if you scan your film and slides at 1500 DPI you will get a digital image that is around 1275 x 1950– which is also bigger than your 1080p HDTV.

I personally use 900 DPI for photo scans, and 4000 DPI for slide, negative scans.  Even though it takes longer, and it may be a bit over-kill, I rather have too many pixels then too little.  I never know what sort of technology they will come out with in the future.

Did These Scanning Tips Help?

If you want to go deeper, and learn how to properly scan your family’s slides, negatives, and photos, I invite you to check out my  free scanning guide, HowToScan.ca.

Thanks for reading!

Konrad M.
ScanCanada.ca