10 Best Slide Scanners 2025 in the United States

The Kodak Digital Film Scanner is a solid option for those looking to convert their old film and slide photos into digital format. With a high resolution of 22 megapixels, it ensures your images retain good detail when digitized. It supports various film types, including 35mm, 126, and 110 negatives, making it versatile for different collections. The large 5-inch LCD screen is a significant plus, allowing for easy previewing and editing of images, which is user-friendly for those who may not be tech-savvy.

One of the standout features is the quick-loading film inserts, which streamline the scanning process, making it faster and more convenient. The scanner also comes with basic editing options that are straightforward to use, allowing you to enhance and resize images simply by pressing a button.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The scanner requires an SD card for saving images, which is not included, so you'll need to budget for that extra purchase. While it claims to handle all old slides and negatives, results may vary with certain types of film, which could lead to inconsistent quality. Additionally, while the design is appealing, its lightweight build may not feel as robust as some might expect from a brand like Kodak.

The KODAK 7" Digital Film Scanner is a solid choice for anyone looking to digitize old negatives and slides, making it particularly appealing for family historians or photography enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is its high resolution, converting 35mm, 126, and 110 film formats into 22MP JPEGs, which offers excellent image quality. The 7-inch LCD display is another highlight; it allows users to easily preview and edit images, making the scanning process straightforward and enjoyable. The inclusion of convenient film inserts and quick-loading technology simplifies the scanning experience, reducing frustration and time spent on setting up scans.

On the downside, the scanner's reliance on SD cards—sold separately—could be a setback for users who prefer an all-in-one solution. Additionally, while the advanced capture software is user-friendly, some advanced users might find it lacking in deeper editing features. The device is lightweight and stylish, but its design might not appeal to everyone.

Compatibility-wise, it connects easily to Type-C USB-enabled computers, which is a plus for modern users, although it lacks an HDMI cable for direct viewing on larger screens. The scanner supports a decent sheet capacity, which is good for batch scanning, but it may not be the fastest option available on the market, particularly if you have a large collection of slides and negatives to process.

The KODAK 7" Digital Film Scanner offers a user-friendly and effective solution for converting old films into digital files. It's best suited for casual users or those who want a hassle-free way to preserve memories, but more advanced users may need to consider their editing needs before purchasing.

The Plustek OpticFilm 135i Ai is a high-quality film and slide scanner designed for users who want professional-grade scans of 35mm films and slides. It boasts a strong 48-bit color depth and greyscale depth, ensuring rich and detailed color reproduction that can bring old photos back to life with vividness. The scanner uses a new 5-element aspheric lens, which reduces image distortion, especially around the edges, delivering sharper and more stable scans. Its infrared quality enhancer helps remove dust and scratches effectively during scanning, improving image clarity without extra effort. The device supports a variety of 35mm film formats, including standard, panoramic, and half-frame sizes, although panoramic scanning requires an optional holder. It also offers good productivity by allowing batch scanning of multiple slides or film frames simultaneously, speeding up the digitization process. Connectivity is straightforward via USB, making it compatible with most computers.

While its scanning speed is decent, it may not be the fastest option available if you have a large volume of film to digitize regularly. The scanner is a bit bulky at over 6 pounds, so it might require dedicated desk space. Additionally, it comes bundled with SilverFast Ai Studio software and an advanced calibration target, which helps fine-tune color accuracy but might have a learning curve for beginners. This scanner suits photography enthusiasts or professionals seeking precise, high-resolution scans with good color fidelity and dust removal features, whereas casual users scanning occasionally might find it more advanced than necessary.