The Best Photo Scanner You Should Buy in 2024

Photo scanners are frequently used by both photography enthusiasts and family archivists to digitize their film and prints. A high sensor resolution and the ability to scan transparencies (negatives and slides) in addition to photo prints are features that distinguish photo scanners from other imaging devices. Many come with tools for scratch removal and scan retouching.

Most picture scanners may also be used for general scanning, despite being designed to handle images, and some even include optical character recognition (OCR) software for occasionally digitizing documents. This is a specialized area of the hardware industry; there aren't many specialized picture scanners available, and they often have very lengthy shelf life.

Below you'll find summaries of our still-relevant favorites, followed by advice on selecting the best photo scanner for you, and a thorough specifications table of all the models we think you should consider.

1. Canon CanoScan LiDE 400

At a price under $100, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 is a first-level flatbed picture scanner. However, it meets a useful need for amateur photographers who occasionally need to scan documents in addition to images. It integrates optical character recognition (OCR) with document management with touch-up software and outstanding photo scanning, despite not being the most optimum option for regular printing on multiple pages due to its lack of an ADF (automatic document feeder). With a vertical kickstand and the ability to combine several scans of plus-size photographs, it also frees up desk space.

Despite lacking wired networking or Wi-Fi, it’s capable of serving a personal PC or USB-connected one that serves small offices. Its vivid color and precise detail make it a fantastic option for general photo scanning. 

PROS:

• Vivid image scans.

• Fantastic software package

• Comes with a kickstand for mounting

• Very easy to use

CONS:

• No wireless support and mobile device 

• Precision could be improved when scanning serif fonts.

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2. Epson FastFoto FF-680W

Got a shoebox full of pictures? Then the Epson's FastFoto FF-680W is a great candidate for you as its ADF is specifically made to tackle piles of prints. Its plastic guides have marks for 4x6 and 5x7 inch photos, and can be adjusted to other sizes. Instead of creasing or tearing them like what a scanner’s feeder that’s text-oriented  might do, this photo scanner feeds through stacks of pictures. It’s much faster than having to place photos by hand on the glass of a flatbed scanner, one after another, and it’s a great performer at converting document sheets into searchable Word files or PDF when the shoebox has been emptied.

The FastFoto FF-680W will appeal to home archivists who want to digitize scrapbooks and piles of photo prints. It's a good idea to scan all sides of postcards and other items, ignoring blank reverse sides. Additionally, it enables you to upload pictures to Dropbox or Google Drive as well as rotate, crop, and recover them.

PROS:

• Fast scanning of piles of photo prints.

• A decent document scanner.

• Scans to searchable PDF.

• Impressive OCR performance.

CONS:

• Relatively expensive

• Scans photos more slowly than the previous model.

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3. Epson Perfection V39

Want to scan photo prints at a greater resolution than what your standard multifunction printer/scanner/copier can do, but you don't need to scan film? Then check out  the Epson Perfection V39, a cheap flatbed picture scanner that can also scan images to searchable PDF and editable text formats. You may crop a specific area of a photo and magnify it thanks to its fine-grained 2,400ppi resolution. Additionally, it offers an easy automatic mode, or granular adjustments such as a Color Restore mode that enhances the color of faded pictures.

The Perfection V39 is easy to run with a semi-vertical kickstand and occupies less space and a single USB cable for both data and power. It outperforms its rivals at occasionally tackling short documents. It’s an ideal product for both amateur and professional photographers.  

PROS:

• Premium photo scanning

• Completely automatic mode for simple scanning.

• Scans to searchable PDF and editable text formats.

CONS:

• Lacks the ability to scan film. 

• No bundled applications.

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4. Canon CanoScan LiDE 300

Sometimes, every penny matters. Canon's CanoScan LiDE 300's resolution is only half as much as that of the LiDe 400 and is a lot slower. It also lacks the ability to stand erected to save desk space.   However, it is $20 less expensive and has a useful software package in addition to photo scanning quality. Because of its adjustable lid, it can hold prints as well as bulkier things like books and magazines.

The CanoScan LiDE 300 performs an excellent job of digitizing images on a budget, but it isn't superior to its model 400 brother or Epson's aforementioned Perfection V39. It's a good option for dorm rooms and other low-volume scanning scenarios because of its Fading Correction and Auto Dust & Scratch Reduction filters, which spruce up worn-out prints.

PROS:

• Strong software package for the price.

• Simple to use.

• Decent photo-scanning quality.

CONS:

• Scanning serif fonts with the default utility could be more precise.

• Mobile device assistance is limited.

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5. Epson Expression 12000XL Photo Scanner

The Epson Expression 12000XL-PH is a costly flatbed scanner that is also big and hefty. However, professional photographers will value this high-resolution, wide-format device's double-size scanning area (It can handle sheets up to 12.2 x 7.2 inches), as well as its included transparency unit for scanning transparencies, slides, and negatives. . Due to its big size that doesn't really fit on a desktop, I t's designed to take up bench space next to your wide-format professional picture printer, where it pairs Epson's ColorTrue II imaging system with 2,400x 4800 dpi resolution.  The first combines a zero-warmup-time LED light source with MatrixCCD scan technology.

This unit will be a hit among imaging experts. The SilverFast Ai IT8 software from LaserSoft Imaging enables the 12000XL-PH to offer comprehensive, flexible controls for configuring and improving the quality of your scans. The Epson is a prized addition to a pro design or photography studio thanks to its excellent results when scanning slides, 35mm negatives, or oversized artwork and images. 

PROS:

• Wide-format, high-resolution scanning.

• Scans negatives, slides, and transparencies, as well as reflective artwork and photos.

• Highly precise detail and color.

CONS:

• Pricey

• Heavy and bulky

• Uninstalled transparency unit 

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The models we've chosen to feature here range from low-cost consumer products to scanners made for dedicated photographers, whether they are experienced or professional amateurs. These items all share the honor of being the best photo scanner available right now in their respective categories.