10 Best 35mm Slide Scanners 2025 in the United States

The KODAK SLIDE N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner is designed to help you preserve old memories by converting 35mm and other film formats into high-resolution 22MP JPEG digital photos. It features a 5-inch LCD display that allows for easy photo viewing, editing, and sharing, which is a significant strength for users who want a simple and intuitive experience.

The scanner supports various film formats and includes convenient easy-load film inserts, making the scanning process straightforward and efficient. Additionally, its advanced capture software offers easy editing options with a single touch, enhancing user-friendliness. The device is also aesthetically pleasing, with a design that fits well with home decor, and it's compatible with Type-C USB-enabled computers and SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB (card not included), which adds to its versatility.

However, there are some drawbacks. The scanner's resolution, while high, may not meet the needs of professional photographers seeking ultra-detailed scans. Additionally, the scanning speed and connectivity options (limited to USB and HDMI) may not be optimal for users who need faster processing and broader connectivity options. Despite these weaknesses, the KODAK SLIDE N SCAN is well-suited for casual users and hobbyists who want an easy way to digitize and enjoy their old slides and negatives.

The KODAK 7" Digital Film Scanner is designed for converting 35mm, 126, 110 negatives, and slides into 22MP JPEGs, making it an excellent choice for preserving old photo memories. The 22MP resolution ensures detailed images, although it may not match the highest-end professional scanners. The scanner offers a large 7-inch LCD display, making it easy to preview and edit photos, which is a user-friendly feature for those who prefer a straightforward scanning process. The built-in gallery mode is a nice touch for sharing images or using the scanner as a digital picture frame. Quick-feeding tray technology simplifies the loading process, making scanning more efficient.

However, the absence of an HDMI cable might be a minor inconvenience for some users. The single-touch editing feature is convenient, allowing easy adjustments to color and brightness, though the software might lack advanced editing capabilities for professional users. Compatibility with SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB and USB Type-C connectivity ensures broad compatibility with various devices. The build quality is sturdy, and the design is aesthetically pleasing, blending well with home décor.

A couple of potential drawbacks include the need to purchase SD cards separately and the requirement for a lithium-ion battery. Additionally, while the scanning speed might not be the fastest for those needing to digitize large volumes of slides quickly. This scanner is ideal for casual users and hobbyists looking to digitize their photo collections with ease and efficiency.

The Plustek OpticFilm 8300i Ai Film Scanner is designed to convert 35mm film and slides into digital formats. It offers an impressive resolution of 7200 dpi, ensuring high-quality scans with excellent detail. The 16-bit color depth provides a broad color range, resulting in vibrant and accurate image reproduction. The dynamic range is enhanced by advanced IT8 calibration targets, which help in achieving precise color calibration and less interpolation.

This is further supported by SilverFast 9 software, which includes over 100 functions and new algorithms that optimize image results by leveraging features like infrared, iSRD, HDRi, and Multi-Exposure. The scanner is also equipped with a new generation chip that increases scanning speed by 38%, making it quicker than its predecessor. In terms of software compatibility, it supports both Windows (7/8/10/11) and Mac OS, making it accessible to a wide range of users, and can be easily set up via a USB flash drive.

The inclusion of Plustek's QuickScan Plus software offers additional ease for digitizing and archiving. Connectivity is straightforward with USB technology, ensuring a simple connection to your computer. The build quality seems solid, with a compact design that is both durable and portable. However, at 2.74 kilograms (approximately 6.03 pounds), it may be a bit heavier than other models, which could be a consideration for those needing a more lightweight option. While the price might be on the higher side, the advanced features and included software justify the investment for serious photographers and archivists looking for professional-level scanning capabilities.