Best Scanner for Scanning Old Pictures?

[The_Man12]

Hello,

I've been going through some old boxes at my parents' house and so far I have found about 2 boxes FULL of old pictures. Most of these tell stories family members had only told me about, but that I had never seen a picture of. Anyway, I am looking for a GOOD scanner so that I can scan all those pictures (I know, it's gonna take a while), I tried using the scanner from my Brother MFC-J870DW but it is total trash, the pictures don't even come out straight if you align them with the corners... I was looking at the Epson V600 and it looks like a very good option, but I would like to see what you guys think. So, any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[frostedtim]

Your Brother scanner should be decent for what you are looking to do. As far as aligning corners and stuff, with these scanner lids sometimes these things like to fan things back out of place as you close them up.

You acknowledge that this is one of those tasks that is going to take a long time. You are not kidding.

If your scans are coming out crappy, check the color and dpi settings. The higher these things are set, usually this improves the scan quality. It also adds to the file size, so dont forget to take that into account.

If you have to, attach the pics you intend to scan to some sort of sheet or backing board that can help keep things aligned during the scan.

You can also use software options to straiten out any scans that may be cocked one direction or another. Photoshop Elements or PaintShop Pro are pretty good for this and does not cost too much.

If it turns out you just have a bad scanner, you can still get stand alone scanner beds from places like Best Buy or Staples for around $40-50, maybe even less if you shop around or find the right sale.

 

[The_Man12]

Your Brother scanner should be decent for what you are looking to do. As far as aligning corners and stuff, with these scanner lids sometimes these things like to fan things back out of place as you close them up.

You acknowledge that this is one of those tasks that is going to take a long time. You are not kidding.

If your scans are coming out crappy, check the color and dpi settings. The higher these things are set, usually this improves the scan quality. It also adds to the file size, so dont forget to take that into account.

If you have to, attach the pics you intend to scan to some sort of sheet or backing board that can help keep things aligned during the scan.

You can also use software options to straiten out any scans that may be cocked one direction or another. Photoshop Elements or PaintShop Pro are pretty good for this and does not cost too much.

If it turns out you just have a bad scanner, you can still get stand alone scanner beds from places like Best Buy or Staples for around $40-50, maybe even less if you shop around or find the right sale.

Yeah, then I guess I got a faulty scanner because I've tried messing with the settings and whatever and everything still comes out crooked, and it'll distort a little bit sometimes, so I just want to get rid of that headache and I am willing to spend some money to preserve memories that are way more valuable. So, could you or anyone please some GOOD scanners?

 

[frostedtim]

Most any built in scanner on any decent all-in-one printer should do the job that you need, though I doubt that you want to replace your whole printer. Cost of ink alone could be a prohibitive factor. Like I said though, shop around places like Best Buy or Staples, as you may find a great deal on what you are looking for. There are stand-alone flatbed scanners that range in price for around $50 and up depending on the functions that may be added. Document scanners tend to go for a higher price. Then again, if you are not happy with your Brother all-in-one, then maybe get something new.

I personally have an Epson Workforce WF-7620, which is an office grade all in one. Its a bit much for home use, but the large scanner bed on it has been great for my uses. I got it for a little over $200, which isnt bad for its size/class, but I do put it to good use.

In general, if you want a new scanner, I would stick to name brands if you can: Epson, Cannon, HP. Im not a fan of Brother, but know many people who are happy with theirs.

 

[The_Man12]

You're right, maybe it's time to get a new printer, i've had it for around 2 years (I think) and I feel like it's had a very very good run, it might be time to get something newer. I'll keep looking at some scanners, so far the V600 looks tempting... Anyway, thanks for your help!